REVIEW:

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is a novel by an up-and-coming author that's not to be missed. Call it a thriller, a mystery, a crime drama, or a coming-of-age tale, it's undeniably a slow burn story with more than its fair share of surprises.

The plot is intricate, with many connected characters essentially dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy that took place 30 years prior. At its heart is a vividly-drawn young girl named Duchess, a self-proclaimed "outlaw," who does whatever is necessary to raise and protect her younger brother. Their life circumstances are heartbreaking and somewhat of a mystery. Misfortune seems to follow them, and you can't help but hope they'll eventually end up on solid, supportive ground.

The novel is broken into four parts, and it wasn't until Part 2 when the setting and characters shift to small town Montana that I got sucked in. The other prominent setting is a small coastal California town. Both are equally atmospheric, but I sensed glimmers of hope in Montana compared to the dreary regret of the west.

The audiobook is confidently narrated by George Newbern (Scandal, Father of the Bride). His voice is familiar and comforting, but I can't help but think this is a book where you want to feel the weight of a hardback in your hands. For the audio format though, Newbern is always a reliable choice.

I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and the author for the opportunity to review an advanced listener copy.

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

There are two kinds of families: the ones we are born into and the ones we create.

Walk has never left the coastal California town where he grew up. He may have become the chief of police, but he’s still trying to heal the old wound of having given the testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison decades before. Now, thirty years later, Vincent is being released.

Duchess is a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Her mother, Star, grew up with Walk and Vincent. Walk is in overdrive trying to protect them, but Vincent and Star seem bent on sliding deeper into self-destruction. Star always burned bright, but recently that light has dimmed, leaving Duchess to parent not only her mother but her five-year-old brother. At school the other kids make fun of Duchess―her clothes are torn, her hair a mess. But let them throw their sticks, because she’ll throw stones. Rules are for other people. She’s just trying to survive and keep her family together.

A fortysomething-year-old sheriff and a thirteen-year-old girl may not seem to have a lot in common. But they both have come to expect that people will disappoint you, loved ones will leave you, and if you open your heart it will be broken. So when trouble arrives with Vincent King, Walk and Duchess find they will be unable to do anything but usher it in, arms wide closed.

Chris Whitaker has written an extraordinary novel about people who deserve so much more than life serves them. At times devastating, with flashes of humor and hope throughout, it is ultimately an inspiring tale of how the human spirit prevails and how, in the end, love―in all its different guises―wins.