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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Atkinson is a phenomenal writer. So many threads pull together into a complete and messy and satisfying end. Her characters are rich and interesting. Mysteries that are not genre boilerplates.
medium-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
I am re-reading/skimming Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie books as her continuation of his story in "Big Sky" comes out this year. "Case Histories" was the first, now "One Good Turn" of which I reread the beginning and the ending. . . . . partly because I do remember the book somewhat but more so because this is one that is on the DVD "Case Histories" which I own and have watched several times. Lots of characters, with lives that crisscross all over, secrets galore, and a dead body or two. It is enough to make me want to sit down and make a Maisie Dobbs (Jacqueline Winspear's detective) chart on it all. But even Maisie would be amazed by the coincidences and starcrossings of Jackson Brodie. The next Jackson Brodie book #3, "When Will There Be Good News?" is also on the DVD. I may watch that one for the sake of time . . . .
I accidentally listened to an abridged audiobook, which I didn't realize until I was almost done. I suspect most of my complaints about the book would disappear if I had listened to an unabridged version. The abridged book is disappointing -- avoid!
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One Good Turn was a fun book to read. My only small complaint was that it took a little longer than I wanted to unveil the connections and mysteries. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a fun quirky mystery, but it requires a little patience. But if you're choosing between One Good Turn and Case Histories, I'd definitely recommend Case Histories.
Kate Aktinson's mystery books aren't like other people's mysteries. For one, it's sometimes hard to put your finger on just what, exactly, the mystery is. It's never a dead body in a locked room. Sherlock would probably be quite bored.
But her books are full of puzzling and contradictory human characters, subtle puzzles, interlocking happenstances, unexpected human and grim truths. They're compulsively readable.
I adore this Jackson Brodie novel for Martin, for Jackson's evolving self, and for not being as dark as [b:Case Histories|16243|Case Histories (Jackson Brodie, #1)|Kate Atkinson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1395289103s/16243.jpg|18001].
But her books are full of puzzling and contradictory human characters, subtle puzzles, interlocking happenstances, unexpected human and grim truths. They're compulsively readable.
I adore this Jackson Brodie novel for Martin, for Jackson's evolving self, and for not being as dark as [b:Case Histories|16243|Case Histories (Jackson Brodie, #1)|Kate Atkinson|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1395289103s/16243.jpg|18001].
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes