After reading Gone Girl, I was really excited for more by this author. Initially, I thought this book was the sequel to Gone Girl and that Sharp Objects was the third book. BUT I WAS WRONG! Dark Places is a completely different novel that is just as dark as Gone Girl, making it quite a good read. Anyways, here is my review:
Libby Day is the sole survivor of a family massacre. When she was 7 years old, her brother allegedly killed her mother and two sisters. In fact, it was Libby’s very testimony that put him behind bars. When Libby is invited to go to a club meeting to discuss her family’s killing to a group of murder fanatics, she is hesitant; she doesn’t want to open up any old wounds. But the promise of cash persuades her, especially when she discovers that her private fund has run out. The meeting itself is nothing like what she expected and soon, she finds herself surrounded by many people who believe her brother to be innocent. With the help of one of the member’s of the group, Libby decides to unravel the mystery that she thought had already been solved.
There are a bunch of reasons why I like this book. For one thing, Libby is not your typical heroine. In fact, I kind of hated her for her greediness, her justifications about her behavior. But I also loved her for not being the usual stereotype of a victim, for being harder and more human. I loved the mystery and solving for it (if you haven’t noticed already, I am crazy about whodunit stories). But I didn’t like this as much as Gone Girl. It wasn’t as crazy or dark and some of the motives behind certain behaviours seemed very fake and soap opera-ish. I also felt like some aspects of the plot weren’t necessary; they explained the psychology behind things but it really wasn’t needed. It was still a good read but nowhere near the scope of Gone Girl. However, if you are looking for something dark to read, I would definitely recommend this to you.
Happy Reading ~