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Jackson Brodie has relocated to a quiet seaside village, in the occasional company of his recalcitrant teenage son and an aging Labrador, both at the discretion of his ex-partner Julia. It's picturesque, but there's something darker lurking behind the scenes. Jackson's current job, gathering proof of an unfaithful husband for his suspicious wife, is fairly standard-issue, but a chance encounter with a desperate man on a crumbling cliff leads him into a sinister network - and back across the path of his old friend Reggie.
User reviews
LibraryThing member rosalita
When last we saw Jackson Brodie, in 2011’s Started Early, Took My Dog, the introspective private investigator at the center of Kate Atkinson’s literary mystery series was wandering around Yorkshire, trying to track down an adopted woman’s biological family while coping with a rescued dog and
He had a lot going on, is what I’m saying.
When we meet him again in Big Sky (Little, Brown, 2019), nine years on (and after a string of World War II books from author Atkinson set), Brodie is still wandering around Yorkshire, sometimes in the company of his now-teenage son (by second ex-wife, Julia) and an aging Labrador retriever (also courtesy of Julia, who may not want to be married to Jackson anymore but trusts him implicitly with the things she loves most in the world). Brodie’s current job is tailing a local businessman to find out if he’s cheating on his wife. It’s dull work, but leave it to Brodie to inadvertantly stumble into a much larger, more sinister case simply by virtue of being in the wrong place at the right time. It isn’t long before he finds himself in the midst of marital secrets, cold cases, and human trafficking on a brisk, business-like scale.
I would certainly classify the Jackson Brodie series in the mystery genre, but Atkinson’s writing does not lend itself to the terse, straightforward “just the facts, ma’am” narrative that most people think of when they think of detective stories. She operates on a near stream-of-conscious level that has lots of space for digressions, asides, and parenthetical additions. Indeed, the first chapter of Big Sky is a scene between Jackson and his son, but the parenthetical conversations, both remembered and imagined, with Julia make her as present a character as if she wasn’t miles away filming a television series at the time. This is not a story to knock off while waiting for your car’s oil change in a noisy mechanic’s waiting room, or in 15-minute bursts of reading time at the end of the day. Atkinson’s demands my full attention when I read her work, but she rewards me with stories and characters that spring to life in my mind.
It had been so long since I read Started Early, Took My Dog that I worried I wouldn’t remember enough to be able to fall back into Jackson Brodie’s world. Those fears were unfounded — I mean, I really didn’t remember much in the way of details but it turned out not to matter in the end. Other than Julia, the only recurring character who makes a significant re-appearance here is Reggie Chase, whom we first met in When Will There Be Good News (2008). Then, she was a Scottish teenager with a tough home life; now, she is a police officer investigating the cold case that brings her back into Jackson’s orbit.
I was disappointed back in 2011 when Atkinson announced that she was done writing about Jackson Brodie, and I rejoiced when she said he was returning this year. The books she wrote in the meantime were critically acclaimed and I thoroughly enjoyed them, which made the return of Jackson Brodie seem like more of a celebration than a grasping at previous success. I don’t know if we’ll meet up with Jackson further down the road, but I’m happy to trust to Atkinson’s instincts about what she needs to write.
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his own personal dramas involving at least two ex-wives and a vanished fortune. Along the way, he managed to more-or-less solve a decades-old crime and rescue another stray — this time a toddler. He had a lot going on, is what I’m saying.
When we meet him again in Big Sky (Little, Brown, 2019), nine years on (and after a string of World War II books from author Atkinson set), Brodie is still wandering around Yorkshire, sometimes in the company of his now-teenage son (by second ex-wife, Julia) and an aging Labrador retriever (also courtesy of Julia, who may not want to be married to Jackson anymore but trusts him implicitly with the things she loves most in the world). Brodie’s current job is tailing a local businessman to find out if he’s cheating on his wife. It’s dull work, but leave it to Brodie to inadvertantly stumble into a much larger, more sinister case simply by virtue of being in the wrong place at the right time. It isn’t long before he finds himself in the midst of marital secrets, cold cases, and human trafficking on a brisk, business-like scale.
I would certainly classify the Jackson Brodie series in the mystery genre, but Atkinson’s writing does not lend itself to the terse, straightforward “just the facts, ma’am” narrative that most people think of when they think of detective stories. She operates on a near stream-of-conscious level that has lots of space for digressions, asides, and parenthetical additions. Indeed, the first chapter of Big Sky is a scene between Jackson and his son, but the parenthetical conversations, both remembered and imagined, with Julia make her as present a character as if she wasn’t miles away filming a television series at the time. This is not a story to knock off while waiting for your car’s oil change in a noisy mechanic’s waiting room, or in 15-minute bursts of reading time at the end of the day. Atkinson’s demands my full attention when I read her work, but she rewards me with stories and characters that spring to life in my mind.
It had been so long since I read Started Early, Took My Dog that I worried I wouldn’t remember enough to be able to fall back into Jackson Brodie’s world. Those fears were unfounded — I mean, I really didn’t remember much in the way of details but it turned out not to matter in the end. Other than Julia, the only recurring character who makes a significant re-appearance here is Reggie Chase, whom we first met in When Will There Be Good News (2008). Then, she was a Scottish teenager with a tough home life; now, she is a police officer investigating the cold case that brings her back into Jackson’s orbit.
I was disappointed back in 2011 when Atkinson announced that she was done writing about Jackson Brodie, and I rejoiced when she said he was returning this year. The books she wrote in the meantime were critically acclaimed and I thoroughly enjoyed them, which made the return of Jackson Brodie seem like more of a celebration than a grasping at previous success. I don’t know if we’ll meet up with Jackson further down the road, but I’m happy to trust to Atkinson’s instincts about what she needs to write.
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LibraryThing member Twink
I was so happy when I heard that Kate Atkinson was penning a new Jackson Brodie novel. It's been nine years, but oh it was worth the wait. Big Sky was a fantastic read.
I loved settling in to catch up with Brodie. Atkinson has moved things along in real time - the book is set in 2019. He's living in
Oh, I had missed Jackson's irreverent sense of humour, his inner dialogue and his innate ability to land himself in the thick of things. With a few side trips....
Atkinson's plotting is impeccable, detailed and so current. The crime could be inspired by many newspaper headlines. But Atkinson puts her own twist and delivery on the crime. And I wondered how all the threads were going to be connected by the end. Where Atkinson shines for me is in her characterizations and dialogue. Each character, including minor players, are fully fleshed out and so detailed. I love that we're privy to each player's inner thoughts. I was particularly fond of Crystal - a wife and mother trying to leave her past behind. Her stepson Harry was another character I was drawn to. Fans of the series will recognize Reggie - now grown up and a policewoman. She and her partner Ronnie are a great duo - I hope we see more of them. Just as detailed are her descriptions of time and place. The vaudeville-esqe theater, the boardwalk and it's tacky attractions and more.
Atkinson's work is meant to be savoured and enjoyed, taking in the details she provides in every aspect of the book. All four hundred delicious pages. Love, love, loved it! Here's hoping we don't have to wait another nine years for more of Jackson!
I loved settling in to catch up with Brodie. Atkinson has moved things along in real time - the book is set in 2019. He's living in
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a seaside town with his old doh, has contact with his son and is working as a private investigator. Lot of 'catch them cheating' cases, but hey, they pay the bills. He's out walking one evening when he comes across a desperate man standing on the edge of a cliff, ready to end things. This chance encounter leads Brodie down a dark and twisted path.Oh, I had missed Jackson's irreverent sense of humour, his inner dialogue and his innate ability to land himself in the thick of things. With a few side trips....
Atkinson's plotting is impeccable, detailed and so current. The crime could be inspired by many newspaper headlines. But Atkinson puts her own twist and delivery on the crime. And I wondered how all the threads were going to be connected by the end. Where Atkinson shines for me is in her characterizations and dialogue. Each character, including minor players, are fully fleshed out and so detailed. I love that we're privy to each player's inner thoughts. I was particularly fond of Crystal - a wife and mother trying to leave her past behind. Her stepson Harry was another character I was drawn to. Fans of the series will recognize Reggie - now grown up and a policewoman. She and her partner Ronnie are a great duo - I hope we see more of them. Just as detailed are her descriptions of time and place. The vaudeville-esqe theater, the boardwalk and it's tacky attractions and more.
Atkinson's work is meant to be savoured and enjoyed, taking in the details she provides in every aspect of the book. All four hundred delicious pages. Love, love, loved it! Here's hoping we don't have to wait another nine years for more of Jackson!
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LibraryThing member shelleyraec
Big Sky is Kate Atkinson’s fifth book featuring ex soldier, ex policeman, turned private investigator, Jackson Brodie, and though it follows Case Studies, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News?, and Started Early, Took My Dog, Big Sky can be read as a stand-alone.
Having temporarily
Big Sky unfolds through multiple perspectives. The cast is large, though I wouldn’t say unwieldy, but it does take a surprising amount of time before the connections between the characters become apparent. Persevere, it’s well worth the reward.
Brodie’s role through most of the actual mystery is surprisingly low key, though he inadvertently becomes enmeshed on several fronts - through a missing teenager, his client - Crystal Holroyd, a suicidal Vincent Ives, an occasional employer, Stephen Mellors, and an old friend, DC Reggie Chase.
“Finding Jackson Brodie at the heart of this melee seemed par for the course somehow. He was a friend to anarchy.”
The ‘melee’, which takes time to coalesce, refers to a human trafficking and sex slavery ring that has been operating with impunity for decades and such a ‘business’ necessarily involves other crimes, notably money laundering, drugs, and violence. Atkinson skilfully weaves the threads together that unravel not only the cabal, but also a historic case involving a pedophile ring.
I admire Atkinson’s style of writing which is so well grounded and flows with such ease. I enjoyed the dry, sardonic humour (particularly those witty inner thoughts shared in parentheses) which contributes to the humanity that Atkinson infuses in her characters thoughts and behaviour.
A smart, entertaining, and absorbing novel, Big Sky is a terrific read, sure to satisfy fans who have been waiting eight years for this latest instalment, and hook new readers.
Having temporarily
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relocated to a seaside village in Yorkshire to spend time with his teenage son, Brodie’s current investigations, involving background checks, employment theft, cheating spouses and missing pets, don’t pose much of a challenge. When he is hired by a trophy wife who believes she is being followed, he expects the answer will be simple, but instead Brodie stumbles into a tangled web of exploitation, greed, and death.Big Sky unfolds through multiple perspectives. The cast is large, though I wouldn’t say unwieldy, but it does take a surprising amount of time before the connections between the characters become apparent. Persevere, it’s well worth the reward.
Brodie’s role through most of the actual mystery is surprisingly low key, though he inadvertently becomes enmeshed on several fronts - through a missing teenager, his client - Crystal Holroyd, a suicidal Vincent Ives, an occasional employer, Stephen Mellors, and an old friend, DC Reggie Chase.
“Finding Jackson Brodie at the heart of this melee seemed par for the course somehow. He was a friend to anarchy.”
The ‘melee’, which takes time to coalesce, refers to a human trafficking and sex slavery ring that has been operating with impunity for decades and such a ‘business’ necessarily involves other crimes, notably money laundering, drugs, and violence. Atkinson skilfully weaves the threads together that unravel not only the cabal, but also a historic case involving a pedophile ring.
I admire Atkinson’s style of writing which is so well grounded and flows with such ease. I enjoyed the dry, sardonic humour (particularly those witty inner thoughts shared in parentheses) which contributes to the humanity that Atkinson infuses in her characters thoughts and behaviour.
A smart, entertaining, and absorbing novel, Big Sky is a terrific read, sure to satisfy fans who have been waiting eight years for this latest instalment, and hook new readers.
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LibraryThing member Tasker
After coming across the "Case Histories" BBC series and reading the Jackson Brodie stories in an anthology of the same title several years ago, I was excited to receive this ARC from the publisher. I have to admit that I was unaware several Brodie novels have been published since the introduction
That said, I enjoyed the book and found reading the nearly four-hundred page novel was effortless and felt that, at the conclusion, I really need to read the other Brodie novels.
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of the character so some of the enjoyment of this novel was diminished by missing previous events in the character's life. At the risk of angering the Brodie fans out there, that's the reason for only giving "Big Sky" three stars. That said, I enjoyed the book and found reading the nearly four-hundred page novel was effortless and felt that, at the conclusion, I really need to read the other Brodie novels.
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LibraryThing member cbl_tn
It’s been a long time since the last Jackson Brodie novel. Jackson has aged. His daughter, Marlee, is grown, and his son, Nathan, has turned into a surly teenager. Jackson currently lives near the Yorkshire coast to be within a reasonable distance of his ex, Julia, with whom he shares custody of
Atkinson seems to have based characters in this novel on Jimmy Savile, the disgraced British entertainer who was never called to account for sexual abuse and child molestation. Atkinson has a gift for creating quirky but sympathetic characters, especially children and teenagers. Although they’re presently down on their luck, readers know that, with the right breaks, these characters can make something of their lives. Crystal Holroyd and her stepson, Harry, are standouts in this series installment. Jackson Brodie’s many fans will be happy to find that he hasn’t lost his touch. Nor has Atkinson!
This review is based on an electronic advance reading copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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Nathan and Julia’s elderly dog, Dido. Jackson gets caught up in an investigation of a decades-old human trafficking operation involving rich and powerful people. In the process, he meets with someone from his past – my favorite character from the previous Jackson Brodie novels.Atkinson seems to have based characters in this novel on Jimmy Savile, the disgraced British entertainer who was never called to account for sexual abuse and child molestation. Atkinson has a gift for creating quirky but sympathetic characters, especially children and teenagers. Although they’re presently down on their luck, readers know that, with the right breaks, these characters can make something of their lives. Crystal Holroyd and her stepson, Harry, are standouts in this series installment. Jackson Brodie’s many fans will be happy to find that he hasn’t lost his touch. Nor has Atkinson!
This review is based on an electronic advance reading copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member JenMDB
A very satisfying read on every level. Great to have Jackson Brodie back.
LibraryThing member Beamis12
It was nice to see Jackson Brodie back again. In fact, my favorite parts of this book were his quiet musings and his often humorous relationship with his son. Though his role was little more than that of a bit player, leaving me wanting more of his presence.There are though, many characters in this
ARC from Netgalley.
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story and multiple threads. Atkinson without any doubt on my part always writes amazingly well. Also she took on some timely issues, such as sex trafficking. She does tie these threads together by books end, but unfortunately she also included something that is a big trigger for me. Something I try to avoid in my fiction, or even non fiction for that matter. Just hard for me to read, so I ended up skimming parts of the second half.ARC from Netgalley.
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LibraryThing member brenzi
”From the pyramids to the sugar plantations to the brothels of the world, exploitation was the name of the game.” (Page 340)
Well let me just say, it was worth the wait. Atkinson is at the top of her game if there was any doubt. Jackson Brodie is back, doing the mundane detective chores like
I find Atkinson’s writing to always be the hook for me. Droll humor fills the narrative (After reminiscing about watching a movie on video with his daughter when she was little Jackson muses “Video! Dear God, like something from the ark.), and sympathetic characters as well as a fair number for you to hate. Some might quibble about the idea that justice has nothing to do with the law but I’m not among them.
So basically I loved it, devoured it in a couple of days and wonder when we’ll get the next one. Oh God, I hope it’s not another ten year wait.
Well let me just say, it was worth the wait. Atkinson is at the top of her game if there was any doubt. Jackson Brodie is back, doing the mundane detective chores like
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following a man whose wife suspects him of cheating. This seems to be his mainstay at the present, retired as he is from the police. He’s got Julia in his life again, as well as his son Nathan and seems to be living a rather hum drum life but no…. it doesn’t take long until he finds himself involved in a sticky situation or two when he’s hired by a woman to find out who’s following her. The back story of this whole situation sets the stage for a modern day crime syndicate that’s as old as time itself. And sickening in every aspect.I find Atkinson’s writing to always be the hook for me. Droll humor fills the narrative (After reminiscing about watching a movie on video with his daughter when she was little Jackson muses “Video! Dear God, like something from the ark.), and sympathetic characters as well as a fair number for you to hate. Some might quibble about the idea that justice has nothing to do with the law but I’m not among them.
So basically I loved it, devoured it in a couple of days and wonder when we’ll get the next one. Oh God, I hope it’s not another ten year wait.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
Beautifully written. An enormous cast of characters, some from previous books which I have completely forgotten. Gritty subject matter without being too difficult to read.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
LibraryThing member Eyejaybee
This book marks the return of Jackson Brodie, protagonist of four of Kate Atkinson’s previous novels, the last of which, Started Early, Took My Dog, was published some nine years ago.
All of Atkinson’s customary ingredients are present: plausible characters; a labyrinthine plot (well, it is more
Although Jackson Brodie features throughout, he is not exactly the central character. Indeed, there isn’t really one central character: the story moves about flitting from one developing storyline to another, focusing on a succession of different characters. While this may all sound chaotic, it actually works very effectively, and is, after all, one of Atkinson’s traits. In addition to Brodie, another welcome return from a previous book (in this case, the excellent When Will There be Good News?) is Reggie Chase. Ten years on from that story, Reggie (née Regina) is now a Detective Constable in North Yorkshire, and still as engaging as ever.
The various plots are difficult to summarise without strewing inadvertent spoilers, but they are all played out effectively. Atkinson is always adept at weaving the various storylines together, and the resultant tapestry is alluring, despite the grim themes that it encompasses, including murder, violence, kidnapping, child abuse and human trafficking.
All of Atkinson’s customary ingredients are present: plausible characters; a labyrinthine plot (well, it is more
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a case of several different plots all interlaced with each other); the threat of gruesome crimes never far away in the background, but without direct and gratuitous violence on the page, and a string of hilarious one-liners, often quite at variance with the unfolding action.Although Jackson Brodie features throughout, he is not exactly the central character. Indeed, there isn’t really one central character: the story moves about flitting from one developing storyline to another, focusing on a succession of different characters. While this may all sound chaotic, it actually works very effectively, and is, after all, one of Atkinson’s traits. In addition to Brodie, another welcome return from a previous book (in this case, the excellent When Will There be Good News?) is Reggie Chase. Ten years on from that story, Reggie (née Regina) is now a Detective Constable in North Yorkshire, and still as engaging as ever.
The various plots are difficult to summarise without strewing inadvertent spoilers, but they are all played out effectively. Atkinson is always adept at weaving the various storylines together, and the resultant tapestry is alluring, despite the grim themes that it encompasses, including murder, violence, kidnapping, child abuse and human trafficking.
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LibraryThing member nbmars
This very dark Fargo-like comedic fifth entry in Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie detective series is reminiscent at times of the classic Marx Brothers movie “A Night at the Opera.”
Brodie, ex-military police and ex-Cambridge Constabulary, is currently a private investigator working out of North
In other chapters we follow a second family, Tommy Holyrod, his wife Chrystal, and their children Candy (3) and Harry (16), the latter being Tommy’s son from his first marriage. But Tommy is constantly busy with his company Holyrod Haulage, and Chrystal provides most of the parenting and companionship for both kids.
Yet another plot thread involves DC Reggie Chase and DC Ronnie Dibicki, who have been requested to conduct interviews in a cold case that just warmed up. The ten-year-old investigation - called “Operation Villette” - relates to two convicted sex traffickers, Bassani and Carmody.
There had been all kinds of accusations involving the two men: about “parties” they sponsored, pornography purveyed, and trips abroad for assignations with underage children. Most of it hadn’t been proved, although rumors persisted of a black book with details, and even of a third man in the operation who had never been named.
As one of the characters who surreptitiously carries on the business mused:
“[There were] limitless needs for sex in pop-up brothels, saunas and places that were even less legitimate, less salubrious. (You wouldn’t think that was possible, but it was.) Trade was good.”
And that ongoing business and those maintaining it form an additional plot strand. But of course the many subplots are connected in ways we don't discern at first. The story is all about coincidences and interconnections among the characters. As Jackson Brodie always said: “A coincidence is just an explanation waiting to happen.”
The connections form a malevolent network, and indeed, a deadly one. As secrets come out, bodies begin to pile up, and time - for some of the characters - is running out quickly.
Discussion: If you have seen “A Night at the Opera” you will be familiar with the famous stateroom scene, which has been parodied numerous times in popular culture, by performers ranging from Cyndi Lauper to Seinfeld. Atkinson uses it several times in this book; in this case so darkly funny and yet so deadly serious.
The book even ends operatically, with a scene from a famous opera, suggesting rather parodically that the story is not over “until the fat lady sings.”
Evaluation: It has been a long time between Jackson Brodie books for Atkinson, and although I read the previous entries in the series, I pretty much didn’t remember a thing. It didn’t hurt my enjoyment of this book, though, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it even as a standalone to anyone who enjoys noir humor, clever dialogue, and/or well-constructed crime stories generally.
Brodie, ex-military police and ex-Cambridge Constabulary, is currently a private investigator working out of North
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Yorkshire. The majority of work for which he is hired consists of either following spouses suspected of cheating, or trying to trap innocent (so-far) fiancés and spouses to cheat, as a “test.” This summer he has the occasional assistance of his son Nathan, who stays with him when his mother Julia (and Brodie’s former girlfriend) is busy. Much of Jackson’s interactions with and observations of Nathan, aged 13, are quite humorous, and ring quite true to anyone familiar with teenagers.In other chapters we follow a second family, Tommy Holyrod, his wife Chrystal, and their children Candy (3) and Harry (16), the latter being Tommy’s son from his first marriage. But Tommy is constantly busy with his company Holyrod Haulage, and Chrystal provides most of the parenting and companionship for both kids.
Yet another plot thread involves DC Reggie Chase and DC Ronnie Dibicki, who have been requested to conduct interviews in a cold case that just warmed up. The ten-year-old investigation - called “Operation Villette” - relates to two convicted sex traffickers, Bassani and Carmody.
There had been all kinds of accusations involving the two men: about “parties” they sponsored, pornography purveyed, and trips abroad for assignations with underage children. Most of it hadn’t been proved, although rumors persisted of a black book with details, and even of a third man in the operation who had never been named.
As one of the characters who surreptitiously carries on the business mused:
“[There were] limitless needs for sex in pop-up brothels, saunas and places that were even less legitimate, less salubrious. (You wouldn’t think that was possible, but it was.) Trade was good.”
And that ongoing business and those maintaining it form an additional plot strand. But of course the many subplots are connected in ways we don't discern at first. The story is all about coincidences and interconnections among the characters. As Jackson Brodie always said: “A coincidence is just an explanation waiting to happen.”
The connections form a malevolent network, and indeed, a deadly one. As secrets come out, bodies begin to pile up, and time - for some of the characters - is running out quickly.
Discussion: If you have seen “A Night at the Opera” you will be familiar with the famous stateroom scene, which has been parodied numerous times in popular culture, by performers ranging from Cyndi Lauper to Seinfeld. Atkinson uses it several times in this book; in this case so darkly funny and yet so deadly serious.
The book even ends operatically, with a scene from a famous opera, suggesting rather parodically that the story is not over “until the fat lady sings.”
Evaluation: It has been a long time between Jackson Brodie books for Atkinson, and although I read the previous entries in the series, I pretty much didn’t remember a thing. It didn’t hurt my enjoyment of this book, though, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it even as a standalone to anyone who enjoys noir humor, clever dialogue, and/or well-constructed crime stories generally.
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LibraryThing member diana.hauser
BIG SKY by Kate Atkinson is Book #5 of her Jackson Brodie series.
The characters (from interesting to lovable to hated to grotesque); the many-layered and interwoven story lines; the themes; dialogue; the subtle humor - all make for excellent reading.
Kate Atkinson is a writing genius.
The characters (from interesting to lovable to hated to grotesque); the many-layered and interwoven story lines; the themes; dialogue; the subtle humor - all make for excellent reading.
Kate Atkinson is a writing genius.
LibraryThing member Spencer28
Jackson Brodie is back in all his cynical glory! It's been a while since Brodie last made an appearance and he's a little older, but essentially the same. In some ways, this felt like his swan song, with appearances from characters from his past (as an aside, you may want to re-read the previous
I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.
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books before picking this up to refresh your memory on his earlier cases), but if it is, it is a satisfying conclusion.I received a digital ARC via NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member lauralkeet
It’s been nearly a decade since we last saw Jackson Brodie, and he’s left the police force for work as a private detective. His life has settled down a bit, and he’s on relatively good terms with his teenage son Nathan and the boy’s mother, Julia. While investigating a case of marital
Kate Atkinson excels at plot development, successfully keeping all these plates spinning, and the action moving at a fast pace. At the same time, Atkinson gives us complex and memorable characters. Both the principals and the “extras” are interesting, sometimes comic, and you want to know more about them. As an added bonus, characters from previous novels resurface, and the ways they have matured over the years add much to the story. I was especially happy to see Reggie, who was a child in When Will There Be Good News?
This was brilliantly crafted and a lot of fun. I hope we haven’t seen the last of Jackson Brodie.
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infidelity, Jackson finds himself peripherally connected to a series of events involving murder, a present-day sex trafficking ring, and a decades-old case of child molestation focused on two notorious public figures. The mysteries twist, turn, and intertwine in compelling ways.Kate Atkinson excels at plot development, successfully keeping all these plates spinning, and the action moving at a fast pace. At the same time, Atkinson gives us complex and memorable characters. Both the principals and the “extras” are interesting, sometimes comic, and you want to know more about them. As an added bonus, characters from previous novels resurface, and the ways they have matured over the years add much to the story. I was especially happy to see Reggie, who was a child in When Will There Be Good News?
This was brilliantly crafted and a lot of fun. I hope we haven’t seen the last of Jackson Brodie.
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LibraryThing member breic
I liked an earlier Jackson Brodie, but this did nothing for me. It took far too long to get going anywhere. Instead of a plot, we get capsule introductions, to character after character after character. Writing exercises instead of a novel. Not my cup of tea.
LibraryThing member FAR2MANYBOOKS
Well, I haven't read a good old fashioned mystery in 5 years!
This was so very rewarding! Although, as most mystery lovers know, the main character becomes so beloved that inevitably you become addicted and must read the series! Here I go! Thank you Kate Atkinson, for bringing PI Jackson Brodie into
“A coincidence is just an explanation waiting to happen.” it’s unclear how story lines and major characters are going to intersect. It’s normal in mysteries to not know who the bad guy is, but to not even know why the novelist is focusing on the characters she is—well, that takes the “mystery” term to a whole different level… and that’s what Atkinson does, taking this genre to a new high.
This was so very rewarding! Although, as most mystery lovers know, the main character becomes so beloved that inevitably you become addicted and must read the series! Here I go! Thank you Kate Atkinson, for bringing PI Jackson Brodie into
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my life, just when I really needed it.“A coincidence is just an explanation waiting to happen.” it’s unclear how story lines and major characters are going to intersect. It’s normal in mysteries to not know who the bad guy is, but to not even know why the novelist is focusing on the characters she is—well, that takes the “mystery” term to a whole different level… and that’s what Atkinson does, taking this genre to a new high.
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LibraryThing member mojomomma
Complicated murder mystery with way too many characters to keep straight. Plus their dogs, wives and children, usually in that order of importance. I enjoyed Transcription much more.
LibraryThing member ParadisePorch
We waited a long time for the return of Jackson Brodie but it was worth it!
Jackson has relocated to a seaside town in North Yorkshire and, at first, the plot doesn't seem to involve him at all. There's a myriad of characters introduced but make the effort and keep track of them. There are
The subject matter is dark, though. How can I feel so pleased after reading a book about such terrible things? But I do. I loved it.
It's helpful if you've read the rest of the books in this series, but this would stand alone, I think.
Jackson has relocated to a seaside town in North Yorkshire and, at first, the plot doesn't seem to involve him at all. There's a myriad of characters introduced but make the effort and keep track of them. There are
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Atkinson's signature nesting stories and clever resolutions. It DOES all come together in the end. The subject matter is dark, though. How can I feel so pleased after reading a book about such terrible things? But I do. I loved it.
It's helpful if you've read the rest of the books in this series, but this would stand alone, I think.
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LibraryThing member froxgirl
The return of Jackson Brodie, Atkinson's brooding and trouble-racked PI, features not one but two reenactments of the immortal Marx Brothers crowded stateroom scene from A Night At The Opera. Brodie, the hero of four mysteries, has not been seen since 2010. In the interim, his celebrated creator
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wrote a pair of remarkable standalone novels (and one mediocre one). Her hero is older now, the father of two, attached to neither woman nor dog, and is muddling through the seeming twilight of his career with ridiculous cheating spouse cases on the East Coast of England when he's contacted by a faithful wife who suspects she's being followed. The author shoots her myriad plot arrows wildly at a target that doesn't emerge until the very end, and some readers just won't have the patience to see it through. Too bad, because the writing is brilliant. Brodie is the quintessential man out of his time, and he represents both universal befuddlement and the rewards of perseverance. You don't have to read the first four in the series, but you'll be well rewarded if you do. Show Less
LibraryThing member vintage-series-Lisa
I really wanted to like this book. I loved the description, but, it just was very slow for me. I gave it to 100 pages and just could not finish. So many good reviews on it, wondering if I am the only one that didn't really enjoy it.
I received this book from the Goodreads giveaways for my honest
I received this book from the Goodreads giveaways for my honest
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review. Sorry it wasn't a good review. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Jackson Brodie. For some reason this series has been very hit of miss for me. I loved books 1 and 3, but thought 2 and 4 were weak. This one focuses on a ring of sex trafficking in a small seaside town. There are so many different threads in the beginning
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that it’s hard to follow. Eventually the stories come together and make sense, but it’s not one you can easily dip in and out of. Andy, Tommy, Steven, and Vince and old golfing buddies, Reggie Chase (who readers will remember as the teen from book 3) is not a detective, Jackson is sharing custody of his teenage son and ancient dog while preparing for his daughter’s wedding, Tommy’s wife Crystal is running from her dark past, and her teenage stepson Harry is working back stage at a local club… and that’s not everyone! The author’s skill of juggling so many characters, but managing to weave them together in a coherent way is incredible. What I really love about her writing is the dry sense of humor and relatable asides that she sprinkles into the story. This isn’t the best in the series, but it’s a solid on. I would just highly recommend reading it when you have the time to dive in and enjoy the layered plot. Show Less
LibraryThing member DrApple
It was nice to be reading about Jackson Brodie again, but this novel wasn't as riveting as previous ones to me. We knew who the bad guys were, and it seemed that they were all bound to meet an unfortunate end.
LibraryThing member nivramkoorb
Kate Atkinson is one my favorite authors. This is the 9th book of hers that I have read. I was introduced to her through her Jackson Brodie series. Brodie is an ex policeman and a private investigator. This book is the 5th in the series but the first since 2010. In the interim she has written 3
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excellent novels that surrounded World Wars I and II. Her ability to move easily and excellently through different genres make her one of our best writers. In this story, which takes place in the present time on the northeast coast of England, we find Brodie handling small cases as a private investigator. Mainly infidelity etc. Atkinson's style is to spend the beginning of her books introducing all of the characters and giving hints about what is to come. Brodie weaves in and out touching the characters. Although there are references to characters from previous Brodie novels, this book can be enjoyed without having read the previous books. The overall plot deals with sex trafficking but don't let the subject matter put you off. Atkinson introduces lots of humor and insights into most of the characters in the story. After a slow leisurely pace, the last 2/3rds moves quickly(I read the last 200 pages in one day) and is a great read. This book is a great introduction to a great writer. If you like this book, then you should go back and read the other 4 Brodie novels. She combines great literary talent with a great imagination for plot. Enjoy Show Less
LibraryThing member Doondeck
One of the best Jackson Brodie stories. Amazing how she ends up linking up all the stories in the end.
LibraryThing member EdGoldberg
Former policeman turned private investigator Jackson Brodie has been reduced to chasing cheating husbands and shuttling his teenage son and elderly dog around town. Detective Constables Reggie Chase and Ronnie Dibicki are following up some new leads in a high level old case and re-interviewing the
The long anticipated continuance of Jackson Brodie (the last novel, Started Early, Took My Dog, was published eight years ago) is disappointing. Brodie takes a back seat throughout the book. The first half is a jumble of the various characters and their nefarious activities. The minimal action occurs towards the end. The denouement is contrived. Brodie has seen better days.
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original witnesses. Tommy Holroyd, Andy Bragg and Steve Mellors are into human trafficking and their friend Vince Ives is dealing with the fallout of losing his job and being the prime suspect in the murder of his soon-to-be ex-wife. When Crystal Holroyd, Tommy’s wife, hires Brodie because she thinks she is being followed, the stars align and all of these activities and characters converge. As events unfold, there are several murders, a kidnapping and lots of threats. Sprinkled throughout are Brodie’s musings about love, aging, children and life. The long anticipated continuance of Jackson Brodie (the last novel, Started Early, Took My Dog, was published eight years ago) is disappointing. Brodie takes a back seat throughout the book. The first half is a jumble of the various characters and their nefarious activities. The minimal action occurs towards the end. The denouement is contrived. Brodie has seen better days.
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