With murder, mystery and manipulation, it’s easy to see why this captivating psychological thriller has proved to be a global phenomenon.

Gone Girl is the 2013 release from American author Gillian Flynn which has taken the world by storm. Its blend of high quality narrative, dark and intelligent characters, with an intriguing multi-faceted plot, provides an absorbing read this summer.

Flynn provides the backdrop of a seemingly happy couple, Nick and Amy Dunne. She is the name-sake of beloved children’s books ‘Amazing Amy’, and he is a currently unemployed journalist. Then, on their fifth anniversary, Nick’s wife disappears, and he finds himself the suspect of her murder. But this is not your typical missing person’s murder mystery.

Unleash the unravelling plot, delivered by dual narrators Nick and Amy. With secrets and deceit at every turn, the reader can depend on no-one for a reliable narration. As betrayal seeps through the pages, you find yourself questioning every aspect of their story.

Gone Girl tests everything to the extreme; relationships, marriage, emotion, trust – pushing the boundaries of anything that could provide solid ground. We see a shift away from the recent trends in women’s fiction. Step aside Fifty Shades and the long loved Bridget Jones’ Diary, clear the path of trashy chick-lit; this challenging and thought-provoking novel paves the way forward.

Even the stereotypical gender roles are ambushed, with the mocking tones of “cool girl” aspirations, and the derogatory “dancing monkeys” of men. Flynn leaves no stone unturned in this deep exploration of the human psyche.  Literary traditions and generic constraints hold no bounds, as elements of crime and romance are interwoven in this gripping journey of betrayal.

Sky-high sales, tipped for awards, and rumours of a screen play are just some of the accolades bestowed upon Gone Girl. I highly recommend that you delve into this powerful psychological thriller this summer.