Crime writer Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie detective novels have made it to the small screen in the form of a six part series, which begins next Wednesday in New Zealand (Sky TV). I had no idea the series came out last year in the UK, and it’s already available on DVD. I hope Brodie is as endearing and engaging as he is on the page. If you aren’t familiar with this character, here’s a short bio:
Jackson Brodie is a private investigator, originally from Yorkshire. A former soldier and policeman he now makes his money working from investigating infidelity and finding missing cats. Jackson’s tough-guy exterior belies a deeply empathetic heart. He’s unable to resist coming to the rescue and increasingly he becomes a magnet for the bereaved, the lost and the dysfunctional. His ability to connect comes from his own tragic childhood that still haunts him.
I’ve read all four novels and would love to read them again, but there’s never enough time when you’re trying to pen your own novel. My favourite is the third instalment WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS. Kate Atkinson writes with ‘wit, wisdom and a fierce moral intelligence’. Her stories are character-driven and even though she meanders off the plot regularly, it’s hard not to get caught up in the places she takes you to. You can find more info at her website.
EXTRA. Interesting writing fact about Kate Atkinson (2006): She never reads bad or even good reviews about her work. Her reason: It’s ‘not open to discussion’ and above all, it’s easy to be ‘misunderstood’.
Wonderful writer and books. How does she remember and tie up all the bits and pieces? Her characters are just so real. Case Histories is my favourite.
Her plots are so complex and she always comes up with great endings.
Still haven’t read her, but the description of Jackson Brodie has certainly piqued my interest and the meandering off plot sounds intriguing too.
Enjoy the tv programme, I hope it’s up to your expectations.
I watched the interview on her website about the series. She didn’t seem happy about some of the actors they chose for her characters but said ‘she grew to like them’. Must be a strange experience.
We didn’t get away this weekend because of the weather and other matters. I’ll get onto your 11 Qs early in the new week. Look forward to posting it.
I’ve had Case Histories on my shelf for ages, and I’d like to get to it soon.
Hi, Rebecca
Hope you enjoy it. It’s good to start with the first book Case Histories; you can also read each book in the series as a standalone. I began with When Will There Be Good News, unaware of the previous two. She feeds some of the background of her previous book into the next one without being repetitive. Very well done.
Hi Joanne,
I watched this last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Brodie is such a complex character and there were so many twists and turns in the plot. Edinburgh looked beautiful too.
Although this not the type of book I usually read, I can certainly see why Kate Atkinson is so popular.
Can’t wait for next week’s episode!
I completely forgot about it!
Her books are a delight – very refreshing.
I’m going to make sure I don’t forget next week’s episode. I need to get myself organised.
Did you see my 11 Questions. Maybe you missed that post! Scroll up from this.