Chris Whitaker has a way with words that pulls me in and makes me wish his books would last forever! He develops wonderful characters and I find myself wanting to shout at the them to see the mistakes they are about to make!! I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to see what else he writes!

I received an early copy through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

Oh, how I loved all 608 pages of this beautiful, richly detailed story of friends Saint and Patch growing up in Monta Clare, Missouri during the mid-1970s-80s.
When Patch goes missing rescuing another girl from her would-be kidnapper/killer, Saint does everything she can to find him.
I didn't know what to expect at each turn of the page, and I couldn't even begin to guess what was to happen next. So many unpredictable twists, without the confusing jumps in time and place that I have come to expect in other long stories. I also loved that it didn't "glorify" the killer by describing their life, their MO, or what happened to them at the end. The story was about the characters and their lives in the 70s and 80s in the US south. The settings and characters were written with such detail that I could imagine myself right there with them. And if this is not your thing, you may reconsider because the details serve a significant purpose in the story.
I knew I would like this one because I enjoyed another by this author, We Begin at the End, but I didn't expect an epic novel of such dramatic and descriptive proportions! Must read!

Although We Begin at the End is still my favorite this one came really close to beating that. If you have read Chris' books and loved them as much as I do, then I can confirm that All The Colours of the Dark is another beautifully constructed, heartbreakingly wonderful story set in a small town in the USA and featuring some absolutely incredible and unforgettable characters. All The Colours of The Dark is the moving tale of friendship, love, hope and determination when everyone else has given up. This is a book that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn't let go until the end. I absolutely adored following Patch and Saint's journey from childhood trauma to adulthood. This one adds to five stars for me to because its 656 pages long, I LOVE a long book!

Perhaps my most anticipated book of 2024, after We Begin At The End was my runaway Best Book of 2021, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC and a sneak peek at the newest from author Chris Whitaker.

The novel opens in 1975, in a small Missouri town. We're introduced to Joseph "Patch" Macauley, a 13-year-old boy who fancies himself a pirate, due to his being born with just one eye, an idea introduced and encouraged by his mother as a way to stave off some of the inevitable bullying he faced growing up. He has a singular best friend, a girl his age named Saint Brown, big glasses, big brain, awkward yet plain beyond notice, who lives alone with her grandmother. The two outcasts find refuge in each other's friendship and comfort in a world in which both feel lost more often than not.

Patch is walking alone to school one day when he hears a scream from the woods. Without hesitating, he sprints to the source to find a balaclava-clad man in a struggle with Misty Meyer, his classmate and, not to mention, the most beautiful girl in school. Like any good pirate, Patch carries a dagger on his person at all times, and springs to Misty's defense. But a 13-year-old is no match for a fully grown man, and while Misty is able to run to safety, Patch is stabbed with his own dagger before being abducted.

The police search the scene, and after the inevitable flurry of small town activity in support of the search, the clues dry up as the search turns up empty. The find Patch's blood and his eyepatch, but no body is ever found, but the likely reality beings to set in. Other priorities take precedence for the police, but not for Saint. She knows that Patch is still out there somewhere, that she'd feel it in her core if he wasn't, and she never gives up trying to find him.

Because the abduction happens in the first few pages of the book, Whitaker builds the foundation of Saint's and Patch's friendship through memories and flashbacks. Like he did in We Begin at the End, he creates endearing characters on the cusp of early adulthood who have dealt with more than most their age but still retain some of the innocence of childhood. I'll share one passage from the very beginning of their friendship, which has all of the sweetness and humor that will make you love these two. Background for the scene: Saint sent invitations to the girls in her class, offering to show them her beehives (she's a burgeoning beekeeper and honey farmer); Patch intercepted an invitation and crudely replaced the recipient's name with his own. He arrives at the gate to her yard, and the following exchange takes place:

"I'm here about the honey," he said, and stared past her as if he were seeking out a jar for himself.
"Oh."
"I received this invitation, which I believe is good for a sample, and perhaps a tour of the facility."
He was clearly an imbecile.
He noticed the hive and let out a long whistle. "Manuka, right?"
"Manuka honey is produced in Australia and New Zealand."
He closed his solitary eye and nodded, as if he were testing her.
His arms were more bone than flesh, and his hair long. He smelled faintly of mud and candy and carried grazes across his knuckles like he'd been pulled from a fight, and he wore a leather belt looped twice at the waist, and in it was tucked a wooden cutlass.
She might have told him to leave, but then he smiled. And it was the first time another kid had smiled her way since she had arrived in Monta Clare. And it was a good smile. Dimples. Neat teeth.
"I've heard it's the finest honey this side of..."
"I worked a whole six months on the hive," she said. Though clearly afflicted, he was the first kid to show real interest, and so she grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the Langstroth, took her moment and shone, dazzling him with bee facts he quickly claimed to already be aware of. Sometimes he chimed in with absolute nonsense.
"And these are pure bees?" he said.
She pretended not to hear.
When they came to the honey house, his eye widened at the shelves. Two dozen jars, some glowed golden.
She handed him one, told him to wait as she headed into the kitchen to fetch a spoon, some crackers, a stack of napkins, and her honey apron.
Saint returned to find him sitting beneath a butterfly bush, the jar half-empty and his hand caked in honey.
She marched toward him, placed her hands on her small hips and glowered.
He looked up at her as honey ran from his chin. "Tell you what, I'd say this is the sweetest thing I ever saw...and then I saw you, Becky."
"Who the hell is Becky?"
He scratched his head, leaving a deposit of honey at his hairline. Then he reached for the invitation.
"Becky Thomas is the girl that invite was meant for," she said.
"Well...then who put my name on it? Maybe fate intervened. Cupid aimed his bow." Patch made an O with the forefinger and thumb of his left hand, before penetrating it with the index finger of his right.
"What was that?" Saint said.
"I see the older kids doing it. I believe it's Cupid's arrow sticking right into my heart."

There are definitely some similarities to We Begin at the End -- "Patch the pirate" vs. "Duchess the outlaw"; deep friendship among childhood outsiders with Patch and Saint, just like we saw with Duchess and Thomas Noble; a mother who struggles with her own demons and thereby can't fully care for her son in Patch's mother Ivy, just like we saw with Duchess's mother Star; a kindhearted police chief who goes out of his way to help these kids in Chief Nix, just like Walk -- as you can see, it felt more than a little derivative initially (which wouldn't necessarily have been the worst thing). But while some of the archetypical characters are redundant, the plot and personalities deviate quite a bit, This is a novel that explores an entirely new space, and does so in a brilliant way.

The novel is sprawling, spanning 1975 to 2001, and it tackles a ton of difficult topics, including child abduction and abuse, rape, and abortion rights, to name a few. It's a heavier read because of those topics, but Whitaker still sprinkles in levity throughout (as evidenced by the passage above), a critical element in helping the reader get through the weightiest of parts of the book. We Begin at the End was a wall-to-wall high-5-star book for me; this one dipped a hair lower at times, mostly because of the challenging subject matter.

I was a bit concerned at one point about where the plot was going; however, the final hundred or so pages pull everything together beautifully. There are a series of coincidences that are just this side of believable, but it all totally worked for me, and those rocketed the novel to a wholly satisfying conclusion. Bravo to Chris Whitaker for once again creating characters I'll remember forever and again claiming an early spot atop my Books of the Year list. He has crafted a well-plotted novel that tackles a number of difficult topics, but from the darkness emerges a story that is ultimately uplifting, even if the path to get there is difficult. Very highly recommended.

I don’t know what could make me love this novel more! Reading an early digital proof, I saw no page numbers, and was astonished afterwards to learn it was over 600 pages long. For me, the pages flew by. Nothing was boring or extraneous. Author Chris Whitaker subtly, gradually hinted at or introduced details that eventually led us to revelations in more than one mystery. All the Colors of the Dark is tragedy, romance, murky evil and unsung goodness, and a bit of satisfying fairy tale. This human drama is full of tension and surprising twists, with compelling characters so rich and complex that I may read it again right away, to experience the genius and beauty of how the story unfolds. A modern classic.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A beautifully written novel about life, love, loss, and growth., along with a mystery that takes decades to solve. The story begins with friendship between a lonely geeky girl, and a one-eyed heroic boy. and their magically deep friendship.

Along the way, there are small and large mysteries as the years pass.

If you read one book this year, read THIS one! I am still wiping away tears from my eyes as I write this review. I am going to pick up a couple of copies for family members.

This book would make a blockbuster movie, by the way.

This was an absolutely phenomenal book. I loved everything about it - the writing, the story, the characters. It is long but you won't want it to end - you will be so invested in Patch and Saint. It is more than a just a mystery - it is a story about friendship and love, perseverance and courage. I highly recommend All the Colors of the Dark. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

First let me say I LOVED We Begin in the End and sobbed up on the couch until 2am to finish it. This book felt soooo slow and just so depressing. I just didn't love it and I found myself having a hard time finishing it. I did really appreciate the writing and the insight into the trauma and human mind.

Special thanks to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Where to begin? I have waited on this one. Chris Whitaker is my all time favorite author. His writing is so unique and deep that it just does not get any better. I knew I would fall in love with his characters, as I have done with all of his previous ones- cannot wait until Duchess Day comes to the screen- and boy did I!! It takes a special talent to put on paper the characters he does. The quirk and unabashed personality. The strength. It is just all so perfect. This is a must read. If I could go higher than 5 Stars, I would. I cannot leave out the mystery of the plot that will also please those who love a good tale. I promise you will not be sorry. I am sad it is over and sadder that I have to wait on his next...

The was an absolutely incredible book. It was my first of Chris Whitaker's books, though I will now be reading his entire backlist. What I loved most about this novel was how richly developed each of the central characters were. There was moral grey area and there were unconventional people but many of those characters had my heart from the beginning. There were passages that were incredibly deep and beautifully written. In addition, I enjoyed the mystery/thriller aspect though I did feel that I wasn't as invested in Grace as I thought I should have been. This may end up as one of my top reads of the year.

An epic love story that spans decades?? Sign me up! This book is a true masterpiece and over 600 pages, gives you time to savor every word and really dive into the world and characters Whitaker has created. This will make many Top Ten lists this year and it may well be at the top of mine, too. It was tender and hard and heartbreaking and hopeful. A MUST READ.

This is an outstanding novel spanning thirty years of best friends whose loves change after an encounter with a serial killer in a small Missouri town. The characters are layered and believable. The plot is outstanding! This would make a phenomenal movie! Loved this book!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Thank you to Chris Whitaker, Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of “All the Colors of the Dark”.

I had read one of Mr. Whitaker’s books before this, the incomparable “We Begin at the End” and felt like it was one of the best books I had EVER read. It also had one of my favorite characters ever, Duchess Day Radley. When an author writes a book at such a level, it’s hard to follow it up. This was not the case with “All the Colors of the Dark”. This book blew me away!

As is the case in his previous book, it begins with teenagers (2), Patch and Saint. Two best friends who are very close and swore to have each other’s back, even when one is abducted. This life changing event sends ripples far into the future and touches many lives, leading across the country on a manhunt. I was deeply invested in the plot and at times was angry at one of the character’s continued obsession that separated him from everything precious in his life. “Why are you doing this!” I felt like saying—but I knew why. The author has written so brilliantly readers will have deep feelings and understand the motivations of the characters, even as they disappoint or disturb them.

There are many themes in this story that echo across characters, and beg the question: what makes someone good or bad? Or as a character in the book asks something like “if someone is 20% bad but 80% good, are they still good?” Themes such as obsession, love, friendship, religion, art, innocence, and the greater good cycle through opposing characters leaving this reader stunned at the complexity of the plot and taking a deep breath in the final words, lost in the story for hours later. I will think of these characters for a long time.

This book will be released June 24th and I urge you to buy a copy - you won’t be disappointed!

I am really enjoying this author. I like that this book is set in a small town in the South-somewhere I have never been. Rural America--this book made me feel like I was in the conservative south instead of liberal California. Patch, a boy born with one eye starts life without a father, a mother who is useless--she'd rather drink than try to better herself, and only one friend. Patch is a thief, made that way by circumstance because his mother is unable to support them. He is a tough kid but only because he gets through life by pretending he is a pirate. He has one good friend who will be with him his entire life. Where Patch is a thief, Saint is honest, direct and ethical. When Patch is abducted at 13, both his and Saint's whole life will revolve around the abduction. While I really enjoyed the book I did not understand some of the things that were said or done. I am not sure if it was the phrasing or whether thoughts were left uncompleted. Better for me if those things were left out rather than wondering what I am missing. It may have been cultural, it may have been generational. Either way it caused me to drop my rating to 3.5 stars which gets rounded up to 4 which still reflects a very good book. Thank you to NetGalley and Crown for the digital ARC. This is my own words and feelings about the book.

I went into this blind and really enjoyed it. The characters and plot were fantastic. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

You did it Chris Whitaker! I have such a book hangover now. I can’t remember the last time I forced myself to read a book so slowly because I was so immersed in the story, in love with characters, I didn’t want it to end. I thought We Begin at the End was special but you’ve outdone yourself with ATCotD. Epic, thrilling, suspenseful, a LOVE STORY, haunting - I’m running out of words but you did not. Thank you for Patch. For everyone he touched, loved and fought for. My new favorite book, ever! @chriswhitakerauthor #allthecolorsofthedark #aperfectbook #patch #bookhangover #thisbookownsmyheart ❤️📚

This is going to be a HIT! The characters are everything! Chris Whitaker can write characters, especially sassy young women and sassy older women so well. It's long...and sometimes it feels long, but I can't think of anything to cut. The last 20% reads like a thriller-the rest of the book is a mystery/coming of age story that I could not put down. There's hope and laughter and love and sorrow all wrapped up in one. I liked this one more than his debut! The only thing that bugs me is that this is a British author writing about American, and he uses some words that don't fit. He kept calling the flashlights "torches". I grew up not too far from where this is set and no one called flashlight "torches". Otherwise, this book is great! LOVE!

Chris Whitaker is an amazing writer with the ability to craft incredibly nuanced characters that carry the story. In this book it’s Patch and Saint, who become very close friends as children. When Patch saves a local girl from being kidnapped and is taken himself, Saint vows she will never stop looking until Patch is found. Held in complete darkness Patch is helped by a girl in the dark with him, and they form a special bond. All their lives are forever altered by this tragedy as the book spans decades in their lives.
Brilliantly written, all the characters will stay with you long after you’ve finished.

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