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All the Colors of the Dark
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 01:20:31
12 copies available
U.S. only
From the New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the End comes a soaring thriller and an epic love story that spans decades.
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Mohammed Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy with one eye, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession, and the blinding light of hope.
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Mohammed Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy with one eye, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession, and the blinding light of hope.
608 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
About the author
Chris Whitaker
7 books2,418 followersChris Whitaker is the award-winning author of Tall Oaks, All the Wicked Girls, We Begin at the End, and The Forevers (YA).
His debut Tall Oaks won the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award.
An instant New York Times and international bestseller, We Begin at the End was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, a Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick and a Good Morning America Buzz Pick. The novel won the CWA Gold Dagger Award, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
We Begin At The End has been translated into twenty-nine languages, with screen rights going to Disney, where ‘Hamilton’ director Thomas Kail and producing partner Jennifer Todd will develop the book for television.
Chris lives in the UK.
Follow him on Twitter @WhittyAuthor
And on Instagram @chriswhitakerauthor
His debut Tall Oaks won the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award.
An instant New York Times and international bestseller, We Begin at the End was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month, a Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick and a Good Morning America Buzz Pick. The novel won the CWA Gold Dagger Award, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
We Begin At The End has been translated into twenty-nine languages, with screen rights going to Disney, where ‘Hamilton’ director Thomas Kail and producing partner Jennifer Todd will develop the book for television.
Chris lives in the UK.
Follow him on Twitter @WhittyAuthor
And on Instagram @chriswhitakerauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,032 reviews
May 24, 2024
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A great book doesn't need a long review and let me tell you, All the Colors of the Dark is a great book. Chris Whitaker has done it again he's written one of my favourite books. We Begin at the End was my best read of 2020 and now his new release is my favourite read of 2024. Is it too early to pick my favourite book of the year? I don't think so because All the Colors of the Dark will be difficult to beat.
This book was epic. It takes place over 25+ years from 1976 to 2001. In it, we follow the lives of Saint and Patch as they navigate from their early teenage years to adulthood and the different trajectories their lives take. I loved reading about their small-town life and how the world treats the downtrodden. The writing is beautiful without being wordy and I felt myself there in the Ozarks tasting the honey, smelling the pine and hearing the buzz of the hive.
This is very much a literary novel because it isn't so much plot-driven and more of a character study. Still, there is a wonderful story between these pages and although it really isn't a thriller there is a whodunit and many surprises. I am purposely being vague because the less you know going in the better. I will say the book is a mix of genres including coming-of-age, romance, mystery and police procedural. If you've read lots of my reviews you'll know I don't usually like books with different genres intermingling, I find that they get watered down but Chris Whitaker has such a talent for storytelling I just got lost in the pages. If you enjoyed We Begin at the End and meeting Dutchess let me introduce you to Joseph "Patch" Macauley and Saint Brown. You won't be disappointed. If you're new to Whitaker you're in for a treat.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
A great book doesn't need a long review and let me tell you, All the Colors of the Dark is a great book. Chris Whitaker has done it again he's written one of my favourite books. We Begin at the End was my best read of 2020 and now his new release is my favourite read of 2024. Is it too early to pick my favourite book of the year? I don't think so because All the Colors of the Dark will be difficult to beat.
This book was epic. It takes place over 25+ years from 1976 to 2001. In it, we follow the lives of Saint and Patch as they navigate from their early teenage years to adulthood and the different trajectories their lives take. I loved reading about their small-town life and how the world treats the downtrodden. The writing is beautiful without being wordy and I felt myself there in the Ozarks tasting the honey, smelling the pine and hearing the buzz of the hive.
This is very much a literary novel because it isn't so much plot-driven and more of a character study. Still, there is a wonderful story between these pages and although it really isn't a thriller there is a whodunit and many surprises. I am purposely being vague because the less you know going in the better. I will say the book is a mix of genres including coming-of-age, romance, mystery and police procedural. If you've read lots of my reviews you'll know I don't usually like books with different genres intermingling, I find that they get watered down but Chris Whitaker has such a talent for storytelling I just got lost in the pages. If you enjoyed We Begin at the End and meeting Dutchess let me introduce you to Joseph "Patch" Macauley and Saint Brown. You won't be disappointed. If you're new to Whitaker you're in for a treat.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 11, 2024
All the Colors of the Dark is a gritty, bleak, but, at the same time, beautiful thriller.
And my gosh. Chris Whitaker can write a character. Watch out, Charles Dickens! Whitaker’s characters are complexly original—no one is a cliché.
The pages fly; the book is action-packed, compulsively addictive, and the finest of the mystery genre. It is written using perfect structure: short paragraphs, sentences, and chapters. If you liked the pacing in Gone Girl, this is your book. Mark my words. One day, this book will become a fantastic movie!
Two thumbs up for this breath-stealing thriller.
*Thanks, NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Electronic Text – Free/Nada/Zilch through NetGalley provided by publisher
Hardcover Text – $16.95 from Blackwell’s (On July 11, 2023, I preordered this book. The title is All the Colours of the Dark in the UK, and it will be published July 16, 2024 in the UK and June 25, 2024 in the US)
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And my gosh. Chris Whitaker can write a character. Watch out, Charles Dickens! Whitaker’s characters are complexly original—no one is a cliché.
The pages fly; the book is action-packed, compulsively addictive, and the finest of the mystery genre. It is written using perfect structure: short paragraphs, sentences, and chapters. If you liked the pacing in Gone Girl, this is your book. Mark my words. One day, this book will become a fantastic movie!
Two thumbs up for this breath-stealing thriller.
*Thanks, NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Electronic Text – Free/Nada/Zilch through NetGalley provided by publisher
Hardcover Text – $16.95 from Blackwell’s (On July 11, 2023, I preordered this book. The title is All the Colours of the Dark in the UK, and it will be published July 16, 2024 in the UK and June 25, 2024 in the US)
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May 25, 2024
An epic story, about love, and friendship that starts in 1975 and spans decades.
Wonderful characters..
Patch and Saint two youngsters who become friends, and then their world is shaken when young Patch saves a local girl from being taken by a man in the woods and comes to harm himself.
This is a thriller also..missing girls, a serial killer mystery.
Very short chapters (which I love)… will keep you turning pages… I was hooked from the start!
I was brought to tears at the end … satisfying tears.
Highly recommended!
Thank you to Netgalley, Crown Publishing and the most
talented Chris Whitaker for the ARC!
Available June 25
July 7, 2024
4.5⭐
“None would yet know of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.”
1975, Monta Clare, Missouri: An act of bravery becomes a defining point in the lives of thirteen-year-old Joseph “Patch” Macauley and those close to him. As the narrative progresses, we follow Patch, his best friend Saint and Misty, the girl he saved, and the important people in their lives and their community for over two decades. While the dynamics within the once close-knit community will never be the same again, the trauma they experience as children follows Patch, Saint and Misty through the years, manifesting in the choices they make and leaving them to grapple with the consequences that follow.
All the Colors of the Dark is my third Chris Whitaker novel after We Begin at the End, which remains my favorite to date, and Tall Oaks. In his latest offering, the author has woven elements of literary fiction, coming-of-age, a love story and a crime procedural element with a solid mystery at its core into an immersive character-driven narrative.
“Memories lie in people, not places and things.”
This is a lengthy novel featuring a large cast of characters and several subplots. The pacing is a tad uneven, but the tonal shifts justify the need to alter the pace as and when required. The author’s strength lies in the way he presents his characters - complex and flawed yet vulnerable, and Patch and Saint are no exception. We follow the characters as their trajectories diverge and then converge again in a continuous cycle of events each more surprising than the next – even when pitted against one another on opposing sides, the deep connection they forged as children is never eroded. The traumatic aftermath of the events described in the 1970s timeline casts a long shadow on the lives of our characters, setting the overarching bleak and melancholic tone for the novel. We might not always agree with the choices our characters make, but we remain invested in their respective journeys - their sorrows become our sorrows, and we rejoice at their smallest of triumphs; their rage, their pain and disillusionment will break our hearts but as they endure the challenges life throws their way, our hearts will be filled with hope. Each of the secondary characters is well defined, with a distinct role to play, which is why, at no point do we find it difficult to follow their character arcs/ respective subplots as the narrative progresses.
Though this is a predominantly character-driven novel, the plot-driven mystery/ procedural aspects do not disappoint. With plenty of twists and revelations with an ending that you do not see coming, the author succeeds in maintaining an atmospheric and suspenseful vibe throughout the narrative.
The story is presented in short chapters, from multiple perspectives spanning over two decades (1975-2001). The author’s masterful storytelling, evocative prose and the emotional depth and insight with which he touches upon themes of love and friendship, sacrifice, resilience, trauma and healing, guilt and redemption render this an incredibly moving story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
“To love and be loved was more than could ever be expected, more than enough for a thousand ordinary lifetimes.”
Many thanks to Crown Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 25, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
“None would yet know of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.”
1975, Monta Clare, Missouri: An act of bravery becomes a defining point in the lives of thirteen-year-old Joseph “Patch” Macauley and those close to him. As the narrative progresses, we follow Patch, his best friend Saint and Misty, the girl he saved, and the important people in their lives and their community for over two decades. While the dynamics within the once close-knit community will never be the same again, the trauma they experience as children follows Patch, Saint and Misty through the years, manifesting in the choices they make and leaving them to grapple with the consequences that follow.
All the Colors of the Dark is my third Chris Whitaker novel after We Begin at the End, which remains my favorite to date, and Tall Oaks. In his latest offering, the author has woven elements of literary fiction, coming-of-age, a love story and a crime procedural element with a solid mystery at its core into an immersive character-driven narrative.
“Memories lie in people, not places and things.”
This is a lengthy novel featuring a large cast of characters and several subplots. The pacing is a tad uneven, but the tonal shifts justify the need to alter the pace as and when required. The author’s strength lies in the way he presents his characters - complex and flawed yet vulnerable, and Patch and Saint are no exception. We follow the characters as their trajectories diverge and then converge again in a continuous cycle of events each more surprising than the next – even when pitted against one another on opposing sides, the deep connection they forged as children is never eroded. The traumatic aftermath of the events described in the 1970s timeline casts a long shadow on the lives of our characters, setting the overarching bleak and melancholic tone for the novel. We might not always agree with the choices our characters make, but we remain invested in their respective journeys - their sorrows become our sorrows, and we rejoice at their smallest of triumphs; their rage, their pain and disillusionment will break our hearts but as they endure the challenges life throws their way, our hearts will be filled with hope. Each of the secondary characters is well defined, with a distinct role to play, which is why, at no point do we find it difficult to follow their character arcs/ respective subplots as the narrative progresses.
Though this is a predominantly character-driven novel, the plot-driven mystery/ procedural aspects do not disappoint. With plenty of twists and revelations with an ending that you do not see coming, the author succeeds in maintaining an atmospheric and suspenseful vibe throughout the narrative.
The story is presented in short chapters, from multiple perspectives spanning over two decades (1975-2001). The author’s masterful storytelling, evocative prose and the emotional depth and insight with which he touches upon themes of love and friendship, sacrifice, resilience, trauma and healing, guilt and redemption render this an incredibly moving story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
“To love and be loved was more than could ever be expected, more than enough for a thousand ordinary lifetimes.”
Many thanks to Crown Publishing for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on June 25, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
June 13, 2024
In a Nutshell: A literary saga spanning multiple genres and decades. It's not just the story of a tragedy but also of what happens after a tragedy. Will work better if you know what to expect. It isn’t a traditional mystery-thriller, so better if read as a character-driven drama.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Imagine this. You are visiting a tourist place that you have heard some good feedback about. You hire a tourist guide who promises to take you to your destination, but instead of leading you there directly, the guide makes you roam around myriad other places, telling you detailed stories of each of them. Most of his tales are interesting, but after a point, you wonder why he is traversing a circuitous route when all you wanted to go to was the destination promised at the start. Finally, after a long and somewhat frustrating journey, you reach your destination, and it turns out to be everything you hoped for. But as much as the joy of discovery is, you can’t help having mixed feelings about the rest of the day: yes, you gained insight about many other spots, but you also feel a bit irked at the amount of time it took to visit what wasn’t even on the agenda. It’s not like you didn’t enjoy the unplanned circumambulatory route full of surprises, but you wish you had been better prepared for it beforehand.
That’s me with this book. I was prepared for a thriller, but I got a slow-paced literary fiction. While I can often recalibrate my reading sensor according to the writing approach, it failed this time.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The main characters: Saint & Patch. Well-sketched, complex, grey, human.
😍 Patch’s being one-eyed, and this trait being turned into an intricate part of his persona than making it a disability popping in at random intervals.
😍 An excellent start and an great ending.
😍 Evocative writing, with plenty of quotable quotes and lines to ponder upon.
😍 Superb use of the mountain setting of small-town Missouri, with great descriptions that don’t overshadow the plot.
😍 A unusual approach to a mystery, focussing on myriad obsessions of varied characters. This could also be called a love story sans romance.
😍 Enough of twists and turns to keep you going on. You will not be able to predict the direction of most of the plot.
😍 Though there are many crimes that occur in the book, the content never gets graphic. Love it when authors don’t let gore do the talking.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 As this is tagged as a mystery-thriller, I went in hoping for a steady-paced, thrill-inducing, mystery. But while there is a mystery in the book, it is not the prime focus of the plot, which is quite character-oriented, and stresses more on the lives of the people affected by the crime than on the crime itself. This definitely would have worked better for me had I been mentally prepared for a literary drama than for a crime thriller.
😐 The middle chunk of the book drags. A LOT! Had I been a willing DNFer, I might have even quit on the book at this point. But thankfully I didn’t as the ending was worth the wait. Either the middle section should have been tightened or this should have been marked as a character-driven literary work so that readers would know what to expect. (Especially those of us who haven’t read this author before and went in blind.)
😐 There are many side plots detracting from the core mystery. While these are intricately layered and well written, the fact is that I wanted to see the mystery resolved than to know more about other irrelevant things.
Bookish Nays:
😕 The story spans decades. Though there are years marked at the start of a few chapters, it is confusing at times to remember how old the characters are at that point. Patch’s age isn’t clarified at all (as far as I can remember; hope I didn’t miss any reference), so I just assumed him to be the same age as Misty. There are pop culture references to help out, but these would work only if you know the approximate period to which the references belonged.
😕 This book has 261 short chapters, with some of the chapters being hardly a couple of pages long. I know there are readers who like short chapters, but this was too many for my liking.
😕 The pacing is quite erratic, going from rushed at the start, to almost zero in between, to fast again at the end. In a 580+ page book, I’d have appreciated a more consistent tempo.
My reading experience of this novel reminded me of how I felt on reading Donna Tartt’s 'The Goldfinch' - yet another magnum opus that begins with a mystery but takes ages to be resolved. In both cases, I liked the journey, but I was more relieved than exhilarated to reach the end.
This is my first book by this acclaimed author, so I shall be better prepared for a literary approach the next time I pick up his work.
Mine is a slight outlier review. Most other reviews of this book are gushy 5 stars, so perhaps it was only my erroneous expectations courtesy that dratted “thriller” tag that caused my experience to go awry. I still recommend this strongly, but to literary fiction lovers who enjoy the artistic nuances of storytelling and character development. If you want a fast-paced mystery-thriller, pick something else.
3.5 stars. (I debated a long time over whether to round this up or down. The writing is beautiful enough to merit a 4 stars, but this rating would not be indicative of my frustration while reading it. Hence rounding downwards.)
My thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “All the Colors of the Dark”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1975. Monta Clare, Missouri. Patch is a one-eyed teenager who considers himself a good pirate. His only friend is the whimsical thirteen-year-old Saint, who lives with her grandmother. In their small town where everyone knows everyone else, Patch and Saint think they have their future paths clear. All changes when a mysterious man attacks Misty, the only daughter of a wealthy family. Patch emerges as an unlikely hero in this situation, but the life trajectory of the people involved changes forever as a result.
Spanning many decades and genres, the story comes to us from the limited third-person perspectives of the key characters.
Imagine this. You are visiting a tourist place that you have heard some good feedback about. You hire a tourist guide who promises to take you to your destination, but instead of leading you there directly, the guide makes you roam around myriad other places, telling you detailed stories of each of them. Most of his tales are interesting, but after a point, you wonder why he is traversing a circuitous route when all you wanted to go to was the destination promised at the start. Finally, after a long and somewhat frustrating journey, you reach your destination, and it turns out to be everything you hoped for. But as much as the joy of discovery is, you can’t help having mixed feelings about the rest of the day: yes, you gained insight about many other spots, but you also feel a bit irked at the amount of time it took to visit what wasn’t even on the agenda. It’s not like you didn’t enjoy the unplanned circumambulatory route full of surprises, but you wish you had been better prepared for it beforehand.
That’s me with this book. I was prepared for a thriller, but I got a slow-paced literary fiction. While I can often recalibrate my reading sensor according to the writing approach, it failed this time.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The main characters: Saint & Patch. Well-sketched, complex, grey, human.
😍 Patch’s being one-eyed, and this trait being turned into an intricate part of his persona than making it a disability popping in at random intervals.
😍 An excellent start and an great ending.
😍 Evocative writing, with plenty of quotable quotes and lines to ponder upon.
😍 Superb use of the mountain setting of small-town Missouri, with great descriptions that don’t overshadow the plot.
😍 A unusual approach to a mystery, focussing on myriad obsessions of varied characters. This could also be called a love story sans romance.
😍 Enough of twists and turns to keep you going on. You will not be able to predict the direction of most of the plot.
😍 Though there are many crimes that occur in the book, the content never gets graphic. Love it when authors don’t let gore do the talking.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 As this is tagged as a mystery-thriller, I went in hoping for a steady-paced, thrill-inducing, mystery. But while there is a mystery in the book, it is not the prime focus of the plot, which is quite character-oriented, and stresses more on the lives of the people affected by the crime than on the crime itself. This definitely would have worked better for me had I been mentally prepared for a literary drama than for a crime thriller.
😐 The middle chunk of the book drags. A LOT! Had I been a willing DNFer, I might have even quit on the book at this point. But thankfully I didn’t as the ending was worth the wait. Either the middle section should have been tightened or this should have been marked as a character-driven literary work so that readers would know what to expect. (Especially those of us who haven’t read this author before and went in blind.)
😐 There are many side plots detracting from the core mystery. While these are intricately layered and well written, the fact is that I wanted to see the mystery resolved than to know more about other irrelevant things.
Bookish Nays:
😕 The story spans decades. Though there are years marked at the start of a few chapters, it is confusing at times to remember how old the characters are at that point. Patch’s age isn’t clarified at all (as far as I can remember; hope I didn’t miss any reference), so I just assumed him to be the same age as Misty. There are pop culture references to help out, but these would work only if you know the approximate period to which the references belonged.
😕 This book has 261 short chapters, with some of the chapters being hardly a couple of pages long. I know there are readers who like short chapters, but this was too many for my liking.
😕 The pacing is quite erratic, going from rushed at the start, to almost zero in between, to fast again at the end. In a 580+ page book, I’d have appreciated a more consistent tempo.
My reading experience of this novel reminded me of how I felt on reading Donna Tartt’s 'The Goldfinch' - yet another magnum opus that begins with a mystery but takes ages to be resolved. In both cases, I liked the journey, but I was more relieved than exhilarated to reach the end.
This is my first book by this acclaimed author, so I shall be better prepared for a literary approach the next time I pick up his work.
Mine is a slight outlier review. Most other reviews of this book are gushy 5 stars, so perhaps it was only my erroneous expectations courtesy that dratted “thriller” tag that caused my experience to go awry. I still recommend this strongly, but to literary fiction lovers who enjoy the artistic nuances of storytelling and character development. If you want a fast-paced mystery-thriller, pick something else.
3.5 stars. (I debated a long time over whether to round this up or down. The writing is beautiful enough to merit a 4 stars, but this rating would not be indicative of my frustration while reading it. Hence rounding downwards.)
My thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC of “All the Colors of the Dark”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
July 5, 2024
All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker is a masterful exploration of the thin line between triumph and tragedy, set against the backdrop of 1975 America. In the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, as the Vietnam War winds down and Muhammad Ali faces Joe Frazier, young girls are disappearing, shattering the community's sense of safety.
At the heart of this poignant and gripping narrative is Patch Macauley, a local boy born with one eye who transforms his difference into a symbol of resilience. His act of bravery in saving a wealthy family's daughter from an abduction sets off a chain of events that intertwines his fate with those around him in deeply affecting ways.
Whitaker crafts a story that defies genre boundaries, blending a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a tender love story. Patch’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s endurance, as he navigates the shadows of obsession and the bright hope of connection. His relationship with Saint, his unwavering best friend, is beautifully rendered, showcasing the power of loyalty and persistence in the face of overwhelming odds.
The characters in "All the Colors of the Dark" are vividly drawn and unforgettable. From Saint, who never stops searching for her lost friend, to Misty, the girl Patch saves, who harbors her own secrets, each character adds depth and nuance to the story. The inclusion of Grace, a gentle soul who shares Patch's dark captivity, introduces an element of light and hope that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Whitaker's prose is eloquent and evocative, painting the American landscape with striking clarity and immersing readers in the time period. His use of short chapters and tight, compelling sentences propels the narrative forward, making it nearly impossible to put down.
The novel is also a profound commentary on the ripple effects of trauma and the various ways people cope with loss and fear. Patch’s evolution from a bullied boy to a celebrated artist underscores the theme of transformation, while Saint’s law enforcement career highlights the moral complexities of seeking justice.
"All the Colors of the Dark" is not just a thriller; it is a deeply emotional journey that will resonate with readers long after the final page. Whitaker has created a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of human vulnerability and strength, making it a standout read of 2024. This is a novel that demands to be read, shared, and remembered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
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At the heart of this poignant and gripping narrative is Patch Macauley, a local boy born with one eye who transforms his difference into a symbol of resilience. His act of bravery in saving a wealthy family's daughter from an abduction sets off a chain of events that intertwines his fate with those around him in deeply affecting ways.
Whitaker crafts a story that defies genre boundaries, blending a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a tender love story. Patch’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s endurance, as he navigates the shadows of obsession and the bright hope of connection. His relationship with Saint, his unwavering best friend, is beautifully rendered, showcasing the power of loyalty and persistence in the face of overwhelming odds.
The characters in "All the Colors of the Dark" are vividly drawn and unforgettable. From Saint, who never stops searching for her lost friend, to Misty, the girl Patch saves, who harbors her own secrets, each character adds depth and nuance to the story. The inclusion of Grace, a gentle soul who shares Patch's dark captivity, introduces an element of light and hope that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Whitaker's prose is eloquent and evocative, painting the American landscape with striking clarity and immersing readers in the time period. His use of short chapters and tight, compelling sentences propels the narrative forward, making it nearly impossible to put down.
The novel is also a profound commentary on the ripple effects of trauma and the various ways people cope with loss and fear. Patch’s evolution from a bullied boy to a celebrated artist underscores the theme of transformation, while Saint’s law enforcement career highlights the moral complexities of seeking justice.
"All the Colors of the Dark" is not just a thriller; it is a deeply emotional journey that will resonate with readers long after the final page. Whitaker has created a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of human vulnerability and strength, making it a standout read of 2024. This is a novel that demands to be read, shared, and remembered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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July 5, 2024
This book was so hard to rate and after much debating, I'm going with 3.5 stars! The potential was there for a 5-star read and I wanted it to be 5 stars so bad but there were a few things that didn't work well for me. This book started off with a bang!! It hooked me in, it was fast paced, intriguing, and I was getting so excited. This had favorite book of the year potential and then it started to slow down. The middle of the book dragged. I was already invested, and it was still interesting enough to keep reading but it moved so slow. The ending was amazing!! It blew me away and redeemed the slowness of the middle some. This book was 608 pages and if it would have been 408 pages, it would have been 5 stars all the way. The pacing of this one was just off. I also did not like Charlottes character very well, which is more of a personal preference, but she was too vulgar for my liking. The storyline itself was absolutely amazing, the characters are so beautifully developed and intricately woven together. Just that middle part brings it down. The beginning of the book is 5 stars, middle of the book is 3 stars, and ending is 5 stars! If you haven't already read it, go check out We Begin at the End, one of Whitaker's previous books. It was my favorite book that I read in 2022! Whitaker is a talented writer, and I am looking forward to his next book!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Crown Publishing for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Crown Publishing for an ARC in return for my honest review.
June 25, 2024
THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR SO FAR AND TODAY YOU CAN HAVE IT, TOO!!!
apparently some 'jenna' person also likes it if you don't trust ME, an absentee goodreader.
but you should.
trust me, that is.
because i'm right about this one.
apparently some 'jenna' person also likes it if you don't trust ME, an absentee goodreader.
but you should.
trust me, that is.
because i'm right about this one.
June 3, 2024
After reading this book, I am truly speechless. I am struggling to conjure the words to even begin to describe this epic tale.
This story is everything. At its heart, All the Colors of the Dark is a love story about two kids who met in the dark. It's a story about America in the 20th century. It's a story about fate. It's also a story about this beautiful and heartbreaking thing called life.
All the Colors of the Dark is a story centered around:
A pirate,
beekeeper,
serial killer,
artist,
bank robber,
prisoner,
FBI agent,
gallery owner,
bus driver,
and a house.
All the Colors of the Dark is one of the best books I've read recently. Its breathtakingly beautiful and the writing is nothing short of flawless. Chris Whitaker is a brilliant storyteller and All the Colors of the Dark is hands down, one of my favorite books of 2024 (if not the best). Do yourself a favor, and read this book!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Edoardo Ballerini who did a fantastic job and is one of my all-time favorite narrators. I highly recommend this format!
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker will be available on June 25. A massive thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy!
This story is everything. At its heart, All the Colors of the Dark is a love story about two kids who met in the dark. It's a story about America in the 20th century. It's a story about fate. It's also a story about this beautiful and heartbreaking thing called life.
All the Colors of the Dark is a story centered around:
A pirate,
beekeeper,
serial killer,
artist,
bank robber,
prisoner,
FBI agent,
gallery owner,
bus driver,
and a house.
All the Colors of the Dark is one of the best books I've read recently. Its breathtakingly beautiful and the writing is nothing short of flawless. Chris Whitaker is a brilliant storyteller and All the Colors of the Dark is hands down, one of my favorite books of 2024 (if not the best). Do yourself a favor, and read this book!
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Edoardo Ballerini who did a fantastic job and is one of my all-time favorite narrators. I highly recommend this format!
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker will be available on June 25. A massive thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted copy!
January 27, 2024
First, I noticed all the raving reviews. My first thought was that this was going to be an epic read. For me, I did not experience that, unfortunately. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so darn picky.
This story is categorized as a mystery/ thriller. Yes, there is some of that. However, most of this tells like a drama. All The Colors of The Dark is about growing up with friends and family. Hardships in childhood and growing as an adult. How friendships are developed in childhood to only grow apart when life hits you.
Patch and Saint are best friends. Patch is teased for his one eye while Saint stands her ground standing up for her friend. Soon, they learn there are girls missing in town, including one who almost becomes a victim until Patch saves her. I would love to tell you more, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Basically, the hunt is on for the missing girls…. One particular girl becomes the focus.
I found myself bored throughout this. The pacing was off too. There was something that happened about 17% in, and then the story stalled for a very long time. The characters talked in riddles. I don’t know, it just wasn’t my style. I skimmed quite a bit. More than normal.
Most people are raving about this book, so what do I know? Please read the other reviews, many rated it 5 ⭐️.
For me….. it just fell flat. The ending was enjoyable so that is a huge plus. I will say Chris Whitaker is a talented author with a vivid imagination.
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Chris Whitaker for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Publication date June 25, 2024
This story is categorized as a mystery/ thriller. Yes, there is some of that. However, most of this tells like a drama. All The Colors of The Dark is about growing up with friends and family. Hardships in childhood and growing as an adult. How friendships are developed in childhood to only grow apart when life hits you.
Patch and Saint are best friends. Patch is teased for his one eye while Saint stands her ground standing up for her friend. Soon, they learn there are girls missing in town, including one who almost becomes a victim until Patch saves her. I would love to tell you more, but I don’t want to give any spoilers. Basically, the hunt is on for the missing girls…. One particular girl becomes the focus.
I found myself bored throughout this. The pacing was off too. There was something that happened about 17% in, and then the story stalled for a very long time. The characters talked in riddles. I don’t know, it just wasn’t my style. I skimmed quite a bit. More than normal.
Most people are raving about this book, so what do I know? Please read the other reviews, many rated it 5 ⭐️.
For me….. it just fell flat. The ending was enjoyable so that is a huge plus. I will say Chris Whitaker is a talented author with a vivid imagination.
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Chris Whitaker for the opportunity. All opinions are my own.
Publication date June 25, 2024
July 3, 2024
Outlier opinion!
There’s power in the DNF. I’m a huge fan of moving on when a book isn’t a good fit. No book is for everyone and dnf’ing leaves room for books that are.
I usually know fairly quickly when a book isn’t for me. But once in a while I ignore my instincts and power through, especially when I see a lot of glowing reviews.
This was one of the times I fell victim to the hype. This book was most definitely not for me:
* Unrealistic situations. Be prepared to suspend a massive amount of disbelief. It’s fiction, I don’t expect complete realism but this reached my tipping point
* Too long. At 600 pages, 250 could have been cut. I don’t think I would have liked it any better but I would have wasted less time
* The writing style kept me from becoming invested in the characters. This type of writing appeals to many, but not me.
* The characters failed to move me emotionally. Zero emotion, and I’m easily moved and brought to tears. I stopped caring what happened to any of them
* The author jumped around in time with every chapter and there are 261 chapters
* The story is S-L-O-W. It’s not a thriller which is fine. I love a character driven story, I just didn’t love THIS one
* So many pages where nothing of interest happens filled with lots and lots of description
* What some readers call beautiful language, I call overwrought and flowery with many nonsensical sentences
* I have a lot to say about the religious overtones but I’ll refrain
* I couldn’t buy into most of the situations. To list them would involve spoilers but my eyes rolled
* But surely there would be a huge payoff in the end, right? Nope!
What I liked: the author’s last book
Many readers have loved this book, so be sure to check out their reviews.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
There’s power in the DNF. I’m a huge fan of moving on when a book isn’t a good fit. No book is for everyone and dnf’ing leaves room for books that are.
I usually know fairly quickly when a book isn’t for me. But once in a while I ignore my instincts and power through, especially when I see a lot of glowing reviews.
This was one of the times I fell victim to the hype. This book was most definitely not for me:
* Unrealistic situations. Be prepared to suspend a massive amount of disbelief. It’s fiction, I don’t expect complete realism but this reached my tipping point
* Too long. At 600 pages, 250 could have been cut. I don’t think I would have liked it any better but I would have wasted less time
* The writing style kept me from becoming invested in the characters. This type of writing appeals to many, but not me.
* The characters failed to move me emotionally. Zero emotion, and I’m easily moved and brought to tears. I stopped caring what happened to any of them
* The author jumped around in time with every chapter and there are 261 chapters
* The story is S-L-O-W. It’s not a thriller which is fine. I love a character driven story, I just didn’t love THIS one
* So many pages where nothing of interest happens filled with lots and lots of description
* What some readers call beautiful language, I call overwrought and flowery with many nonsensical sentences
* I have a lot to say about the religious overtones but I’ll refrain
* I couldn’t buy into most of the situations. To list them would involve spoilers but my eyes rolled
* But surely there would be a huge payoff in the end, right? Nope!
What I liked: the author’s last book
Many readers have loved this book, so be sure to check out their reviews.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
June 13, 2024
Chris Whitaker first came on my radar when I read We Begin at the End and I was excited when I saw he had another book coming out! All the Colors of the Darkis a gripping book about friendship, trauma, love, obsession, and loss.
Saint and Patch meet and become friends in the mid 1970's in a small town where they are outsiders, far from being popular, but unique and loyal. Patch has only one eye, hence his nickname. Saint is smart, keeps bees, and is devoted to her friend Patch. When Patch saves a local girl, he finds himself in a horrible situation. Saint is despondent without her friend. This incident will shape their lives and their friendship for years to come. Both will see their lives and relationship with each other irrevocably changed. Patch will go on an unrelenting search for the truth while Saint will go on to forge a career.
This was a dark and gritty look at how trauma shapes lives, how hope endures, how friendship changes, how love remains present, and how the search for the truth often leads the seeker down dark paths. This is a BIG book and at times I felt it's length. But that did not affect my enjoyment of it. Chris Whitaker is a gifted writer and he set the stage for this gritty and gripping book. Speaking of this book, it has many things: a mystery, a coming of age, a thriller, and a literary tale. There is search for a serial killer, a story of love, a story of life, and a story of trauma.
The writing is impeccable, the plot is well thought out, and this book evokes emotion.
Atmospheric, mysterious, dark, and gripping.
****Buddy Read with DeAnn. Please read her amazing review as well to see what she thought of All the Colors of the Dark!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Saint and Patch meet and become friends in the mid 1970's in a small town where they are outsiders, far from being popular, but unique and loyal. Patch has only one eye, hence his nickname. Saint is smart, keeps bees, and is devoted to her friend Patch. When Patch saves a local girl, he finds himself in a horrible situation. Saint is despondent without her friend. This incident will shape their lives and their friendship for years to come. Both will see their lives and relationship with each other irrevocably changed. Patch will go on an unrelenting search for the truth while Saint will go on to forge a career.
This was a dark and gritty look at how trauma shapes lives, how hope endures, how friendship changes, how love remains present, and how the search for the truth often leads the seeker down dark paths. This is a BIG book and at times I felt it's length. But that did not affect my enjoyment of it. Chris Whitaker is a gifted writer and he set the stage for this gritty and gripping book. Speaking of this book, it has many things: a mystery, a coming of age, a thriller, and a literary tale. There is search for a serial killer, a story of love, a story of life, and a story of trauma.
The writing is impeccable, the plot is well thought out, and this book evokes emotion.
Atmospheric, mysterious, dark, and gripping.
****Buddy Read with DeAnn. Please read her amazing review as well to see what she thought of All the Colors of the Dark!
Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
June 12, 2024
'Your rainbow connection...Everyone on this earth is placed here for someone else. You follow your dreams and find them, you make a match and nothing else matters'.
'Patch' is a 13 year old, one-eyed pirate and on the morning when his best friend Saint lost her bees, he was kidnapped. This story of friendship seemed doomed to have ended that summer, but really it had only just begun. Over the next 25 years, despite their lives being punctuated by historical world events throughout, there's only one thing that truly matters: Grace. Putting a face to the faceless becomes an obsession, through which we learn people's true colours. We learn of hope and hopelessness; faith and faithlessness; good people who do bad things for good, and the importance of truth, 'he realised people were born whole, and that bad things peeled layers from the person you once were...he knew those layers could sometimes be rebuilt when people loved you. When you loved'.
This book deserves a golden buzzer. It's technically classified as a contemporary, crime/mystery. It is that, but that's an undersell. The lyrical writing and literary nature of the book completely captivate you. After riding an emotional roller coaster for hundreds of pages, you finally reach the top of the final drop, and plunge full force into the wild, thrilling ride to the end.
I could litter this review with scores of poignant quotes, however, to paste them out of context would somehow mar their beauty. You're best to read it yourself. Discover it for yourself. You won't regret it.
'grief is a part of life. It's the unknown that truly ruins us'.
'Patch' is a 13 year old, one-eyed pirate and on the morning when his best friend Saint lost her bees, he was kidnapped. This story of friendship seemed doomed to have ended that summer, but really it had only just begun. Over the next 25 years, despite their lives being punctuated by historical world events throughout, there's only one thing that truly matters: Grace. Putting a face to the faceless becomes an obsession, through which we learn people's true colours. We learn of hope and hopelessness; faith and faithlessness; good people who do bad things for good, and the importance of truth, 'he realised people were born whole, and that bad things peeled layers from the person you once were...he knew those layers could sometimes be rebuilt when people loved you. When you loved'.
This book deserves a golden buzzer. It's technically classified as a contemporary, crime/mystery. It is that, but that's an undersell. The lyrical writing and literary nature of the book completely captivate you. After riding an emotional roller coaster for hundreds of pages, you finally reach the top of the final drop, and plunge full force into the wild, thrilling ride to the end.
I could litter this review with scores of poignant quotes, however, to paste them out of context would somehow mar their beauty. You're best to read it yourself. Discover it for yourself. You won't regret it.
'grief is a part of life. It's the unknown that truly ruins us'.
July 3, 2024
🌟 Top read of 2024 🌟
Summer 1975. When girls in the small town of Monta Claire, Missouri keep disappearing, a town is gripped with fear. Local boy Patch, stumbling upon a kidnapping in progress, forever changes the trajectory of his own life and the lives of everyone around him when he intervenes.
I have no words to properly convey the depth of emotion this book elicited, except to say that it left me literally sobbing. As soon as that final page was turned, I knew this was not only the best book I’ve read this year, but it is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read - if not *the* best.
Right from page one, the author piques our curiosity with equal parts fast moving plot and memorable character introductions. And while, it then takes a bit of a slower pace due to the “world building” necessary for this type of saga, once I was pulled in, I was completely captivated. This book took a hold of my life in a way no other has.
🎧 The audio of this book took it to another stratosphere. I knew I loved narrator Edoardo Ballerini going in, but magic happened as Ballerini made it completely his own, breathing life into this town and these characters. I chose to do an immersive read, both with my eyes and ears, and I think that is the best way to experience this masterpiece.
Read if you like:
• literary thrillers
• coming of age stories
• historical elements
• touching love stories
• slow burn with a big payoff
• gorgeous prose
• thought-provoking reads
Thank you Crown Publishing and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
Summer 1975. When girls in the small town of Monta Claire, Missouri keep disappearing, a town is gripped with fear. Local boy Patch, stumbling upon a kidnapping in progress, forever changes the trajectory of his own life and the lives of everyone around him when he intervenes.
I have no words to properly convey the depth of emotion this book elicited, except to say that it left me literally sobbing. As soon as that final page was turned, I knew this was not only the best book I’ve read this year, but it is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read - if not *the* best.
Right from page one, the author piques our curiosity with equal parts fast moving plot and memorable character introductions. And while, it then takes a bit of a slower pace due to the “world building” necessary for this type of saga, once I was pulled in, I was completely captivated. This book took a hold of my life in a way no other has.
🎧 The audio of this book took it to another stratosphere. I knew I loved narrator Edoardo Ballerini going in, but magic happened as Ballerini made it completely his own, breathing life into this town and these characters. I chose to do an immersive read, both with my eyes and ears, and I think that is the best way to experience this masterpiece.
Read if you like:
• literary thrillers
• coming of age stories
• historical elements
• touching love stories
• slow burn with a big payoff
• gorgeous prose
• thought-provoking reads
Thank you Crown Publishing and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
March 17, 2024
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
Even though I knew Chris Whitaker’s name, I never read one of his books. I feel so ashamed …
When I started reading, I thought of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, the same short chopped-off chapters with a constant threat at the end of each chapter. And even though this book is pitched as a thriller, it’s far more than that, maybe not even a thriller, but more like general fiction, a story about trauma, family, love, and loss, with a much slower pacing and some plot twists.
It’s about a missing boy and mainly about the aftermath, and this book reminded me a lot of Robin Roe’s Dark Room Etiquette, one of my favorite YA stories ever. If you think this one is too long and love YA, I highly recommend you to read Dark Room Etiquette.
All the Colors of the Dark is told from a dual narrative. Thirteen-year-old Patch, the pirate who saves a wealthy classmate from a serial killer and goes missing instead, and his best friend Saint, the beekeeper, who can’t believe Patch would have died and tries everything to find him. Until …
Spanning decades, this novel is quiet and harsh, and at the same time tender, with so many feelings flooding the chapters. Saint’s despair when Patch went missing, her pain when Patch was not the same boy when he came back, and her determination as an adult to help the kid she once knew. Patch’s loneliness and longing to be back at that horrible place. His constant search, going above and beyond, even though others didn’t understand him, didn’t believe him. Two soul mates, forever connected and yet so alone. The last part was stunning, and those last sentences made me cry …
The only reason I’m not rating this book five stars is those 600 pages. I think it could have been tighter written, like fifty or a hundred pages less or so, with the same outcome. But overall, All the Colors of the Dark is a beautifully crafted story and a must read for all of you who love stories about trauma, love and loss.
Thank you, Crown Publishing and NetGalley, for making me acquainted with Chris’ writing! I can’t wait to read more of his books!
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Even though I knew Chris Whitaker’s name, I never read one of his books. I feel so ashamed …
When I started reading, I thought of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, the same short chopped-off chapters with a constant threat at the end of each chapter. And even though this book is pitched as a thriller, it’s far more than that, maybe not even a thriller, but more like general fiction, a story about trauma, family, love, and loss, with a much slower pacing and some plot twists.
It’s about a missing boy and mainly about the aftermath, and this book reminded me a lot of Robin Roe’s Dark Room Etiquette, one of my favorite YA stories ever. If you think this one is too long and love YA, I highly recommend you to read Dark Room Etiquette.
All the Colors of the Dark is told from a dual narrative. Thirteen-year-old Patch, the pirate who saves a wealthy classmate from a serial killer and goes missing instead, and his best friend Saint, the beekeeper, who can’t believe Patch would have died and tries everything to find him. Until …
Spanning decades, this novel is quiet and harsh, and at the same time tender, with so many feelings flooding the chapters. Saint’s despair when Patch went missing, her pain when Patch was not the same boy when he came back, and her determination as an adult to help the kid she once knew. Patch’s loneliness and longing to be back at that horrible place. His constant search, going above and beyond, even though others didn’t understand him, didn’t believe him. Two soul mates, forever connected and yet so alone. The last part was stunning, and those last sentences made me cry …
The only reason I’m not rating this book five stars is those 600 pages. I think it could have been tighter written, like fifty or a hundred pages less or so, with the same outcome. But overall, All the Colors of the Dark is a beautifully crafted story and a must read for all of you who love stories about trauma, love and loss.
Thank you, Crown Publishing and NetGalley, for making me acquainted with Chris’ writing! I can’t wait to read more of his books!
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July 9, 2024
4.5 rounded to 5 for GR! this book deserves the hype!!! 👏🏼 ireally liked this one—it was unique and the characters were some of my fave in awhile, especially my girl Saint 🥹
🎬 already picked up for a tv series!!!
👉🏼 read if you like: genre-bending books, missing persons stories, friendship stories, short chapters
as someone who reads A LOT, i’m always looking for something unique or a book that don’t fit in a specific trope or even one genre. THIS is that book! it has a bit of everything—suspense, romance, thriller, historical fiction-ish, coming of age, family & friendship themes… and honestly the friendship between Patch and Saint gave me majorrrr TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW vibes (and we all know how i feel about that book!!!). the middle pacing and parts of the ending were a bit off for it to be a 5-star for me, but this one is certainly worth the hype. it’s complex yet a pretty quick read for a 600+ pager. somehowevery chapter leaves on a cliffhanger so you want to keep going! it just needed to be 150 pages shorter 😂🤷🏼♀️
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK follows a handful of characters in a small town, all rocked by a horrible serial kidnapper. Saint will stop at nothing to find her friend Patch—but her discoveries will lead down a path for the next 30-years that no one can see coming 👀
this will likely land in most readers’ top 10 books of the year and i can totally see why. Whitaker’s writing is just beautiful—the way he brings a setting and his characters to life 🙌🏼👏🏼🤌🏼 this book will make you feel every emotion and keep second guessing everything so you stay completely invested to figure it all out. it’s hard to believe this is only his second novel! i also enjoyed his first and i’ll continue to pick up his future work.
PS i reaaaaally hope the 🎬 adaptation happens for this one, would be awesome to see it come to life!
🎬 already picked up for a tv series!!!
👉🏼 read if you like: genre-bending books, missing persons stories, friendship stories, short chapters
as someone who reads A LOT, i’m always looking for something unique or a book that don’t fit in a specific trope or even one genre. THIS is that book! it has a bit of everything—suspense, romance, thriller, historical fiction-ish, coming of age, family & friendship themes… and honestly the friendship between Patch and Saint gave me majorrrr TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW vibes (and we all know how i feel about that book!!!). the middle pacing and parts of the ending were a bit off for it to be a 5-star for me, but this one is certainly worth the hype. it’s complex yet a pretty quick read for a 600+ pager. somehowevery chapter leaves on a cliffhanger so you want to keep going! it just needed to be 150 pages shorter 😂🤷🏼♀️
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK follows a handful of characters in a small town, all rocked by a horrible serial kidnapper. Saint will stop at nothing to find her friend Patch—but her discoveries will lead down a path for the next 30-years that no one can see coming 👀
this will likely land in most readers’ top 10 books of the year and i can totally see why. Whitaker’s writing is just beautiful—the way he brings a setting and his characters to life 🙌🏼👏🏼🤌🏼 this book will make you feel every emotion and keep second guessing everything so you stay completely invested to figure it all out. it’s hard to believe this is only his second novel! i also enjoyed his first and i’ll continue to pick up his future work.
PS i reaaaaally hope the 🎬 adaptation happens for this one, would be awesome to see it come to life!
January 25, 2024
This will be one of the Top 2024 Books for sure! This may end up being on my Top Books of All Time. While this is a very long book I don't feel like any words could be missed. It was written in such Chris Whitaker style of so deliberate and so wrought with emotion. The novel covers over 30 years of friendship between two somewhat outcasts who meet when they are quite young. Patch, the young pirate, because he has only one eye helps stop a crime against one of the wealthiest girls in the town and then he disappears.
Patch's best friend is absolute lost without him and sets out to try and find him. What follows is 30 years of searching, discovering, hoping, and praying, guilt, love, anger, despair, and just living. You will feel every single emotion reading this book.
I love how Whitaker closes a chapter with somewhat of a cliff-hanger moment and the next chapter takes several pages to disclose it. It is so smartly written that I honestly did not want this book to end. I tried to savor it and forced myself to stop reading it at times because I wanted this story to go on and on. Take time to read this book and know that at times it may appear a bit disjointed but read the next chapter and the next and the next.
Absolutely one of the best reads ever. Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Whitaker and Crown Publishing for allowing me an ARC and to completely immerse myself in the story of Patch and Saint.
Patch's best friend is absolute lost without him and sets out to try and find him. What follows is 30 years of searching, discovering, hoping, and praying, guilt, love, anger, despair, and just living. You will feel every single emotion reading this book.
I love how Whitaker closes a chapter with somewhat of a cliff-hanger moment and the next chapter takes several pages to disclose it. It is so smartly written that I honestly did not want this book to end. I tried to savor it and forced myself to stop reading it at times because I wanted this story to go on and on. Take time to read this book and know that at times it may appear a bit disjointed but read the next chapter and the next and the next.
Absolutely one of the best reads ever. Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Whitaker and Crown Publishing for allowing me an ARC and to completely immerse myself in the story of Patch and Saint.
October 7, 2023
All The Colours of The Dark is Chris Whitaker's new epic novel which will be published by Orion on 21 May 2024 and I was lucky enough to read an early proof copy.
If you haven't read any of Chris' previous books (Tall Oaks, All The Wicked Girls or We Begin at The End) then firstly - WHY NOT? and secondly you are in for a literary treat.
If you have read Chris' books and loved them as much as I do, then I can confirm that All The Colours of the Dark is another beautifully constructed, heartbreakingly wonderful story set in a small town in the USA and featuring some absolutely incredible and unforgettable characters.
With a whooping 656 pages long, this sweeping saga begins in the small town of Monta Clare. Told through the voices of two young teenage characters, Joseph (Patch) Macauley and his best friend Saint Brown, All The Colours of The Dark is the moving tale of friendship, love, hope and determination when everyone else has given up.
Having met the author several times, I am always amazed how he continues to create these flawed, loveable and inspirational fictional characters and cause such evocative feelings in the reader.
This is a book that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go until the end. I absolutely adored following Patch and Saint's journey from childhood trauma to adulthood. 5 stars.
If you haven't read any of Chris' previous books (Tall Oaks, All The Wicked Girls or We Begin at The End) then firstly - WHY NOT? and secondly you are in for a literary treat.
If you have read Chris' books and loved them as much as I do, then I can confirm that All The Colours of the Dark is another beautifully constructed, heartbreakingly wonderful story set in a small town in the USA and featuring some absolutely incredible and unforgettable characters.
With a whooping 656 pages long, this sweeping saga begins in the small town of Monta Clare. Told through the voices of two young teenage characters, Joseph (Patch) Macauley and his best friend Saint Brown, All The Colours of The Dark is the moving tale of friendship, love, hope and determination when everyone else has given up.
Having met the author several times, I am always amazed how he continues to create these flawed, loveable and inspirational fictional characters and cause such evocative feelings in the reader.
This is a book that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go until the end. I absolutely adored following Patch and Saint's journey from childhood trauma to adulthood. 5 stars.
July 6, 2024
Wow! Run to read this one, and savor every chapter!
June 25, 2024
I’ve been sitting with my review for a few days before landing on an official rating. Unfortunately, this book was 300 pages too long and not enough of a story to carry us through. There were redeeming moments, but overall, it kept stringing me along to have a tied up with a bow ending which honestly was super frustrating.
I hate sagas that take us in circles, are too vague and nuanced that the reader is thrown when “reveals happen,” and has a convoluted last 150 pages when everything shakes out.
The hype for this book was real, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.
I hate sagas that take us in circles, are too vague and nuanced that the reader is thrown when “reveals happen,” and has a convoluted last 150 pages when everything shakes out.
The hype for this book was real, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.
July 8, 2024
I’m going to start this by borrowing the author’s own words and saying to Chris Whitaker . . .
“Can’t you see how beautiful you make tragedy?”
In my house my husband and I often use the turn of phrase “We Got Shawshanked.” If you are familiar with the film The Shawshank Redemption, you most likely have experienced this yourself. It happens less frequently in the time of streaming services, but occasionally we still flip through channels trying to decide on something to watch and run across that movie. Getting Shawshanked starts off innocently enough. You say “oh this is the scene where _____________ happens – I’ll just watch for a minute.” Then two hours later you realize you completely lost time and ended up watching the entire movie.
That’s what happened with this book. I went in completely blind and I’m not going to provide a summary of any sort to anyone reading this, so go to other reviews and risk being spoiled if you dare. I loved both We Begin at the End and Tall Oaks so when I saw this author had a new release I put my name on the library waiting list. Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for Whitaker and his book sales), it was after Jenna already made it her “Read With” selection so I was about eleventy-seven down the list. Luckily I have a great library system who acquired a trillion more copies of this so my wait was nearly non-existent. Then I realized it was 600 pages long – and if you know me you know I will die on the hill that 350 pages is the magic maximum number for nearly everything out there. But I dove in anyway . . . and then it was midnight, I turned the final page and found myself 100% in a bookhangover and mourning the loss of all of my new best friends.
Not only was this an exception to my “ugh this has too many pages” rule, it was an exception to nearly alllll of my personal tics. I loved the multiple viewpoints, I loved jumping from location to location, I loved the cobwebby storylines that eventually came together, I effing LOOOOOVED the youngsters (and that’s only happened like twice this year), I loved the descriptive prose when it was utilized. Everything. I loved everything about this book. I made half a gazillion notes and highlights, but I still have a feeling that should anyone question me about nuanced plot points or any other details in a week I’ll still be like . . .
All I know is I loved it and I think everyone should read it. Every Star.
And a final note to Chris Whitaker: Take as long as you need to write if you keep writing like this. We’ll be here waiting.
July 6, 2024
“All the Colors of the Dark”, by Chris Whitaker
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yes, I’m the outlier or just (for now) a frustrated reader.
I was so looking forward to reading this book, after all I absolutely loved “We Begin At The End”. I even preordered a hardcover edition!
I do praise the writing, and I loved the interaction between Patch & Saint, but the development of the storyline did not work for me.
The whole time I was waiting for a redemption point, but it wasn’t until the end.
The chapters are too short. It breaks the pacing for me.
Some don’t even fill up a page. Some felt incomplete or like a gathering of ideas.
The whole book (hardcover edition) contains 608 pages (140k words), divided into 261 chapters. I kind of felt cheated with the large margins and empty spaces.
And I couldn’t feel any attachment whatsoever to the characters (well, perhaps except during two or three chapters).
The author said it took him 4 years to finish this book. I think he lost some focus (or a lot of pages) during the process.
Anyways… I really wished I could recommend this book to my friends, but it’s not a work that I consider “a must read”. Honestly.
But never mind, there are plenty of 5 stars. Even my favourite reviewers praised this book.
PS. I’m willing to re-read it next month, just to make sure I have not missed anything, and if needed I will amend this review, but for now I’m leaving my first impression.
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yes, I’m the outlier or just (for now) a frustrated reader.
I was so looking forward to reading this book, after all I absolutely loved “We Begin At The End”. I even preordered a hardcover edition!
I do praise the writing, and I loved the interaction between Patch & Saint, but the development of the storyline did not work for me.
The whole time I was waiting for a redemption point, but it wasn’t until the end.
The chapters are too short. It breaks the pacing for me.
Some don’t even fill up a page. Some felt incomplete or like a gathering of ideas.
The whole book (hardcover edition) contains 608 pages (140k words), divided into 261 chapters. I kind of felt cheated with the large margins and empty spaces.
And I couldn’t feel any attachment whatsoever to the characters (well, perhaps except during two or three chapters).
The author said it took him 4 years to finish this book. I think he lost some focus (or a lot of pages) during the process.
Anyways… I really wished I could recommend this book to my friends, but it’s not a work that I consider “a must read”. Honestly.
But never mind, there are plenty of 5 stars. Even my favourite reviewers praised this book.
PS. I’m willing to re-read it next month, just to make sure I have not missed anything, and if needed I will amend this review, but for now I’m leaving my first impression.
July 2, 2024
What a slogfest! Too long, too wordy, too many confusing happenings!
Sorry to say but this book was many things I just don't like. Too many characters going by different names, too long clocking in at over six hundred pages, too convoluted with lot of grass hopping from one time period to another, and dull.
I loved Chris Whitaker's last book, certainly deserving of it five star status, so I was very disappointed in this current story.
My advice would be keep it simple, make it shorter, and try not to confuse the reader. I even switched from the printed kindle copy to the audio version thinking that would help, but no such luck.
Thank you to Chris Whitaker, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this story.
Sorry to say but this book was many things I just don't like. Too many characters going by different names, too long clocking in at over six hundred pages, too convoluted with lot of grass hopping from one time period to another, and dull.
I loved Chris Whitaker's last book, certainly deserving of it five star status, so I was very disappointed in this current story.
My advice would be keep it simple, make it shorter, and try not to confuse the reader. I even switched from the printed kindle copy to the audio version thinking that would help, but no such luck.
Thank you to Chris Whitaker, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for a copy of this story.
July 1, 2024
Chris Whitaker is a new author for me. I chose to read this because it sounded like a good mystery with an unlikely hero - and I always like an unlikely hero.
Description:
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
My Thoughts:
I'm so glad I picked this one up as I loved it so much I gave it five stars! This became a lifelong journey for Patch after he was taken as a child after stepping in an saving a girl form harm. While he was captive he befriended a girl who was there and kept with him most of the time. Though he never saw her face he remembered everything about her and had an image in his head abut what she looked like, where she had lived, and her memories of travels. Once he was freed he began his frustrating, seemingly impossible search for her. He wanted to find her whether she was alive or dead. I could not put the book down and stayed glued to the pages. Action-packed and totally captivating. Any mystery lover will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Crown Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
My Thoughts:
I'm so glad I picked this one up as I loved it so much I gave it five stars! This became a lifelong journey for Patch after he was taken as a child after stepping in an saving a girl form harm. While he was captive he befriended a girl who was there and kept with him most of the time. Though he never saw her face he remembered everything about her and had an image in his head abut what she looked like, where she had lived, and her memories of travels. Once he was freed he began his frustrating, seemingly impossible search for her. He wanted to find her whether she was alive or dead. I could not put the book down and stayed glued to the pages. Action-packed and totally captivating. Any mystery lover will enjoy this one.
Thanks to Crown Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
June 26, 2024
When Teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley is kidnapped his best friend Saint Brown makes it her mission to find him. Long after the authorities have given up Saint relentlessly looks for clues.
All the Colours of the Dark is a compelling crime read. I loved the short chapters that kept the story moving along at a fast pace and the 500+ pages flew by in no time.
The story starts with the abduction of a young teen and soon turns into a fast-paced mystery thriller that had me totally captivated.
A small town setting, flawed nuanced characters, lyrical prose and perfect imagery make All the Colours of the Dark an immersive and emotional read that spans almost three decades.
All the Colours of the Dark is an epic love story that will change the lives of two people forever, steering them towards an unknown destiny filled with heartache and despair.
All the Colours of the Dark is a compelling crime read. I loved the short chapters that kept the story moving along at a fast pace and the 500+ pages flew by in no time.
The story starts with the abduction of a young teen and soon turns into a fast-paced mystery thriller that had me totally captivated.
A small town setting, flawed nuanced characters, lyrical prose and perfect imagery make All the Colours of the Dark an immersive and emotional read that spans almost three decades.
All the Colours of the Dark is an epic love story that will change the lives of two people forever, steering them towards an unknown destiny filled with heartache and despair.
July 7, 2024
I’ve never read a more beautiful story.
This was heartbreaking, shocking, and full of hope. When I first picked up this book and saw 261 chapters, I hesitated at the commitment I was going to have to make to finish it. But, with short chapters and the most unique story I’ve ever read, I could not put this book down.
I absolutely loved Patch and Saint’s friendship. Watching their friendship grow from troubled kids to even more troubled adults, and how through it all they always were there for each other was incredible.
This book had a serial killer, missing girls, coming of age, love, some funny commentary, heartbreaking losses and honestly just something for everyone. There’s a reason why this book has an almost 5⭐️ rating on Goodreads. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
This was heartbreaking, shocking, and full of hope. When I first picked up this book and saw 261 chapters, I hesitated at the commitment I was going to have to make to finish it. But, with short chapters and the most unique story I’ve ever read, I could not put this book down.
I absolutely loved Patch and Saint’s friendship. Watching their friendship grow from troubled kids to even more troubled adults, and how through it all they always were there for each other was incredible.
This book had a serial killer, missing girls, coming of age, love, some funny commentary, heartbreaking losses and honestly just something for everyone. There’s a reason why this book has an almost 5⭐️ rating on Goodreads. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
July 3, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This will be my 2024 book of the year. 🥇
I can try and describe how absolutely brilliant this book is but words will not come close to giving it its due credit.
Read this book. It is a masterpiece. 🖼️ Truly!
This will be my 2024 book of the year. 🥇
I can try and describe how absolutely brilliant this book is but words will not come close to giving it its due credit.
Read this book. It is a masterpiece. 🖼️ Truly!
September 2, 2023
I loved this book and the story it tells - it is epic in every sense, and beautiful and charming and moving and bloody clever and you just have to read it. It charts two people’s lives and the lives of the small town over the course of 26 years – starting in 1975 we are introduced to our two main characters Saint Brown and her best friend Joseph “Patch” Macauley. They are both lonely misfit teenagers in Missouri town of Monta Clare. Joseph is called Patch because he was born with only one eye and wears a patch to cover the empty socket – his mother has tried to convince him that this makes him a pirate and therefore cool but it doesn’t really work. Saint lives with her grandmother after her parents died and is a tom boy who likes to keep bees.
The writing is taut and lyrical, only using one or two words where a different author would use twenty – you learn from the context and I enjoyed the unfamiliar words describing the flora and fauna of the wilds of the Ozarks.
Fairly early on Joseph intervenes with a man attacking a teenage girl, Misty and in doing so allows her to escape but he is captured instead. He is held in a dark basement for months – whilst Saint, the police and the whole town search for him. He meets a girl, Grace in the basement that keeps him safe from his abductor. She is more wordly than Patch and has travelled and read extensively. She shows and teach him about other places far away from the basement and further than Monta Clare. She talks about painting her memories for him. Eventually Patch is rescued but the abductor escapes and then we learn how this one incident will shape the rest of their lives and the echoes will reverberate throughout the decades.
I don’t want to tell you any more about the story because I think this is something you should find out for yourself. But it’s one of heartbreak and losing yourself in your own story. It is beautifully written throughout and the short chapters (most only two pages) keep the pace cracking on relentlessly. The characters are all beautifully drawn – Chris brings complexity and light and shade to all of his characters – you feel everybody has lived a life and has their own stories to tell.
Is it one book or four or five? The blend of archetypes are a coming of age, high school, romance, with a police procedural/small town/domestic thriller, with a prison movie (think Shawshank), spruced up with a road movie/heist, there’s even a part about art and painting – it’s got something for everything. In scope it feels like the TV series True Detective which I love – it wouldn’t surprise me if the producers bought this and turned it into series 5. It’s a love letter to America and full of detail and nuance – you feel like you are embraced in the small town life and then the highways and byways, the National Parks and the big cities, the high life to the low life.
Part of me feels that this is a modern fairy-tale – there are elements of Hansel and Gretel in the boy and girl in the woods, Sleeping Beauty in his search for the lost princess, how the characters you meet and help along the way come together to save you in the end, and maybe even a touch of Rumpelstiltskin.
If you loved We Begin at the End and wanted more Duchess then you’re going to love this one – if you wanted to be Duchess last time – then you’ll want to be a pirate this time.
The writing is taut and lyrical, only using one or two words where a different author would use twenty – you learn from the context and I enjoyed the unfamiliar words describing the flora and fauna of the wilds of the Ozarks.
Fairly early on Joseph intervenes with a man attacking a teenage girl, Misty and in doing so allows her to escape but he is captured instead. He is held in a dark basement for months – whilst Saint, the police and the whole town search for him. He meets a girl, Grace in the basement that keeps him safe from his abductor. She is more wordly than Patch and has travelled and read extensively. She shows and teach him about other places far away from the basement and further than Monta Clare. She talks about painting her memories for him. Eventually Patch is rescued but the abductor escapes and then we learn how this one incident will shape the rest of their lives and the echoes will reverberate throughout the decades.
I don’t want to tell you any more about the story because I think this is something you should find out for yourself. But it’s one of heartbreak and losing yourself in your own story. It is beautifully written throughout and the short chapters (most only two pages) keep the pace cracking on relentlessly. The characters are all beautifully drawn – Chris brings complexity and light and shade to all of his characters – you feel everybody has lived a life and has their own stories to tell.
Is it one book or four or five? The blend of archetypes are a coming of age, high school, romance, with a police procedural/small town/domestic thriller, with a prison movie (think Shawshank), spruced up with a road movie/heist, there’s even a part about art and painting – it’s got something for everything. In scope it feels like the TV series True Detective which I love – it wouldn’t surprise me if the producers bought this and turned it into series 5. It’s a love letter to America and full of detail and nuance – you feel like you are embraced in the small town life and then the highways and byways, the National Parks and the big cities, the high life to the low life.
Part of me feels that this is a modern fairy-tale – there are elements of Hansel and Gretel in the boy and girl in the woods, Sleeping Beauty in his search for the lost princess, how the characters you meet and help along the way come together to save you in the end, and maybe even a touch of Rumpelstiltskin.
If you loved We Begin at the End and wanted more Duchess then you’re going to love this one – if you wanted to be Duchess last time – then you’ll want to be a pirate this time.
May 4, 2024
I can’t remember a time I wrote a book review for a title 2 months in advance. I usually prefer to wait until pub day because I feel like that makes more of an impact for the author because it’s fresh in minds of book buyers and they have the ability to go out, purchase the book and then read said book. I’m putting this review out now, because I want to capture my emotional response since it’s all fresh in my mind.
If you’ve seen my comments or stories on this book, you know that it’s:
a) long
b) has the shortest chapters in the world
c) just like We Begin At The End
If you liked/loved WBATE, I can pretty much guarantee you will like/love ATCOTD. You get to certain parts of the story and you think how is there x amount of pages left? How is he going to make this work? But he does. He really, really does. I don’t know if I can think of an author who writes character relationships the way Chris Whitaker does. Particularly, children and adults. With this epic story (and it is EPIC - spanning decades), it takes what he did with WBATE and enhances it. There are more characters and with that more of everything he does so very, very well. My jaw dropped a number of times. He is a genius at revealing something you thought was going one way and it went another. And it has such DEEP, emotional impact.
It’s really, really rare for me to say this, but I feel like going back to the beginning and reading it all over again and pick up on what I missed. I say ‘miss’ because those reveals come with some deliberate vagueness beforehand. I also want to go back and re-read it to highlight the many, many impactful quotes about life, love, and heartbreak that fill this story. I just couldn’t be bothered to the first go round because I wanted to absorb the plot.
In closing, it isn’t a perfect book, but I stand by my 5⭐️. It will require some patience for certain readers…but the payoff is huge. It truly, truly is. And the last lines…make me want to cry even now. Bravo Mr. Whitaker. 👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you to Crown Publishing and Netgalley for the print and digital advanced review copies in exchange for an honest review.
If you’ve seen my comments or stories on this book, you know that it’s:
a) long
b) has the shortest chapters in the world
c) just like We Begin At The End
If you liked/loved WBATE, I can pretty much guarantee you will like/love ATCOTD. You get to certain parts of the story and you think how is there x amount of pages left? How is he going to make this work? But he does. He really, really does. I don’t know if I can think of an author who writes character relationships the way Chris Whitaker does. Particularly, children and adults. With this epic story (and it is EPIC - spanning decades), it takes what he did with WBATE and enhances it. There are more characters and with that more of everything he does so very, very well. My jaw dropped a number of times. He is a genius at revealing something you thought was going one way and it went another. And it has such DEEP, emotional impact.
It’s really, really rare for me to say this, but I feel like going back to the beginning and reading it all over again and pick up on what I missed. I say ‘miss’ because those reveals come with some deliberate vagueness beforehand. I also want to go back and re-read it to highlight the many, many impactful quotes about life, love, and heartbreak that fill this story. I just couldn’t be bothered to the first go round because I wanted to absorb the plot.
In closing, it isn’t a perfect book, but I stand by my 5⭐️. It will require some patience for certain readers…but the payoff is huge. It truly, truly is. And the last lines…make me want to cry even now. Bravo Mr. Whitaker. 👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you to Crown Publishing and Netgalley for the print and digital advanced review copies in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2024
One of the most incredible books I’ve ever read.
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