A few words on Sharp Objects

To quote my friend Lynn, “sometimes I am amazed by what I enjoy.” For me, these words ring especially true when it comes to Gillian Flynn. While writing this I realize I have read (and completed) every book she has ever written!! This is rather telling considering her books are extremely dark. Several times I had to put this book down because the imagery was too upsetting only to quickly pick it up again!

Recently, I finished her debut novel Sharp Objects. Like her other books, it is filled with despicable characters. In a Flynn novel it is often difficult to find a likable character because (in my opinion) everyone is kind of awful or really pathetic.

The main character Camille is a reporter who is sent on assignment to the Midwestern town where she grew up. She has the difficult task of reporting on the murder of two young girls. With her own set of problems (she cuts herself and has a bizarre relationship with her mother) Camille tries to objectively report on the people and places she grew up with. Maybe it is the forced perspective but Camille soon uncovers the town's deepest secrets and there is some crazy shit going on.

I'll admit, Flynn is a superb storyteller and her books are entertaining and well written. I read it in two days. Another awesome thing about Sharp Objects is everyone is a suspect (again, everyone is so despicable) and as soon as you think you’ve figured out the mystery there is an awesome twist. I can understand why Flynn is often on the bestseller lists.

Some of the imagery from this book has stayed with me but I was very entertained and it helped pass the time. So, if you like a very dark mystery this may be a good fit. Lots and lots of people just love her books. Also, I recently read that Gone Girl and Dark Places are both going to be movies. So yeah she is very popular and I can understand why. Do you have a mystery writer that you just love? Thanks for looking. Love, Ms. Kate.