Kate Atkinson is one of my absolute favourite authors. She wrote one of the most brilliant books ever – Life After Life. But I first discovered her through her Jackson Brodie detective series. It’s a long time since Jackson had an outing. Her latest novel, Big Sky, is her first Jackson Brodie book since 2010 and Started Early, Took My Dog.
Just for a few pages, I found it slightly weird to be reading a detective story written in the style of Kate Atkinson, but I soon got used to it. And I was very quickly hooked on Big Sky.
Retired policeman, now private investigator, Jackson Brodie, is living in a small cottage by the sea. His grumpy teenage son is spending time with him while his mother his working and Jackson is busy keeping tabs on a cheating husband.
The book then leaves Jackson behind for several chapter as it introduces us to a new and seemingly unconnected cast of characters. There are the three middle aged men playing golf, the variety acts at a seedy theatre and the two young detective constables. Gradually, the clues linking the characters start to appear and it’s clear that Jackson is living in a very small world indeed.
First Jackson encounters a desperate man on the edge of a cliff, then a glamorous woman enlists his services and he discovers there is a dark underworld operating in the sleepy town. What exactly is going on and can Jackson stop it before it spirals out of control?
Big Sky is a brilliant book with a brilliant cast of characters. My favourite characters are nerdy teenager, Harry, and his not-as-dim-as-she-looks stepmum, Crystal. The writing is witty and really paints a picture of life in a tired seaside town. There is a lot going on, but it never gets confusing and never feels like a heavy read.
Whether you’ve read a Kate Atkinson, or a Jackson Brodie, before, I would definitely recommend Big Sky. It’s a bold statement for only my second book of 2020, but I think it will make it on to my list of my top five reads of the year.
February 17, 2020
I love the Jackson Brodie novels – I didn’t know there was a new one. Thanks for the heads up!
#ReadWithMe
February 17, 2020
You’re welcome! They are brilliant novels and this one has just come out in paperback in the last few days, so that’s even better!
February 22, 2020
I haven’t read a book from this author before, I think my mum may have done, will have to ask her thoughts too #readwithme
February 22, 2020
She is an absolutely brilliant author – I would definitely recommend her. One or two of her books are a bit challenging to read, but most of them are just brilliant reads.