I'll Be Gone in the Dark

by Michelle McNamara
I'll Be Gone in the Dark cover
Good Books rating 4.5
True Crime
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2790
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780571345168
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2018-02-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

I'll Be Gone in the Dark delves into the chilling crimes of the Golden State Killer, who terrorized California in the 1980s. Michelle McNamara's masterful investigation offers a unique glimpse into suburban America during this era and the devastating impact left by the killer's crimes. The book is not just a crime narrative but also a deeply personal account of McNamara's obsession with solving the case, highlighting her unyielding dedication to uncovering the truth despite the personal toll. Updated with new material following its initial publication, this book stands as a humane and heroic exploration of one of America's most notorious criminals.

Reviews
Pechey Ponderings · 2023-08-29
fascinating 4.75

The book is noted for its fast-paced narrative and insightful look into the hunt for the Golden State Killer. It is praised for its compelling and well-researched content.

This reviewer was captivated by the fast-paced narrative that McNamara uses to tell the story of her investigation. They felt that the book provided an insightful and well-researched look into the hunt for the Golden State Killer, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the investigation and the author's ability to keep the narrative engaging throughout. The book is seen as a well-crafted and thought-provoking exploration of a complex case, offering readers a unique perspective on the true crime genre.

Quick quotes

    Told with a fast-paced narrative, McNamara offers the reader an insightful look into the hunt for a violent rapist turned serial murderer, dubbed the Golden State Killer.

    The book is a well-crafted and thought-provoking exploration of a complex case, offering readers a unique perspective on the true crime genre.

    McNamara's ability to keep the narrative engaging throughout is commendable, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the subject.

The Book Dutchesses · 2020-10-24
heartfelt 4.50

This review praises the author's portrayal of the victims, highlighting her ability to do them justice. The book is noted for its insightful and respectful approach to the true crime genre.

This reviewer was particularly impressed with how Michelle McNamara handled the victims' stories. They felt she portrayed them with sensitivity and respect, avoiding the sensationalism that often plagues true crime narratives. The book is seen as a respectful and insightful exploration of the Golden State Killer case, focusing on the victims rather than glorifying the perpetrator. The reviewer appreciates the author's dedication to giving a voice to those affected by the crimes, making it a compelling and meaningful read.

Quick quotes

    Michelle did do a great job of talking about the victims. She portrayed them really well and I think she absolutely did them justice.

    I'm glad that she did not glorify the killer in any way. This is a story about the victims and their families, not the killer.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, as it offers a unique and respectful perspective on the genre.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2018-09-17
resonant 4.75

The book is a timeless memoir about a woman's obsessive hunt for justice, blending personal narrative with investigative reporting. It is a moving and fully realized account that resonates deeply with readers.

The reviewer sees the book as a timeless memoir that captures the author's obsessive pursuit of justice. They appreciate how the book blends personal narrative with investigative reporting, creating a moving and fully realized account. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of the human need for closure and justice, making it a resonant and impactful read. The personal touches and the depth of the investigation are particularly highlighted as strengths.

Quick quotes

    Instead, I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a timeless, personal memoir about a woman's obsessive hunt for justice.

    The book is a moving, fully realized account that resonates deeply with readers.

    McNamara's personal narrative adds a layer of emotional depth that is often missing in true crime literature.

Dana Huff · Dana · 2018-06-26
compelling 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the personal story of the author and her fascination with crime. The book is praised for its originality and compelling narrative.

Dana found Michelle McNamara's personal journey and her fascination with crime to be one of the most compelling aspects of the book. They appreciated how the author wove her own story into the investigation, making it a deeply personal and engaging read. The reviewer also noted the book's originality, highlighting how it stands out in the true crime genre. Dana felt that McNamara's approach was both unique and captivating, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the genre.

Quick quotes

    One of the things I appreciated the most about this book was Michelle's own story—she explains where her fascination for crime came from and how it led her to this investigation.

    The book is utterly original and compelling, fulfilling Michelle's dream of helping to unmask the Golden State Killer.

    McNamara's approach to the true crime genre is both unique and captivating, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.

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