All the Colors of the Dark: A Read with Jenna Pick

There just aren’t enough words to explain how much I loved this book. Yes, it was long, but I devoured every single word, sometimes even rereading passages just to make sure I caught every detail. This review is going to be all over the place because I just finished it, and I’m still a mess. Honestly, there’s no way to sum it up; too much happens in this story for that. The twists and turns still have me reeling. The ending made me cry and completely took my breath away. This is a masterpiece, easily one of my favorite books of the year so far, and maybe even in my top five of all time. I already know I’ll reread it at least once. The way the author brought each character to life was brilliant, and the storyline went in directions I never expected, which made it completely unique for me. This book had everything: heartbreaking moments, laugh-out-loud scenes, parts that made me so angry I had to put the book down, and passages that made me stop and ask myself, What would I do in this situation? It truly covered the full range of emotions. Saint and Patch will forever be two of my favorite characters. This story is going to stay with me for a long time. The way the author wove everything together was nothing short of amazing, raising the bar for what I’d call a complex, unforgettable tale. I’m glad I have the hardcover for my shelf, but I’ll also be picking up a paperback (my favorite) or the Kindle edition for an easier reread. Now, off to see how many more books I can get my hands on by this author. :)

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. After graduate school, I lost my lifelong interest in reading. I had given up hope of ever reading for pleasure again. Then this book came along that hooked me from beginning to the end. I was engrossed with the characters and totally got lost in the prose and the story. It had so many twists and turns, I do not see how a made for television or movie can do the book justice. I will say, I was crying for the entire last part of the book. It took me over an hour just to stop crying after I had finished. I have never been so moved by a book before.

Patch, a one-eyed boy who thinks he's a pirate, becomes an unlikely hero when he saves the daughter of a wealthy family from a predator. Unfortunately, Patch goes missing. His best friend, Saint, never gives up on him. When he does return, however, he is changed and becomes obsessed with finding missing girls. This book is very long and slow-moving. But it ultimately ended up being a great story of friendship, survival, and coming-of-age. Patch, Saint, Charlotte, and Misty will stay with me a long time. The only thing that I really didn't like was some of the grammar. There were times the characters wouldn't finish speaking then a new chapter would begin. Or there was a long, complicated sentence that made no sense. Overall, though, it was a very endearing story that combined a serial killer/missing person story mixed with a love story mixed with a story about growing up. What to Expect: --impacts of trauma --religious themes --survival and captivity --obsession and devotion --friendship and love --small town

Mr Whitaker, you have written a masterpiece. The depth of real feeling in this book is breathtaking. The way it left you room to think after a partial revelation was masterful. You got into the minds of the women in such a way that I was shocked to discover I was reading a book written by a man! The years covered as Saint and Patch grew up were the same time I was at those ages. The mention of things going on in our country really made this personal. I remember how I felt during those events, and you nailed it. The fear we felt as children when we discovered there was such a twisted evil thing as a serial killer is captured here like nothing else I’ve read. As a mother, I now see just how terrifying it must have been for our parents. This will go on my shelf as “To be read again and again”. Thank you for this time capsule and brilliant story.

One of the best books I have ever read. It’s a work of art. A great story with a wonderful message. It’s rare that a book makes me cry. Just wonderful. It’s long, but the chapters are very short so it easy to read. Loved it. Unbelievable.

Having read some review (not on Amazon) after I read this book I was amazed by the amount of negative expressions because I thought this book was amazing. Firstly Chris’ writing style and the format was very readable and not like anything I had read before. Secondly, the characters were just so divine and lovely which made it such a page turner. Thirdly, which is why I think some may struggle with it but which I found great, was the way in which the crimes are almost overlooked and skimmed because the focus is the characters and their journeys in these circumstances. The circumstances are still fully formed and understood but not with such a shining light focused on them. I thought it was brilliant 😊.

Great characters that have you routing for them. great concept, excellent storyline that keep you turning the pages. Really enjoyed this book and was in my top 3 for 2025. Thriller, psychological thriller type theme.

Excellent read. Attention captured until the very end. Really enjoyed this book.

Lovely story in spite of the sad parts. This is the second book of Mr. Whitaker I have read and I look forward to reading more because of the richness of his telling of tales.

Engaging and absorbing read, very well written with unexpected twists.