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All the Colors of the Dark
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2024)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
48.1k people are currently reading
453k people want to read
About the author
Chris Whitaker
8 books5,970 followersChris Whitaker is the author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling All The Colours Of The Dark. His other acclaimed and bestselling novels include We Begin At The End, Tall Oaks, and All The Wicked Girls.
Chris’s novels have been translated into thirty-one languages and have won the CWA Gold Dagger, the CWA John Creasey Dagger, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers.
All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures.
Chris was born in London and lives in the UK.
Follow him on Instagram @chriswhitakerauthor
And on X @WhittyAuthor
Chris’s novels have been translated into thirty-one languages and have won the CWA Gold Dagger, the CWA John Creasey Dagger, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers.
All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures.
Chris was born in London and lives in the UK.
Follow him on Instagram @chriswhitakerauthor
And on X @WhittyAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33,780 reviews
February 4, 2025
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 slooooowwwwww 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 mystery-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 a 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.
[Editing to Clarify: The age complaint is not valid anymore. Evidently, it is mentioned right at the start of this 600-page long journey. I missed it! If you too are in the same boat, know that Patch, Saint, and Misty all are thirteen at the start of the story. Thanks to those who helped with this info in the comments!]
😕 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 mystery-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 a 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.
[Editing to Clarify: The age complaint is not valid anymore. Evidently, it is mentioned right at the start of this 600-page long journey. I missed it! If you too are in the same boat, know that Patch, Saint, and Misty all are thirteen at the start of the story. Thanks to those who helped with this info in the comments!]
😕 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 ||
March 6, 2025
Umm...
Did I read the same book as everyone else?
This one took me FOREVER, and I just kept reading, hoping some brilliance would pop up so that I could forgive all of the bad that came before. That never happened. In fact, the end of the book made me so angry that I even bothered to finish.
To begin, my dude needs an editor. Immediately. This book could have been half the length, easily. The entire middle was full of a muddled, messy, confusing, meandering path full of "clues" that were nonsensical and never amounted to anything other than the ramblings of a girl who may or may not be a figment of the main character's imagination. The entire "mystery" of the book (is Grace real?) is strung out the entire time, and then, at the end..does not matter.
I could probably rant for days about how the overwrought, pretentious sentence fragments scattered throughout the book often made no damn sense.
I have degrees in English and Literacy. I teach Language Arts. I genuinely had to look up the rules on prepositional phrases because I felt like some monumental shift that I was unaware of must have taken place (nope).
So many "sentences" did not even meet the most basic grammatical standards (subject verb object, anyone?). I got so mad about this that I started asking anyone around me to read specific lines and make sense of them. Spoiler alert: they couldn't.This one sentence made me so irritated that I almost rage quit:
"Patch sought a stream that shone like polished glass shattered over rocks that humped from the bed so sandpipers had a spot to fish from."
What does that even mean?!
Verb tenses shifted incomprehensibly. Chapters began with only pronouns and no names, which meant that I had to constantly seek out clues as to who I was reading about at any given time. The ONLY thing that made me feel better about being grammatically gaslit through the entire book was the author's endnote, in which he admits that he is terrible at grammar *dramatic inhale.*
All that aside, the story itself is just... a mess. It has too many moving parts. There are too many characters, too many pieces that I was supposed to care about, but I just did not. The story felt cheesy, ridiculous, over the top, and honestly, kind of derivative of a lot of better stories. It reminded me of Stand by Me mixed with The Notebook mixed with The Shawshank Redemption. Doesn't that sound crazy? Good. Now, throw in some pirates and abortion/adoption stories for extra fun, and you have this book that tops countless best-of-2024 lists, and that made me feel incomprehensible amounts of literary rage. 🙃
Did I read the same book as everyone else?
This one took me FOREVER, and I just kept reading, hoping some brilliance would pop up so that I could forgive all of the bad that came before. That never happened. In fact, the end of the book made me so angry that I even bothered to finish.
To begin, my dude needs an editor. Immediately. This book could have been half the length, easily. The entire middle was full of a muddled, messy, confusing, meandering path full of "clues" that were nonsensical and never amounted to anything other than the ramblings of a girl who may or may not be a figment of the main character's imagination. The entire "mystery" of the book (is Grace real?) is strung out the entire time, and then, at the end..does not matter.
I could probably rant for days about how the overwrought, pretentious sentence fragments scattered throughout the book often made no damn sense.
I have degrees in English and Literacy. I teach Language Arts. I genuinely had to look up the rules on prepositional phrases because I felt like some monumental shift that I was unaware of must have taken place (nope).
So many "sentences" did not even meet the most basic grammatical standards (subject verb object, anyone?). I got so mad about this that I started asking anyone around me to read specific lines and make sense of them. Spoiler alert: they couldn't.This one sentence made me so irritated that I almost rage quit:
"Patch sought a stream that shone like polished glass shattered over rocks that humped from the bed so sandpipers had a spot to fish from."
What does that even mean?!
Verb tenses shifted incomprehensibly. Chapters began with only pronouns and no names, which meant that I had to constantly seek out clues as to who I was reading about at any given time. The ONLY thing that made me feel better about being grammatically gaslit through the entire book was the author's endnote, in which he admits that he is terrible at grammar *dramatic inhale.*
All that aside, the story itself is just... a mess. It has too many moving parts. There are too many characters, too many pieces that I was supposed to care about, but I just did not. The story felt cheesy, ridiculous, over the top, and honestly, kind of derivative of a lot of better stories. It reminded me of Stand by Me mixed with The Notebook mixed with The Shawshank Redemption. Doesn't that sound crazy? Good. Now, throw in some pirates and abortion/adoption stories for extra fun, and you have this book that tops countless best-of-2024 lists, and that made me feel incomprehensible amounts of literary rage. 🙃
November 27, 2024
One of the best books I've read in a long time.
It’s hard to know what to say about this book because it’s about so many things, but I knew hardly anything about it going in. I can rehash the blurb-- that it's a mystery/thriller spanning several decades --but that tells you nothing about why this book is so powerful. It doesn’t tell you all the little things that make it: the strength of the characters, the humour to offer light through the dark themes, the many surprises waiting to be uncovered.
All the Colors of the Dark is a story of trauma and obsession. The blurb mentions a love story, but the truth is this book contains several love stories, not all of them romantic. It is one of those books where I read it desperate to find out the truth, searching for closure with a need to know, and absolutely afraid of what I’d find.
The characters are truly well-drawn and memorable. Not just the protagonists, but all the side characters too.
And it just has so much to say. We follow these complex characters through their lives as they chase answers to a mystery that seems to get colder by the day, but alongside this are powerful stories of love, friendship and loyalty. I cared so very much.
Plus, I recently complained about thrillers that rest on ludicrous twists and this book was a perfect example of how to get it right. It contains the kind of twists and turns I love. Not some ridiculous “oh that character is actually this character and that man you thought was long-dead is actually your new mother-in-law” but thoughtful, layered discoveries. Finding out what happened in this book is a gradual peeling away of layers.
Also, I feel like authors who write lovely short chapters like this are angels.
The book contains lots of dark themes that won't be suitable for everyone, including domestic and sexual abuse, and references to abortion, but there's plenty of colour in the dark (I'm so sorry, I just can't help myself.)
So did I love this book? Entirely and absolutely.
It’s hard to know what to say about this book because it’s about so many things, but I knew hardly anything about it going in. I can rehash the blurb-- that it's a mystery/thriller spanning several decades --but that tells you nothing about why this book is so powerful. It doesn’t tell you all the little things that make it: the strength of the characters, the humour to offer light through the dark themes, the many surprises waiting to be uncovered.
All the Colors of the Dark is a story of trauma and obsession. The blurb mentions a love story, but the truth is this book contains several love stories, not all of them romantic. It is one of those books where I read it desperate to find out the truth, searching for closure with a need to know, and absolutely afraid of what I’d find.
The characters are truly well-drawn and memorable. Not just the protagonists, but all the side characters too.
And it just has so much to say. We follow these complex characters through their lives as they chase answers to a mystery that seems to get colder by the day, but alongside this are powerful stories of love, friendship and loyalty. I cared so very much.
Plus, I recently complained about thrillers that rest on ludicrous twists and this book was a perfect example of how to get it right. It contains the kind of twists and turns I love. Not some ridiculous “oh that character is actually this character and that man you thought was long-dead is actually your new mother-in-law” but thoughtful, layered discoveries. Finding out what happened in this book is a gradual peeling away of layers.
Also, I feel like authors who write lovely short chapters like this are angels.
The book contains lots of dark themes that won't be suitable for everyone, including domestic and sexual abuse, and references to abortion, but there's plenty of colour in the dark (I'm so sorry, I just can't help myself.)
So did I love this book? Entirely and absolutely.
May 24, 2024
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
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.
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.
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
July 14, 2024
Pretentiously written and completely unrealistic. Dialogue between the two captured 13- year olds was unbelievably intellectual and adult. The plot was nonsensical - Tooms would rather be arrested for murder and face the death sentence than admit he was assisting with abortions and so betray the trust of those girls he helped? Whaaat? Particularly when he must’ve noticed that those girls were being picked off by a serial killer- so if he had told the truth they would’ve caught the serial killer way earlier- he would rather keep the girls’ abortions secret than catch the serial killer THAT WAS KILLING THEM? I was rolling my eyes. Saint’s obsession with Patch, and Patch’s obsession with Grace…. I call b*sh*t. What 13 year old is capable of an all-consuming lifelong obsession with one person that literally dominates their every thought for the next 14+ years? It just doesn’t happen. I don’t know why people love this book. The writing was overlong and pretentious and often didn’t even make sense. Feel like I’m a complete outsider here but I’m happy to be tbh. Just rubbish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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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October 10, 2024
One of the best books I've read this year.
October 30, 2024
This book!!! Oh my gosh. Really went into this one blind and immediately fell in love with the writing style. Very descriptive, so I don't think it will be for everyone. I'm sad it's over 😭
March 27, 2025
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.
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September 10, 2024
CW is a very evocative writer. his ability to develop characters, portray their struggles, define their dreams, and breathe life into them is truly top-notch. his books are the kind where, even if you forget what happened, you will always remember how the story made you feel when you read it.
and, with this particular novel, my main feeling is saint deserved so much better. and maybe thats just me wanting the perfect life for her, but CW isnt known for writing happy ever afters, so i guess i shouldnt take it so personally. i just wish the relationship between saint and patch had been different. and, because things dont work out how i wanted them to, i cant help but feel a bit disappointed with this story.
but, from an objective point of view, this is an excellent example of the remarkable lengths a character-driven novel can go.
↠ 3.5 stars
and, with this particular novel, my main feeling is saint deserved so much better. and maybe thats just me wanting the perfect life for her, but CW isnt known for writing happy ever afters, so i guess i shouldnt take it so personally. i just wish the relationship between saint and patch had been different. and, because things dont work out how i wanted them to, i cant help but feel a bit disappointed with this story.
but, from an objective point of view, this is an excellent example of the remarkable lengths a character-driven novel can go.
↠ 3.5 stars
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.
September 4, 2024
Slow, and very character driven, but SO SO good
July 14, 2024
I’m the one who needs an eyepatch - my eyes rolled so hard they fell out. I can suspend belief but COME ON.
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 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.
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 23, 2024
I’ve seen an array of reviews for this one: Yay, nay, meh.
A town is turned upside down when Patch, a 13 year old boy, saves a girl from being kidnapped, and instead he is taken. Some lives move forward; others remain rooted. A tragic event that cuts deeps and fractures relationships. A tragedy that becomes all consuming as a means of survival. For decades.
Whittaker takes us through a labyrinth of loss, grief, fear, powerlessness, hope and of lasting friendships and love that see us through our darkest days in the most vivid and vibrant colours.
My take: an overwhelming YAY and a bow to this talented author.
5⭐️
A town is turned upside down when Patch, a 13 year old boy, saves a girl from being kidnapped, and instead he is taken. Some lives move forward; others remain rooted. A tragic event that cuts deeps and fractures relationships. A tragedy that becomes all consuming as a means of survival. For decades.
Whittaker takes us through a labyrinth of loss, grief, fear, powerlessness, hope and of lasting friendships and love that see us through our darkest days in the most vivid and vibrant colours.
My take: an overwhelming YAY and a bow to this talented author.
5⭐️
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.
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 31, 2024
I didn't just dislike it. I came to loathe it in a curling wave by about a quarter of the way in — but there were plenty of warning signs I would hate it before that.
I don't know what everyone is going on about with the beautiful writing. Read some Irish writers, people — this ain't it. It is the most twee, saccharine writing I've slogged through in years, and that's saying something because I've borne with some turgid stuff and still not been driven to the madman's paradise of Goodreads reviews. If you enjoyed the simpering platitudes and folksy pseudo-wisdom of Forrest Gump, you are going to love this. All kinds of characters ready to say, 'I'll tell you what I think, Saint..', or 'Well, if there's one thing I've learned...' followed by something destined to be written in cursive on a piece of reclaimed driftwood in your next AirBnB. Absolutely no neighbor you have (much less the ones under 85 years old) talks like this; if they did, you'd only walk to the mailbox at night.
Platitudes and drivel, not to mention preachy religious overtones that felt unwarranted, unearned, and unwelcome. Dude, read some Asian writers like Ha Jin and learn how to step out of your story instead of pontificating through your cartoon characters.
Yeah I hated this book.
I don't know what everyone is going on about with the beautiful writing. Read some Irish writers, people — this ain't it. It is the most twee, saccharine writing I've slogged through in years, and that's saying something because I've borne with some turgid stuff and still not been driven to the madman's paradise of Goodreads reviews. If you enjoyed the simpering platitudes and folksy pseudo-wisdom of Forrest Gump, you are going to love this. All kinds of characters ready to say, 'I'll tell you what I think, Saint..', or 'Well, if there's one thing I've learned...' followed by something destined to be written in cursive on a piece of reclaimed driftwood in your next AirBnB. Absolutely no neighbor you have (much less the ones under 85 years old) talks like this; if they did, you'd only walk to the mailbox at night.
Platitudes and drivel, not to mention preachy religious overtones that felt unwarranted, unearned, and unwelcome. Dude, read some Asian writers like Ha Jin and learn how to step out of your story instead of pontificating through your cartoon characters.
Yeah I hated this book.
December 16, 2024
There are not many books out there that takes your heart and squishes it so hard you’re afraid it won’t beat again. This one sent me to dark places and all the colors inside the darkest corners. Some parts were incredible hard to read, because the uncertainly and pain became mine. It was impossible to not be affected by the evil and goodness that existed, together with all the complexity that humans have. It was also a heart wrenching look at deep pain and cruelty that scared me: we are so blind to what could happen to all of us. It also perfectly illustrated the length one can go to for what feels right and can’t be left behind. There are so many reasons to read it; and I hope you do
July 8, 2024
This was a DNF for me after being 60% in. I need help understanding the praise and high reviews for this novel. This book could have been cut 250 pages or more. I couldn't connect with the characters or follow the story after a certain point. Patch's obsession with Grace felt off and weird more than true love, or what have you? The chapters were so short, and it didn't make sense why they were that way. The author should have had much better guidance with editing. I'm sorry I fell victim to the hype when I could have been reading something much more engaging.
January 2, 2025
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.
July 12, 2024
There are many things I can say that Whitaker does well but mostly it's his ability to emotionally destroy me. 😭
This is the story of Patch, a 13 year old boy who believes he's a pirate due to his missing eye, and Saint a lonely girl in his class that he befriends. The two of their lives intertwine in so many ways that it will take decades to untangle.
This epic 600+ page book that spans decades is nothing short of magnificent. I won't speak of the plot because it is so intricate, so emotionally compelling, so nuanced that I will only sound like a blubbering idiot in the wake of Whitakers brilliance. This man is so talented that I am truly in awe and so very grateful to be able to savor the words he puts on the page. It's books like this that remind me why I love reading so much. When an author can reach into the very depths of your soul leaving you breathless.
This book is painful. It will make you ache.
I admit it will take me a bit to put the pieces of my heart back together again but it was worth every minute of destruction.
Every single one of these characters touched me in ways I could have never imagined and I will never forget them. Highest recommendation. ALL. THE. DAZZLING. STARS.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for my complimentary copy.
This is the story of Patch, a 13 year old boy who believes he's a pirate due to his missing eye, and Saint a lonely girl in his class that he befriends. The two of their lives intertwine in so many ways that it will take decades to untangle.
This epic 600+ page book that spans decades is nothing short of magnificent. I won't speak of the plot because it is so intricate, so emotionally compelling, so nuanced that I will only sound like a blubbering idiot in the wake of Whitakers brilliance. This man is so talented that I am truly in awe and so very grateful to be able to savor the words he puts on the page. It's books like this that remind me why I love reading so much. When an author can reach into the very depths of your soul leaving you breathless.
This book is painful. It will make you ache.
I admit it will take me a bit to put the pieces of my heart back together again but it was worth every minute of destruction.
Every single one of these characters touched me in ways I could have never imagined and I will never forget them. Highest recommendation. ALL. THE. DAZZLING. STARS.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for my complimentary copy.
January 29, 2025
3.5 stars - I listened to this one on audio. The first time I got to chapter 43 and had to start it over because I didn’t know what was going on. When I restarted, I liked it but it definitely took me entirely too long to get into.
I feel as though this plot would play out much better as a tv show or movie.
I feel as though this plot would play out much better as a tv show or movie.
February 8, 2025
Fantastic read! Full RTC shortly
This book keeps calling me lol… I’m just going to satisfy this urge and read this between my other books. 🙏
💜Missing Person Mystery
❤️Epic Love Story
💜Coming of Age
❤️Grief x Trauma
💜Power of Dedication and Obsession
❤️Triumph x Tragedy
💜Hope
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
This book keeps calling me lol… I’m just going to satisfy this urge and read this between my other books. 🙏
💜Missing Person Mystery
❤️Epic Love Story
💜Coming of Age
❤️Grief x Trauma
💜Power of Dedication and Obsession
❤️Triumph x Tragedy
💜Hope
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
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!
July 25, 2024
Clearly I am an outlier on this one, and I am honestly mystified by the high rating this book has. Rarely has anything so dull and uninspiring come to print.
Boy saves girl from serial killer. Boy is caught and during his capture, cared for in the dark by a mysterious girl until his best friend saves him. The saved girl becomes his girlfriend although he doesn’t really love her and is obsessed with mystery girl. Best friend loves him and becomes a cop so that she can look for mystery girl and serial killer.
This is not a traditional crime novel and is about as far from a thriller as you can get. There is no forward tension despite the short chapters. The story arc moves in erratic fits and starts. I spent two thirds of this book wishing I was doing something else. For a little while in the middle I almost enjoyed myself, before that feeling petered out never to return.
Boy saves girl from serial killer. Boy is caught and during his capture, cared for in the dark by a mysterious girl until his best friend saves him. The saved girl becomes his girlfriend although he doesn’t really love her and is obsessed with mystery girl. Best friend loves him and becomes a cop so that she can look for mystery girl and serial killer.
This is not a traditional crime novel and is about as far from a thriller as you can get. There is no forward tension despite the short chapters. The story arc moves in erratic fits and starts. I spent two thirds of this book wishing I was doing something else. For a little while in the middle I almost enjoyed myself, before that feeling petered out never to return.
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!
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