Chris Whitaker is back at it again with his fifth novel, All the Colors of the Dark, published in 2024. If his name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he’s already cemented his spot as a New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author. Oh, and did I mention this book is a Read with Jenna Book Club pick? It’s also snagged international bestseller status—not too shabby!
What’s Included in This Guide: Online & Printable Versions
Everything you need for a successful book club meeting for All the Colors of the Dark is included below. You’ll find discussion questions, food and drink ideas, and more!
We also have an optional printable book club kit to take your meeting to the next level. This blog post is customized to the guide and includes the following pages:
- Character List
- Discussion Questions
- Quotes from the Book
- Themed Book Ideas
- Printable Bookmarks
- Extra Info: Author facts
- Themed Food & Drink Ideas
- Book Covers from Around the World
- Custom Journal Page for Meeting Details
- Themed Notes Page
- List of Additional Book Club Resources
Book Club Questions | Additional Recommendations | Printable Book Club Kit
Characters | Summary | Book Club Ideas
About the Author | Q&A with Chris Whitaker | Book Review
All the Colors of the Dark
So, what’s the buzz about? The novel zooms in on two kids, Saint and Patch, whose quiet lives in the Ozarks take a sharp turn after a violent event changes everything. When Patch steps in to save a young woman, the ripple effects from that one moment spread throughout their tight-knit community and beyond.
Set in the U.S. between the 1970s and the 2000s, this book isn’t just about one event; it’s about the ripple effects it causes. Whitaker explores big themes like women’s fight for independence, the way trauma lingers, and how we figure out who we are.
Fair warning, though—this isn’t a light read. It dives into tough topics like abuse, violence, and mental health struggles. But if you’re up for something emotional and powerful, this book might just be worth your time.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Release date: June 25, 2024
Genre: Family Life Fiction
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: Crown
All the Colors of the Dark Summary
The novel starts in the Missouri Ozarks with 13-year-old Joseph “Patch” Macauley. He’s got a rough life—born with one eye, bullied constantly, and living with his mom, Ivy, who’s struggling with addiction. But Patch has a vivid imagination, calling himself a pirate, a label his mom encourages to distract him from their struggles. His only real friend? Saint, a passionate beekeeper who lives with her grandma, Norma.
One day, everything changes. Patch saves Misty, his crush, from a violent man named Eli Aaron. But in the process, Aaron kidnaps Patch, leaving Saint desperate to find him. She investigates everyone from the local police to the town doctor. It’s a race against time, especially when another girl, Callie, goes missing. After nearly a year, Saint finds a lead that uncovers Aaron’s disturbing behavior. A fiery confrontation follows, leading to Aaron’s presumed death and Patch’s rescue. But nothing is the same.
Back home, Patch struggles to move on. Grace, Aaron’s daughter, had cared for him during his captivity, and now she’s gone. Obsessed with finding her, Patch distances himself from Saint and even Misty, who begins a tentative romance with him. Life takes Patch in unexpected directions—he becomes a talented artist, painting portraits of missing girls, works grueling jobs, and eventually quits school. Meanwhile, Saint uncovers more secrets in their community, including horrific crimes tied to the seemingly trustworthy Dr. Tooms.
As years pass, the story branches out. Patch turns to robbing banks to fund his search for Grace. Saint, now a police officer, struggles with her personal life—an abusive marriage, a secret pregnancy, and a decision to prioritize her career over societal expectations. Patch and Saint’s paths diverge and intersect in profound ways, testing their bond at every turn.
When Patch finally finds Grace, now free from Aaron’s clutches, the story takes another dramatic twist. His act of heroism comes with sacrifices, including imprisonment. But even behind bars, Patch is relentless in seeking justice for Grace and other victims. Saint, on the other hand, is forced to confront her own traumas, navigate the complexities of motherhood, and unravel dark truths about those she thought she knew.
The novel concludes with bittersweet reunions and unresolved questions. Patch, now a father, reconnects with Saint and their shared past. But the story doesn’t tie things up in a neat bow—it leaves you pondering the ripple effects of trauma, resilience, and love.
All the Colors of the Dark Characters
Joseph “Patch” Macauley
Patch is one of those characters who leaves a mark. Born with one eye, he’s described as wiry, with blonde hair “touching gold” and a smile that could charm anyone. But his childhood? Far from easy. Growing up in poverty with a mother struggling with addiction, Patch turned to imagination for survival, adopting the persona of a pirate—a thread that runs through his life, giving him strength and a sense of identity.
Despite being bullied and neglected, Patch has a strong moral compass. This is clear when he steps up to help Misty in a dangerous situation as a child, recognizing “the acute burden of seeing a girl in trouble.” This moment is so key—it shows us his courage and determination to do the right thing, no matter the cost.
As an adult, Patch channels his artistic talent into painting portraits of missing girls—a haunting yet beautiful testament to his inability to look away from life’s tragedies. His relationships with Saint, Misty, Sammy, and Charlotte are full of love but also strain, as his obsessive search for Grace often takes precedence. In the end, though, finding Grace helps him come full circle, allowing him to embrace a quieter life and truly be there for his daughter, Charlotte.
Saint
Saint is the ultimate mix of brains, grit, and heart. As Patch’s childhood best friend, she’s fiercely loyal and determined. She starts off as an awkward kid and grows into a woman who, while physically attractive, doesn’t care much for appearances. Her strength lies in her stubbornness and her empathy.
From the start, Saint defies traditional expectations. Even as a kid, she’s not interested in playing the part of homemaker, instead focusing on big questions and her dreams of making a difference. This sets her at odds with her grandmother, Norma, who constantly pressures her to conform.
Saint’s journey is one of self-discovery and resilience. She escapes an abusive marriage, rises to the rank of police chief, and tirelessly pursues justice—not just for Patch but for so many others. Her empathy makes her an exceptional officer, but it also weighs on her. By the end of the novel, Saint learns to trust herself, realizing she doesn’t need her badge to validate her sense of right and wrong. Letting Patch walk free is a powerful testament to this growth.
Ivy Macauley
Patch’s mother, Ivy, is a deeply tragic figure. Widowed by the Vietnam War, she struggles to support her son, juggling low-paying jobs and battling addiction. Despite her flaws, her love for Patch is undeniable. She weaves a fantastical pirate identity for him, giving him an escape from their harsh reality.
Sadly, Ivy’s life spirals after Patch’s kidnapping, and her addiction consumes her. The town judges her harshly for her poverty and appearance, but beneath it all, she’s a mother trying her best in impossible circumstances. Her quiet death marks the end of a troubled yet loving presence in Patch’s life.
Norma
Saint’s grandmother, Norma, is a tough-as-nails woman with a big heart hidden under layers of practicality. A bus driver and devout Catholic, she’s also a heavy drinker and smoker—contradictions that make her endlessly fascinating. The town whispers that she’s a lesbian, based on her cigar-smoking, short-haired persona, but Norma brushes off the gossip.
Norma’s strength and resourcefulness shine, whether it’s through her woodworking skills or her blunt, no-nonsense approach to life. However, her traditional views create friction with Saint, particularly when it comes to gender roles. She remains blind to the faults of Saint’s abusive husband, Jimmy, insisting that women are meant to serve their men. Their relationship is complicated but loving, and Norma’s sudden death leaves Saint grappling with unresolved tensions.
Sammy
If you’ve ever rooted for a messy redemption arc, Sammy’s your guy. He’s a mentor and father figure to Patch, but let’s be real—he’s also a bit of a disaster. Sammy owns the local art gallery in Monta Clare, where he’s better known for his womanizing and drinking than his artwork. Think tweed jackets, gold watches, and a completely unnecessary cane. Patch describes him as “handsome, though he carried an air of fallen-from-grace.”
Underneath the prickly exterior, Sammy has a heart of gold. He nurtures Patch’s artistic talent, looks out for him during his prison stint, and even helps raise Patch’s daughter, Charlotte. Sammy’s backstory adds depth to his character. His romance with Mary, derailed by her wealthy father’s bribe (a Rothko painting, of all things), comes full circle by the novel’s end. He admits, “I’d leave the Rothko where it was, because I already had something far more beautiful to make a life with.” It’s a touching redemption for a man who, despite his flaws, always seemed to try.
Chief Nix
Nix is a character whose quiet strength sneaks up on you. The Monta Clare police chief is a father figure to Saint, but he’s much more than the town’s lawman. He’s described as having a “kind face” and a mustache, but his story is far deeper than his appearance. Nix is in a secret relationship with Tooms, the town doctor, a love they’ve kept hidden to avoid small-town scrutiny.
Nix is proof that morality isn’t always black and white. He takes justice into his own hands to avenge Callie, a victim of her father’s abuse. He buries secrets—literally—to protect others, but the weight of his choices becomes too much. His tragic suicide is both a heartbreaking end and a poignant reminder of his selfless love for Saint and Tooms. In his final words, he tells Saint that life is a collection of roles and responsibilities and that to love and be loved “is more than enough for a thousand ordinary lifetimes.” It’s a bittersweet farewell to a character who embodied quiet, profound humanity.
Marty Tooms
Tooms is one of those characters who stays with you long after the final page. As Monta Clare’s doctor, he’s kind, melancholy, and deeply moral. Patch describes him as a man whose smile is “written with pain,” and that sums him up perfectly.
Tooms is a quiet hero, breaking rules to do what’s right. He secretly performs abortions for women in need and tends to Ivy Macauley without pay, despite the town’s judgment of her. He admits to Patch that he attends church not to find peace, but “to ask forgiveness for acts I know in my heart I will commit again.” Tooms is deeply religious, yet his actions challenge traditional morality in ways that feel heartbreakingly human.
He’s also fiercely loyal, even lying to Patch about Grace’s fate to spare him more pain. After losing Nix, Tooms retreats to the farm they once shared, living out his days in quiet solitude. It’s a peaceful but somber ending for a man who bore so much for others.
Misty Meyer
Misty is one of those characters who feels larger than life, even in her absence. She’s Patch’s on-again-off-again partner and Charlotte’s mother. Born into privilege, Misty is the classic overachiever: a track star, Harvard-bound, and effortlessly admired. But beneath the surface, she’s tough and resilient.
After surviving a traumatic childhood event where Patch saves her, Misty struggles with guilt and survivor’s remorse. She briefly finds romance with Patch, but their relationship is complicated by their shared trauma and diverging paths. Misty eventually leaves Harvard to raise Charlotte in Monta Clare, ensuring her daughter has the stability and love she herself lacked.
Misty’s life is tragically cut short by cancer, but her legacy lives on through Charlotte. Her final act is one of love and sacrifice, ensuring Patch is part of their daughter’s life. She’s a character who lingers in the hearts of readers, much like she does for the people she loved.
Eli Aaron (or Robert Peter Frederick)
Eli Aaron is one of the most chilling villains you’ll encounter in fiction—a calculated serial killer hiding behind a veneer of righteousness. By day, he’s a photographer, preying on girls with promises of stardom. By night, he buries their bodies with rosaries, convinced he’s “doing God’s work.” He targets girls who sought abortions from Tooms, labeling them “penitent sinners,” in a twisted act of judgment.
The novel doesn’t shy away from making Eli deeply unsettling. When Saint meets him as a child, his physical presence alone is terrifying: “His hands hung like meat by his side. His eyes were empty till he smiled, his teeth bright against stubbled skin.” The man is a walking nightmare.
But Eli’s horror doesn’t stop with his victims—it extends to his own daughter, Grace. He forces her to live on the run, threatening her into silence about his crimes. Grace’s life is a prison of fear and isolation, with Eli as her captor. By the novel’s climax, when Patch and Saint finally kill him, his death feels like justice—not just for Grace but for the countless lives he shattered.
Grace
Grace is everything her father is not—kind, brave, and full of hope. As Eli’s daughter, her life has been defined by terror, but she refuses to let it define her spirit. Grace is the kind of character who sneaks into your heart without you realizing it.
Her relationship with Patch is the emotional anchor of the story. She saves him from her father’s clutches, keeping his hope alive in the darkness with her stories and her quiet strength. Later, Patch realizes she’s been his muse all along—his paintings captured her essence before he even knew her.
Patch describes her beauty with an artist’s eye: “The delicate purse of her lips, the full green of her eyes… Her hair was richly red, her dress pinched at a narrow waist.” But Grace is much more than a muse. She’s a survivor, a symbol of resilience and kindness in the face of unimaginable trauma.
What’s fascinating is how the narrative keeps Grace somewhat mysterious. While we see the impact she has on Patch, much of her characterization remains in the shadows. It’s a choice that makes her feel almost mythical, a beacon of light guiding Patch through his personal darkness.
Jimmy Walters
If Eli is the blatant monster, Jimmy Walters is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. On the surface, he’s the ideal small-town guy—earnest, blue-eyed, and hardworking. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find an insecure, controlling man who turns his frustration and failures into weapons.
Saint marries Jimmy partly because her grandmother insists he’s “a good man” and partly because she’s drawn to his seemingly uncomplicated nature. But Jimmy’s simplicity is a facade. When his veterinary career doesn’t take off, he spirals into bitterness and alcoholism, blaming Saint for his shortcomings.
The relationship becomes abusive, culminating in a violent outburst when Saint admits she visited an abortion clinic. Jimmy’s behavior reflects how deeply ingrained misogyny and entitlement can corrupt even those who appear “upstanding.” His death—caused accidentally by Patch during a confrontation—feels like a tragic but inevitable end for a man consumed by his own demons.
All the Colors of the Dark Character List
| Character | Role | Key Traits | Notable Arcs or Moments |
|---|
| Joseph “Patch” Macauley | Protagonist, artist, Grace’s love interest | Romantic, courageous, tough, artistic | Overcomes trauma to find Grace, paints missing girls, gains closure to be present for his daughter, Charlotte. |
| Saint Macauley | Protagonist, Patch’s childhood best friend, Monta Clare’s police chief | Smart, stubborn, empathetic, self-sacrificing | Escapes an abusive marriage, devotes life to justice, realizes self-worth beyond her badge, supports Patch’s freedom. |
| Ivy Macauley | Patch’s mother | Loving, but struggles with addiction and poverty | Creates a pirate persona for Patch to protect him emotionally, succumbs to addiction after his abduction. |
| Norma | Saint’s grandmother and guardian | Tough, unsentimental, devout Catholic, independent | Advocates traditional gender roles, blind to Jimmy’s flaws, dies suddenly, leaving Saint with unresolved feelings. |
| Sammy | Patch’s mentor, local gallery owner | Charismatic, abrasive, nurturing, fallen-from-grace | Redeems himself by helping Patch and Charlotte; rekindles romance with Mary, admitting past mistakes. |
| Chief Nix | Monta Clare’s police chief, Saint’s mentor, Tooms’s lover | Kind, morally complex, secretive | Takes justice into his own hands, dies by suicide to save Saint guilt, reminds her of the multifaceted nature of love. |
| Marty Tooms | Town doctor, Nix’s lover | Kind, melancholy, morally conflicted | Performs abortions in secret, refuses to betray women’s trust, finds quiet peace after Nix’s death. |
| Misty Meyer | Patch’s former love interest, Charlotte’s mother | Stubborn, tough, loving | Survives trauma, sacrifices for her daughter, maintains a complex but respectful relationship with Patch. |
| Charlotte Meyer | Patch and Misty’s daughter | Tough, feisty, skeptical | Struggles with abandonment fears, reconciles with Saint and Patch, embraces love and trust. |
| Eli Aaron | Antagonist, serial killer, Grace’s father | Manipulative, evil, fanatical | Murders girls under the guise of religion, terrorizes Grace, killed by Patch and Saint in a climactic confrontation. |
| Grace | Eli’s daughter, Patch’s love interest | Kind, clever, resilient | Saves Patch during captivity, acts as his muse, finds freedom and peace after Eli’s death. |
| Jimmy Walters | Saint’s ex-husband, minor antagonist | Controlling, uptight, abusive | Emotionally and physically abusive to Saint, dies after confrontation with Patch. |
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All the Colors of the Dark Review
I Loved This Book – Entirely and Absolutely!
I’m still a little emotional after finishing All the Colors of the Dark. It all started with me crying at the hairdresser’s (yes, really) and ended with me crying in bed, late into the evening. If you’re looking for a book that digs deep into your soul, this is it. It’s one of those rare reads that truly touches you in ways you didn’t know were possible.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention that the beginning is a slow burn, but trust me, I was hooked from the first few pages. For me, those early chapters aren’t just filler; they lay the most beautiful, intricate foundation for a story that is intense, overwhelming, and mesmerizing (all in the best way possible).
As this was my first Chris Whitaker book, I was worried it might not have the murder/mystery vibes I usually crave. But let me tell you – in the background of all the emotional depth and rich character relationships, there’s a serial killer lurking, subtly shifting the course of this small town’s life. It’s a perfect balance of tension and heartache.
If I could describe this book, I’d say it’s like fine wine – something to savor, not rush through. Take your time with it. Let the relationships unfold slowly over the pages, allowing the gravity of each moment to sink in. All the Colors of the Dark is best absorbed slowly, giving you the time to reflect on the lifetime of emotions and connections it spans.
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Happy reading! ❤️
I love to read and I enjoy exploring a range of genres including contemporary and historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, nonfiction, and memoirs. If you would like me to review your book, feel free to reach out to me!