Chris Whitaker
Late one summer, the town of Monta Clare is shattered by the abduction of teenager Joseph ‘Patch’ Macauley. Nobody more so than Saint Brown, who will risk everything to find her best friend.
But when she does: it will break her heart.
Patch lies alone in a pitch-black room – until he feels a hand in his. Her name is Grace and, though they cannot see each other, she lights their world with her words.
But when he escapes: there is no sign she ever even existed.
Left with only her voice and her name, he paints her from broken memories – and charts an epic search to find her.
As years turn to decades, and hope becomes obsession, Saint will shadow his journey – on a darker path to hunt down the man who took them – and set free the only boy she ever loved.
Even if finding the truth means losing each other forever…
My Review of All the Colours of the Dark
I joined Bloody Scotland online this year and watched Chris Whitaker speak about his new book, All the Colours of the Dark. I knew right away that I wanted to read it and purchased a hardback edition that weekend. Later, after reading glowing reviews of the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, I also picked up the audiobook. Experiencing the story in both formats was the perfect way to fully appreciate this remarkable novel.
Spanning over 25 years, from 1976 to 2001, this is an epic tale of resilience, friendship, and the lasting scars of trauma. It begins with thirteen-year-old Joseph “Patch” Macauley being abducted after stepping in to protect another child. His best friend, Saint Brown, refuses to give up on him, launching a relentless search that underscores the unbreakable bond between them. Their friendship is the heart of the story, a light in the darkness that surrounds them.
Whitaker deftly blends genres – coming-of-age, mystery, police procedural, and literary fiction – crafting a story that feels fresh and unique. While the mystery of Patch’s abduction and his connection to the enigmatic Grace adds tension, the novel is ultimately a character-driven exploration of how people endure and heal from unimaginable challenges.
The writing is beautifully evocative, transporting readers to the Ozarks with vivid descriptions of pine forests, buzzing hives, and the golden sweetness of honey. Edoardo Ballerini’s exceptional narration brought these details to life, seamlessly adapting to each character and heightening the emotional impact of the story. By the final, gripping third of the book, I was so captivated that I followed along with the hardback in hand, fully immersing myself in its intensity and nuance.
The cast of characters is unforgettable. Patch and Saint are flawed yet deeply compelling, and their unwavering friendship is portrayed with authenticity and heart. The supporting characters—including the fierce Misty, the lively Sammy, and the mysterious Grace – add richness and depth, making the small town of Monta Clare feel as real as the people who inhabit it.
This is a novel that made me laugh, cry, and reflect on the resilience of the human spirit. It explores themes of loss, healing, and the enduring power of hope even in the darkest of times. While the pacing occasionally falters, and some moments stretch believability, these are minor issues in a story so layered and moving.
Chris Whitaker has delivered a masterpiece that lingers long after the final page. All the Colours of the Dark is a haunting, unforgettable novel that defies categorisation and touches the soul. Whether you read the book, listen to the audiobook, or do both as I did, you will not be disappointed.
The Author
Chris Whitaker is the author of the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling All The Colours Of The Dark. His other acclaimed and bestselling novels include We Begin At The End, Tall Oaks, and All The Wicked Girls.
Chris’s novels have been translated into thirty languages and have won the CWA Gold Dagger, the CWA John Creasey Dagger, the Theakston Crime Novel of the Year, the Ned Kelly International Award, and numerous awards around the world.
His books have also been selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, Barnes & Noble Book Club, Good Morning America Book Club, and for BBC2’s Between The Covers.
All The Colours Of The Dark is currently in development with Universal Pictures.
Chris was born in London and lives in the UK.
Follow him on Instagram @chriswhitakerauthor
The Book
- Title: All the Colours of the Dark
- Author: Christ Whitaker
- Publisher: Orion
- Publication:
- Digital (25 June 2024)
- Hardback (16 July 2024)
- Audio (25 June 2024) 14h 37m
- Paperback (27 March 2025)
The Review
As mentioned above, I own both the hardback and audiobook editions of this novel, and experiencing the story in both formats allowed me to fully appreciate its depth and emotional impact.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own, and I will never charge for a book review—#FreeBookReviewsAlways This review, or excerpts from it, may also be shared on my social media platforms (find me everywhere as momobookdiary) and on book sites like Goodreads, StoryGraph, and Amazon. All links are accurate at the time of publication.
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