Holy Stetson, is this book……well something.

We Begin at the End is a beautifully crafted novel that blends family drama with a gripping mystery. It tells the story of Duchess Day Radley, a fierce 13-year-old who calls herself an outlaw, and her little brother, Robin. They’re caught in the fallout of their mother’s troubled past, while a murder case that stretches back decades comes crashing into their lives. At the heart of it all is Walk, the local sheriff, a man who has spent his life trying to protect those he loves but finds his world unraveling. As secrets are revealed and lives are upended, Duchess, Walk, and everyone around them are forced to confront hard truths about family, forgiveness, and survival.

I listened to this one on audio back in May 2021, and while it took me a little bit to get through, I ended up absolutely loving it. This story is both heartbreaking and lovely, the kind of book that tugs at every emotion. It’s a powerful mix of life’s unfairness and resilience—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Chris Whitaker’s writing is exquisite, perfectly balancing raw emotion with a slow-burn mystery. Duchess Day Radley completely stole my heart—I mean, what kid calls herself an outlaw all the time? The Stetsons were unforgettable, and their story is one that lingers long after you turn the last page. This book deserves every bit of hype it got and continues to get.

AMAZON | GOODREADS |BOOKSHOP | ★★★★★

We Begin at the End is available now. Huge thank you to Macmillan Audio and Henry Holt & Co. for my copy in exchange for my honest review.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof_books.