After devouring his debut, I was eager to read All the Colors of the Dark. This one took me more time to settle in to, but once I did I was glad to be living within these pages. How Whitaker writes such deep emotionality in such a spare fashion is a real head scratcher. While I have found both of his books to be slow in the reading, I am wow-ed by the emotionally resonant worlds he creates. His characters are both alive and deeply compelling. These are people that you want to know and understand more fully. Although I did not fly through the pages, I appreciate the time I spent here.

I really enjoyed this spanning novel. The characters were unique and flawed, but interesting. It took me a little bit to get into the writer’s style which disrupted the flow early in the novel. However, Whittaker’s writing is poetic and I enjoyed this book at the end.

I knew the hype for this book was going to be real. Chris Whitaker’s book We Begin At the End was an absolute favorite years ago. This book is long!!! But so worth it! The writing is beautiful! This story is about a missing person, serial killer, love, friendship, trauma and grief. This is a literary masterpiece with Whitaker’s exquisite writing!! If you have not read We Begin At the End, I highly recommend reading as well as this!! His books are simply amazing!!!

Thank you @netgalley and @crownpublishing for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

All the stars
If I had to choose I would say we begin at the end was a bit better but this stole my heart as well. I loved how it took all the best parts of WBATE and made it familiar but different like coming home. I really enjoyed both of the MCs and how the mystery was woven into such heartache and personal tragedies. The writing style took me a minute to get used to, it’s a different kind of flow, hard to describe. But ultimately and especially with the end how everything comes together, it was a complete win. Thank you thank you!

“𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴.”

At the heart of this story is the epic friendship between a beekeeper and a pirate.

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 spans decades, yet it did not feel like 600+ pages. There was a little bit of everything: a slow burn mystery of a missing girl, a serial killer on the loose, a sprinkle of romance, some historical fiction as it is set in the 1975s in small town Missouri, and coming-to-age story. Lots to unload and discuss, I can easily see why Read with Jenna picked it for their July book.

Deeply character driven, Saint and Patch drew me in with their innocence, determination, and persistence. The supporting characters are also well-developed. I absolutely loved Saint's character as she stayed true to herself and friendship throughout and also her Grandma who raised her.

The narrator was Edoardo Ballerini, which I believe is a new audiobook narrator for me. He was fantastic. I've really been leaning into the combination of print and audio to read a book...and only 1 book at a time!

Be on the lookout. I've heard that a TV adaptation is in the works for 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸!

Thank you to @netgalley for an advanced copy.

All the Colors of the Dark lived up to all the hype. Impeccable writing, incredible characters, intricate plot, this book is equal parts love story, mystery and thriller, and with the exception of one section that showed the passing down, full of surprises and twists I never saw coming. Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this eArc. 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"All The Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker is an exceptional read that stands out in the thriller genre. Whitaker masterfully crafts a gripping narrative filled with tension, unexpected twists, and complex characters. The novel's richly atmospheric setting adds depth to its already compelling plot, making it a truly immersive experience. The skillful storytelling keeps readers on edge from start to finish, delivering both a heart-pounding thriller and a poignant exploration of human resilience. This book is a must-read for fans of psychological suspense and well-drawn characters. I loved this one!

Wow, wow, wow! If you like character driven books that span a lifetime, this book is for you. If you like books about friendships that come together unexpectedly, drift apart, but always remain connected, this book is for you! I am a huge fan of Chris Whitaker and this book did not disappoint! This book is a journey, it's a long read, but it was worth every page!

"All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker - (5 stars - Out now) is filled with compelling, vividly real characters that stick with you long after the final page. Whitaker’s skill in crafting a fast-paced and gripping narrative shines, as he packs an impressive amount of action and emotion into the first 100 pages and sustains that momentum throughout.

While the story is nearly perfect, the ending wraps up a bit too neatly, with some plot lines feeling slightly unrealistic. However, many readers will appreciate the clean resolutions, offering a satisfying sense of closure.

Whitaker delivers a standout, must-read novel with unforgettable characters and relentless pacing, cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.

I appreciate the opportunity afforded me to have an early read of this story by netgalley and Crown Publishing | Crown. The opinions in this review are expressly those of ButIDigressBookClub and are intended for use by my followers and friends when choosing their next book. #butidigress #butidigressbookclub #allthecolorsofthedark #chriswitaker #netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #arc #arcs

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Review Shared on Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6659087546
Publishing Review 8/30/2024

“I just wanted to show you that sometimes things survive despite the harshest of odds.”

3.5 stars rounded up.

My experience with All the Colors of the Dark was unique because I read it while on two overnight Amtrak trips when I felt like I was the only passenger awake on the train. So I feel a unique kinship with these characters whose long journey (from age 13 to 39 through 600 pages) accompanied me on my actual journey.

I loved We Begin at the End, the author's previous novel, for its complex, deeply flawed characters and spare writing style. The characters of All the Colors of the Dark are equally compelling (and flawed) but I didn't connect as strongly due to its length. The middle was repetitive and lagged in pacing, and some suspension of disbelief is necessary to embrace the plot. I usually appreciate short chapters, but this has more than 250 of them, which felt excessive and often abrupt.

The sense of place for most scenes was strong, and unsettling in the best ways. I'm fascinated that a British author sets novels in the United States, but I'm not sure why because I've read many books by American authors set in England and other countries.

I'm happy I read this and I'm interested in the author's next book, but I hope it's more like We Begin at the End. I'm grateful to Crown Publishing for providing a review copy of this novel.

I’m here to tell you THE HYPE IS REAL.
All the Colors of the Dark is a book you finish and think: masterful. And how did he write that book? Do not be intimidated by the length. I did not want to leave Patch, Saint and the other residents of Monta Clare, Missouri. Don’t read a plot synopsis, just read. I’d say this is Literary Mystery in the same category as The God of the Woods.

I was lucky enough to see Chris Whitaker speak last mother at the Brielle library and he is absolutely charming, lovely and entertaining. And just so engaged with readers. My pal @elizabookworm read a galley months earlier and Chris answered all her questions via DM.

He also had a hard time leaving these characters behind. I can’t wait to read everything in his back list (although it appears one of the books is out of print!)

A confession: I'm predisposed to like any Chris Whitaker novel since his We Begin at the End is one of my favorites of all time. I'm thrilled to say that All the Colors of the Dark is as amazing as I expected it to be! What a book!

In 1975 small-town Missouri, 13-year-old orphan Saint and small, scruffy Patch find solace in friendship with each other. Yet when Patch saves a young girl from being abducted--and ends up going missing himself--Saint sets out to find her friend. I don't want to spoil too much, but as we read the stories of Saint and Patch through the next few decades we're treated to a riveting drama that kept me glued to my seat. Part serial killer mystery and part character study, this book will chill you, while also making you sob for Saint and Patch--two amazing, vibrant characters.

Whitaker stands out not only with the narrative, but his writing as well. While I tear up at many books, it's rare for me to full-on sob, but that happened with both We Begin and this one. The complexity of the characters and the nuggets of wisdom woven into the dialogue and description elevates this book from one that is enjoyable in the moment to one that I will remember for years to come. One example: "The bad are the few, but often they shout louder than the many. Don't mistake silence for weakness." I love it!

This novel transcends traditional genre labels, so I think it would be enjoyable for just about anyone. It was absolutely a highlight of my summer reading. Definitely take the time to savor this masterpiece soon. You won't regret it!

All the Colors of the Dark is an ambitious, sprawling novel that is at once a family drama, a love story, a police procedural, and a complex, coming-of-age character study. The plot is too intricate to sum up in a few sentences, so I won’t even try. But rest assured that this is one of those immensely satisfying novels that you can just sit back and let wash over you, appreciating the layers of the story as they unfold and immersing yourself in all the nuances of the plot and the characters.

Chris Whittaker has a special way of writing that reminds me a lot of Cormac McCarthy: a simplistic style that still says so much, that evokes rich emotion and deep meaning that goes beyond the actual words on the page. For me, his writing does sometimes cross the line from “poignant” to “overwrought,” but it’s undeniably affecting nonetheless. He evokes a strong sense of place and time as he weaves the threads of a tale about friendship and love, fate and faith and found family, as he explores the long-lasting effects of trauma and how it can both forge and break bonds.

All the Colors of the Dark is a character study more than anything else, and Whittaker definitely knows how to write characters that are complex, flawed, and authentic. These characters, especially Patch and Saint, got under my skin in the way all the best characters do. Their journeys, together and separately, are full of tragedy and beauty, heartbreak and redemption – with lots of unexpected and emotional surprises along the way.

I do think there were sections of the narrative that could have been tightened up a bit, but I still enjoyed every word of All the Colors of the Dark. I’m certain that future scholars will consider Chris Whittaker to be one of this generation’s Great American Writers – and I’ll read every word he writes.

I LOVED this book. It is long and some pieces felt slightly unrealistic upon reflection but I had the best experience reading this book. The characters are well developed and I felt such a sense of place. By the end, I felt like I had been on a journey with them and loved them all. I will remember this one for a long time. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I will read absolutely anything and everything that Chris Whitaker writes! He is a master of words, painting this unbelievably rich and realistic image of the story he’s telling. He also loves to write strong, independent, and resourceful female characters in all of his stories.

Oh this book! Whitaker follows the stories of childhood friends, Saint and Patch, from middle school through adulthood. Saint is being raised by her grandmother and Patch by mom who is mentally unstable.

Their story has mystery, romance, murder, and so much more. The character development is fantastic and beautifully done. This book is long but the short chapters help make it feel shorter than what it is.

This book is an absolute must read!

Nestled in the small, unremarkable town of Monta Clare, Missouri, live a beekeeper and a pirate. As the pirate and the beekeeper try their hardest to forge somewhat normal lives against a backdrop of hardship--he in the shadow of a mother who probably should have never been one to start and she in the absence of one altogether--someone is snatching girls from Monta Clare. And one unexpected day, Patch, the teenage pirate, saves Misty Meyers from the very hands of death itself.

And disappears in her place.

"All the Colors of the Dark" is the kind of epic, character-driven story that nestles deep within your bones, and may take its sweet time getting there. Few writers today have the storytelling gift of Chris Whitaker; this novel is gorgeously atmospheric, characters are tragic and profound and completely plausible from first page to last. And as unforgettable a story as this is (spanning decades, no less) for me, it felt as long if not longer than its page count. For readers who arrived here after loving "We Begin At the End," know that you'll find a familiar comfort in "All the Colors of the Dark" in terms of its writing, but the plot is a slow burn with fleeting bursts of action. Not enough, in my opinion, to warrant a full 5 stars; but if you're looking for a character-driven procedural drama to wrap up in and visit with for awhile, this is certainly worth a read.

Wow, just wow! I’m honestly at a loss for words. How does a sprawling romance/thriller manage to be so gripping? I don’t have the answer, but from the moment I cracked open "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker, I was completely enthralled. If sleep weren’t a necessity, I would’ve powered through it in one sitting.

This was my first dive into Whitaker’s work, but trust me, it won’t be my last. I’m kicking myself for not discovering him sooner! His writing hits that sweet spot—just enough detail to paint the scene without bogging you down. And the characters? Flawlessly crafted, they feel so real and relatable that you can’t help but follow them through the epic twists and turns of the story. Whitaker has a knack for pacing, too—every time I thought I could pause at the end of a chapter, I found myself desperate to dive into the next.

This book is pure perfection, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s an easy five out of five stars, and it’s secured a spot as one of my all-time favorite reads—not just of this year, but ever.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker got a lot of hype this summer, and it lived up to the hype. For such a long book, there were no real periods of lagging. The book tells the story of Patch, an unlikely hero early in his life, whose heroics scar him for life. The reader is taken on a journey from when he rescues a girl from a serial killer, to being kidnapped by the killer, making friends with another captive, then spending most of the rest of his life trying to track her down. Sideline stories about Patch's best friend, who happens to also be in love with him, plus the girl he rescued being in love with him, as well as watching Patch self destruct on his lifetime journey were compelling and often gut-wrenching. The book is hard to categorize into a genre because it was so many things. It was literary fiction, thriller, mystery, and romance. What it was NOT was just another story about a serial killer. I really liked it, but found it tough to read emotionally.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I feel like no matter how I write this review I won’t be doing the book it’s full justice of how great it is & I just feel like I am unable to explain how much it has to offer a reader….but I will try.

Yes. This book is LONG. So long. Could it have been shorter, for sure. But there’s so much to it between the characters & relationships between them all, as well as the stories that unfold with them & the community that I wouldn’t want it shorter.
—>Some books are just meant to be long<—
If you’re looking for easy or short do not read this. If you want to read a book that you get so invested in the characters, that you feel like you are there sitting next to them drinking on the porch, that you are sad when something bad happens or someone’s heart is broken, or smiling so big when things go the ‘right’ way for a character(s). This is that book.

Chris Whitaker is exceptional. He’s unique. His way of writing likely isn’t for everyone (I figured that out with ‘We Begin at the End’) but after getting through this book & thinking about everything this story entailed it amazes me that any brain could come up with a story this great and complete, and have it wrap up so well after 600ish pages of a whole lot of things happening. I felt so many different feelings throughout reading this. I can’t say every direction it took was how I wanted, but then if it was it’d likely be a perfect happy ending sparkling romcom that’s supposed to have the perfect happy ending & everything go how it ‘should’. I didn’t expect the turn it took towards the end & am very impressed with how Whitaker got there. Many times I thought to myself when he was tying up things “nicely done!”, totally unexpected & very creative! This book is unique in being both mystery/suspense but also a love story in so many different aspects. Such an emotional book!

All of the characters were so defined and unique. Sammy & Charlotte were hilarious characters & probably the last I should be rooting for but I loved them. Saint was such an interesting character in every way possible.

For the reader that wants to be in the book, that doesn’t mind a book that takes a week or two to read, give this author & book a shot!

Warning there is some super crude humor/language in this, there is murder/abduction, there’s talk about abortion (real life?!) & for some I guess there may be many triggers if you’re easily offended.

4.5 stars rounded down. Why 4 stars & not 5? I dunno. I’m asking myself that currently. Maybe for risk of repeating the word again, maybe it was a tad too ‘long’, and maybe I’m somewhat contradicting myself here with the rest of my review not backing up my rating. It’s just not quite there for me at being 5 stars (I think this very well could be a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”) but this book was great & I hope fellow readers give it a shot.

Thank you to NetGalley & Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy, very much appreciated!