This book has given me sleepless nights. Not because it is gruesome or scary. Not even because I was compelled to read into the small hours to finish it. If anything I took my time, reading it over several evenings in the end because I wanted to savour it. No. This book gave me sleepless nights because when I finally did finish it my mind was so awash with all the things I wanted to say about it, all the words that weren’t going to be enough, that I spent half of the night switching my lights back on so that I could make notes as soon as something came to mind. I am not a person who makes notes. I am a wing it and see kind of reviewer. This is quite the departure for me … This book, perhaps ironically, doesn’t begin at the end at all. Not really. It begins thirty years prior to the main story, focusing the reader on the event which is to prove to be the catalyst for all that is to come. It is a relatively unassuming opener, no quick action, no scenes to make the reader jump or unnecessarily anxious, and yet it still packs a punch, the final lines setting the tone for novel. It is a short but effective chapter which tells you all you need to know about the tone of the book, the pace, and that gives you just the hint of all you are about to experience. This is, when all is said and done, a murder mystery. One of the key characters is killed, the murderer seemingly apparent, but the circumstances clouded by all that has gone one before. In reality, whilst the investigators truly believe they have their man, a slam dunk case with a defendant who will neither confess to the deed, nor defend himself against the charge, as a reader you know that it is not as simple as it appears, a conviction held by town Sheriff , Walk, also best friend of the key suspect, Vincent King. But this book is so much more than just a murder investigation. It is a brilliant portrayal of life in a small American town. Of the residents who make up the community of Cape Haven and how the years have meant things staying the same for some and causing immeasurable damage to others. For a very English guy from Hertfordshire, Chris Whitaker has an amazing ability to create a truly authentic American voice, capturing the very essence of that style which put me very much in mind of authors such as John Hart. A kind of melancholic resignation about what is happening. His ability to put you in the heart of the action, to create such a sense of place, is perfect and as a reader it makes you feel you are there, alongside Walk as he tries his damnedest to get to the truth. If you are looking for a fast action murder mystery, this is absolutely not the book for you. That is not where this particular author excels. What you can expect when you pick this book up is a novel full of such deep emotion and pain that it seeps from every page. And, as I have come to expect from Mr Whitaker, he not only captures the voice, the sense of place, perfectly, he creates characters who are authentic. From Walk, to Star Radley, a young mother so broken by her past that it has devastating consequences for her present, to the neighbours who range from the nosy parker to the former jock to the creepy and dangerous landlord – you have them all. Skin crawling to sympathetic, struggling in many different ways, both mentally and physically. Now in every Chris Whitaker novel you get that one character who steals your heart. In We Begin At The End, that honour falls fairly and squarely at the feet of ‘The Outlaw’ Duchess Day Radley. Barely a teenager, she has more responsibility than any child should, acting as caregiver for her younger brother Robin, while also looking out for her mother, Star. Duchess has a tenacity and level of bravado that is way beyond her years, a spiky nature that is driven by circumstance. A defence mechanism, tinged with a cynicism that is sad to see in one so young. At times it is easy to forget that she is still only a child, making those moments when you remember all the more poignant. Duchess has been faced with a childhood far darker than she deserves, and with more disappointment than any child should have to go through. Her actions and reactions are understandable, gutsy and believable, able to make you smile and weep simultaneously. She is tough to a point of almost perfect isolation, but those moments when she lets someone else in, when she forgets herself and acts as any child should, are heartwarming and emotional. Walk is the other central character in the novel. A very staid man, he prefers the status quo trying to stave off the inevitable change that is all around him, affecting him on a far more personal level than he is willing to admit. Certain of his friend’s innocence, he guides the reader between past and present, investigating a case that the state believes is closed and looking out for Star, Duchess and Robin in a way that is totally endearing and believable. You can feel the regret that emanates from him, the blame he takes for how events pan out, making his need to set things right completely understandable. He is someone that I was happy to go on the journey with, whose dedication and determination was both tragic and commendable. This is a book about secrets and lies. About the lengths that people will go to to protect those that they love – about the ultimate sacrifices that they are willing to make for one another. About the unassailable bond between friends, family and lovers that spans decades and shapes a lifetime of hurt. Of how one single decision can change everything. Whilst I may have guessed in part how the story was going to play out, I still wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact I felt when the truth was finally revealed. It is an ending that is both full of sorrow and yet tinged with hope for the future, this is a very classy piece of fiction, with a stunning narrative packed with vivid description, that I am certain is going to be a huge success.
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We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that masterfully blends elements of crime, mystery, and coming-of-age genres. The story revolves around Duchess Day Radley, a fierce and resilient thirteen-year-old who calls herself an outlaw. She is the protector of her younger brother, Robin, and the caretaker of her troubled mother, Star. The novel is set in a small coastal town in California, where the past and present collide with the release of Vincent King, a man who has spent thirty years in prison for a crime that deeply affected the community. The narrative is driven by the complex relationships between the characters, particularly between Duchess and Walk, the town's police chief who has his own burdens to bear. Whitaker's writing is both poetic and raw, capturing the harsh realities of life while also highlighting moments of tenderness and hope. The characters are richly developed, each with their own flaws and strengths, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end. Overall, We Begin at the End is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores themes of redemption, family, and the enduring impact of the past. It's a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
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We Begin at the End is a beautifully written and emotionally gripping novel that blends mystery, drama, and deeply human storytelling. Chris Whitaker crafts a compelling narrative centered around unforgettable characters, particularly Duchess Day Radley, a fiercely independent and complex young girl whose resilience and strength drive the story forward. The novel masterfully weaves past and present, exploring themes of loss, justice, and redemption. Whitaker’s prose is both lyrical and raw, drawing the reader into a small-town setting filled with secrets, flawed characters, and heartbreaking moments. The pacing is excellent, keeping the tension high while allowing the emotional weight of the story to fully settle in. My wife read this book and absolutely loved it—so much so that Chris Whitaker is now one of her favorite authors. His ability to create such deeply layered characters and gripping narratives makes his work truly stand out. For those who enjoy richly developed characters and a novel that lingers in the mind long after the last page, We Begin at the End is a must-read. It’s a powerful, beautifully crafted book that stays with you.
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"We Begin At The End" is a gripping crime novel that won the Crime Novel of the Year Award in 2021, and it's easy to see why. Chris Whitaker masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and redemption set against the backdrop of a small coastal California town. The story revolves around Duchess Day Radley, a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw who fiercely protects her younger brother, Robin, and her troubled mother, Star. Chief Walker, a childhood friend of Star and the town's chief of police, is also deeply entangled in the family's struggles. The return of Vincent King, a man who was sent to prison thirty years ago, brings old wounds and new challenges to the surface. Whitaker's writing is exquisite, filled with rich, textured characters and evocative descriptions that pull you into the story. The narrative is thought-provoking, exploring the grey areas of morality and the complexities of family dynamics. It's a roller coaster of emotions, with moments of heartbreak and hope that will stay with you long after you finish the book. If you're a fan of crime fiction with depth and emotional resonance, "We Begin At The End" is a must-read. It's a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the human experience with honesty and compassion. I loved it!!!
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With excellent character development, rich setting descriptions and a felt sense of place, Whitaker transports readers to the town(s) in which this book takes place. There is heartfelt emotion felt for, and with, the individuals who experience what they do and the plot twists in ways that are unpredictable and encourage one to turn the page again…and again…and again.
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A great read, tough to put down once you get into the story. Well developed characters that you feel both empathy and anger towards. The innocence of children heartwarming and heartbreaking. Vivid prose beautifully written with succinct depth; you can see the scenes so clearly it’s a movie waiting to be made. I can’t wait to read his next masterpiece.
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Das Buch ist unglaublich packend, wunderbar geschrieben und hat unvorhersehbare Wendungen. Eines der besten Bücher, die ich gelesen habe. Eine unbedingte Leseempfehlung.
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... for sharing this on Kindle Unlimited. ... for editing it, unlike a lot of KU publications. ... for writing such a beautifully crafted and graphed story. Truly 'unputdownable'!
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At first I found the writing style slightly disconcerting but a little voice said keep going. So glad I did. A multilayered very human account of endurance, sacrifice, loss and love. Highly recommended.
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