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We Begin at the End

by Chris Whitaker

Narrator George Newbern

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Length 10 hours 30 minutes

Language English

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Bookseller recommendation

“We Begin at the End is dramatic storytelling at its best, full of layers of intrigue and complex personalities set around the murder of the book’s most vulnerable character. The stoical, 13-year-old Duchess Day Radley takes center stage, and her heartbreaking life unleashes a hero within: self-proclaimed outlaw, bold and courageous, though to her peril not always wise beyond her years. Chris Whitaker has created a character for the ages and an extraordinary reading experience. By turns amusing, frightening, and exhilarating.”
— Robin Sung • Porter Square Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I can not begin to express how I felt about this book. Such beautiful writing for such sadness and heartache. So much goodness that was hidden for years. Unbelievable sacrifices that were made in the name of love. Love that could never be forgotten. A story and characters that I will never forget. ”
— Nancy • Fiction Addiction

Bookseller recommendation

“Chris Whitaker is an incredibly talented writer. His stories are gripping and rich with the kind of detail that make it impossible not to relate to the characters. His writing is witty, emotional, and difficult to put down. I highly recommend giving his books a chance. ”
— Saira • Copperfield's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“An often dark but hopeful tale with a strong-willed young girl at the center. It's kids taking care of parents and old friends falling on their swords for each other... love in its many forms is a character in this story as well. Well written and a great audiobook as well. ”
— Jamie • Flyleaf Books

Bookseller recommendation

“"I loved this book! INCREDIBLE CHARACTERS: Move over Scout, 13 year old Duchess Radley, self proclaimed outlaw, has won my heart. RIVETING PLOT: You will continually be surprised where this book takes you. MANY LAYERS OF FEELING AND MEANING: The story and characters will stay with you.”
— Samantha • A Great Good Place for Books

Summary
About the author

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

“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, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds

Right. Wrong. Life is lived somewhere in between.

Duchess Day Radley is a thirteen-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, thirty 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

"Heartbreaking, unexpected, and hopeful, this audiobook is a must-listen. Narrator George Newbern's nuanced delivery engages listeners and helps the layers of the story unfold." -- AudioFile Magazine

Fiction Mystery & Thriller Fiction - Literary

Chris Whitaker is the award-winning author of Tall Oaks, All the Wicked Girls, and the New York Times bestseller We Begin at the End. Chris lives in the UK.