40 pages • 1 hour read
I'll Be Gone in the Dark
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Book Brief
368
Book • Nonfiction
California • 1970s-1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Informative
Reviews & Readership
246,494 ratings
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Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 I'll Be Gone in the Dark?
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.
246,494 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Golden State Killer
The Golden State Killer
A serial killer who committed a series of rapes and murders across California from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s. Known for his well-thought-out crimes and eluding capture for decades.
Patton Oswalt
Patton Oswalt
McNamara's supportive husband and a well-known comedian, who contributes to the book by writing an Afterword and showing admiration for her commitment to justice.
Larry Pool
Larry Pool
A detective in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who works on unsolved cases using DNA testing and establishes connections between several murders.
Paul Holes
Paul Holes
A criminalist in the Contra Costa County Sherriff’s Department who uses DNA analysis to identify connections between multiple crimes and collaborates with McNamara on geo-profiling efforts.
368
Book • Nonfiction
California • 1970s-1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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