[BWF] All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker ★★★

[Tien]

This is a case of what I want versus what I got   I mean we never get everything we want in life, do we? Not even in books we read LOL Unfortunately, it just made the reading a bit of a struggle even it ended fairly well. I just wanted so much more but if I get what I wanted, we wouldn't really have a story to read. And definitely not one worth 581 pages.

The novel opens with a shocking kidnapping but then slowed right down as there were not many clues to follow up. And while the police and townspeople started to resign themselves, a girl will not give up her BFF ever. But when he returned, he was not the same. He was convinced there was another girl he is supposed to find and this obsession overtook both their lives.

At the beginning, the writing felt somewhat choppy but I felt that as both protagonists were experiencing something traumatic, this sort of works. We remember bits and pieces but the rest were mere blur. Later on, despite being hooked (I couldn't put the book down from the halfway mark until I finished!), I got quite frustrated when I feel that we're just cut off from certain clues or hints that will reveal parts of the mystery (if not all). I understand that's part of the hook but it just felt a very abrupt cut rather than just subtle hints / gentle prods. I was also very very frustrated by Patch and Saint (and Misty and Jimmy and everyone in town but especially these two) for their obsession in tracking down "Grace". I'm like the 'adults' around them who wanted them to just let go and live for the present. It's akin to letting your children make their own decisions and live with the consequences; it's very difficult (and frustrating to boot at times) but I am learning.

Overall, All the Colours of the Dark is a rather addictive read even when I did not like the characters or storyline very much, I was dragged along by the current of words until the end.

BWF - Team Sassy Sisters - Letter A - 12x 5-stars

[Jen K]

Great review Tien! I have been seeing this one everywhere lately and have been intrigued. It is great to hear your thoughts. I will probably pick it up at some point.

[Tien]

I hope you enjoy it when you do, Jen