Dark Places

Description

Title: Dark Places
By Gillian Flynn
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Psychological Thriller/Mystery
Plot:
The story is about Libby Day, a morally screwed-up woman in her late 20s. She is a child witness who testified against her brother Ben for the murder of their family on their farmhouse. The case was given the headlines “the Kinnakee Killer”.
Major Themes
Trauma and the after effects
Family and their secrets
The dark side of Small-town America
Key Characters
Libby Day: The protagonist and narrator
Ben Day: Libby’s brother, an accused murderer
Patty Day: Libby and Ben’s mom, victim
Diondra Wertzner: Ben’s girlfriend when the murders occurred
Style:
Gillian Flynn employs:
Dark and atmospheric setting
Complex characters
Non-linear plot
Reception:
“Dark Places” received positive reviews for the compelling tale, fully realized characters