I did enjoy reading this book although it was not as good as We Begin at the End. I want to thank NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an advance copy.

Woooow! Chris Whitaker's last one was a little underwhelming for me (though I was definitely in the minority!), but I was so excited to receive an ARC of his new one - and it lived up to my very high expectations! I'd heard about this book everywhere and put off reading it, which I absolutely regret. Once I buckled down and committed, it took ~50 pages to get into it and learn who everyone was and then I could not stop flipping pages. It's a beast of a book at about 600 pages, but it truly flew by, though I think it could have been a tiny bit shorter. The story spanned about four decades, and I fell in love with all of the characters. This was a slow burning story of love, loss, friendship, and hope, and I am so glad I read it. Try to go in blind though! I can't wait to see what the author does next. Thank you to the NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I had heard about this book and everyone was prepping me for it to be a lifechanging book of 2024. I am happy that I have read it and I have enjoyed discussing the many different character relationships and dynamics. For me, the darkness sat with me for a while. I totally felt the emotion of this book. The character development of all of the side characters was amazing. I felt like I could see them and see the scenes. The description of the small town life made it feel like you were there.

Chris Whitaker has done it again. All The Colors of the Dark cements his status as a masterful storyteller with an ability to weave a thrilling narrative with an emotional purpose.

I had no idea when I started this book that it would completely captivate me. The story is heart wrenching. The love that Saint has for her friend Patch left me saddened that more characters in books (and in life) are not able to experience this kind of emotion. Each character in the book brings a new layer of complexity and depth, from the police chief to the main protagonist, Patch. Although the book is lengthy it allows the reader to become immersed in the story. The twists and turns keep the reader on edge. This is possibly the best book that I read last year (2024).

One of the best books Ive read in a long time. At first I felt like the writing and the plot were all over the place and I almost moved on to something different but I am glad I stuck it out because this story blew me away.

Wow - what a fantastic literary thriller. This evoked all the emotions for me and left me so connected to the characters and the storyline.

This was my absolute favorite book of the summer. Although my summer reads have consisted of 90% romance books, All the Colors of the Dark absolutely hooked its claws into me almost immediately. After you read a few of the (very short) chapters you get a sense of who the main characters are and where the book is heading. I began reading the ebook but switched to the audio so I was able to continue this book in a 48 hour time period. I couldn’t put it down and had to find out what happened. The characters in this are really written well and you’re rooting for them all, while simultaneously guessing what is going to happen. I loved the twists and turns in the last 20% of the book because they caught me off guard in the best way and really shocked me. Scratch favorite book of the summer, this was one of my favorite reads of 2024.

This took a while to finish. I was so scared getting into this at first because Whitaker's We Begin At the End is one of my favorite reads of all time and I had doubts whether this will top that or not. It didn't. However, I would commend this book for being so beautifully written. Like with Whitaker's other works, the characters are top tier and they have such depth in them that you just feel throughout reading. I just wished this was advertised more appropriately because I was expecting it to be fast-paced and thriller-like but I got a town drama that moved for years and years that it eventually dragged. Overall a highly character-driven story that proves to be unforgettable by the end.

I think I am one of the last ones to read this book! I finally made time to read it over the holidays and wow am I glad I did. This story will stick with you for a long time after turning that last page. I know why so many have named this one of their top picks or reads of 2024. The story of Patch, Saint, and Charlotte is part mystery, part love story, part family drama and all good.

I really enjoyed his previous book. This one was way too long. It took me a long time to finish it. It is well written and has great reviews.

Chris Whitaker can transport you right into the story. You think you're seeing what you're reading about...hear it, tasting it. It's the most amazing feeling that his books are able to give. It's a deep story about love, friendship, and a relationship that stands many tests and tears. We are lucky if we ever experienced a small amount of that. Mixed into that story is one of mystery and thriller. So many questions throughout and no need to try guessing...you're too busy loving the reading journey.

This book captured my attention like few books can. I loved how the author blended multiple genres and decades all into one storyline. I was enamoured by all of the characters equally and truly didn't want it to end.

This book had me on the edge of my seat in the best way the entire time! It is thought provoking and mysterious and one of those stay up ALL night reading type of books. I loved this book so much and can’t wait to read more from this author!

Set in small town Monterey Clare, Missouri, this story weaves together friendship, a serial killer, a love story and the mystery of a missing person. I know, right? It’s a lot! However @ChrisWhitakerauthor masterfully maneuvers each plot line. Thank you for granting me access @crownpublishing via @netgalley.

When Patch stumbles upon the almost-abduction of a wealthy family’s daughter, his life changes forever as does the life of his devoted friend Saint. SO many emotions!

These characters left a mark on my heart.

Chris Whitaker's books are epic, long sagas and totally worth the read. It's easy to see why this was THE book of 2024, a Read With Jenna Pick and on so many people's "best of" book lists.

I attempted to listen to it, but it's a lot of characters and details, so I switched to the written version and enjoyed it so much more.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker was an unforgettable experience. Set in 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, the novel masterfully intertwines a gripping mystery with profound character development.

The story follows Patch, a one-eyed local boy who becomes an unexpected hero when he saves Misty, the daughter of a wealthy family, from a dangerous situation. This act sets off a chain of events that unearths hidden secrets and alters the lives of everyone involved. Whitaker’s portrayal of Patch is both compelling and heart-wrenching, making him a character I couldn’t help but root for.

What sets this novel apart is Whitaker’s exceptional storytelling. His prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the 1970s American landscape. The narrative seamlessly shifts between a suspenseful thriller and an epic love story, keeping me engaged and emotionally invested throughout. The exploration of themes like obsession, hope, and the fine line between triumph and tragedy adds depth to the plot, making it more than just a mystery.

The supporting characters are richly developed, each with their own intricate backstories that contribute to the overall tapestry of the narrative. The dual timelines are woven together expertly, revealing secrets at just the right moments to maintain suspense and intrigue.

All the Colors of the Dark is a must-read. It’s a beautifully crafted novel that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved his prior books. This one perhaps less so because parts are a challenge to read. The obsession and poor choices can be challenging to read but they also read as true . However the book will also stay with me for a long time. A tragedy in childhood changes everything for Scout and Patch and this story goes from 1976-2001. It is a character driven story so if you are looking for a mystery keep looking. While there is a mystery here it serves only to highlight how trauma reverberates throughout the years that follow the event.. Whittaker is a master of writing this character driven novels with protagonists that are children. And amazingly enough all of the characters felt deeply drawn even.

4.5 rounded up

I didn't know when I started this book that it would be my favorite of 2024!


What I loved:
1. The slow burn of the character driven book. I was expecting a traditional thriller set up, but this one is not traditional! The writing style is intense but so readable.
2. The gradual peeling away of the people and their pasts (and the present) was so well done.
3. It has short chapters so you think - I can read this quickly, but you can't because each chapter has so much in it! I compulsively kept reading because the momentum from each chapter pulled me forward into the next.

I had not read Chris Whitaker before but will read whatever he has written and will write forevermore!

(note is does have domestic and sexual abuse themes)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Whew, this one was a doozy. So. many people loved this book, and I found myself 400 pages into it wondering why...I didn't find this particularly unique, or unpredictable in plot--even the twist didn't feel super twisty to me. I tend to stay away from dead girl novels as well so maybe it's just me but I slogged out the remaining two hundred pages only because it was our monthly book club pick. For fans of the genre this is clearly a favorite from 2024, but for me it was a miss.