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―win!
My Cup Runneth Over and the Tears Spilled.
While reading this book, I was overcome with intense emotion and extraordinary heartbreak.
This is character-driven literary crime fiction about family, friendship, loss, and mystery that includes all of my favorite elements. Dysfunction; grief, heartache; humanity; humor; love; loyalty, pain, regret, and unrelenting tragedy.
It’s a novel that is dripping with heart and that heart reside ...more
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4.5/5 stars
Melancholic, compelling, and so beautifully written.
This was a book I never thought I’d read, and I certainly didn’t expect I would love this one. We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is a novel highly recommended by my co-blogger, Emma; she has been pushing this book to everyone in Novel Notions since the start of this year. I don’t read a lot of crime fiction, and my knowledge of what elements in a stor ...more
4.5/5 stars
Melancholic, compelling, and so beautifully written.
This was a book I never thought I’d read, and I certainly didn’t expect I would love this one. We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is a novel highly recommended by my co-blogger, Emma; she has been pushing this book to everyone in Novel Notions since the start of this year. I don’t read a lot of crime fiction, and my knowledge of what elements in a stor ...more
Now available for your reading pleasure! (3.2.21)
Review also posted along with my others at https://www.confettibookshelf.com/rev...
"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 ...more
Review also posted along with my others at https://www.confettibookshelf.com/rev...
"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 ...more
Raising my glass for long live Duchess Day Radley, my one of all time favorite outlaw! She truly reminded me of Ozark’s Ruth Langmore’s younger version: taking no sh*t from anyone, taking care of her family even though she is only 13, a stunning badass character you never want to mess with!
I’m not gonna give away anything this time! I’m screaming at the top of my lungs: GO, BUY THIS BOOK ASAP! This is not only the best story with its best developed, freaking fantastic characters! Or it is not ...more
I’m not gonna give away anything this time! I’m screaming at the top of my lungs: GO, BUY THIS BOOK ASAP! This is not only the best story with its best developed, freaking fantastic characters! Or it is not ...more
This is my first experience reading a book by Chris Whitaker. It’s a beautifully written book, but an incredibly sad one. Duchess is a thirteen year old who has had to grow up well before she should have. She cares for her little brother Robin, as her mother, Star, is usually too drunk to do so. But Whitaker manages to capture her innocence, too, her belief that she’s an outlaw just like in the Wild West.
Walker is a forty something chief of police who’s dealing with his own health problems whil ...more
Walker is a forty something chief of police who’s dealing with his own health problems whil ...more
OMG, OMG, OMG. Chris Whitaker's new novel, We Begin at the End is worth every bit of hype it is getting!!
Can your heart be broken and be filled with love simultaneously? Asking for a friend.
“Hal said we begin at the end.”
“So where are we now?”
“I’m not sure it matters.”
“Wherever it is, I hope we can stay here a little longer.”
More than 30 years ago, the small coastal California town of Cape Haven was rocked by the death of a young girl. Fifteen-year-old Walk gave the testimony that put his be ...more
Can your heart be broken and be filled with love simultaneously? Asking for a friend.
“Hal said we begin at the end.”
“So where are we now?”
“I’m not sure it matters.”
“Wherever it is, I hope we can stay here a little longer.”
More than 30 years ago, the small coastal California town of Cape Haven was rocked by the death of a young girl. Fifteen-year-old Walk gave the testimony that put his be ...more
Audiobook...
read by George Newburn
Duchess Day Radley, “self-described outlaw”, is thirteen years old.... ( going on thirty)...
Resilient, fierce, and ‘strong-like-bull’....she becomes ‘acting-mom’ to her six year old brother, Robin and caretaker to her often drunk mother, Star. The kids father was out of the picture.
Thirty years ago, in the small fictional coastal town of Cape Heaven, Ca., Police Chief, Walk, put his childhood best friend, Vincent King, behind bars...( due to a car incident t ...more
read by George Newburn
Duchess Day Radley, “self-described outlaw”, is thirteen years old.... ( going on thirty)...
Resilient, fierce, and ‘strong-like-bull’....she becomes ‘acting-mom’ to her six year old brother, Robin and caretaker to her often drunk mother, Star. The kids father was out of the picture.
Thirty years ago, in the small fictional coastal town of Cape Heaven, Ca., Police Chief, Walk, put his childhood best friend, Vincent King, behind bars...( due to a car incident t ...more
How do we close old wounds without opening new ones?
Next to impossible I'd say.
We Begin at the End takes us on a long journey over nearly thirty years. Hard years. Unforgiving years.
But Sheriff Walker, known as Walk, looks down at his shaking hands and feels the draw and the pull of his vertigo. He knows that the diagnosis hasn't been good and the little white pills are no longer serving him as well as they once did. Walk maintains his same daily schedule in Cape Haven no matter what. It's who h ...more
Next to impossible I'd say.
We Begin at the End takes us on a long journey over nearly thirty years. Hard years. Unforgiving years.
But Sheriff Walker, known as Walk, looks down at his shaking hands and feels the draw and the pull of his vertigo. He knows that the diagnosis hasn't been good and the little white pills are no longer serving him as well as they once did. Walk maintains his same daily schedule in Cape Haven no matter what. It's who h ...more
Chris Whitaker is one of those authors whose every release makes me wonder just how much better he can get. He’s only on book 3 and I’m wondering if this time he might have created something unmatchable. Honestly, I’ve been sitting on this review for ages because I can’t seem to write anything that’s not offensively superlative. We Begin at the End is a triumph. Spectacularly plotted, gut-wrenchingly genuine, and memorable in that way that sits heavy on your heart.
One of the most challenging asp ...more
One of the most challenging asp ...more
If you want to be depressed about the world by all means grab this book.
I’ll be an OUTLAW, sorry meant an OUTLIER and say it: The story fell short for me. I do believe the author had great characters especially Duchess and Walk but something was missing for me to rate it higher.
What did I like about We Begin at the End?
-I liked how much Duchess loved her brother, Robin. She was willing to do anything for him.
-Walk being there for his best friend Vincent, Star, Star's kids, and his town despite ...more
I’ll be an OUTLAW, sorry meant an OUTLIER and say it: The story fell short for me. I do believe the author had great characters especially Duchess and Walk but something was missing for me to rate it higher.
What did I like about We Begin at the End?
-I liked how much Duchess loved her brother, Robin. She was willing to do anything for him.
-Walk being there for his best friend Vincent, Star, Star's kids, and his town despite ...more
Aug 27, 2020Shelby *trains flying monkeys* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Recommended to Shelby *trains flying monkeys* by: Kelly (and the Book Boar)
"I saw you that time in town. You're the angel with the golden hair."
"If you knew anything at all, you'd know I'm about as far from an angel as you can get. Now shut the fuck up and face forward."
Meet 13 year old Duchess Day Radley. She's an outlaw. She lives to protect her younger brother from this hateful world. Their world is not an easy one. Their aunt was killed a long time ago and the guy that killed her is about to get out of prison. Their mom can't take care of herself let alone two ...more
4.5 stars
Self-proclaimed Outlaw, Duchess Radley is thirteen-year-old girl who must care for her five-year-old brother, Robin. She should be enjoying her childhood, going to school, hanging out with friends, and having fun. Unfortunately, she is a parentified child who must look out for her five-year-old brother. She makes his lunch, has arranged care for him at school, and has had to resort to stealing to provide food for him. She goes without food so that he can eat. She remembers his birthday ...more
Self-proclaimed Outlaw, Duchess Radley is thirteen-year-old girl who must care for her five-year-old brother, Robin. She should be enjoying her childhood, going to school, hanging out with friends, and having fun. Unfortunately, she is a parentified child who must look out for her five-year-old brother. She makes his lunch, has arranged care for him at school, and has had to resort to stealing to provide food for him. She goes without food so that he can eat. She remembers his birthday ...more
Apr 29, 2020Mandy White (mandylovestoread) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: publisher-arcs, z-read-in-2020
Wow.. that was something else. Review to come when I have collected my thoughts
So it has been a few days now and I really can't get this book out of my mind. This was my first book by Chris Whitaker and I am definitely going to look for more of his books after reading this one.
We Begin At the End is a story of love, of friendship and loyalty, greed, good and evil and the lengths that people will go to keep their loved ones safe. These characters are broken, they have not had easy lives and have ...more
So it has been a few days now and I really can't get this book out of my mind. This was my first book by Chris Whitaker and I am definitely going to look for more of his books after reading this one.
We Begin At the End is a story of love, of friendship and loyalty, greed, good and evil and the lengths that people will go to keep their loved ones safe. These characters are broken, they have not had easy lives and have ...more
We Begin At The End was one of the best books I have read this year. It was the first book by Chris Whitaker that I have read but by no means will it be my last. I was so impressed with his eloquent story telling and beautiful way he had with words that I will definitely seek out other books rhat he has written. We Begin at the End was most definitely a character driven book. The characters in this book were complex and very well developed. Some were more likable than others. I listened to the a ...more
Chris Whitaker's We Begin At The End
Remarkable, Page-turner, engaging and simply the best crime fiction novel that I have ever read. Hands down!
We Begin At The End is a blend of crime fiction, suspense, thriller and contemporary, with perfect characterization, perfect mood, perfect atmosphere. Written brilliantly that'll grab you from the very beginning and leave you completely empty with an ineffable blend of emotions. Chris Whitaker had written a great crime fiction novel full of emoti ...more
Remarkable, Page-turner, engaging and simply the best crime fiction novel that I have ever read. Hands down!
We Begin At The End is a blend of crime fiction, suspense, thriller and contemporary, with perfect characterization, perfect mood, perfect atmosphere. Written brilliantly that'll grab you from the very beginning and leave you completely empty with an ineffable blend of emotions. Chris Whitaker had written a great crime fiction novel full of emoti ...more
Duchess, poor Duchess, saddled with so much in her young life. She is strength personified and coupled with her deep love for her young brother, Robin, she would go through hell and back to protect and preserve him. Duchess is a hard character, foul mouthed, ready to come to blows, should someone, anyone step into her path who challenges her. She and her brother live a hard life. Their mother has a reputation, and it's not a good one, but she tries, and her children love her. However, the love o ...more
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
FLOAT FOR PUB DAY!
This was one of the best books I read last year. Go get it.
I’m not a child. I am an outlaw.
A couple of years back I picked up an early copy of a book that no one was really talking about and that little book (She Rides Shotgun) ended up being the best thing I read all year. I picked up this little book that no one is really talking about yet because my friend Shelley sent me a DM saying she thought it would be ri ...more
FLOAT FOR PUB DAY!
This was one of the best books I read last year. Go get it.
I’m not a child. I am an outlaw.
A couple of years back I picked up an early copy of a book that no one was really talking about and that little book (She Rides Shotgun) ended up being the best thing I read all year. I picked up this little book that no one is really talking about yet because my friend Shelley sent me a DM saying she thought it would be ri ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Dare I call it early and say this will be my favorite novel of the year?!
What a story!
What a cast of characters!
At this story’s center is self proclaimed “outlaw”
Duchess Day Radley, 13 yrs old ...forced to grow up to early by her troubled mother, Star ... and she takes incredible care of her little brother Robin.
I’m not even going to go into any details.. I went in blind and I’m so glad I did!
Thriller, sibling relationship, tear-jerker, western elements, love relationships.. JUST.SO.GOOD!!!!!
What a story!
What a cast of characters!
At this story’s center is self proclaimed “outlaw”
Duchess Day Radley, 13 yrs old ...forced to grow up to early by her troubled mother, Star ... and she takes incredible care of her little brother Robin.
I’m not even going to go into any details.. I went in blind and I’m so glad I did!
Thriller, sibling relationship, tear-jerker, western elements, love relationships.. JUST.SO.GOOD!!!!!
Feb 19, 2021Elle rated it it was amazing
Recommended to Elle by: Jordan (Jordy’s Book Club)
Shelves: from-publisher, 2021
What and ENDING. Holy crap, I’m at a complete loss for words right now. March has been so blahhh for me book-wise, but I’m so glad I get to say We Begin at the End is my first 5 star read this month!
Duchess Radley is an outlaw. She’s a 13-year-old girl living in coastal California with her mother, Star, and younger brother, Robin, but she’s also a firey, take-no-prisoners badass who will do whatever it takes to protect herself and her family. Though she’s young, Duchess is headstrong and brave w ...more
Duchess Radley is an outlaw. She’s a 13-year-old girl living in coastal California with her mother, Star, and younger brother, Robin, but she’s also a firey, take-no-prisoners badass who will do whatever it takes to protect herself and her family. Though she’s young, Duchess is headstrong and brave w ...more
QUICK-ISH TAKE: I sometimes struggle writing book reviews. I’m a much better reader than I am a writer, and when I read books that I love, I find it that much more difficult to properly express my excitement and adoration. Which is probably why it’s taken me a month to post my review for WE BEGIN AT THE END, an exceptional small town murder mystery exploring love, loss and grief.
As a teenager, Walker turned in his best friend Vincent for the accidental hit-and-run death of their friend Star’s ...more
As a teenager, Walker turned in his best friend Vincent for the accidental hit-and-run death of their friend Star’s ...more
The superior thriller is set in the small California town of Cape Haven. 30 years ago, 15-year-old Vincent King was convicted for killing a child while joyriding. Sissy Radley's body was found by Vincent's best friend Walk. In the present day, Walk is the town's police chief and Sissy's beautiful older sister Star is mixed up in trouble. Struggling with substance abuse, she is neglectful of daughter Duchess and son Robin, but Walk does his best to check in on them. Duchess has a fiery streak and ...more
I finished reading this novel about three weeks ago, and I have struggled with writing a review. I am clearly an outlier. My GoodReads Friends have all been much more generous than me with their reviews.
I found this to be a profoundly sad novel. I didn't love it. It is very well written, but it was like flipping through the atmospheric pages of a black and white photo album, capturing only melancholy events. I enjoy good literary fiction but, for the most part, I prefer my books to be upbeat, k...more
I found this to be a profoundly sad novel. I didn't love it. It is very well written, but it was like flipping through the atmospheric pages of a black and white photo album, capturing only melancholy events. I enjoy good literary fiction but, for the most part, I prefer my books to be upbeat, k...more
Aug 23, 2020Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Recommended to Jess ❈Harbinger of Blood-Soaked Rainbows❈ by: Kelly (and the Book Boar)
Shelves: netgalley, for-kindle, top-100, favorites, grit-lit, popsugar2018, goodreads-giveaway, reviewed
Well, I said that I loved this one so much that when it came out in hardcover I would be buying it with its hefty price tag and all.......
But even better than that is winning a hard copy on a GR giveaway!!
Woot!
__________
This book is everything I didn't know I wanted.
This is the best of grit lit and lit fic ...more
But even better than that is winning a hard copy on a GR giveaway!!
Woot!
__________
The minister said we begin at the end. It would have made for easier years if I thought for one second Sissy was somewhere better than a small wooden box. I try though, every Sunday I try.
This book is everything I didn't know I wanted.
This is the best of grit lit and lit fic ...more
Terrific, heart-breaking, riveting! I can't say enough good things about this book. At the center of it is a thirteen-year-old girl named Duchess Day Radley who likes to call herself 'the outlaw,' a real badass who doesn't tolerate much guff from anybody as she tries to protect her brother Robin who's six, and deal with her beautiful but broken mother, Star.
The lynchpin of the story though is Vincent King, who has been in prison for thirty years for a crime he committed when he was 15 and is ab ...more
The lynchpin of the story though is Vincent King, who has been in prison for thirty years for a crime he committed when he was 15 and is ab ...more
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| Challenge Corner: We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker -> Starting April 19th, 2021 | 1 | 2 | Apr 05, 2021 06:30AM | |
| New & Noteworthy ...: April 2021 | We Begin At The End | 1 | 13 | Feb 27, 2021 07:10AM |
