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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
As mysteries go it's not fabulous, too many coincidences for my taste. However, the characters were so enjoyable that it was hard to put down.
adventurous
mysterious
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Let’s just say I’m incredibly disappointed. I LOVED Case Histories - the format, the whimsical language, the characters - but everything that sparkled in the first installment is missing from the second. I typically finish books quickly, but was stuck on this one for several weeks due to what felt like lots of story padding and characters that were hard to care about.
And then there’s page 313, which completely spoiled the character of Jackson Brodie for me. Literally WTF!!!!!! The other books in this series might be better, but I will not be reading them. The series I excitedly checked out of the library will be returned. What a shame!
And then there’s page 313, which completely spoiled the character of Jackson Brodie for me. Literally WTF!!!!!! The other books in this series might be better, but I will not be reading them. The series I excitedly checked out of the library will be returned. What a shame!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
This is a well-written, intellectual mystery by a noted literary writer. The characters are thoroughly developed and believable, the plot filled with hooks and surprises.
Jackson Brodie is an ex-cop, ex-PI turned millionaire who happens to be on the spot during a road rage incident in Scotland. Not wanting to get involved, he assumes the other bystanders will give the information needed and walks away. Unfortunately, fate determines that he will be involved as he, the two road rage players and the bystanders all become intertwined in a tale of embezzlement, graft, murder, blackmail, and more.
Ms. Atkinson follows the intimate life of each character as they draw ever closer to the ultimate end, but this is not a linear story. You find the conclusion for each scene and the story as it occurs to each character so you are often jumping back in time as you find out what happened to that particular character. This can be confusing if you are accustomed to a straight story line, but it does allow for more in depth characterization.
While a bit slow to start, the book surprises you by pulling you in at the end as you figure out what happens to each character. If all you want is a quick read without having to think, look elsewhere. But if you want a strong book that focuses on characters and not the action, this one may do that for you.
Jackson Brodie is an ex-cop, ex-PI turned millionaire who happens to be on the spot during a road rage incident in Scotland. Not wanting to get involved, he assumes the other bystanders will give the information needed and walks away. Unfortunately, fate determines that he will be involved as he, the two road rage players and the bystanders all become intertwined in a tale of embezzlement, graft, murder, blackmail, and more.
Ms. Atkinson follows the intimate life of each character as they draw ever closer to the ultimate end, but this is not a linear story. You find the conclusion for each scene and the story as it occurs to each character so you are often jumping back in time as you find out what happened to that particular character. This can be confusing if you are accustomed to a straight story line, but it does allow for more in depth characterization.
While a bit slow to start, the book surprises you by pulling you in at the end as you figure out what happens to each character. If all you want is a quick read without having to think, look elsewhere. But if you want a strong book that focuses on characters and not the action, this one may do that for you.
Not as good as the first book in the series, Case Histories, but entertaining enough. The characters swirl around one another and slowly, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. I will say I didn’t see the final twist coming (felt like I should have), but it felt right.
I did enjoy this book but less than the other Jackson Brodie books - the plot didn't hang together quite as well, for me. But the characters were very well-drawn and interesting, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the locations.
Decent enough but found myself skipping bits in the middle. Raced through as I did the first but this was more so I could move onto something else. Felt very surface level.
I'm not much of a one for murder mysteries, but maybe I should be. This was a very enjoyable, literary mystery/thriller novel. A little slow at the beginning, but after a while very difficult to put down.
Sadly, not nearly as good as Case Histories. A similar style of many tales coming together was made rather tedious by not particularly likeable characters who spent far too much time thinking about themselves and not enough time doing something. Almost redeemed from being a 2-star read by the very end, but not quite.