Chris Whitaker

Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year

Novelist Chris Whitaker joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new book, All The Colours Of The Dark.

Chris worked in the City for many years as a trader, before quitting to write. He talks openly about a traumatic incident which turned him on to writing, as well as how long it takes him to write each novel. (if you're thinking about writing, don't let this put you off!)

We also learn about how he creates his characters, and the importance of dialogue to his writing and plotting.

More about the book below:

Late one summer, the town of Monta Clare is shattered by the abduction of teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley. Nobody more so than Saint Brown, who will risk everything to find her best friend.

But when she does: it will break her heart.

Patch lies alone in a pitch-black room - until he feels a hand in his. Her name is Grace and, though they cannot see each other, she lights their world with her words.

But when he escapes: there is no sign she ever even existed.

Left with only her voice and her name, he paints her from broken memories - and charts an epic search to find her.

As years turn to decades, and hope becomes obsession, Saint will shadow his journey - on a darker path to hunt down the man who took them - and set free the only boy she ever loved.

Even if finding the truth means losing each other forever...

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