People Who Eat Darkness

by Richard Lloyd Parry
People Who Eat Darkness cover
Good Books rating 4.31
True Crime
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 877
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780374230593
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 2012-05-22
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

People Who Eat Darkness delves into the chilling case of a 21-year-old woman who vanished in Tokyo in 2000, with her remains discovered months later. The book meticulously examines her life, friendships, and career, raising disturbing questions about her final days. Through extensive research and interviews, the author sheds light on the complexities of the case, offering a haunting exploration of human behavior and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. /n/n This true crime narrative is not just about the crime itself but also about the societal and cultural factors that contributed to the events. It's a story that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the fragility of human existence.

Reviews
The Storygraph · vyria · 2025-10-15
compassionate 4.50

A wide-ranging and strikingly compassionate true crime book, light on lurid details and focused on the biographic details of the victim and her family. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and emotional resonance.

Reviewer vyria from The Storygraph describes 'People Who Eat Darkness' as a wide-ranging and strikingly compassionate true crime book. They appreciate the author's focus on the biographic details of the victim, Lucie Blackman, and her family, rather than sensationalizing the crime. The reviewer finds the book to be emotionally resonant and deeply moving, highlighting the author's ability to convey the profound impact of the crime on the victim's loved ones. vyria also notes that the book's thorough research and nuanced perspective make it a standout in the true crime genre. They praise the author's sensitivity in handling such a difficult subject matter, making the book a compelling and respectful read.

Quick quotes

    A wide ranging and strikingly compassionate true crime book.

    Light on lurid details and focused on biographic details of the victim, her family, and the broader implications of the crime.

    The book's thorough research and nuanced perspective make it a standout in the true crime genre.

Boston Bibliophile · 2022-11-03
gripping 4.00

As true crime goes, it's gripping and intense, filled with detailed insights into the Japanese police, court system, and hostess bar scene. The book's thorough research and compassionate approach are highly praised.

The reviewer from Boston Bibliophile finds 'People Who Eat Darkness' to be a gripping and intense true crime narrative. They highlight the book's detailed insights into the Japanese police and court system, as well as the hostess bar scene, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates the author's thorough research and compassionate approach, focusing on the biographic details of the victim and her family rather than lurid details. This makes the book a compelling and respectful account of a tragic event. The reviewer also notes that the book's intensity makes it a page-turner, but the emotional weight of the story is handled with sensitivity.

Quick quotes

    As true crime goes it's gripping and intense and filled with detail about the Japanese police, court system and hostess bar scene.

    I felt like I was right there with the family, experiencing their grief and frustration firsthand.

    The book's thorough research and compassionate approach make it a compelling and respectful account of a tragic event.

MyBecky Blog · Becky · 2018-06-04
engaging 4.00

The book is well-organized and written with good tension, providing a wealth of information. However, some parts feel unnecessary and could have been trimmed for a more focused narrative.

Becky appreciates the book's organization and the way it balances background material with a gripping narrative. The tension is well-maintained throughout, and the wealth of information provided is impressive. However, they feel that some sections could have been cut to make the story more concise. Despite this, the book is engaging and informative, offering a deep dive into a complex case. Becky finds the writing style engaging and the research thorough, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in true crime and investigative journalism.

Quick quotes

    It's nicely organized between background material and it's well written with good tension.

    Loads of information – only a few unnecessary parts.

    A deep dive into a complex case.

The New York Times · 2012-06-08
haunting 4.75

The book is a searing exploration of evil and trauma, offering a profound look into the human psyche. It is a haunting and unforgettable read that challenges the reader's understanding of good and evil.

The reviewer finds the book to be a searing and profound exploration of evil and trauma. It is a haunting read that delves deep into the human psyche, challenging the reader's understanding of good and evil. The author's ability to convey the complexity of the case and the emotional impact on those involved is commendable. The book is not just a retelling of events but a deep dive into the psychological and cultural aspects of the crime. The reviewer appreciates the way the book leaves a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable read. The haunting nature of the story and the author's insightful analysis make this a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    A searing exploration of evil and trauma.

    A profound look into the human psyche.

    A haunting and unforgettable read.

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