Libby Audiobook: We Begin at the End, Chris Whitaker

 

Beautifully written. Quite a few twists and turns along the way. I had to listen intently so as not to miss anything. There is a lot to keep track of.

We meet Duchess about 13 / 14 years old, who pretty much has to raise her younger brother Robin because their mom, Star, has a drinking problem and not very reliable.

We learn that Star's sister was killed accidentally by Vincent. He went to jail and felt incredible guilt all his life.

Star is found dead, shot and ribs broken. Vincent was there when the Chief of police arrived and says he did it. 

Star and Robin go and live with their grandfather Hal on his farm.

SPOILER 

Turns out, Star used to visit Vincent in prison, Duchess and Robin are his child. 

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker centers on thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed outlaw Duchess Radley, her young brother Robin, their troubled mother Star, and Walker (Walk), the Cape Haven police chief. The story follows their lives in California and Montana after Vincent King, Star's former lover and a friend of Walk, is released from30 years in prison. 

Main Characters

• Duchess Day Radley: A tough, 13-year-old girl who acts as a protector and parental figure to her younger brother and mother.
• Walker (Walk): The chief of police in Cape Haven, California, who is dealing with a terminal illness (Parkinson's) and deep guilt over testifying against his best friend, Vincent.
• Vincent King: Returns to town after 30 years in prison for the death of Sissy Radley (Star’s sister); he is a central, enigmatic figure who carries immense guilt and later acts as a guardian to the children.
• Star Radley: Duchess and Robin's mother, who is struggling with addiction, depression, and the lasting trauma of her sister's death.
• Robin Radley: Duchess's five-year-old brother, who is central to the mystery of the plot. 

Key Supporting Characters

• Dickie Darke: A sinister local figure involved in the central conflict.
• Hal: A character who provides support to the family.
• Martha: A character in the town of Cape Haven.
• Thomas Noble: Duchess's friend
• Dolly: An older friend of Duchess.
• Hank and Busy: Acquaintances and helpers of the family. 

The novel focuses on themes of revenge, protecting family, and the long-term consequences of past actions, driving the characters toward a climactic, tragic, and ultimately revealing ending.