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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  • ID: 2790
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780571345168
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2018-02-27
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a masterful true crime account of the Golden State Killer, a serial rapist turned murderer who terrorized California for over a decade. The book provides a unique snapshot of suburban West Coast America in the 1980s and a chilling account of the wreckage left behind by a criminal mastermind. It is also a portrait of one woman's obsession and her unflagging pursuit of the truth, three decades later, in spite of the personal cost. /n/n Updated with material that takes in the extraordinary events that followed its initial publication, Michelle McNamara's first and last book is a contemporary classic—humane, haunting, and heroic. The book has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Good Reads Best Nonfiction Book of the Year Award 2018 and being shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize 2018.

Reviews
Megs Book Rack · 2024-05-11
compelling 4.00

The book is a compelling investigation that is highly recommended for both seasoned true crime readers and those new to the genre.

The reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone interested in true crime, whether they are seasoned readers or new to the genre. They find the investigation to be compelling and well-presented, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The book is praised for its ability to draw in readers and keep them invested in the story, highlighting the author's skill in storytelling and research. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to cater to both experienced true crime enthusiasts and newcomers, making it a versatile and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    I would recommend this to any True Crime Reader, or to people maybe interested in picking up True Crime for the first time.

    I feel like it could definitely be a good starting point for anyone looking to get into the genre.

    It's a great book for true crime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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.

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