Dark Places is a brilliantly intense mystery and a fast-paced thriller. I read the novel in one sitting, proving yet again that Flynn knows how to completely immerse you into the story and its characters. The book felt like a real thriller with its complex story. With the case revolving around satanic rituals, as well, it felt very close to the real-life Memphis Three trial, which was made into the 2013 film Devil’s Knot, making it even more interesting to follow.

With these themes of satanic rituals, Dark Places is incredibly dark at times, especially when you don’t know where to place your trust. As you find with most of Flynn’s novels, you don’t know who you’re supposed to be rooting for, or even who to like, and this uncertainty is what grips you. The characters are so well-developed, even if all of them have their fair share of disturbing natures, and even though you don’t know who the enemy is, you find yourself relating to each of them.

The story has a really twisted tone to it, and, as much as it pains me to say, it’s even quite sexy at times. That’s probably the last word you would expect to describe a story like this, but there were many descriptive scenes involving masturbation, sex, nudity, and explicit love letters, where Flynn manages to seduce you with her writing, as completely inappropriate as that felt.

You can really connect to the characters, too. I felt so uncomfortable in how much I liked the young Ben Day. He’s sympathetic and threatening at the same time, and it’s this imbalance in his character that engages you.

All in all, you we will be completely immersed in this novel whether you like it or not. Flynn is one of my favourite writers at the minute, and she knows how to lure you in.