DigeeBooks

An Instant New York Times Best Seller

“A vibrant, engrossing, unputdownable thriller that packs a serious emotional punch. One of those rare books that surprise you along the way and then linger in your mind long after you have finished it.” (Kristin Hannah, number one New York Times best-selling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds)

Right. Wrong. Life is lived somewhere in between.

Duchess Day Radley is a 13-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw. Rules are for other people. She is the fierce protector of her five-year-old brother, Robin, and the parent to her mother, Star, a single mom incapable of taking care of herself, let alone her two kids.

Walk has never left the coastal California town where he and Star 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. And he's in overdrive protecting Duchess and her brother.

Now, 30 years later, Vincent is being released. And Duchess and Walk must face the trouble that comes with his return. We Begin at the End is an extraordinary novel about two kinds of families - the ones we are born into and the ones we create.  

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

In Chris Whitaker's compelling novel, "We Begin at the End," the lives of three individuals—a troubled teenager, a guilt-ridden police officer, and a young woman seeking redemption—collide in a heart-wrenching tale of loss, resilience, and the profound consequences of one fateful night.

At the center of the story is Duchess Day Radley, a troubled fifteen-year-old girl grappling with the aftermath of her father's suicide. With her mother struggling to cope and her home life in disarray, Duchess finds solace in her friendship with Walk, a younger boy she takes under her wing.

Meanwhile, police officer Louis Sweetland is haunted by a tragic accident in his past that claimed the life of a young girl. Unable to shake the guilt and grief, his life spirals out of control as he seeks solace in alcohol and reckless behavior.

As Duchess and Louis's paths intertwine, their lives take a dramatic turn when Walk disappears without a trace. Desperate to find him, Duchess embarks on a relentless search, determined to unravel the truth behind his disappearance.

"We Begin at the End" is a gripping tale that explores the complexities of human relationships, the impact of trauma, and the enduring power of love and redemption. With its rich characters and evocative storytelling, Whitaker's novel delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche while offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

As readers journey through the pages, they are drawn into a world of secrets, lies, and fractured families. The novel delves into the emotional struggles of its characters, revealing their vulnerability and resilience as they grapple with their demons and search for redemption.

Whitaker's writing is both poignant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they finish the book. "We Begin at the End" is a powerful exploration of the human condition and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.