1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing.
When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake.
Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.
A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
Chris Whitaker’s All the Colors of the Dark is an emotionally charged, slow-burn, character-driven suspense novel with enormous literary depth. The story begins in 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, and follows the lives of Joseph “Patch” Macauley, his best friend Saint, and Misty, whose lives are irrevocably altered after Patch saves Misty from a kidnapping attempt and gets taken instead. When Patch is later rescued by Saint, the trauma ensues, and the lingering mystery of another missing girl affects all their lives for decades. The narrative alternates between past and present, unraveling secrets and exploring how the far-reaching effects one event can have on an entire community. Whitaker’s prose is rich and atmospheric, taking readers on an immersive journey.
Although this book has been categorized by many as a mystery/thriller, it’s more accurately defined as a coming-of-age literary tale with elements of mystery and character-driven drama. The story features a lot of meaningful subject matter that is exquisitely intertwined in the narrative, including friendship, loyalties, love, heartbreak, trauma, and loss. In particular, the story demonstrates how trauma can forever alter and shape lives, how friendships drastically change over time, and how seeking truth and healing often leads people down the darkest paths.
The real strength of this book is its unforgettable characters, all of whom are flawed and complex. Patch is a very interesting protagonist, haunted by guilt and regret for most of the story, but is always seeking redemption. Patch and Saint, from their childhood, have an incredibly deep connection that adds great depth and intrigue to the story. Patch’s relationship with Misty evolves from a teenage infatuation to a meaningful romantic connection, and their story is equally captivating and heartbreaking.
A few critiques of this book could be its uneven pacing and unnecessary length. The story has a fast-paced and captivating start, introducing all the key characters quickly and efficiently laying out the direction of the story. Unfortunately, the middle of the book drags in several parts, and some of the flashback scenes seem unnecessary in advancing/contributing to the plot. Fortunately, the story picks up intensity towards the end, and the final scenes are extremely memorable and thought-provoking.
Overall, All The Colors Of The Dark is a captivating read that weaves together themes of love, loss, trauma, and redemption. At over 600 pages, readers will need to be patient to see the full value of this powerful and thought-provoking tale. Narrator Eduardo Ballerino does a wonderful job voicing the beautiful prose in this novel while bringing the characters vividly to life. For readers who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of suspense, rich characters, and stories that linger long after finishing them, this book should immediately be added to your list!
