by Gillian Flynn
Genres: Mystery
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Marriage can be a real killer. On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
Gone Girl was in my reading pile for ages, but when you are a compulsive book buyer and blogger, well, things often get shuffled around. When Lauren @ Northern Plunder mentioned she picked up Gone Girl I immediately suggested we read it together. Our exchange of texts made me giggle as Flynn took us on one heck of a ride. Three word review: twisted, captivating, a nail-biting page turner.
The tale begins on the morning of Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth year anniversary in the sleepy town of North Carthage, Missouri. Told in dual perspectives we are quickly immersed into their lives. When Nick receives a phone call that his front door is wide up he rushes home to discovers the iron on, the tea kettle boiling, chairs overturned and that his wife is missing. Nick soon finds himself suspect number one in his wife’s disappearance. Gadzooks the journey Flynn takes us on was nail-biting, and had me questioning everything!
Nick and Amy Dunne are two of the most interesting characters I have come across in fiction. Flynn does an unbelievable job of fleshing them out, and making you questions.She takes you through a gamut of emotions from hatred to pity. Nick is shallow, self-absorbed, and is the kind of man who needs validation. He is a writer, who doesn’t write and dreams of the old days before the internet took off. Amy is complex, and wears many faces as she strives to find happiness. Her perspective was told in journal form and gave us insight. She is incredibly fleshed out and is a character you will long remember after you close the book. Side characters and Nick’s sister Go, helped to further the plot and reveal information about the protagonists.
Ladies and Gentleman please fasten your seat belts before embarking on Gone Girl! Flynn is a master storyteller and the tale that unfolds is filled with twists and cliffs that had me completely engrossed. Just when I thought I had things figured out – BAM! The author completely flipped things upside down and had my opinions changing faster than my daughter deciding what to wear for her Saturday night date. The tale is clever, and Flynn is in complete control of this ride. I loved it! She has incredible insight into the human psyche giving the tale a believability that was downright chilling. While I didn’t particularly care for either character, I felt for them on so many levels. I could see them in my mind’s eye from their quirks to their expressions and I adore when an author is able to do that. The pacing was well done with tight twists and nail-biting last sentence in each chapter that had you singing the mantra, “just one more chapter” The ending left me with my mouth hanging open and quite breathless. It is open-ended but worked and didn’t feel rushed or unfinished. Gone Girl is the type of book you will think about for years to come as the details stay fresh in your mind.
Gone Girl is a brilliant masterpiece of suspense, mystery and I highly recommend it to fans of thrillers and mysteries. Flynn impressed me and I will be perusing her works again.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Voisin
Great review! I loved this book and your review certainly does it justice. I was thoroughly engrossed by Nick and Amy, despite not really liking them much. To me that’s a sign of how well crafted the story is. Glad you enjoyed it too!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lisa, I am anxious to see the movie now!
Dani
This is one of those books I keep seeing but keep passing up. The synopsis just doesn’t seem to do it for me but your review dos make it sound interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved it, it is the kind of book that stays with you. I am hoping the movie is good too 🙂
Samantha
I loved this book so much too (even though I didn’t care for either of the main characters at all like you). I’ve read two books by this author and at this point I would pretty much read anything that she writes! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
the fact that we didn’t like the characters, but loved the book is such a testament to Flynn’s ability as a writer. Which books did you read? I am going to pick up another one soon.
tonyalee
AH, this book sounds so good! I love it when are constantly changing and you’re questioning everything.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
So do I Tonyalee, that edge of your seat feeling, when you know maybe all is not as it seems..eep!
Sarah
I loved Gone Girl so much, so am glad you did too. It sat on my shelf for ages as well, and when I finally read it I was annoyed at myself for leaving it so long. I’ve bought a couple of Flynn’s other books, so will hopefully get round to reading them soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I want to pick up a few of her other books as well. Thanks Sarah 🙂
Diana Leigh
So much buzz about this book. I’m glad it didn’t disappoint!
kimbacaffeinate
It did not, and was quite clever, I hope you get a chance to try it Diana.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I have seen this book around the blogosphere but to be honest I haven’t really paid it much attention. Your three word review instantly captured me & those twists and surprises have me curious as do the characters.
A fabulous review Kimba! You have me intrigued.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Sharon this is a must read!
Chelsea
Great review! I read this book before I started blogging with an online book club and I still don’t even know what to say about it. The twist right at the middle of the book was definitely a shocker and I was on the fence about whether or not Nick actually did it the whole time. They are definitely 2 very interesting characters. Not sure how I feel about the ending though.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Chelsea..that ending was killer, after I finished catching flies with my mouth and reflected..I think it was a brilliant ending!
Adriana
You know I think this is the first time I’ve read this summary and even a review? I guess I assumed it was great because everyone thought so it looks like I was right but still. I love your description of Amy and Nick. For some reason I thought it was going to be the other way around – Amy is shallow and Nick is the cheery guy. It will be interesting to see these two characters story and where it develops. I have a feeling Nick might have saw something or might be going crazy (although I usually accuse my characters of being crazy…). “The author completely flipped things upside down and had my opinions changing faster than my daughter deciding what to wear for her Saturday night date.” -nice (;
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Adriana, I hope you get a chance to read this!
Nick
I have heard so much about this book, Kim! Most people who have read have raved on and on about it, especially the author’s writing and I see you had the same reaction too. I must pick this up soon because it sounds right up my alley. Plus, it sounds suspenseful and shocking, which I love in books.
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I would love to see, hear, read your reactions to this book Nick!
Heidi
I read this over a year ago and it still messes with my head. This was an incredible jaw dropping read. I am glad you finally got to it and that you loved it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Heidi 🙂
kimberlybuggie
So glad you liked it! I love that book. Such twists! Great review. Hope you’re well and had a great summer! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kim, you too! 🙂
Braine
This is one of the best mind fuck book ive ever read. Have you heard they’re adapting this soon? Ben Affleck is supposedly playing Nick.
kimbacaffeinate
Gads, I wonder who will play Amy..it needs to be someone really good, a strong actress capable of being many things!!!
Kim { Book Swoon }
Gone Girl sounds like a brilliant mystery, and I love suspense! The characters you describe really sound so fascinating, especially Amy. I’ve had the book on my tbr list forever, glad to know it lived up to all the hype and excitement. Going to move it up, thanks for the great review Kim. (:
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy it Kim, I cannot wait to hear what you think 🙂
Candace
I SO want to read this book! I have read enough reviews that I’m pretty much dying here, I need to know what happened! I want to sit on the edge of my seat too, I love a good suspense!
kimbacaffeinate
It is worth the time, and it is a surprisingly quick read since you cannot walk away.
brandileigh2003
Love the sound of Nick and Amy
kimbacaffeinate
*shivers*
Sam
I STILL haven’t read this book! I even got my little sister to check it out from her school library for me (and she did!), but I didn’t manage to get around to it then either. You make me want to drop everything and start now though. I’m glad it worked for you, Kimba. 🙂 Fantastic review!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, that is too funny, schedule it like it’s an ARC on your calendar!
Toni
Squee! I just borrowed this book from a friend, too. We exchange books sometimes; he brings over books for me and my son and we send books for him and his mom to read. It works out pretty well. Anyway, I love your review and now I want to start reading it immediately. Thank you, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo well Squee is right, and if ya need to just vent, or omg..while reading it feel free to tweet me!
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter)
This one has been in my reading pile FOREVER, too! I really should bump it up … it seems that everyone is very impressed by this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Isn’t it weird how we shuffle a book around and then suddenly bam..it’s the perfect book and the one we want to read now..LOL
Andrea
Why do I keep resisting this book?! Everyone seems to think it’s mindtripping and amazing, so it seems perfect. Hopefully, someday soon.
kimbacaffeinate
We all experience that..I avoided Pushing the Limits, because it was YA, and I was booked..and when I finally did read it..I was kicking myself! Have a wonderful weekend Andrea!
Aurian
Not normally my reading choice, but now I want to know what happened!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo it was good, and I hope you step out of your comfort zone Aurian!
Debbie Haupt
Girlfriend we could definitely swap tbr stories LOL
Great review, it’s been buried somewhere in mine for ages.
thanks for bringing it to the forefront for me and it’ll go somewhere near the top of the pile.
deb
kimbacaffeinate
It is better not to talk about it…I mean the less people who know about the sheer numbers the better..LOL I have a friend who hides some of acquired books under her bed, since her hubby cannot understand why she keeps buying new ones with all the unread ones she has. Silly man, doesn’t he know – one can never have to many books!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I loved this one, too…it made my list of favorites the year I read it. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I can see why Laurel, it was unique, and clever!
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve had this one for ages, but I just can’t find the time for it. It keeps being pushed back because of all the arcs I have on my shelves. But it’s recently been translated to Croatian and all my RL friends really loved it so I’m feeling more peer pressure than ever. Your review certaily gave me an extra push.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am that way with Night Circus, I bought that on release day and have I read it..nope.
Christa
I liked this book but I think I had been told too many times how many twists there were so I was always anticipating the next one. Took some of the fun out of it
kimbacaffeinate
They were shockers though, but I have done that too.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I loved this one though it totally drove me crazy!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly and yet you cannot put it down! Have a lovely week Melissa 🙂
Abigail
I read this book on my honeymoon of all places… eek
kimbacaffeinate
Oh that made me giggle. Did you glance at your new hubby sideways and wonder. I took books on my honeymoon too, and my friends were like seriously..sadly only a book addict understands that there is always time to read!
Tanja
This is one of the books I have on my radar for a while. I try to think of a right time to read it. You know it’s one of these books that I plant to read sometime but not now. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one and it sounds like a great read 🙂 Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have a list like that, enjoy it when you do Tanja!
Silvia
I admit I haven’t heard of this book before, but then perhaps it’s because I don’t usually pick mystery books. I must say that this one sounds like a captivating read and the cover is kinda unusual but intriguing.
I’m happy you had a great time reading it and it’s always a good feeling when you put your hands on a book that’s been buried in your TBR list for ages, huh? 😉
kimbacaffeinate
It is definitely in a class all by itself. I hope you get a chance to try it.
Wendy
I’ve been debating this one for quite some time. It sounded intriguing and I’d heard a lot of great things about it, but hadn’t actually picked it up. After reading your review, though, I’m seriously considering running out and grabbing a copy quickly! I love mysteries and thrillers and suspenseful reads and we’re approaching the time of year when I like to dive into those kinds of books!
Great Review! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ah yes, fall just makes me giddy for this type of read! I hope you get to read it Wendy and thanks for commenting!
glass
I’m not big fan of mysteries, but I’ve heard only good things about this book, actually, about everything G. Flynn wrote.
Awesome review, as always.:)
Glass @ Way Too Hot Books
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Glass, I think she has written some non-mysteries, and while this had a mystery thread to it..it was different then what you would expect a typical mystery to be.
kindlemom1
I have heard so many good things about this one that I remember picking up up earlier this year just to see what all the fuss was about, sadly, I haven’t been able to get to it yet either. A buddy read is a great way to get some of those books out of your TBR pile and finally read!
kimbacaffeinate
That was my first buddy read, and it was fun once we figured out how to do it..LOL Have a lovely weekend Ali!
Chene Sterckx
I have read some good reviews about this book, and 2 colleagues of mine have read it. One loved it and one didn’t. Glad you enjoy it! I am also a compulsive book buyer *hides behind a book* too much to read and too little time 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Well you need to read it and decide which friend is right..LOL
Trish
I love this book, it’s Twisty McTwisty and drove me crazy! The characters were ones I loved to hate and I loved the writing and the storyline. And that ending :O.
Great review, makes me want to reread it!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed!!! Love your description 🙂
Berls
I’ve heard a lot about this book, but haven’t gotten around to picking it up. I’m thinking I might need to do that after reading your review – I’m such a character driven reader and these characters so well written! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was clever and thrilling, hope you read it soon my dear! 🙂
Kimberly
I’ve been a little hesitant to try this book because of all the hype around it but your review is really making me lean on the give it a try side of things plus with the movie coming out (not sure when) I should probably read it first. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Well worth the read Kimberly 🙂
blodeuedd
I plan to read it but might just see the movie first and then never read it
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I always prefer the book..LOL