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!

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58 comments:

  1. Laura KayJune 11, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suzie BJune 11, 2012 at 11:48 AM

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

    sbabij2 at shaw dot ca

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  3. The Many Thoughts of a ReaderJune 11, 2012 at 12:00 PM

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

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  4. AnonymousJune 11, 2012 at 12:45 PM

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

    Jaclyn @ Literary Treats
    @jacqua83

    ReplyDelete
  5. LisaMMJune 11, 2012 at 1:08 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. bermudaonionJune 11, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    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

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  7. AmyJune 11, 2012 at 1:32 PM

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

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  8. Leslie (Under My Apple Tree)June 11, 2012 at 2:43 PM

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

    undermyappletree at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. VidishaJune 11, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    Sounds like a great read

    vidisha

    vidishamun@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. DarcyOJune 11, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the chance.

    valleyreader at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Auntie sezzzzzz...June 11, 2012 at 6:25 PM

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

    Again, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. mariagJune 11, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    Sounds so interesting!

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  13. Mrs Mommy BooknerdJune 11, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    Sounds like a great book!

    ReplyDelete
  14. barbaraJune 11, 2012 at 10:08 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. Carl ScottJune 12, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kaizen Fashion ProjectJune 12, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    No peeking. Scouts honor. :)

    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. ~Enamored Soul~June 12, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  18. ZaraAlexisJune 12, 2012 at 7:45 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  19. JennaJune 12, 2012 at 8:31 AM

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

    papajm25 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  20. MaureenJune 12, 2012 at 9:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. Literary ChanteuseJune 12, 2012 at 12:40 PM

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

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. DarleneJune 12, 2012 at 1:14 PM

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

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sue FarrellJune 12, 2012 at 1:22 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. Julie P.June 13, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownJune 14, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cher BJune 18, 2012 at 5:15 PM

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

    cherbasonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  27. EricaJune 18, 2012 at 10:12 PM

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

    wordywon at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. travelerJune 19, 2012 at 10:18 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. Karen BJune 20, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  30. TIFFANY M.June 21, 2012 at 2:49 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  31. LilianJune 21, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJune 21, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  33. KirstenJune 21, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Look interesting, wouldn't mind winning it.

    ReplyDelete
  34. holdenjJune 22, 2012 at 2:21 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  35. SherryJune 23, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. NancyJune 24, 2012 at 12:56 PM

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

    nanze55 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. AnonymousJune 25, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    I've heard great things about this author!

    scr15[at]duke[dot]edu

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousJune 26, 2012 at 7:55 AM

    This sounds like a doozy!

    Liene @LLucane at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. TeawenchJune 27, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  40. The Book ChickJune 28, 2012 at 6:34 AM

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

    jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Bookie BeeJune 28, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnonymousJune 28, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  43. NancyeJune 28, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    Sounds very intriguing! Thanks for the giveaway!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  44. ShannonJune 28, 2012 at 9:03 PM

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

    shannon4462(@)gmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. AngyJune 28, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway !

    songo_ac@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. rubynrebaJune 29, 2012 at 9:25 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  47. tizianaJune 29, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  48. Karen WhiteJune 30, 2012 at 12:22 AM

    Definitely want to read this one!

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnJanetteJuly 1, 2012 at 1:35 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  50. skkormanJuly 2, 2012 at 1:42 PM

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

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  51. Murphy WaggonerJuly 2, 2012 at 10:18 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  52. AnonymousJuly 3, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  53. AnonymousJuly 5, 2012 at 3:14 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousJuly 6, 2012 at 10:15 AM

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

    westwindsoftx@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. ChristasBooksJuly 8, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  56. va·nes·saJuly 11, 2012 at 4:52 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  57. UnknownMarch 14, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  58. Fishers Roofing CompanyAugust 25, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by - your comments are much appreciated!