A review by notsopithypriya
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

challenging dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

All of the characters are either written with depth or the implication of it. While this is more obviously the story of Patch and Saint, it's woven in with the narratives of other characters in Monta Clare, families with missing/dead daughters across the country, and of course, the serial killer who embodies the "your body, my choice" philosophy.

While there's a fair bit of plot, I do think this was primarily character-driven. (In most other novels, this would be enough plot to characterize this as a mix or plot-driven.)
On a related but milder note, Theodore's presence — or rather his absence — makes you root for Saint and despise the Jimmy Walters of the world all the more. It's like Richie Montrose's portrayal of a grieving father; I think I'll see guilt layered in upon a re-read.
On a lighter note, Charlotte and Sammy are absolute treasures.

I wouldn't necessarily call this a thriller — the pacing of it doesn't quite make it feel like one to me. (And what seems like particularly uneven pacing is what prevents me from considering it an outright 5 star read.) But it is absolutely one I recommend (I suspect I'll be rereading it at some point), and parts of this one will stay with me.

If you can make it to the last 100 or so pages, you'll likely enjoy this book. I definitely did — though it was a bit of a trek to get there.
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