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Gillian Flynn


USA flag (b.1971)

Gillian Flynn is an American author and television critic for Entertainment Weekly. She has so far written three novels, Sharp Objects, for which she won the 2007 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for the best thriller; Dark Places; and her best-selling third novel Gone Girl.

Her book has received wide praise, including from authors such as Stephen King. The dark plot revolves around a serial killer in a Missouri town, and the reporter who has returned from Chicago to cover the event. Themes include dysfunctional families,violence and self-harm.

In 2007 the novel was shortlisted for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar for Best First Novel by an American Writer, Crime Writers' Association Duncan Lawrie, CWA New Blood and Ian Fleming Steel Daggers, winning in the last two categories.

Flynn, who lives in Chicago, grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated at the University of Kansas, and qualified for a Master's degree from Northwestern University.
 

Awards: Edgar (2015), CWA (2007)  see all

Genres: Mystery
 
Novels
   Sharp Objects (2006)
   Dark Places (2008)
   Gone Girl (2012)
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Novellas and Short Stories
   The Grownup (2015)
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Omnibus editions show
 
Books containing stories by Gillian Flynn
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The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook (2015)
Wickedly Good Meals and Desserts to Die For
edited by
Kate White

Awards
2015 Edgar Award for Best Short Story : What Do You Do?
2007 John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger : Sharp Objects
2007 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger : Sharp Objects

Award nominations
2020 Barry Award for Best Mystery/Crime Novel of the Decade (nominee) : Gone Girl
2013 Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel (nominee) : Gone Girl
2013 Macavity Award for Best Novel (nominee) : Gone Girl
2013 Edgar Award for Best Novel (nominee) : Gone Girl
2013 Barry Award for Best Novel (nominee) : Gone Girl
2013 Anthony Award for Best Novel (nominee) : Gone Girl
2009 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger (shortlist) : Dark Places
2007 Edgar Award for Best First Novel (nominee) : Sharp Objects
2007 CWA Gold Dagger (shortlist) : Sharp Objects
2007 Barry Award for Best First Novel (nominee) : Sharp Objects


Gillian Flynn recommends
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Her Prodigal Husband (2025)
(Brigid Quinn, book 5)
Becky Masterman
"chilling, smart...and what a voice."
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Flint Kill Creek (2024)
Joyce Carol Oates
"The most consistently inventive, brilliant, curious and creative writer going."
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The Dark We Know (2024)
Wen-yi Lee
"Wen-yi Lee has crafted a dark and compelling supernatural mystery buoyed by earnestly written, queer-centric characters. I am enthralled!"

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