The Grownup

by Gillian Flynn
The Grownup cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £7.59
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 11159
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780804188982
  • Publisher: Crown
  • Published: 2015-11-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Gillian Flynn's Edgar Award-winning novella, 'The Grownup,' is a gripping homage to classic ghost stories. The unnamed narrator, a clever con artist, makes a living by reading auras and perpetrating harmless frauds. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Susan Burke, a wealthy but unhappy woman, seeks her help to exorcise the ghosts haunting her Victorian home. Intrigued by the challenge, the narrator visits the eerie house and soon realizes that the evil she encounters may be all too real./n/nAs the narrator delves deeper into the mysteries of the Burke household, she finds herself locked in a battle with Susan's unsettling stepson, Miles. The three become entangled in a web of terror, forcing them to confront the true source of the evil that lurks within the house. Flynn's masterful storytelling and keen insight into human behavior make 'The Grownup' a chilling and unforgettable read.

Reviews
My Random Musings · 2020-04-24
compelling 4.00

The short story is packed with intrigue and immediately draws the reader in. It's a compelling read despite its brevity.

This reviewer was impressed by how much Gillian Flynn managed to pack into such a short story. 'The Grownup' starts with a bang and doesn't let go, pulling the reader in right from the beginning. The story's brevity doesn't detract from its impact; instead, it adds to the overall tension and intrigue. The reviewer found the narrative gripping and enjoyed the way Flynn played with the reader's expectations. Despite its short length, the story leaves a lasting impression and is a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    For all The Grown Up is a short story, there is an incredible amount packed into it.

    It pulls you in straight away.

    The story leaves a lasting impression and is a compelling read.

Let Them Read Cake · 2020-01-17
okay 2.50

The novella starts strong but ends disappointingly flat. It was an okay read overall.

This reviewer picked up 'The Grownup' on a whim and found the beginning quite engaging. The initial setup and atmosphere were captivating, but as the story progressed, it lost steam. The ending felt flat and unsatisfying, leaving the reviewer with a sense of disappointment. Despite this, the novella had its moments, making it an okay read overall. The reviewer appreciated the effort but wished for a more compelling conclusion.

Quick quotes

    This was an okay little novella.

    I really enjoyed the beginning, but the end fell kind of flat for me.

    It was an okay read overall.

Savidge Reads · 2015-11-06
enjoyable 4.50

The novella is a perfect short burst of escapism, especially suited for darker nights. It's a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This reviewer found 'The Grownup' to be a perfect short burst of escapism, making it an ideal read for darker nights. The story's atmosphere and tone create a sense of unease and intrigue that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer really enjoyed the novella, appreciating its ability to transport them into a different world. The story's brevity doesn't detract from its impact; instead, it adds to the overall tension and enjoyment. The reviewer found the narrative gripping and enjoyed the way Flynn played with the reader's expectations. Despite its short length, the story leaves a lasting impression and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    The Grownup is a perfect short burst of escapism.

    I really, really enjoyed it.

    It's pitch perfect for the darker nights as they draw in.

Appears in Lists