None yet knew of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.
All the Colors of the Dark is a luminous, sweeping, multi-generational literary mysterNone yet knew of the evolving tragedy that would be their lives.
All the Colors of the Dark is a luminous, sweeping, multi-generational literary mystery. At a whopping 600 pages, I was hooked from the first line to the last, and this is a new all-time favorite.
Our story begins in 1975 in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, where girls are disappearing. When a young boy named Patch saves a girl from her would-be abductor, he sets off a chain of events that will impact the lives of everyone around him.
This book is very, very hard to review without giving away parts of the plot that I just really don't want to give away. What I will say is that the characters in this story, especially Patch and Saint, will stick with me for the rest of my life. They just feel like real people to me. Whitaker's prose is so vivid and evocative that I felt like I could see Monta Clare, and the thousands of miles from there that our characters travel. Whitaker also clearly believes that we are smart enough to put the pieces together without needing everything spelled out for us. I was fully immersed in their world.
This book isn't just a thriller - it's a deeply emotional journey that explores the endurance of the human spirit. The relationships described in this story cracked my heart wide open and brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. I would compare the feeling I had here to the one I had when I read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - this is not a traditional love story, but it is a love story nonetheless.
All The Colors of the Dark is a literary masterpiece that transcends genres. Chris Whitaker has created a story that is both thrilling and deeply moving, with characters that will stay with you long after the final page. This is a novel that demands to be read, shared, and remembered. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Thanks so much to Crown Publishing for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
*** pre-review
This is just a masterpiece. I’ll never stop thinking about Patch, Saint, Charlotte, Sammy, and the world created in these 600 pages. This is my contender for book of the year right now. I’m just… stunned.
Full review to come, thank you to the publisher for the ARC...more
"Things Don't Break on Their Own" by Sarah Easter Collins is an emotionally gripping and well-crafted mystery that delves deep into family dynamics an"Things Don't Break on Their Own" by Sarah Easter Collins is an emotionally gripping and well-crafted mystery that delves deep into family dynamics and unresolved grief. The story centers on Willa, whose sister Laika disappeared 25 years ago, an event that has haunted Willa ever since. As Willa navigates her complex relationships and personal struggles, she remains convinced that her sister is still alive, driven by an unbreakable sisterly bond.
Collins expertly weaves together past and present, using multiple perspectives to slowly reveal the layers of this haunting tale. The dinner party that brings together Willa, her former lover Robyn, and other significant characters serves as a catalyst for uncovering long-buried secrets. The character development is particularly strong, with each person vividly portrayed, making their interactions compelling and believable.
The narrative explores themes of loss, identity, and the impact of childhood trauma, all while maintaining a suspenseful pace that keeps readers engaged. The shifting timelines and fragmented memories create a tapestry of intrigue that culminates in a satisfying resolution, answering the lingering questions about Laika’s fate.
Overall, "Things Don't Break on Their Own" is a powerful debut that balances emotional depth with a captivating mystery. Sarah Easter Collins' lyrical prose and keen insight into human relationships make this novel a standout in the genre. Highly recommended for those who appreciate character-driven stories with a touch of psychological suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the ARC....more
i’ll be in the minority here and say i really liked this BUT !!!!!!!!!! this is a disturbing, weird book and idk if i know anybody else who would likei’ll be in the minority here and say i really liked this BUT !!!!!!!!!! this is a disturbing, weird book and idk if i know anybody else who would like it lol. this is not a thriller at all, it’s a character study in grief and the way it pushes people to their mind’s limits. very upsetting and if you’re going to read this you *must* check CWs. all this being said… i loved it. so idk what that says about me! ...more
Ohhh depressing litfic right on the cusp of feminine rage, you will always be That Girl to me.
Set in a small coastal Massachusetts town, this stunningOhhh depressing litfic right on the cusp of feminine rage, you will always be That Girl to me.
Set in a small coastal Massachusetts town, this stunning debut revolves around the death of a young woman at a house party and the impact it has on the tight-knit community. The story is told through the eyes of ten local women through a series of vignettes, and each of these women provide their own perspective and connection to the deceased girl, Lucy. This unique narrative structure provides a multi-faceted view of the events surrounding her death and the subsequent ripple effects on the town.
The novel explores themes of grief, womanhood, class, and sexuality, painting a vivid portrait of a community grappling with tragedy. Grabowski skillfully weaves together the lives of these women, creating a compelling narrative that captures their interconnectedness and the complex emotions they experience. The story delves into the relationships among mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, revealing the fragility and strength of these connections.
The characters in "Women and Children First" are well-developed and realistic, with unique voices and perspectives that add depth to the story. The shifting narratives and timeframes keep the reader engaged, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The book balances the darkness of the tragedy with moments of hope and resilience, offering a poignant exploration of love and loss.
There's emotional depth and unique structure present here that, in my opinion, make this a compelling read for those interested in literary fiction with elements of mystery and drama.
This story is a captivating and insightful novel that explores the impact of tragedy on a small community. Its complex characters and intricate storytelling earn it a solid 5-star rating. This book is likely to resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves into the human condition and the bonds that connect us.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alina Grabowski, and SJP Lit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is out May 7!
Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Dervla McTiernan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nina and her boyfriend, Simon, head out for a Thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Dervla McTiernan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nina and her boyfriend, Simon, head out for a weekend of hiking, aiming to rekindle their relationship amid nature. But when only Simon returns, the question everyone's asking is: What happened to Nina? This riveting, ripped from the headlines novel plunges us right into the middle of the story, but I want to be clear - this is not a mystery. From the very beginning, we're pretty much aware of what has happened, who has done it, and why. The real story here is watching the events unfold against a backdrop of family loyalty, media frenzy, and a gripping investigation. The story, told through the eyes of Nina's mother, Nina's stepfather, Simon's mother, Simon's father, and the detective on the case, is a harrowing tale of the way that violence can impact us all.
This book is a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships. Through the turmoil of the search for Nina, we see two families pitted against each other—Nina's, desperate for answers, and Simon's, protective and wary of the mounting allegations against their son. What sets this book apart is its ability to mirror the real-world spectacle that often surrounds such tragic events, but also comment effectively in a way that leaves it feeling singular. The armchair detectives, the viral hashtags, the spiraling conspiracies - it's all too familiar.
If you're a fan of dark and complex stories that make you examine the darker facets of human nature, this book is an absolute must-read. By the end, my heart was going to burst for Nina - and, let's be honest here, Gabby Petito. 5 stars. ...more
this is very good, but i just feel like i've read it so many times. i wanted it to stand out a bit morethis is very good, but i just feel like i've read it so many times. i wanted it to stand out a bit more...more
A beautiful literary mystery - one of the first books in ages to keep me up past midnight reading.
"Bright and Tender Dark" is a captivating debut noveA beautiful literary mystery - one of the first books in ages to keep me up past midnight reading.
"Bright and Tender Dark" is a captivating debut novel by Joanna Pearson that intertwines mystery, drama, and an exploration of human nature in a compelling and nuanced narrative. The story centers around the unsolved murder of Karlie Richards, a charismatic college student found brutally murdered in her campus apartment just after Y2K. The novel jumps between the year 1999 and 2019, delving into the lives of those who knew Karlie - as well as those who were merely fascinated by her.
Joy, Karlie’s freshman year roommate, is now a middle-aged woman going through a divorce and still living in the same college town. When she discovers a 20-year-old letter from Karlie, Joy becomes convinced that the man imprisoned for the murder was wrongfully convicted. Her quest to uncover the truth leads her into the dark world of Internet conspiracy theorists and true crime subreddits, but it's impossible to know if she's on a wild goose chase, or actually getting close to the truth.
The novel’s strength lies in its rich character development and the intricate weaving of their backstories. Pearson skillfully navigates multiple points of view, including Joy’s obsessive investigation; KC, the transgender night manager of the building where Karlie was killed; Sheri, the mother of the man serving time for the murder; and more, including Joy's son, Joy and Karlie's predatory professor, and the boy who loved Karlie. Each character is deeply flawed and profoundly human, adding layers of complexity to the story. I felt like I really connected to and understood these characters and their motivations.
Pearson’s writing is both lyrical and precise, capturing the essence of the late 90s and the modern age of Reddit threads and online obsession. The novel explores the enduring impact of unresolved trauma on a community. It also delves into the psychological urge to protect and exploit what we cannot have, making it a thought-provoking read.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is how it balances the suspense of a murder mystery with the depth of literary fiction. The story is not solely about solving the crime but about understanding the ripple effects of Karlie’s death on everyone involved. Pearson’s ability to blend these elements seamlessly makes "Bright and Tender Dark" a standout debut.
While the narrative may not follow the traditional structure of a thriller, it is engrossing and thought-provoking. Do not go into this book expecting a neat popcorn thriller, where a dead body shows up on page five and you're left racing through action-packed pages with twist after twist. The slow unraveling of secrets and the gradual piecing together of the truth is so rewarding. For fans of literary mysteries with rich character studies and intricate plots, "Bright and Tender Dark" is a must-read.
Overall, "Bright and Tender Dark" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the enduring impact of unresolved trauma. It’s a promising debut from Joanna Pearson that will leave readers reflecting on its themes long after they turn the last page.
Thank you to Joanna Pearson and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is out 6/4! ...more
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