All the Colors of the Dark

By: Chris Whitaker

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

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
A Best Book of the Year: Washington Post, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews

“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 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.

©2024 Chris Whitaker (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“All the Colors of the Dark kept me reading until 2:30 a.m.—the turns just kept coming. This is literary fiction that works as a crime thriller. The deadpan humor is pitch-perfect, the plot cinematic.”—Boston Globe

“Breathless . . . the story ripples out, spanning decades and perspectives, to consider how one moment transforms the lives of a little boy and the people who love him.”—The Washington Post

“Sure to bring suspense to the beach!”—US Weekly

Edit, Edit, Edit!

Story becomes convoluted and confusing. Unnecessarily long and tedious descriptions of certain episodes. (Who's on first?)

Unusual, but compelling

At times I had a hard time following the numerous characters and the quick pivots to another piece of this very complicated story. If I had to do it again, I would probably read the book instead of listen to it. That way, I could check my memory of events in a book that has over 200 chapters. I often think that some authors delay the happy ending too long. I had no idea what the ending could possibly be, but it was a worthy one.

All the Colors of The Dark

This was an extremely well read and extremely painful and tragic story. To span 30+ years of fallout from a terrible kidnapping took the author a little longer than I would have liked, because there was so little joy and justice for the protagonist and there were so many victims, both actual and emotional. It’s important yet torturous. I couldn’t stop listening and I’m profoundly affected by this book, and, at the same time, don’t recommend to sissies. It’s very dark and very sad, although there is, thankfully some light at the end.

What if doing the wrong thing is actually right?

This book was a little hard for me to get started on, but I’m so thankful that was only short lived. This book will cause you to have every emotion possible as you read it. You are heart broken by the actions of true love. You want the wrong choice to be the right answer. This book reminded me a lot of A Little Life by Hanna Yanagihara; not in the story but in the emotions that arise. The commonality of thinking about it long after you have heard the last spoken words. This is the type of book that if ever given the chance you want to thank Mr Whitaker for sending something so wonderful into the World.

Unexpected

Loved the beautiful connections in this story. Found it a bit drawn out until I THINK I know where it’s headed! Great listen!!!

Like nothing I’ve ever read!

This book is amazing! It ripped me apart and lovingly sewed me back together again. The characters are so rich and complex, and the story is compelling. There were twists and turns like a good mystery, heartache and fear like a good psychological thriller, and love and hate like a good romance. In a nutshell , all I can say is it’s SO very, very good! As usual, Eduardo Ballerini’s narration is SUPERB!

Lemons from lemonade from lemons. Boy this is a page turner!

We are all products of our environment but some have more to overcome than others. I loved this book a lot. Its so relevant to humanity's weaknesses, strengths and capacity to care. Its very realistic and thought provoking.

Best book I’ve listened to in years!

Best book I’ve listened to in years! Rarely am I surprised, but this pot took me places I didn’t expect. Enchanting!

Sometimes great - sometimes not so much

The plot was a good one, the narration was good, but sometimes the story itself was confusing; at times even boring. I will recommend it because the good outweighs the bad and the end is satisfying.

Great doesn’t even describe it

Might end up being my favorite book this year. Going to be hard to beat. Mystery, love, multifaceted, warm warming, depth…it has it all. Don’t skip this one!