Books like We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker

Chris Whitaker’s *We Begin at the End* follows Walk Whittaker, a former chief of police who has spent decades grappling with the guilt of a past testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent King, to prison. Now, thirty years later, Vincent is released and threatens the fragile stability of the town and Walk’s family. Walk’s community ties run deep: his mother, Star, and Vincent had grown up together, and Star’s own past mirrors Walk’s own struggles. As Star’s health and spirit dim, a thirteen‑year‑old self‑styled outlaw named Duchess, Star’s daughter, steps into the role of caretaker for her mother and five‑year‑old brother. Facing ridicule at school and living on the edge of survival, Duchess clings to her own code: “Rules are for other people.” When Vincent’s arrival forces Walk and Duchess into a reluctant alliance, they must confront the betrayals, losses, and heartbreak that have shaped them. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal community, the novel explores themes of family, justice, and the complexities of protecting those you love when trust is fragile.

First publish date: 2020