All the Colors of the Dark

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 40,383 ratings

Price: 19.69

Last update: 01-06-2025


About this item

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From the author of We Begin at the End comes a soaring thriller and an epic love story that “hits like a sledgehammer . . . an absolutely must-read novel” (Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl).

Read with Jenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today

The Boston Globe’s #1 Thriller/Mystery of 2024 So Far

One of The Washington Post’s Best Books of Summer

“Kept me frantically turning the pages and somehow made me cry at the end . . . Brava!”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Women

“Melds tense suspense with a powerful exploration of devotion, obsession, and love.”—People (Best New Books)

1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town 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.


Top reviews from the United States

Carpool Book Club
5.0 out of 5 stars Hauntingly Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
This was an easy 5 stars to grant!

Set in a small town rocked by the disappearance of a young girl, All the Colors of the Dark is a dark, slow-burn mystery that mixes edge-of-your-seat tension with a heap of emotional depth. The unease and suspicion are so thick you can practically feel it as the characters try to navigate their grief and fear.

The small-town vibe is nailed—everyone knows everyone, but no really knows anything. The characters are messy and flawed, but you end up caring about them anyway.

Whitaker’s writing is vivid and haunting, making the tension feel real. The pacing’s a little slow at times, but totally worth it. Whitaker peels back the layers of the mystery bit by bit, and the emotional punch adds a heavy but necessary element. If you liked Demon Copperhead or All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, you’ll love this.

Bottom line: If you’re in the mood for beautiful writing, emotional upheaval and characters that stay with you, All the Colors of the Dark is a solid pick.

Note: the subject matter could be triggering for those sensitive to child abuse.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Rich Storytelling
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
This was a well-written book with complex characters that really drew me in. I did feel parts of it were too long and convoluted, but it was settled with a satisfying ending.
Mari B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I normally read…no regrets
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
My go to reading genre is fantasy, paranormal, romantasy, so this was out of the norm for me. I will be brutally honest, at first I cringed, dreaded picking up the book, and made excuses to not read when I normally read. I have a hard time with realistic fiction that delve into gut wrenching situations dealing with kids. They affect me deeply. I thought this was going to turn out to be like a Mystic River. But it wasn’t. It’s a beautiful journey in the lives of these perfectly constructed, pure, heart-filled characters. It’s a story about hope and salvation. The writer weaves each person’s story together and blends them into a magnificent braided path. Even though at times I was absolutely afraid for the outcome, I read on because I was sucked into their lives and wanted to find out how it finally all concluded for them. It has a familiarity to Forrest Gump, traveling through the decades in the lives of the characters and demonstrating how every action starting from the very first page carried relevance through a lifespan.
My only complaint is that there were too many unnecessary chapters or points that were droned on and repetitive. There were chapters I felt added no importance to moving the plot or characters along. This could have been shortened a bit. Overall, no regrets I veered from my norm and read this book. A book that will certainly keep you wanting to know more and leave you breathing easy and satisfied.
Sharon M. Kelley
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024
Great story, great characters, brilliant writing. Once I began this book, I couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to reading his other books. Give it a try, you won’t be sorry. Bravo Chris Whitaker!
Brightboomer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Modern Tragedy Where Mystery Abounds and Hope Hints
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
I often found this book somewhat perplexing to read. The author’s sentence structuring is complex in ways that gives new meaning to grammar rules. I was concurrently engrossed and wary. The plot was thick with twists and turns. Some I guessed, most I did not. Did I love it…not sure. Did I escape from daily tasks as I continued my read without stop….I did. Would I recommend it to other bibliophiles…..absolutely! Will I give you hints to the plot or characters within? Not a chance! I will not ruin this complex fictional journey for you! Enjoy!
teacher_lady
5.0 out of 5 stars This one will keep me thinking
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
There is no way I could have figured out the way this read would twist and turn.
I admit I struggled at times because the pace did wander at times.

Here’s what I loved:
Amazing characters
Beautiful scenery
The back drop of real time events
The human connection
The way that decisions can alter the course of a life

Some cons:
The story wandered at times
A few story threads I would have liked fleshed out a bit more
I wanted the 2 main characters to have a happily ever after

Spoiler below:
I disagree with some of the reviews calling this a political book. The author described real time political events as they occurred. It is what it is. The ability to find compassion with political people’s public problems does not indicate an affiliation. It’s humanity. I was surprised to read that some people found a women’s difficulty to NOT choose abortion when she discovered she was pregnant a political statement, very sad. Unless you have carried a life in your body, you can’t know how hard that decision is for some people. This is why it’s called ‘choice’ it’s not always an easy or clear thing.
Cassidy C
4.0 out of 5 stars Long, heartbreaking, but sort of worth it?
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
I normally read for escape, but this wasn’t a rainbows and butterflies place to escape too. That being said, the things these characters endured and suffered left me breathless and I NEEDED to get to the end. It was a page turner because I just had to know. I liked the style of writing, though I do agree this book could have been a little more condensed. Otherwise, these characters have my heart. ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** A few dislikes I had: I hated that Saint felt forced into marrying Jimmy. I hated the disregard Patch had for Saint for nearly the entire book - he came back because of her, and yet despite his gratitude left her in the dust so to speak (while continuing to use her as a resource and her voicemail as an emotional dumping ground). Her unwavering devotion and love for him was never returned equally, though he very clearly loved her as a close friend. His connection with Misty left me upset and nauseous. Like Saint said she could have anyone, why him? Her death brought more despair to an already upsetting tale. His obsession with Grace also left me feeling unsteady but I could at least understand his need to find her as she helped him survive. I understand there were uplifting parts - the art, the missing girls, the connections made - and yet I still found so much of this story hard to swallow. Why am I still giving this 4 stars? I guess because the plot was so harrowing, gripping, and I couldn’t put it down (devouring it in 2 days). Best read of the year? No. But definitely a riveting story to take in.

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