The novel's core mystery stems from an uncertainty about the protagonist, Nick Dunne. Whether Nick killed his wife, Amy Dunne is the suspense the novel is built upon. The novel is well-received throughout the United States and other English-speaking nations. Gone Girl centers its story on Nick and Amy Dunne's strained marriage relationship. Nick used to work as a journalist but loses his job. With his broke financial status, Nick decides to relocate from New York City to his smaller hometown, North Carthage. In an attempt of recovering from his financial deprivations, Nick opens a bar using the money from his wife. Nick runs the bar along with his twin sister Margo, providing a decent living for his family. But, as the days go by, his marriage with Amy is falling apart slowly. Amy resents her new life. On a summer morning in Missouri, when Nick and Amy are celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary along with their relatives and acquaintances, Amy goes missing. Police's eyes turn towards Nick as an act of suspicion, since Nick used Amy's money for his business and their relationship is strained. As the police delve into the investigation, different shades of stories come out from Nick's and Amy's sides. The suspense of the book is carried out until the actual information is demystified.