Monday, June 11, 2012

Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn - Review AND Giveaway

We've all read the stories in newspapers - a woman goes missing and the husband is the prime suspect. And he loudly proclaims his innocence....even as the evidence mounts....

Gillian Flynn put her own spin on this idea in her latest book - Gone Girl.

It is the day of Nick and Amy's fifth anniversary. It is also the day Amy disappears. Left behind - the first cryptic clue in a treasure hunt Amy always sets up for Nick.

The first part of Gone Girl is told in alternating chapters from Nick's present time viewpoint, with flashbacks to memories.  Amy's voice is heard from the pages of a diary, starting from seven years ago and building up to the day she disappears. The narratives each tell a completely different story. Who is telling the truth? The second part - well, I'm not going to spoil the plot for you, so I'll stop there.

I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers and with Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn has crafted one of the best I've ever read. Really. The plot line is completely unpredictable. It's rare for me to be completely surprised at the direction a book takes, but I was this time. Flynn toys with us in a completely delicious and devious manner. You'll want to read carefully - there are lies, secrets and omissions scattered throughout the book and each revelation ratchets up the stakes just a little higher.

While Gone Girl is a razor edged thriller, Flynn also explores marriage, attraction, family relationships and the media with that same sharp edged eye. Flynn's prose are are arresting, painting vivid images that crackle with intensity.

This is the first book I've read by Flynn, although I have since picked up her second book Dark Places. I loved the dedication to her husband...."What can I say about a man who knows how I think and still sleeps next to me with the lights off?" You can find Gillian Flynn on Facebook.

The buzz you've been hearing about Gone Girl? All true and more. This is THE book to read this summer. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Just bleary eyed - 'cause you won't be able to put it down!

58 comments:

Laura Kay said...

I keep reading how good Gone Girl is!!!! I promise I won't peek at the ending :D Thanks for the review and for the giveaway!

Laura Kay
anovelreview(@)yahoo(.)com

Suzie B said...

Oooh! Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the chance! :-)

sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

this book has been talked about a lot around me in the last week!

Anonymous said...

I've heard so much about this book! Would love to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

Jaclyn @ Literary Treats
@jacqua83

LisaMM said...

I can't WAIT to read this!! Thanks so much for a great review and for being on the tour.

bermudaonion said...

I've heard so much about this book! I'd love to be entered in your giveaway and do promise not to peek! kathy(at)bermudaonion.net

Amy said...

I have also heard so many wonderful things about this book! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!

Leslie (Under My Apple Tree) said...

I keep hearing good things about this book. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.

undermyappletree at gmail dot com

Vidisha said...

Sounds like a great read

vidisha

vidishamun@gmail.com

DarcyO said...

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance.

valleyreader at gmail dot com

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yummy! Meaning, it really sounds good!!!!!!!!

Again, thank you.

mariag said...

Sounds so interesting!

Mrs Mommy Booknerd said...

Sounds like a great book!

barbara said...

Long wait at the library. I would love to win this book.

Carl Scott said...

This sounds great, like an old Alfred Hitchcock film. Please enter my name for the chance to win. Thanks!

carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

Kaizen Fashion Project said...

No peeking. Scouts honor. :)

heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

~Enamored Soul~ said...

I've read "Sharp Objects" AND "Dark Places" (with the latter being my favorite) from author Gillian Flynn, and I can attest that her writing is absolutely BRILLIANT! I cannot WAIT to read "Gone Girl" - I'm sure it will be an incredibly riveting, and absorbing, read!

Thank you for hosting this giveaway, and for the insightful review :)

Name: Hira Hasnain
Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com

ZaraAlexis said...

Mmm...sounds deliciously intriguing. And yes, the author seems witty, too, with her dedication to her husband. I have not yet had the pleasure of reading books by Flynn, but I trust that will soon change. Thanks for your review.

Zara Alexis
zgarcia(dot)alvarez(at)gmail(dot)com
http://zaraalexis.wordpress.com

Jenna said...

I am DYING to read this- I have loved her other other novels.
Thanks for the chance to win!

papajm25 AT gmail DOT com

Maureen said...

I do enjoy a surprise ending.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Literary Chanteuse said...

This is a choice for my book club reads so I would love to win it. Thanks!

Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

Darlene said...

This sounds like an exciting summer read, and I promise not to peek ahead :)

Thanks for the giveaway!

darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

Sue Farrell said...

I've seen so many good reviews of this book that I REALLY want to read it.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Julie P. said...

I am absolutely dying to read this one. I think it would be perfect for my Mystery Monday feature.

Thanks!

bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I love psychological thrillers but I don't read many anymore because I've been so disappointed by some of the books given this description. But thanks to the book blogging community, I've discovered some terrific authors of psychological thrillers I don't want to miss including this book, which is definitely one of them.

I'm really looking forward to Gone Girl, especially after you stated in your review that you're a fan of psychological thrillers and this is one of the best you've read. Wow and Yay! And I don't want to know the ending or much about the book. I just want to read it!

Thank you for offering a giveaway copy. Please include me in your contest.
Thank you, Luanne!
Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Cher B said...

I really enjoyed Sharp Objects and can't wait to read Gone Girl. Thanks for the chance to win!

cherbasonATgmailDOTcom

Erica said...

I REALLY want to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.

wordywon at gmail.com

traveler said...

Thanks for this giveaway which is compelling. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen B said...

I've read nothing but excellent reviews for Gone Girl. I love a good thriller and promise not to peek at the ending!
kpbarnett1941@aol.com

TIFFANY M. said...

I'M INTRIGUE WITH THIS BOOK. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN YOUR CONTEST!!!

Lilian said...

I haven't heard a single bad review of this book, and I really want to read it! It's complex plot and characters has me intrigued!

I have my fingers crossed~

lilianxchengATgmail.com
Lilian @ A Novel Toybox

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to read this book! She is a fantastic writer, and I was so excited to hear her third book was coming out. Thanks for hosting this contest.

Debbie
letsleepingpets AT gmail DOT com

Kirsten said...

Look interesting, wouldn't mind winning it.

holdenj said...

Looks like a can't put down type of read! Thanks for the info and chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Sherry said...

Every review I've read praises this book. I think it'll intrigue my book group, though we tend to wait until a book comes out in the more affordable paperback.

Nancy said...

Like everyone I know, I want to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win.

nanze55 at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I've heard great things about this author!

scr15[at]duke[dot]edu

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a doozy!

Liene @LLucane at yahoo dot com

Teawench said...

I've heard a lot about this book, too, but had no idea what it was about until now.
teawench at gmail dot com
thanks!

The Book Chick said...

I, too, have heard great things about this book and would love to be entered to win!

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

Bookie Bee said...

I keep reading everywhere what a great book this is. Its even on the Amazon best seller list! I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the giveaway!!

maneeshaharoon(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This book has created so much buzz- it's even got an ad in Times Square. Would love a copy!

tamarawelch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Nancye said...

Sounds very intriguing! Thanks for the giveaway!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Shannon said...

Hi! Thanks for posting a giveaway :) Sounds like an awesome read!

shannon4462(@)gmail(.)com

Angy said...

Thanks for the giveaway !

songo_ac@hotmail.com

rubynreba said...

Thanks for the chance to win this!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

tiziana said...

Thank you for the giveaway. I am looking forward to reading this intriguing thriller. I just love books that keep me up all night.

tiziana.blacklock@gmail.com

Karen White said...

Definitely want to read this one!

AnJanette said...

Thanks for the opportunity to obtain this book. I've been toying with either buying this book or getting the audiobook for my commute-I've definitely decided to buy the book! (if I don't win)
:)
Anjpuente@gmail.com

skkorman said...

Thanks for hosting this great giveaway—please enter me to win!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

Murphy Waggoner said...

"Sharp Objects" is one of my favorites, so I would love another chance to read a Gillian Flynn Book. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win this great author's book, I have read her first two and can't wait to read Gone Girl.
pambartholomew@runbox.com

Anonymous said...

All the reviews have been good on this one so it must be as good as they say!
Sherman H.
bricksiam@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Have been wanting to read this book since the beginning of summer. Great giveaway!

westwindsoftx@yahoo.com

ChristasBooks said...

I know I'm too late for the giveaway but the book sounds absolutely fabulous and your review has made me very excited to go pick up a copy!

va·nes·sa said...

I am drawn to this book like a bee to honey... simply cannot wait to get my hands on it! :)

Unknown said...

A great book with excellent characters. Twists and turns the whole way which keep you guessing. I highly recommend it.

Mica
Visit my site for Indiana Health Insurance company

Fishers Roofing Company said...

Read it!! I've read this author's prior two novels and they were good. This is fantastic! Start with this one if you are new to Ms. Flynn.