We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is an early 2021 release revolving around Duchess, Walk, and murder. It is a story of regret, atonement, and the lengths we will go for love. A story filled with pain which nestled deeply beneath is also one of love.

The reason why this is worth an hour of your time is the writing style. With short sentences, an introspective narrative, and the ease in which it switches between two vastly different perspectives, We Begin at the End is something different. It is a novel that will pull you in slowly until you are wrapped by the intrigue and you won't be able to stop until the last page is read.

I valued how this is written and enjoyed how nothing is what it seems. This is a novel worth your time that will wrap its tendrils around you without you knowing it.

It is a slow plot but not a slow-burn. How We Begin at the End is written feels quite melodious and it will take you a moment to recognise that the plot is about murder, children, and pain. Once you realise that, the plot will chill you to your core.

I hated the plot because of this. It took me when I wasn't mentally prepared but it is because of the plot's ability to sneak up on you that you should read this thriller. My advice, keep your eyes open otherwise you'll miss everything.

The novel focuses on Walk, a police officer and Duchess, an "outlaw." Duchess is the daughter of Star and older sister to Robin who has found herself in a tough position; each decision she makes is driven by the desire to protect the ones she loves.

Walk is childhood friends with her mother, Star. He is also childhood friends with the killer of Star's sister, Vincent. When Vincent is released from his sentence, he brings with him pain and destruction. What Duchess and Walk do with that is why this novel has good characters. They are complex, with morals so vastly different that you root for them despite their flaws.

If you are teetering on whether or not to read this, the ending is what made me change my mind. Initially, I was bored despite the complex characters and superb writing that I was going to chalk We Begin at the End up to be a ho-hum novel and then the ending came... an ending that made me happy I didn't put this down. If you are hesitant, the ending is worth the read.

It provides you the ability to recognise the dimensions of the plot and characters which when cumulated at together at an end, creates a wonderful read. Yep, the ending changed my mind and is why I think you should read this novel.

We Begin at the End created no sense of urgency in me, and yet this has been classified as a thriller. I felt I was being cocooned by short sentences to lead me towards a predictable ending, but no! It was instead one with surprises galore. It started as an airplane read but I now see why it has high praise.

I found the unique style of writing with a consistently changing narrative to leave me surprised as a reader. I wanted more of the story and where it was headed and I promise you, I never figured out where it was going. I wish it had been more fast-paced, that's my only caveat.

I think with a bit more intensity and forward action in the characters, I would be jumping off this novel. Overall, I found it to be a pleasant read, it made me feel emotions towards the end and it told story I did not expect. That's it.