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Gillian Flynn: Dark Places (Hardcover, 2009, Shaye Areheart Books) 4 stars

I have a menness inside me, real as an organ.

Libby Day was seven when …

Review of 'Dark Places' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I think a 4.5 rounded up. Can’t deny how well this came together and how little I had figured out about the ending.

What hurts the story is that it’s a bit dated. There are some false/exaggerated sexual assault allegations that are very pre-#MeToo. It also drags on a bit too long by the end.

But I found myself interested from the beginning. None of the POVs are especially likable, but I was sympathetic to Libby and Patty, especially since Libby reads so clearly as someone suffering from depression. The characterization in general is really strong, which I find uncommon in thrillers.

I found myself understanding some components of the ending ahead of time, but I could not fully flesh it out. That made for an enjoyable time with the reveal. I don’t know that you could guess everything before the end, which might bother some readers.

Definitely one of the best written of the the thrillers I’ve read!