Sharp Objects

Sharp Objects
By Gillian Flynn


This book shines a light on the dark places people go to ease their pain and cope with the ugliness surrounding them. The main character (Camille) is a reporter in Chicago and also a cutter. She carves words onto her body as a way to cope and, as the book begins, has just finished a stint in a psychiatric hospital and is still struggling to control her urge to cut.

Her first assignment is to investigate child murders occurring in her hometown, necessitating a visit home after eight years away. She finds herself affected by the murders in unexpected ways and is drawn into the investigation as she interviews the families and a (not so credible) witness. As that is going on, she is also trying to reconnect with a mother she was never close to and old acquaintances. There is also an attraction to another "out-of-towner," a detective sent from Kansas City to solve the murders.

The murders are front and center, but the words she's marked her body with are a constant presence. I was left with a much better understanding of the compulsions that would drive someone to maim themselves in this way, though, I must admit, the "ew" factor is still there.

This is a fascinating story with well-written characters and a complex plot with unexpected twists and turns. I found myself rooting for this deeply flawed woman despite her obvious bad choices. At certain points I found myself wanting to either shake her or hug her. This is not your typical mystery, yet it works amazingly well.