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40 pages 1 hour read

Michelle McNamara, Patton Oswalt, Gillian Flynn

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

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a true crime book written by Michelle McNamara about the Golden State Killer, who committed a series of rapes and homicides in California during the 1970s and 80s. The book details the crimes and McNamara's pursuit of the criminal 30 years later, focusing on investigative efforts and the eventual DNA evidence linking the crimes, culminating in the 2018 publication two years after McNamara's death. This book includes extremely graphic depictions of sexual assault and violent crime.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Michelle McNamara's I'll Be Gone in the Dark has been widely praised for its meticulous research and compelling narrative, capturing the haunting tale of the Golden State Killer. While some critics note occasional disjointedness due to its posthumous completion, the overall impact remains powerful, offering a gripping read for true crime enthusiasts.

Who should read this

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

A reader who enjoys I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara likely has a keen interest in true crime, criminal investigations, and forensic psychology. Fans of books like In Cold Blood by Truman Capote and The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule will appreciate McNamara's meticulous research and compelling storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years