The start of 2021 may have been a bit rocky but in the literary world, we have ourselves the very first read completed. One out of one hundred and twenty reads has commenced, with a true crime novel being the backbone of my reading goal. Having read only one true crime novel before, I was interested to see what this was about. As a true fan who is obsessed with true crime documentaries and shows, I was excited about this one. Before we delve into the novel itself, we must first nod our thanks to the author who wrote this.
Michelle McNamara was a devoted, and obsessed true crime enthusiast working to uncover the identity of the Golden State Killer. She coined the name of the serial killer, but she was known for more than that. Her success in this novel, her investigating, and her life as a married woman (and mom to a daughter) was only the tip of the iceberg. McNamara wrote an article for the Los Angeles Magazine that earned her a book deal for this novel. Without her obsession for true crime and cold cases, this novel would not exist.
Upon reading this novel, I was not sure what to expect but was not disappointed. The narration is vivid, real, and gives more voice to it than disputing facts about several cases. McNamara's ability to bring each grueling fact of the case and piece it together is unreal. First known as the East Area Rapist, his crimes began with burglarizing homes and terrorizing victims. From 1976 to 1986, the Golden State Killer spanned several counties terrorizing his victims without a trace as to who he was. Victims gave their statements and several police departments housed with criminalists, policemen, and detectives using their methods and time to scour the California coast for a man they could not find.
In this novel, McNamara reveals her understanding of people on a deeper level than most of us do not have. Her obsession with finding the Golden State Killer allowed readers to have more knowledge on a serial killer that eluded several police departments for years. Without her input, I would not be as informed about the GSK as I am now.
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search For The Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara is an astounding true crime novel. With an Introduction written by the amazing Gillian Flynn and an Afterword by Patton Oswalt, this is one novel you do not want to pass up. 4.25 stars out of 5.
Until next time,
Riss Reviews
The picture above is given all credit to: https://www.thedailybeast.com/michelle-mcnamaras-ill-be-gone-in-the-dark-getting-new-chapter-on-golden-state-killer-suspects-arrest
Olivia Messer did a wonderful job with her article,