Sharp Objects

by Gillian Flynn
Sharp Objects cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Psychological Thriller
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1594
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780804138321
  • Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
  • Published: 2013-07-23
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

Sharp Objects is the debut novel by Gillian Flynn, who later gained fame with her bestseller Gone Girl. This psychological thriller follows a reporter, Camille Preaker, as she returns to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. The story is a deep dive into the disturbing dynamics of a small town and the dark secrets that lurk beneath its surface. /n/n Flynn's writing is known for its sharp, unflinching portrayal of human nature, and Sharp Objects is no exception. The novel explores themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. With its intricate plot and complex characters, Sharp Objects is a gripping read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
This Chick Reads · 2025-01-19
gripping 4.00

The book is described as a gripping psychological thriller with well-developed characters and a haunting atmosphere. However, its heavy themes and pacing may not appeal to everyone.

The reviewer at This Chick Reads praises Sharp Objects for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, noting that the book's haunting atmosphere makes it a memorable read. They appreciate the psychological depth of the story and the way it keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns. However, they also acknowledge that the book's heavy themes and pacing might not be suitable for all readers, suggesting that it is a book best suited for those who enjoy darker, more intense stories.

Quick quotes

    It's a gripping psychological thriller with well-developed characters and a haunting atmosphere.

    Though its heavy themes and pacing might not be for everyone.

    The book's psychological depth and twists make it a memorable read.

The Bibliofile · Jennifer Marie Lin · 2018-08-25
twisted 3.50

The novel is described as a dark, twisted, and quick read with a compelling character study. It is considered a capable suspense story, though some may find it disturbing.

Jennifer Marie Lin from The Bibliofile describes Sharp Objects as a dark and twisted suspense story that is both compelling and disturbing. She appreciates the novel's fast pace and the way it keeps readers guessing, noting that the character study at the heart of the story is particularly interesting. However, she also acknowledges that the book's dark themes and twisted plot may not be suitable for all readers, making it a book best enjoyed by those who appreciate suspenseful and unsettling narratives.

Quick quotes

    Sharp Objects is a capable suspense story that's dark, twisted and a quick read.

    It involves a compelling character study, which some may find interesting.

    It is not a story for the faint of heart.

The Guardian · 2015-10-06
dark 3.50

The novel is praised for its vivid descriptions and exploration of dark themes, though it may not be suitable for all readers. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's boldness in tackling difficult subjects.

The reviewer from The Guardian highlights the novel's vivid descriptions of self-harm, substance overdose, and animal abuse, noting that these elements contribute to the book's dark and terrifying atmosphere. They appreciate the novel's unflinching exploration of these themes, though they acknowledge that the content may be too intense for some readers. The reviewer also mentions that the novel discusses death and terror in a way that is both compelling and disturbing, making it a powerful but challenging read.

Quick quotes

    There are vivid descriptions of self-harm, substance overdose and animal abuse.

    Death and terror are elements of the novel discussed in a way that is both compelling and disturbing.

    It is a bold and unflinching exploration of dark themes.

Pop Goes the Reader · 2013-08-08
unsettling 3.75

The book is raw and violent, with a chilling mystery that is not for the faint of heart. It's a psychological thriller that delves into dark and disquieting themes.

Pop Goes the Reader describes 'Sharp Objects' as a raw and violent psychological thriller that is not for the faint of heart. The reviewer praises the book's bone-chilling mystery and its ability to delve into dark and disquieting themes. They appreciate the novel's unflinching portrayal of psychological trauma and its haunting atmosphere. The reviewer found the book to be a gripping and unsettling read, with a mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The dark and disturbing themes are handled with skill, making it a compelling but challenging read.

Quick quotes

    Raw and violent, dark and disquieting, this is not a story for the faint of heart.

    A psychological thriller with a bone-chilling mystery that will keep you hooked.

    The novel's unflinching portrayal of psychological trauma and its haunting atmosphere are particularly noteworthy.

Appears in Lists