A small town on the California coast hides mystery and heartbreak. Years ago, a young girl is accidently killed by a teen-aged boy. There begins a tragic story of one man’s need to atone for the deed, and another man’s need to help his friend who was found guilty. When Sheriff Walk learns that Vincent will be getting out of jail after a prolonged sentence, he wants to ensure that Vincent will be able to find some kind of peace. But life has moved on from that day so long ago….or has it?

The town has changed, and people have grown up. Star, Vincent’s former girlfriend and the sister of the girl he killed, is now a mother, frequent drinker and bar singer. Once beautiful, Star can still evoke strong emotions in men. But Star cannot help herself or her children – Duchess (a young teen) and Robin, a six-year-old boy. Duchess is the one who takes over the mothering both to her mother and young brother. She has steeled herself to navigate adult waters by styling herself as Duchess Radley – an outlaw and descendent of outlaws. She takes nothing from no one in an attempt to keep her family safe.

When further tragedy strikes, it is Duchess who focuses on revenge. She sees no allies and tries to alienate all those who may help her. One of those is the ailing Sheriff Walk. He believes that Duchess will not find peace or safety until he can unravel the current tragedy and better understand what happened so many years ago. These two main characters evoked memories of True Grit and To Kill a Mockingbird. These are two protagonists that will linger in memory.

Book clubs get ready with your handkerchiefs……much to consider and discuss. Highly recommended….a perfect read! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this title to review.

There are those rare books that as you’re going through it you desperately want to keep reading to find out what is coming next while at the same time you force yourself to slow down because to finish means the experience is over and you’ll never discover these characters, this story the first time again. John Irving’s, “A Prayer for Owen Meany” was that book for me. And now this one is as well.

I hate book hype, and I think it’s rampant on this platform. There have been so many titles that publishers have pushed through influential accounts that I’ve thought were at best a three star read and more often than not beach fodder. This is bound to get that hype, and for once I’ll say this absolutely deserves it. I’d classify it as a literary thriller, but it feels reductive, frankly because it’s at heart a beautiful character study dropped into a carefully crafted story that guts you with its revelations but leaves you hopeful by the last page.

Thirteen year old Duchess Radley will go down this year as one of the most if not the most memorable character you’ll come across-A foul mouthed tough talking Scout Finch, caring for her younger brother Robin, because their Mother, Star is just a train wreck and mostly incapable of doing her motherly duties. Their lives are upended in unimaginable ways with the arrival of Vincent King, the ex boyfriend of Star, and the killer of her sister thirty years prior whose just been released from prison. I’ll stop my oversell now lest I be accused of hype 🤣, and simply say I absolutely loved this book. I think you will too.
Thanks to @henryholt and @netgalley for the advance copy.

A sheriiff with a conscience and a secret, a woman spiraling down through drugs and alcohol, an ex-con with scores to settle---these are some of the characters featured, but none are more compelling than thirteen year old Duchess Day Radley, self proclaimed outlaw. Although the characters are the meat of this novel, the writing is beautiful and the plot complex and perfectly rendered. The reader will go on an emotional roller coaster. This is highly recommended.

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was one of the most incredible books. Chris Whitaker hit every human emotion in a story about relationships - the family we are born into and the family we choose.

This heartbreak story follows Walk, the chief of police in a small California town where he grew up. He has spent 30 years struggling with a decision he made that sent his best friend, Vincent King to prison, when Vincent is released. Duchess, a 13 year old girl in the same town, calls herself an outlaw. Her mother, Star, grew up with Walk and Vincent and struggles with substance abuse and bad decisions. Walk’s main goal is to protect them (Star, Duchess and her brother) which is often difficult, especially when tragedy hits.

We Begin At the End tells the story of how people can disappoint, life is not always fair, and that you can find love when you let yourself. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions - you will laugh, cry, cringe, cheer the characters on and even find yourself scared at times. The twists and turns keep you going and you will find yourself disappointed when the story ends. The strength (and at times) weaknesses of the characters make them feel human, in the best way possible. Whitaker’s writing is magnificent. You feel as if you know the characters, the town they live in and can easily see the magnificent places that they go.

Add this to your TBR… and even better preorder it!

Pub Date: March 2, 2021

Thank you to Netgalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Chris Whitaker for the Advanced Reader Copy. All reviews and opinions are my own.

I am not a reader of this kind of book, usually. The description didn’t tell me that it was a mystery. I didn’t read the reviews. Boy. Am I glad I didn’t because I would not have requested it and I would have missed out on a truly good book. The writing is lyrical and the storytelling superb. Great twists and turns. Not too much violence and enough well told mystey to keep me reading late into the night.

Duchess, Walk, Star and Robin are well developed and you know as much as you need to about them to either love them, pity them or wonder what the heck they are doing!

I wish the Mr. Whitaker lived in the US so that maybe I’d be able to meet him as he does book tours. Well done, Mr. Whitaker.

Wow! I think I just read my favorite book of 2021...so far!! We Begin at the End was a hauntingly beautiful novel. It details the events surrounding Duchess Day Radley. Even though some of the events didn't happen to her directly and may have occurred before she was born, they somehow indirectly impacted her life. Duchess is a teenage girl who is forced to grow up quickly because her mother can't be relied on. Not only does Duchess take care of herself and her younger brother, she often cares for her mother as well. Duchess' mother, Star has never recovered from the death of her younger sister when she was growing up.

Walk is the local chief of police and grew up with Star. He was also good friends with Vincent King. Vincent was Star's boyfriend who went to prison. The events that happened when they were in high school will haunt them forever and impact their lives in ways they can't predict. Walk carries the burden of Vincent's conviction and Star's addictions. He tries to help with Duchess and Robin, but it seems as if he can never do enough.

The story will break your heart in many ways and build you up in others. It is moving and emotional. As I read, I felt emotions that made me reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing.. The character, Duchess, experiences so much throughout this story. The evolution of her character from start to finish is staggering.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I voluntarily chose to review this book and the opinions contained within are my own.

This beautifully written novel follows 13 year old Duchess Day Radley, a self-proclaimed ‘outlaw’ who has had to grow up quickly and Walker the police chief of their small town.

<i>I’m a fucking outlaw. When will you realize that? I don’t dress up nice and date boys. I’ve got bigger things on.”</i>

They are just two of the casualties of a tragedy that happen over 30 years ago and now the man responsible, Vincent King is being released from prison.

<i>Better or worse. Bad or good. None of us are any one thing. We’re just a collection of the best and worst things we’ve done.</i>

Duchess’ young life seems full only of responsibility, struggle and consequences. She cares for her drug addict mother, Star and 5 year old brother. Robin, all with her tough as nails attitude. While Walk tries to look after them and help King reacclimate to life on the outside. But nothing is easy, and things go from bad to worse and the fallout changes everything.

This was simply an excellent read. These characters will stay with me for a long time.


<i>*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*</i>

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is a very highly recommended exceptional, tragic drama/thriller featuring a broken and dysfunctional family. This novel is unforgettable and is sure to be one of the best books of 2021.

Thirty years ago seven-year-old Sissy Radley was accidentally killed by fifteen-year-old Vincent King. Vincent was sent to a men's prison for thirty years and is now being released. His best friend at that time was Walk, who is now Police Chief Walker of Cape Haven, a small tourist town on the California coast. Walk is planning to pick up Vincent and bring him home. He grew up with Vincent and Star Radley, the older sister of Sissy and Vincent's girlfriend at that time. Since that time Walk has tried to look after Star, whose life has taken a downward spiral into self-destruction with drinking and drugs. Star is the negligent mother of 13 year-old Duchess and five-year-old Robin. Walk is medicated, suffering from a progressive medical condition that he has never told anyone about.

Duchess is a self proclaimed outlaw - the outlaw Duchess Day Radley - but also the one who cares for her younger brother Robin and tries to look after her mother, Star. Walk, in turn, tries to watch out for Duchess and Robin, along with Star. Local kids make fun of Duchess and Robin, but Duchess will fight back, hard. She's used to fighting for herself and her family and doesn't feel the need to follow rules. Both Walk and Duchess expect the worst to happen as that is what has always been the case. When Star ends up murdered and it appears Vincent is responsible, both Walk and Duchess begin to look for the truth. Developer Dickie Darke is the prime suspect for both of them. When Duchess and Robin are sent to Montana to live with their grandfather, Hal Radley, a man they never met, Duchess knows Darke will be looking for her.

Set in 2005, this is a breathtaking, heartbreaking literary novel, vast in scope and emotional depth. The plot is intricate, authentic, and perfectly plotted and paced. In We Begin at the End Whitaker has written a thriller, murder mystery, family drama, and love story. It is a quest for retribution, friendship, a tale of personal sacrifice, and, ultimately, allows a sense of hope. This is the kind of memorable novel that will leave an indelible mark and stay with you long after it is over. The writing and descriptions are

Part of the enduring nature of the narrative is due to the character development. It is absolutely impeccable and all of these characters will make a mark on you and will be remembered for a long time. Duchess, the angry teen, is the main character whose fierceness and fury is justified, yet dangerous. She is the one protecting what remains of her family and clutches hard to her moniker of an outlaw. Her care for Robin is heartbreaking, as she tries to protect him from all the bitter truths in their lives. Walk is also and incredible character and you will feel his emotional struggle, his desire to make everything alright, his need for a happy ending, for closure while he is facing a future struggle he won't divulge. The ending is perfect, heartbreaking, yet hopeful.

(There was one odd flaw in an otherwise masterful novel that most will overlook. When Whitaker mentioned the "priest" at Hal's Baptist church several times, I was taken aback and wondered how a writer could make an error like this - until I saw Whitaker is from the UK and it all made perfect sense. FYI: a minister at a Baptist church is normally called a reverend or pastor. Since I read an advanced readers copy, this could have been corrected but it also made me respect even more how he captured the specific settings in the novel.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Henry Holt & Company.
After publication the review will be posted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I seriously did this book a disservice in not being in the mindset to fully appreciate it. I’ve had this book for over 6 months, just sitting here. I feel so unappreciative. But, I think books come to you when you are ready. And, it’s ok to not always be ready.

Character driven. Sweet geez. Not just Duchess, but supporting characters so well written, you truly become acquainted with them and their journey... their story. Each adding to the next. So perfectly weaved. I don’t know how, but all characters connected and perfectly told.

I did this painting years ago. Titled something dramatic: “Hope amidst the desolate grey”. That’s this book. Remorse and redemption. Love and second chances. Sadness and hope. Hope amidst the desolate grey.

Beautifully-written novel about 13 year old Duchess and her little brother, Robin. The locations of the story are characters in themselves as the author magnificently describes coastal California and Montana in a way that put me in these places easily. The novel is part thriller, part mystery and part coming-of-age as we live through the heartache and loss and tragedy of Duchess and Robin.

The book is in parts and I started to truly enjoy the book midway through. It’s at times a bit slow and repetitive but allow yourself to lean in and enjoy the ride.

I thought the Duchess character was a bit unbelievable in her vocabulary and quick responses but I found myself smiling at this survivor warrior. There are heroes and villains and mystery and lovely passages from this talented author. You should read it. I’m so glad I did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for an advanced copy of this beautiful novel. I’m truly grateful.

How do we close old wounds without opening new ones?

Next to impossible I'd say.

We Begin at the End takes us on a long journey over nearly thirty years. Hard years. Unforgiving years.

But Sheriff Walker, known as Walk, looks down at his shaking hands and feels the draw and the pull of his vertigo. He knows that the diagnosis hasn't been good and the little white pills are no longer serving him as well as they once did. Walk maintains his same daily schedule in Cape Haven no matter what. It's who he is and will always be.

Today Walk will be driving several hours to pick up his childhood friend, Vincent King. Vincent served thirty years for a crime that he committed when he was fifteen years old in his hometown of Cape Haven on the coast of California. Walk carries the weight of those years as well. It was Walk who turned his best friend in.

Chris Whitaker will introduce us to quite an array of characters who've known each other well for years. The focus will be on Duchess Radley, a thirteen year old girl who constantly has her antennae up. She hovers over her wayward mother, Star, who's taken to too much drink and too many drugs. Star has a long history in Cape Haven since she herself was a teenager on the loose. Duchess looks out for her five year old brother, Robin, long on sweet and short on motherly care. And Duchess now feels the hard edges that such a life has bestowed upon her. In fact, she refers to herself as an outlaw.......tough, mean, and take-no-crap-from-the-crap-givers.

The re-entry of Vincent King into this town will have a mighty impact. Whitaker will take us on winding roads that seem to circle around bad decisions and bad outcomes. He knows how to chisel away at the heart continuously throughout this story. And we as readers dig in deep and brace ourselves for more.

I will tell you quite honestly that this story will stay with you long after the last page. You will recognize the downside of human nature in what happens here as well as the uplifting attempts to get life right. We're all at the receiving end of someone else's life choices. It's just a fact that we're born with. But we can also search for the crack of light in the doorway where someone has held it open for us.......to get to the other side.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Henry Holt and Company and to Chris Whitaker for the opportunity.

‘A million tragedies began that night...’

Whitaker has captured a rawness in his writing that I’ve not come across in a long time. It’s heavy and just when you think your heart can’t break anymore there is light through the cracks.

Duchess and Walk were characters that were so real to me that I longed to reach through the pages and embrace them. There were no wasted words... every word had a purpose. The ending is one of the best I've read... every thread was woven into the fabric of this story.

Part mystery, part coming-of-age, these characters will take your heart on a journey that you will never forget. . Totally worth the heartache. 5+ stars.

This book was so good! I already know that We Begin at the End is going to be a book that I will read again and again!

Shall we just start at the end?
Duchess Day Radley is 13 and is the protector and care giver for her little 5 years old brother Robin. She is teases and made fun up for doing this; however, her mother Star is a mess.
Thirty years ago Star’s 7 year old sister Sissy was killed. The accused killer was Vincent King, Star’s boyfriend and also the best friend of now Chief of Police Walk. Vincent went to prison based on Walk’s testimony and is now being released.
Not a fan of f-bombs but the story had me curious. So I hung in there
Yes! a lot of excellent reviews, however, I had a hard time liking 13 year Duchess and her foul mouth, I understand she has had a rough time and her role and story wasn’t supposed to be a pleasant read! But as a mother I wanted to like a 13 year who is taking care of her little brother.
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The slow beginning certainly had a fast pace ending! Making me glad I hung in there!

Want to thank NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this uncorrected early galley granted to me for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 2, 2021

This is a very well written book about families and life time friends who are all effected by bad choices made when they are young and follows them their entire lives. Duchess, a 13 year old girl, tries to take care of her dysfunctional mother, Star, as well as her little 5 year old brother and calls herself a outlaw. The characters are so well drawn and the story so compelling I couldn't put this book down until I reached the unexpected ending. The writing style is easy to read and I was sorry when it came to the end. I highly recommend.I

Thanks Net Galley for allowing me to read this amazing arc.

Review posted to blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

My Cup Runneth Over and the Tears Spilled.

While reading this book, I was overcome with intense emotion and extraordinary heartbreak.

This is character-driven literary crime fiction about family, friendship, loss, and mystery that includes all of my favorite elements. Dysfunction; grief, heartache; humanity; humor; love; loyalty, pain, regret, and unrelenting tragedy.

It’s a novel that is dripping with heart and that heart resides in the characters. Characters that I love with all of my heart and then some. Characters who I’ve thought about every darn day since I turned the last page.

It’s the characters of Duchess, Robin, Walk, Hal, Dolly, and Martha who bring this book to life and made my heartache.

Duchess Day Radley is a thirteen (13) year-old self-proclaimed “Outlaw.” Tough as nails, she’ll do whatever she has to do to take care of herself and her five (5) year old brother Robin, seeing as her mom has never been all that reliable, much to Duchess’ chagrin. Unfortunately for Duchess, after trying just a little too hard to take care of her family, she finds herself in a world of trouble, the likes of which I can’t imagine.

The bonds shared between brother and sister here are absolutely soul-wrenching. As if the characters of Duchess and Robin were real, I too found myself in great distress when tragedy befell these two time and again. If I could have scooped them up and taken them to safety, I would have.

“Walk” is Chief of Police. Though he checks in on the Radleys from time to time, he’s not a miracle worker and he has other fish to fry, including helping his former best friend, Vincent King rehabilitate after spending 30 years in prison. Walk, of course, has his own troubles, none of which he can run away from.

The mystery here is devastating, heart-wrenching, and gripping. Though there is tragedy here, there is also humor. Surprising, shocking, brilliant humor. The writing is beautiful and is full of grace and grit.

In truth: “We Begin At The End” by Chris Whittaker IS the BEST book I’ve read so far this year and I would be stunned if another book surpasses it. It will of course be at the top of my Goodreads best-of-list for 2021!

This is my first read by Chris Whittaker but it will most certainly not be my last. I will be searching for and reading his entire backlist shortly.

If this is not on your tbr, search it out! I switched back and forth between the book and the audiobook and loved both. George Newbern narrated the audiobook and his narration is phenomenal.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Henry Holt and Company for arc, and MacMillan Audio for the alc.

Published on Goodreads. Twitter and Insta on 2.10.21

I feel like I should have liked this book more than I did. I can't even put my finger on why I didn't love it. The writing was fine but I was never drawn into the story or really cared about the characters. The only part of the book that I found compelling was the section with the grandfather Hal. I started to get emotionally involved at that point but then lost it again and just made myself finish the book.

This was a fantastic read, mesmerizing. I love the writing style and the authors detail made you feel like you were living the story along with the characters. A heart wrenching tale about how one mistake leads to a cascading series of events with repercussions for generations.

I’m judging a 2021 fiction contest. It’d be generous to call what I’m doing upon my first cursory glance—reading. I also don’t take this task lightly. As a fellow writer and lover of words and books, I took this position—in hopes of being a good literary citizen. My heart aches for all the writers who have a debut at this time. What I can share now is the thing that held my attention and got this book from the perspective pile into the read further pile.

“Beside Walk was Martha May. They had dated three months, confined to first base, her father was minister at Little Brook Episcopal.” I’m not sure why I selected this passage to share, maybe because it demonstrated the masterful way information is delivered in these pages. I found this novel unputdownable.

This book reminds me of the meme with three versions of Spiderman pointing at each other. Presented as a murder-mystery, "We Begin at the End" is much more a slow burn, circuitous, dive into a small town haunted by the murder of a woman named Star. Her two children, Duchess and Robin, are shuffled around to various caretakers as they, along with a few other important townsfolk, try to understand Star's unfortunate fate. I found the pacing incredibly frustrating. I felt like I was reading the same scene over and over again, with one key character repeatedly identified as the prime suspect. There's no real trail or clues: only pages and pages of dialogue between characters. By the time the murderer's identity was revealed, I didn't care much anymore and was simply glad it was over with.