A great stand-alone, accessible crime novel, but better when seen as part of its series. (When Will There be Good News? - Kate Atkinson)

Member Name: flora_poste

Product:	When Will There be Good News? - Kate Atkinson
Date:	11/09/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Witty, accessible narrative style

Disadvantages: you might want to read its 2 predecessors first

I am a massive fan of Kate Atkinson and having read the first 2 Jackson Brodie novels, I was expecting great things from this. I was not disappointed.

Jackson is an ex-police officer who turned private investigator and is a hackneyed, cynical but strangely likeable scottish chap who does not always have the best luck in life. He finds himself entangled (often against his will) in other peoples crimes and is usually suspected of some involvement so working against the police as well as trying to prove himelf innocent at the same time as solve the crime. It was ever thus in crime fiction, but what makes this book (and its predecessors) so enjoyable is Kate Atkinson's writing style.

The narrative is converstaional and accessible while never being flippant or shallow, and always with great humour.

I think you could read this book without having read the other 2, but why would you when they are all so good? I really hope she writes another, as I think there is so much mileage left in the characters.

And if you enjoy this book, please also have a look af 'behind the scenes at the museum' by this author - it is not a crime novel but written with the same witty, observational narrative style.

Summary: modern fiction at its best