I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical
  • ID: 2586
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
alwayspackedforadventure.com · Unknown · 2023-05-16
fascinating 4.50

The book is a compelling mix of cold case analysis and memoir, highlighting Michelle McNamara's obsession with the Golden State Killer case. Her dedication and the community's involvement kept the case alive, leading to the eventual arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo. The book is well-written and gripping, though it contains disturbing details that may be unsettling for some readers.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a fascinating exploration of Michelle McNamara's obsessive search for the Golden State Killer. The book is part cold case analysis and part memoir, offering a deep dive into McNamara's dedication to solving the case. Her persistence helped keep the case on the police's radar, ultimately leading to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo. The book is well-written and engaging, with a seamless transition to the people who finished her work after her passing. However, the disturbing details of the crimes, particularly the way victims were stalked, made the book unsettling to read, especially when alone. Despite this, it's a must-read for true crime enthusiasts.


Quick quotes

    McNamara’s persistence and obsession with the case, helped it stay on the police’s radar and shortly after the original book was published, Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested.

    Her obsession was so deep, that McNamara’s husband, comedian Patton Oswald, even themed presents to his wife’s work.

    I have a pretty strong stomach for gore and this book has plenty of disturbing details, however, I found the way in which the victims were stalked, to be more than my vivid imagination could handle.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2018-03-21
gripping 4.50

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a gripping and meticulously researched account of Michelle McNamara's obsessive pursuit of the Golden State Killer. The book is both a chilling true crime narrative and a deeply personal journey, offering a unique perspective on the impact of unsolved crimes on victims and investigators alike.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a compelling exploration of Michelle McNamara's relentless quest to identify the Golden State Killer. The book is not just a true crime story but also a deeply personal account of McNamara's obsession and the emotional toll it took on her. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the chilling details of the crimes to life, while also highlighting the broader impact of unsolved crimes on communities and law enforcement. The narrative is both gripping and haunting, offering a unique blend of investigative journalism and personal memoir. It's a testament to McNamara's dedication and the enduring quest for justice.


Quick quotes

    The killer was a genius, but he was also a coward.

    He was a predator, but he was also a man.

    This book is a testament to the power of obsession and the quest for justice.