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The first book in Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie Mysteries series, called "The best mystery of the decade" by Stephen King, finds private investigator Jackson Brodie following three seemingly unconnected family mysteries in Edinburg.Case one: A little girl goes missing in the night.
Case two: A beautiful young office worker falls victim to a maniac's apparently random attack.
Case three: A new mother finds herself trapped in a hell of her own making - with a very needy baby and a very show more demanding husband - until a fit of rage creates a grisly, bloody escape.
Thirty years after the first incident, as private investigator Jackson Brodie begins investigating all three cases, startling connections and discoveries emerge . . . show less
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RidgewayGirl Both books are written by highly acclaimed authors and feature an unhappy private investigator specializing in missing persons.
20
BookshelfMonstrosity These two books are domestic fiction in which father and daughter is a main topic.
KayCliff The sisters of the heroes of both books were raped and murdered when the characters were children.
Member Reviews
Reread (Jackson Brodie 1#, #2, #3, #4 and #5 back-to-back) before diving into Death at the Sign of the Rook.
I’d forgotten just how brilliant Case Histories is but then it has been 20 years.
Four cold cases of missing or murdered girls, three for Jackson Brodie to solve, one that can he can never resolve.
The thumbnail depictions, cutting asides, clever connections, wry observations and shocking revelations make every single word count, bring every single character to life and every single sentence raise a smile.
Julia Land (wild hair, potty mouth), Theo Wyre (overweight asthmatic, beautiful soul) and Binky Rain (ancient South African cat lady), the sheep storm, shovel hands and making time are just a few of the many images still fresh show more in my mind.
To be able to throw rape and murder, child abuse and psychopathy, stalking and suicide, country music and Joan of Arc, the rural idyll and homelessness, languorous afternoon teas and glutinous budget burgers, love and loathing, pig mathematicians and teenage mums into the melting pot, stir it all up and bring it all together is pure genius.
Kate Atkinson is one of my favourite authors and Case Histories has reminded my exactly why. show less
I’d forgotten just how brilliant Case Histories is but then it has been 20 years.
Four cold cases of missing or murdered girls, three for Jackson Brodie to solve, one that can he can never resolve.
The thumbnail depictions, cutting asides, clever connections, wry observations and shocking revelations make every single word count, bring every single character to life and every single sentence raise a smile.
Julia Land (wild hair, potty mouth), Theo Wyre (overweight asthmatic, beautiful soul) and Binky Rain (ancient South African cat lady), the sheep storm, shovel hands and making time are just a few of the many images still fresh show more in my mind.
To be able to throw rape and murder, child abuse and psychopathy, stalking and suicide, country music and Joan of Arc, the rural idyll and homelessness, languorous afternoon teas and glutinous budget burgers, love and loathing, pig mathematicians and teenage mums into the melting pot, stir it all up and bring it all together is pure genius.
Kate Atkinson is one of my favourite authors and Case Histories has reminded my exactly why. show less
Every bit as good as everyone says it is. There is more here than just a “mystery” – the cases presented are only the catalyst for an exploration of family, grief and mourning. In this way, I found [Case Histories] similar to [The Pure in Heart] by Susan Hill in which the crime is almost secondary to the story. Atkinson develops strong characters, and adds just the right touches of dry humor and some lovely writing, to keep the reader turning the pages. Anyone who has ever lost a loved one will recognize the struggle to create a new kind of existence around an empty space that once held so much love and joy.
Case Histories is the first in a series featuring Jackson Brodie, a police officer turned private detective. The first three chapters set up the rest of the book, each describing a murder or missing person case. The three cases spanned a thirty-year period and were completely unrelated. Two were never solved. Each packed such a punch, I had to put the book down after the opening chapters and allow that feeling in the pit of my stomach to subside.
After that bit of stage-setting, Jackson Brodie is brought in to investigate a situation related to the first case. Amelia and Julia are two sisters; 30 years ago their 3-year-old sister Olivia went missing. The sisters discover something that causes them to question their version of events. show more Meanwhile, another client contacts Jackson seeking more information about his daughter's death from apparently random violence. Intertwined with these two stories is a third about a young woman who killed her husband and left a young daughter to be raised by her sister.
The story-within-a-story format was a great way to introduce a diverse cast of characters but still develop them fully. While the intensity diminishes after the first three chapters, each case still strikes an emotional chord and it would be impossible not to get wrapped up in the characters' lives. I also enjoyed the way Kate Atkinson gradually revealed the truth, usually through tiny details or snippets of conversation. She kept me guessing by throwing in a couple of red herrings, but also created several satisfying "aha!" moments when puzzle pieces fell into place. This was everything a good mystery should be. show less
After that bit of stage-setting, Jackson Brodie is brought in to investigate a situation related to the first case. Amelia and Julia are two sisters; 30 years ago their 3-year-old sister Olivia went missing. The sisters discover something that causes them to question their version of events. show more Meanwhile, another client contacts Jackson seeking more information about his daughter's death from apparently random violence. Intertwined with these two stories is a third about a young woman who killed her husband and left a young daughter to be raised by her sister.
The story-within-a-story format was a great way to introduce a diverse cast of characters but still develop them fully. While the intensity diminishes after the first three chapters, each case still strikes an emotional chord and it would be impossible not to get wrapped up in the characters' lives. I also enjoyed the way Kate Atkinson gradually revealed the truth, usually through tiny details or snippets of conversation. She kept me guessing by throwing in a couple of red herrings, but also created several satisfying "aha!" moments when puzzle pieces fell into place. This was everything a good mystery should be. show less
Immaculately plotted. Kate Atkinson indulges in a series of labyrinthine storylines all of which have gelled seamlessly by the time she reaches her denouement.
This novel introduces ex-copper, ex-soldier Jackson Brodie, now working as a private detective in Cambridge and investigating the possible recent theft of some cats, the apparent abduction 34 years ago of a three year old girl, and the seemingly mindless murder ten years ago of a solicitor's daughter, and the disappearance of an axe murderer's daughter.
At times hilarious, yet also frequently heart-rending, Atkinson manages her material with hypnotic mastery!
This novel introduces ex-copper, ex-soldier Jackson Brodie, now working as a private detective in Cambridge and investigating the possible recent theft of some cats, the apparent abduction 34 years ago of a three year old girl, and the seemingly mindless murder ten years ago of a solicitor's daughter, and the disappearance of an axe murderer's daughter.
At times hilarious, yet also frequently heart-rending, Atkinson manages her material with hypnotic mastery!
This isn't the first book I've read by Kate Atkinson, just the first one in her Jackson Brodie series. How glad I am to know there are several more to come.
Atkinson is an excellent writer. Here, we meet her new protagonist, a temporarily down on his luck former public Investigator turned private eye. He's recently divorced, with a young daughter who lives with his ex-wife and her new husband. He's only moderately bitter, and smokes too much.
What elevates Atkinson for me is how quickly she can frame her characters; their quirks and demeanors are recognizable in our own families, friends or neighbors.
Two sisters, growing up in a troubled household but trying to stay in touch as adults:
"...proposing a contradictory viewpoint to Julia's show more came automatically to her...they both constantly found themselves arguing the case for opinions that neither of them really cared about one way or the other, like a pair of bickering, jaded courtroom lawyers."
An overweight man who knows he should do better for himself, but a devastating loss makes it hard for him to care:
"He made for the stairs as rapidly as his bulk would allow, although the best he could manage was a sort of rolling waddle.
"...he ordered a modest latte and a scone but nonetheless was subject to the disapproval of the waitress, who made it clear that she thought someone so overweight shouldn't be eating at all."
These types of nuggets are scattered liberally throughout a terrific set of mysteries, all of which come to the office of Jackson Brodie.
There's plenty of suspense and twists, as well. I'm ready for the next one in this series, and pretty much for anything if Kate Atkinson wrote it.
Highly recommend. show less
Atkinson is an excellent writer. Here, we meet her new protagonist, a temporarily down on his luck former public Investigator turned private eye. He's recently divorced, with a young daughter who lives with his ex-wife and her new husband. He's only moderately bitter, and smokes too much.
What elevates Atkinson for me is how quickly she can frame her characters; their quirks and demeanors are recognizable in our own families, friends or neighbors.
Two sisters, growing up in a troubled household but trying to stay in touch as adults:
"...proposing a contradictory viewpoint to Julia's show more came automatically to her...they both constantly found themselves arguing the case for opinions that neither of them really cared about one way or the other, like a pair of bickering, jaded courtroom lawyers."
An overweight man who knows he should do better for himself, but a devastating loss makes it hard for him to care:
"He made for the stairs as rapidly as his bulk would allow, although the best he could manage was a sort of rolling waddle.
"...he ordered a modest latte and a scone but nonetheless was subject to the disapproval of the waitress, who made it clear that she thought someone so overweight shouldn't be eating at all."
These types of nuggets are scattered liberally throughout a terrific set of mysteries, all of which come to the office of Jackson Brodie.
There's plenty of suspense and twists, as well. I'm ready for the next one in this series, and pretty much for anything if Kate Atkinson wrote it.
Highly recommend. show less
First a heads-up: although it has been described as such, this is not a mystery. There are mysteries in the story, yes, but the reader will just be given the "answer" at the end - there's no figuring out for the reader to do. Instead, Atkinson turns the attention to the victims of the crimes and they turn out to be quite a delicious set of characters - quite odd, a little mad, and really, really funny. Especially our reluctant detective, Jackson Brodie, has a way of describing his surroundings that is witty and tart and often laugh-out-loud funny. The plots are quite messy and meandering, however, and when their solutions are revealed, they rely on a mass of coincidences, which is a disappointment. In the end, though, the character show more studies do make up for what the plot lacks and Atkinson's writing is adroit enough to encourage me to read more of the Jackson Brodie series. show less
I've read a lot of reviews of this book, all talking about it being "funny",with "likeable characters", "life-affirming and hugely enjoyable", "exceptional crime writing".. . That last statement is certainly true, but what most reviews don't tell you is that this book is too close to the horrors of the randomness of life to be comfortable, it is achingly true. Atkinson creates a world and characters you immediately believe in - and what happens to them is not nice.
Luckily principal character Jackson Brodie brings some light relief, and indeed the ending is rather optimistic and life-affirming, but this is not a light or cozy read. It is exceptionally good crime writing.”
Luckily principal character Jackson Brodie brings some light relief, and indeed the ending is rather optimistic and life-affirming, but this is not a light or cozy read. It is exceptionally good crime writing.”
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ThingScore 100
We have a woman who once thought she was marrying a “great mathematician” but now finds herself—a mother of four daughters and pregnant again—wondering what her glowering husband “would look like when he was dead.”
added by paradoxosalpha
Atkinson has always been a gripping storyteller, and her complicated narrative crackles with the earthy humor, vibrant characterizations, and shrewd social observations that enlivened her first novel but were largely swamped by postmodern game-playing in Human Croquet (1997) and Emotionally Weird (2000).
added by davidcla
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Author Information
39+ Works 52,526 Members
Kate Atkinson was born in York, and studied English Literature at the University of Dundee. She earned her Masters Degree from Dundee in 1974. She then went on to study for a doctorate in American Literature but she failed at the viva (oral examination) stage. After leaving the university, she took on a variety of jobs from home help to legal show more secretary and teacher. Her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, won the 1995 Whitbread Book of the Year ahead of Salman Rushdie's The Moor's Last Sigh and Roy Jenkins's biography of William Ewart Gladstone. It went on to be a Sunday Times bestseller. Since then, she has published another five novels, one play, and one collection of short stories. Her work is often celebrated for its wit, wisdom and subtle characterisation, and the surprising twists and plot turns. Her most recent work has featured the popular former detective Jackson Brodie. In 2009, she donated the short story Lucky We Live Now to Oxfam's 'Ox-Tales' project, four collections of UK stories written by 38 authors. Atkinson's story was published in the 'Earth' collection. In March 2010, Atkinson appeared at the York Literature Festival, giving a world-premier reading from an early chapter from her forthcoming novel Started Early, Took My Dog, which is set mainly in the English city of Leeds. Atkinson's bestselling novel, Life after Life, has won numerous awards, including the COSTA Novel Award for 2013. The follow-up to Life After Life is A God in Ruins and was published in 2015. This title won a Costa Book Award 2015 in the novel category. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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- Canonical title
- Case Histories
- Original title
- Case Histories
- Original publication date
- 2004-09-01
- People/Characters
- Jackson Brodie; Olivia Land; Julia Land; Amelia Land; Sylvia Land; Theo Wyre (show all 15); Laura Wyre; Marlee Brodie; Lily-Rose; Binky Rain; Quintus Rain; Victor Land; Keith Fletcher; Michelle Fletcher; Shirley Morrison
- Important places
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK; England, UK; Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, England, UK; North Yorkshire, England, UK; Newnham, Cambridgeshire, England, UK; Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, England, UK (show all 7); Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England, UK
- Related movies
- Case Histories (2011 | TV Series | IMDb)
- Epigraph
- Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
- Dedication
- For Anne McIntyre
- First words
- How lucky were they? A heat wave in the middle of the school holidays, exactly where it belonged.
- Quotations
- She should have done science, not spent all her time with her head in novels. Novels gave you a completely false idea about life, they told lies and they implied there were endings when in reality there were no endings, every... (show all)thing just went on and on and on.
It wasn't that [he] believed in religion, or a God, or an afterlife. He just knew it was impossible to feel this much love and for it to end. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"She used to be a poodle," Amelia said (unfathomably), and Julia said, "Don't be such a crosspatch, Milly, we're en vacances," and Amelia said, "You're always on holiday," and Julia said, "Well I can think of worse ways to live your life," and Jackson wondered if he was in love with Julia and then the sky suddenly darkened to the color of Agen plums, thunder growled in the distance, and the first drops of heavy rain thudded onto the cafe's canvas awning and Julia shrugged (in a commendably French way) at Jackson and said, "C'est la vie, Mr. Brodie, c'est la vie."
- Publisher's editor
- Velmans, Marianne
- Blurbers
- Crace, Jim; Cusk, Rachel; Schwarz, Christina
- Original language
- English
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