Chris Whitaker's We Begin at the End is widely praised for its compelling characters and evocative prose, with reviewers highlighting the depth and emotional resonance of its storytelling. However, some critics note the plot as occasionally convoluted. Overall, the novel's blend of crime and drama delivers a poignant, unforgettable read.

Readers who would enjoy We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker are fans of deep, emotionally resonant crime thrillers with rich character development. They often appreciate works like Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, which blend mystery with profound human stories.

In Chris Whitaker’s We Begin at the End, Vincent King returns to Cape Haven, California, after 30 years in prison for killing his girlfriend's younger sister in a hit-and-run accident, only to find his former girlfriend, Star, murdered. His childhood friend, Walk, now the town’s police chief, is convinced of Vincent’s innocence and investigates the crime. The story alternates between Walk’s perspective and that of Star's 13-year-old daughter, Duchess, who fiercely protects her younger brother, Robin. As Duchess and Robin are sent to live with their estranged grandfather, Hal, secrets of the past resurface, revealing complex family dynamics and the devastating impact of buried truths.

Mysterious / Emotional / Gritty / Bittersweet / Suspenseful

Chris Whitaker

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We Begin at the End Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-10

We Begin at the End Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

We Begin at the End Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

We Begin at the End Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

We Begin at the End Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-49

We Begin at the End Chapters 41-49 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

We Begin at the End Character Analysis

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We Begin at the End Themes

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We Begin at the End Symbols & Motifs

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We Begin at the End Important Quotes

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We Begin at the End

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