So grateful for receiving an arc of this book. I unfortunately didn’t love it the way so many others did so I’m sure I’m an outlier. It’s not so much a “thriller” in my opinion as the pacing is a bit slower for my liking. I enjoyed most of the story and the mystery behind the missing girl (Grace) and Patch being told she isn’t real and his intimate friendship with Saint.

I think I just struggled with the pacing and the length of the book. There's over 200 chapters but each is very short. I loved the small town vibes to the story and I was invested but there’s a lot happening with quite a few characters and it felt laborious to me and I had moments where I just wanted it to end.

3.5⭐️

I loved All The Colors of The Dark. The writing style definitely took me a little bit to get into it first but, once I was in a groove, it was incredibly beautiful, brilliantly complex and heartbreaking and more than I could’ve even imagined I would want from the story.

While I never imagined I would want to reread a 600 page book, there was so much nuance here that I know I missed things I will want to (re)discover.

This book will gut you like a fish.

I am absolutely destroyed.

Emotionally damaged and healed over and over again in these 600 pages.

This novel is long, but every word deserves to be on the page. I had no idea how Chris Whitaker could follow up We Begin at the End, which had served as a standard few books could hold a candle to, but somehow we have All the Colors of the Dark.

Believe everything you’re going to see and hear about this book. These characters. This story. Patch. Saint. Norma. Sammy. Nix. Each one so beautiful and complex and flawed and perfect.

I can’t even write a coherent review. I don’t even know how to read another book after this. It was simply spectacular.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing.

It's 1975 and Patch is good friends with Saint. They are adolescents on the outs with kids they age and Patch comes from very little. One day he stops a man from taking a girl from a wealthy family, and he goes missing instead. This is the story of what happens after. So good, hard to put down!

Powerful and haunting, ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK rendered me speechless and wanting more. That’s quite something for a novel exceeding 600 pages. Chris Whitaker is an absolute genius when it comes to creating unforgettable characters and he’s done it again with Patch and Saint taking up residence in my heart alongside Duchess from We Begin at the End. His writing is fluid and utterly gorgeous. It’s easy to get lost in his words.

Writing a plot summary for a book of this length and complexity is near impossible. There are simply too many elements present: missing girls, a serial killer on the loose, prolonged family trauma, abuse, found family, an abiding friendship, and, ultimately, a love story. This is an epic tale of sacrifice, resilience, tragedy, and triumph spanning more than two decades.

Whitaker grabbed my attention from the start with a beginning rich with action and character development. The pace slowed about a third of the way through, but the short chapters kept me turning the pages. The final third of the book moved at a faster pace as the pieces began to fit together. And the ending … Let’s just say it left me breathless. This book is stunning.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the privilege of reading an advance Review copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Thirteen-year-old Patch Macauley is a survivor. It's 1975, and Patch and his best friend, Saint, are outcasts in the small town of Monta Claire, Missouri. Their lives are forever changed when Patch saves the daughter of a wealthy family from kidnapping, only for himself to be taken instead. Held hostage by a serial killer, he survives with the help of fellow hostage Grace. Saint eventually finds Patch, but Grace and the kidnapper disappear. Thus begins Patch's search for the girl he fell in love with, a journey that spans decades and thousands of miles.
This is a novel about love, hope, and obsession. It takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride where Patch and Saint, whose paths merge and diverge numerous times, seek an elusive love hauntingly out of reach. The writing is powerful, the characters adeptly drawn, and the storytelling at its finest.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Crown for this e-arc.*

I fell in love with Chris Whitaker after reading 𝗪𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱. With this new book, he again proves his genius. His books are so much more than a mystery or thriller - there is so much heart in his novels. The Pirate and Beekeeper are unlike any characters I’ve ever encountered. I loved their story, their friendship, their love for each other. There is so much covered from 1976-2001, and every piece is crucial to the story - kidnapping, survivor’s guilt, a house. Each sentence is written better than the next.

From Duchess to Patch and Saint - his characters are so incredibly special and will stay with me for a long time.

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!

This novel is written over the span of 25 years, from 1976 to 2001, and follows the lives of Saint and Patch from their teenage years to adulthood, showcasing their different life paths, journies, and decisions. The depiction of small-town life and the struggles of the oppressed members of the town are vivid and immersive. Whitaker has such a way with his words, and even though the novel has a little over 608 pages, the beautiful writing, and smartly written chapters don't make this novel daunting.

I really have nothing negative to say about this read. I will, without a doubt, be thinking of the story told for months to come. My only issue is that the categories given to this story are mystery and thriller fiction. I would stress that it's written more as a character study than a plot-driven story, so I personally, think it should be marketed more as a literary and contemporary read (the crime thriller told within takes a back-seat when compared to the character's relationship. All the Colors of the Dark is truly a captivating read, and I cannot emphasize how heavily I recommend this.

Quick take: I really enjoyed this overall and definitely recommend it, but it didn’t rise to the 5-star level for me like it did for many other early reviewers.

I won’t even attempt a plot summary, but I will say that this book is about a small town, missing girls, friendship, and art, and it follows the characters over decades. It has short chapters that make it easy to read just a little more than you planned each time you sit down with it. Despite the marketing, it is not paced like a typical mystery or thriller; it is a character driven, slow burn drama that happens to have with a mystery element. I wanted to find out what was going on, but it was a lot of work to get there. This book is over 600 pages and I felt it! There were a few big reveals over the course of the book, but they felt few and far between. There was a big payoff at the end, but at times in the middle it felt like a slog and I questioned whether it would be worth it.

I think I’m in the minority in that I didn’t love or hate it! I remember struggling with Whitaker’s writing style when I read his last book, WE BEGIN AT THE END, but I didn’t have trouble with it this time. I didn’t fall in love with the characters, perhaps because I spent too much time rolling my eyes at some of the romantic entanglements, or just because it felt like the author was trying too hard to tug at my heartstrings and I’m too cynical. Despite my complaints, I definitely recommend this if it’s on your radar - I think it will be absolutely perfect for many readers!

Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am saddened to say that I am DNFing at nearly 40%. While I enjoyed “We Begin at the End,” I’m not loving Whitaker’s newest (upcoming) release. The description as being a “soaring thriller” fell flat making the story lean heavily on the “epic love story that spans decades.”

I loved this book! The character development. The good in the most unexpecting people. How the story is all woven together in the end and the surprises in how it all wraps up. Five stars!

"All the Colors of the Dark" has so many ecstatic reviews from fans of Chris Whitaker that I simply had to read it. Thanks to Crown publishers and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not as enraptured by this book as other reviewers. The first part of terrific, a great establishment of characters and situation, class and setting. You love Saint and Patch, and I loved Misty. Whitaker does a beautiful job in putting his characters on that hero/villain tightrope that keeps you guessing.

The novel is too long, and the short chapters interrupt the opportunity for greater development. Too many jump-cuts--I think his readers have a longer attention span for story development and character growth. He's such a good writer that I wish an editor had taken an x-acto and sliced out a hundred pages which would have helped maintain the tension. I liked "All the Colors of the Dark" to take a chance on another of his novels, perhaps a shorter, tighter one.

When a rich girl in town is targeted, an unlikely hero emerges; Patch, a local boy with only one eye. He saves the girl but starts of a chain of devastation and heartache.

This one has been getting amazing reviews so I had to read it. I loved the beginning as Patch and Saint were children and beginning their friendship. There’s some major excitement and drama in the beginning that I loved. After that it turned into more of a mystery story and I just wasn’t as hooked. I’m definitely the outlier here so I still suggest you try it for yourself.

“If you ever get the chance to make someone smile, or better yet, make someone laugh, then you take it. Each and every time.”

All the Colors of the Dark comes out 6/25.

A book this good is such a rarity. I’ll be recommending it to my library patrons in hopes that I can get them away from formulaic tripe and show them what gifted writers can do. The story line continually surprises, the characters are genuine. Such a delight in today’s world of cheap fast thrills..

My god, this book was so great. The writing was amazing the characters so fleshed out. Whitaker writes children/young adults like Stephen King, and that is the highest of compliments coming from me! By a lesser auther this could have come across as hokey but even with some strands of the story I would usually role my eyes at I just bought in whole heartedly. I swear, I am not a crier but my son was giving me shit for crying through the last 25% of the book. I have a hard time thinking of someone I wouldn't recomend this to. I am worried nothing else I read this year will captivae me as this has

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the two main characters, Saint and Patch. If this wasn’t such a long book I think I would have enjoyed it more. This story had a little bit of an everything which I did enjoy. Loved the short chapters but there were so many of them!!!

Thanks to netgalley and Crown Publishing for my advanced ecopy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: June 25, 2024

Beautifully written, well-plotted, emotional read that pulled me into the story of Patch and Saint. This tale of a mystery, friendship, love, resilience, loss, sacrifice and healing from trauma was told through beautiful storytelling.

The story unfolded over a number of decades and included twists and revelations, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. The character development of Patch and Saint was superb - they felt so real and it was easy to care about them - and the secondary characters gave added depth to the plot and the world the author built in this novel.

It is a long story (600 pages) but it was told in easily digestible short chapters that kept my attention. This was a very emotional, satisfying novel.

Chris Whitaker has written a wonderful novel that is on par with his previous novel, We Begin at the End. Highly recommend both!

One of the best reads of the year for me to date.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley & Crown Publishing for an eARC ♥️🥹

I am utterly enchanted by this captivating novel! Chris Whitaker's masterpiece has left me spellbound and yearning for more. The tender tale of Patch and Saint's friendship 🥹 is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of human connection♥️

With each turn of the page, I was transported to a world of beauty and wonder, where the intricacies of the human heart are laid bare. Whitaker's writing is nothing short of magic, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting.

The characters are crafted with such precision and love that they leap off the page, their struggles and triumphs resonating deep within my soul. I laughed and cried alongside them, my heart swelling with joy and sorrow.

This book is a triumph, a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit. It reminds us that our relationships are the very fabric of our existence, and that love and loyalty can conquer even the darkest of challenges.

In short, I am in awe of this magnificent novel♥️♥️♥️♥️
It has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I shall cherish it forever. If you're looking for a book that will touch your soul and leave you breathless, look no further. This is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of love and friendship.

Finishing All the Colors of the Dark left me with a deep book hangover. It combined styles and genres to create what was a perfect story for me. I took my time getting into the novel, but by 50%, I wanted to stop my life and read straight through - which I mostly did. The conclusion had many surprises, and the resolution was highly satisfying. At 600+ pages, choosing this book is a commitment. If you are wondering if it's for you, consider the following:
The story is primarily set in rural Missouri, and the sense of place is superb. Regions and locations across the country are also mentioned, which I found fascinating because I've road-tripped all over the continental US and been to almost every place described in the book, many of which are pretty obscure. The author nailed the descriptions.
The main characters experience chronic childhood trauma not only because of the serial killer but also because of pervasive family dysfunction. The serial killer abducts and kills young women. There aren't a lot of graphic descriptions, but there is plenty of trauma, so readers who can't do child abuse or endangerment should not read this book.
All the Colors of the Dark covers decades, jumping several years between sections. There are also many, many characters, and I often used my ebook search function to remind me of characters I had forgotten about. Whitaker has a rich vocabulary, and I also looked up many words. I think an audiobook version would be harder to follow.
The novel isn't fast-paced like most thrillers. While the chapters are short and often have hooks to keep you interested, the story unfolds atmospherically. There is a lot of attention to fleshing out the characters' backstories. I loved the character focus. This book will likely appeal to readers who love thrillers/mysteries but also appreciate deep character development and descriptive writing.
This would be an excellent book club pick because there is a lot to discuss between the characters, their plight, and the writer's style.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.