Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn - four stars

[Susie]

You know when you need something that just draws you in and you can't put down? It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece, but something that is infinitely readable? I always turn to crime fiction when I need such a book, and Sharp Objects delivered. This book was exactly what I needed when I picked it up. I had shied away from reading any more Flynn as the hype had put me off, but after reading this I am inclined, when in the same mood, to read everything else she has written.

Sharp Objects is a dark mystery that follows Camille, a reporter from a flailing Chicago newspaper, when she reluctantly returns to her home town to report on the story of the murder of two young girls in the space of nine months.

The story is dark, gritty, and unapologetic. I enjoyed the writing, the suspense was palpable, and I couldn't put it down. I think I enjoyed it more that Flynn's most popular novel, Gone Girl, and I look forward to watching the TV series when it is released.

[Jennifer]

I totally agree! And this story actually surprised me. Gone girl did not.

[Nileema]

Thanks for the review! I enjoyed Gone Girl and have been wondering if I would like any more Flynn as I'm not a huge fan of 'dark' books - think I might just give this one a go though!

[Denizen]

It's most definitely on my agenda. I've really enjoyed the two I've read.

[Joi]

I though the ending of this one was Flynn's best! So creepy and twisted and messed up- but great :)

[Jennifer]

Joi wrote: "I though the ending of this one was Flynn's best! So creepy and twisted and messed up- but great :)"

Me too! Super creepy!

[Nicole R]

I have not read this one yet....hmmm....

[Ladyslott]

I still think Dark Places is the best of her books.

[Brandy]

I had not heard this was going to be a TV series so I better read this one soon!! And I agree with Linda S, Dark Places is my favorite.

[Diane]

Brandy wrote: "I had not heard this was going to be a TV series so I better read this one soon!! And I agree with Linda S, Dark Places is my favorite."

I will have to keep my eye out for the TV series as I have read the book. This was a book club selection for me and I did like the book but it was a dark story which most of the group thought so too. I am not sure Gillian Flynn is for me.

[Joi]

I heard a rumor Amy Adams is going to be Camille... not how I pictured her, but we shall see.

[Brandy]

Joi wrote: "I heard a rumor Amy Adams is going to be Camille... not how I pictured her, but we shall see."

They cast Charlize Theron as Libby Day in the Dark Places movie and I thought it was way off.

[Ladyslott]

Brandy wrote: "Joi wrote: "I heard a rumor Amy Adams is going to be Camille... not how I pictured her, but we shall see."

They cast Charlize Theron as Libby Day in the Dark Places movie and I thought it was way ..."

I agree, and think the casting was so bad it may have led to the failure of the movie.

[Brandy]

The movie was okay. My husband liked it, but he doesn't read books. But the movie came no where close to capturing the mood and the darkness of the book. The utter hopelessness I felt as a reader as the flashbacks to the day of the murder finally revealed what happened and you realized, even though you had to already know, there was no possible way for this book to end other than horribly. I think it was brilliant.

[Joi]

I thought the movie was alright, probably would have liked it more if I hadn't read the books. The Blair Witch-y camera parts were horrible. My boyfriend didn't super like the movie either though and hasn't read the book. I agree Brandy, didn't seem to do it justice, and the movie didn't capture the mood and creepiness.