I'd been seeing this novel on a ton of 'best of' lists at the end of last year, so when I saw it go on major sale, I purchased it. Because it was so lauded, I think my expectations may have been a smidge too high. I don't know what I thought this would be, but what it was, was not what I was expecting. That's not necessarily a bad thing...just a thing.
There are quite a few things I liked about All the Colors of the Dark: I liked that it covered decades of the lives of Patch and Saint. I liked that we got both of their points of view. I liked that there was a feeling of finality and resolution by the end, even if it wasn't quite what I was hoping for.
The things that weren't my favorites? It seemed a bit slow and draggy in places and I wanted more for these characters than what they endured. I know that last one isn't really a fair critique, especially because it speaks to how well developed the characters were that I cared that much, but it's how I felt, soooooo *shrugs*
I could definitely see this being a limited series on a streaming service; it has all of the depth and breadth that many viewers would like. So ultimately, while it wasn't the thriller, page turner I was anticipating, it was definitely a good read.
BUY IT: https://amzn.to/4lbFmL1
SYNOPSIS:
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Mohammed 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 with one eye, 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.