Book 159 of 2024: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker 

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 

1975 is a time of change in America. 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 with one eye, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, is abducted. His best friend Saint is left reeling and is determined to unravel the mystery of her beloved friend’s disappearance. 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. 

 

Literary mystery is such an underrated genre and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites! My friend/mentor/book club host Phyllis recommended this book and I am so glad I read it (let’s be real, her recommendations never miss). This book was such a unique blend of a missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, and a story about love and friendship. The story spans decades and I loved how everything developed over time—it felt realistic and at the same time gave the characters so much room for growth and development. Patch and Salt were incredible characters, and I loved how each of them sought the truth in their own ways. The book was long long but I was never bored and the book never felt like it dragged. Whitaker is an excellent writer and I definitely plan to read more of his works. Really loved this and definitely recommend it!