My thanks to Random House U.K. Transworld/Black Swan for a digital edition of the reissued ‘When Will There Be Good News’ by Kate Atkinson in exchange for an honest review. It was originally published in 2008. I love the new animal-themed cover art for the series.

Although this was the third in the Jackson Brody series it was the one that brought the series to a wider public when it won the 2009 Best Read of the Year in the UK's Richard and Judy Book Club.

Still, although background is given about Jackson's prior escapades I was glad to have read the series in order (in 2016) as it was a pleasure to see how the character of Jackson Brodie develops.

Atkinson is an author whose work always delights me. Here she confidently weaves together multiple plot threads with strong storytelling and characterisation. It is clear that her novels are shelved as literary fiction as well as crime fiction.

As with the first two I loved the novel and was gripped by its interesting structure and the number of twists that underlined the ironic nature of its reality. I cannot fault this excellent series and would expect that the long-awaited release of the fifth in the series will bring new readers to her work as well as delight existing fans.

The book starts with an horrific murder of an innocent family out for an afternoon’s walk in the countryside. From there, the story leaps forward thirty or so years and we are introduced to a series of seemingly unconnected individuals, 3 or 4 individual tales and their relationships (or lack thereof).

The young character Reggie is a survivor; intelligent, independent, strong, resourceful, never self-pitying but inside, desperately wanting to find someone to call ‘family’. Jackson Brodie is in a sort of ‘limbo’, not a policeman and not even an investigator at the moment. A colleague from his past, a new wife, Reggie’s’ employers – a GP and her husband, Reggie's informal tutor and her brutal estranged brother all play a part in the story at the time of the imminent release of the historic murderer and the aftermath of a train crash.

Exciting and intriguing; how Kate Atkinson weaves a story never fails to amaze me - and this is one of her best. Written with her unmistakable (often black) humour, with outstandingly interesting characters that you don’t want to leave at the end of the story (and some you definitely do) this was pure pleasure to read.

Another great book from Katie Atkinson. Great story line and strong characters
Thank you to both NetGalley and Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

Such a clever writer. This book had me immediately. All the characters are so engaging.. I absolutely loved 16 year old (‘I swear to god’) Reggie, and the adult characters in the book. All of them written with depth and sympathy. The plot is pacy, perfectly timed and so clever. I was laughing then crying.
I know Kate Atkinson is a fantastic writer, but I think this might be my favourite book of hers so far. I am going to read book four now, and then the new book (number five) as soon as it comes out.
Absolutely no hesitation in giving this FIVE stars.
#WhenWillThereBeGoodNews? #KateAtkinson thank you @NetGalley and the publishers .

When Will There Be Good News? is a thriller from the wonderful Kate Atkinson that is full of suspense, surprises and a fair splattering of coincidence. This is the third book in the Jackson Brodie series and can be read as a standalone.

The opening scene shocked me! Kate Atkinson writes with a wonderful scope and mixes a fascinating plot with great characters and teases us with humour while masking the opportunity of dropping cruel murderous bombshells on us. The plot is a mix of multiple threads that start weaving in and out of each other and what I liked is that it happens throughout the novel rather than all coming at once. The plot is cloaked in misdirection and flawed assumptions.

Thirty years after serving a prison sentence for the murder of the Mason family, where only 6-year-old Joanne was left alive, Andrew Decker, the killer, has gone underground and Dr Joanne Hunter (nee Mason) has gone missing with her infant baby. Reggie Chase, Dr Hunter’s baby-minder and friend, finds herself in the middle of a complex web of events. Thrown into the web of murder and deceit, along with the gutsy Reggie, are Chief Inspector Louise Monroe and ex-soldier, ex-cop, current PI, Jackson Brodie. Each character is developed with great depth and capacity but I loved the character of Reggie, she is 16 years of age, feisty, resilient and clever. A young girl that hasn’t had much luck in life, in fact, when has there ever been good news.
“Just because something bad happened to her once doesn’t mean it’s happened again,’ Louise said to Reggie. ‘No,’ Reggie said. ‘You’re wrong. Just because something bad happened to her once doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. Believe me, bad things happen to me all the time.’ ‘Me too,’ Jackson said.”
An implicit reference to the title.

The personal relationships with spouses, friends and colleagues, felt very real, with wonderful subtleties that were just masterstrokes. The love interest was engaging and tantalising – why is it that we often want what we shouldn’t have. Marriages, in particular, are put under tremendous strain throughout the book and often the thing most valued, isn’t the person sharing the home.

Kate Atkinson provides amazing detail and observations, often with a bit of humour.
“A few supermarket lorries thundered along and a speeding motorcyclist hurtled past, eager to donate an organ in time for someone’s Christmas.”
If I had one criticism it would be that sometimes the detail feels like she has veered off-track and delivered content that didn’t really mean much.

I would highly recommend this book and I’d like to thank Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

The third book in the Jackson Brodie series and I have to say the entire series so far has been a pleasure to read. 30 years ago, a mother and two of her three children are murdered in the street in broad daylight by a random stranger. A third child, 6 year old Joanna runs and is later found by searchers unharmed. Fast forward 30 years and Joanna is a GP, happily married with a one year old son. However, her family's killer is due for release having served his full sentence, a fact that will cause alarm for Jo. Subsequently Jo and the baby go missing and her home help, 16 year old Reggie believes there is something more sinister going on. it DI Louise Monroe has moved on since the last book, as has Jackson himself. However, they are propelled back towards each other in various situations, as if an invisible gravitational force is in play - which we all know means they are meant to be together!

I loved this book and it is a joy to return to Jackson's weird and wonderful world where anything can happen and generally does! The characters are such that they are like people I know, they are written so well that they are like regular people I might know. Jackson in particular, I must admit, brings out the maternal side of me, and makes me feel like he needs someone to look after him and mind him, as if something is going to happen, it'll happen to Jackson. Very much looking forward to reading Book 4 (Started Early, Took My Dog) and really hope that there is a fifth book in the works! 5/5*

An eclectic mix of characters and a convoluted,twisted story make this an enjoyable book to read..Several mysteries to be solved before an untidy ending.

When Will There Be Good News is another instalment in Kate Atkinson's crime series featuring private investigator Jackson Brodie.

A superb read. Fantastic story line which kept on giving. The characters were beautifully drawn even the ones that had previously died! My favourite was Reggie a fiesty, sad, loyal but wonderful girl and who doesn’t love a bit of Jackson Brodie. A stinking read and hopefully a prelude to a new Jackson Brodie novel.

Kate Atkinson really is one of the best writers in the UK today. Wonderful to read this again. Cannot wait for the next one.

How I adore Kate Atkinson’s writing and the Jackson Brodie series in particular, brilliantly written and so entertaining. Her characters do it for me and in this book 16-year-old Reggie takes centre stage. Reggie is an absolute delight, everything seems to have gone wrong for her yet she remains optimistic. She is street-savvy, resourceful and utterly loyal to her friends. In this case her employer, Dr Hunter, and her baby are missing and Reggie won’t rest until she finds them. She engages the support of DCI Louise Monroe and Jackson Brodie, and these two resume their will they/won’t they relationship. The plot appealed to me much more than in the previous Brodie book - there are still coincidences everywhere as before but the character development is stronger, and yet again we are left with some tantalising loose ends. I so look forward to reading the fourth in the series in time for the fifth to hit the shelves later this year.

Rarely have more fun with a book than a Kate Atkinson book, trying to read book 4 now before Big Sky comes out. It's just wonderful, dark, funny and such great characters. Absolutely adore her and her books, please never stop writing.

Jackson Brodie #3

Six year old Joanna Mason was the only person to escape when a madman killed her mother, sister and baby brother, Now, thirty years later, Joanna is a successful Doctor with a baby of her own. The madman is being released from prison after serving his sentence. Jackson Brodie is an ex-policeman who still does some investigative work. Louise is a stickler to the rules policewoman. There are three separate storylines in this book and in parts I found it a bit confusing. There is also quite a few characters. The story starts off quite slow but it picks up its pace just under halfway through. I felt this was more about dysfunctional families than a detective story. I did not like some of the characters who were true to life. There are a few twists to look out for. This is a decent enough read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and the author Kate Atkinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a delight to catch up with Jackson Brodie. Kate Atkinson is a marvel.
I love Jackson Brodie and even though it's been a while since I last read one of his adventures, I was right at home and this book did deliver. A brilliant woven tale.
I can't wait for Kate Atkinson's next Jackson Brodie story: Big Sky

I am a huge fan of Kate Atkinson and have enjoyed every book I have read, and occasionally re-read. I originally enjoyed this novel when it was first published and loved it just as much when I recently revisited it. This is the third in the Jackson Brodie series of crime thrillers and as usual is full of twists and turns that keep you engrossed and guessing until the end.
In this book, Joanna Hunter, a GP in Edinburgh goes missing. Thirty years ago, Joanna was the sole survivor and witness of the murder of her mother and siblings by Andrew Decker who is now due for release after his prison sentence has been served. This is just one strand of the story that links characters (both new and previously seen in the books) and events which is written in a witty and absorbing way that is typical of the wonderful Kate Atkinson.

After catching the wrong train, instead of being in London, Jackson Brodie ends up in Edinburgh where he meets up with former colleague, DCI Louise Monroe and together, they work the case of a missing woman. Joanna Mason has disappeared and the only person who appears to be concerned is Reggie. But Reggie is just a kid and can she make the police listen to her?
There are lots of strands to this story and Kate Atkinson brings them together beautifully. It is full of twists and turns and a thoroughly enjoyable read. As a character, Jackson Brodie continues to go from strength to strength.

I love this series and this book also didn't disappoint.
This is the third book and the story begins 30 years ago with a random murder of a young mum, two of her three children and their dog. One child manages to escape.
Then, we switch to present day when 16 year old Reggie works for Joanna, caring for her 1 year old son. But, Joanna and her son goes missing the same time the murderer of the past is released from prison.

Clear from the little synopsis that it's a thrilling read that grabs you from the first moment. I couldn't turn the pages faster. The characters are immersive, Atkinson's writing is superb. So, definitely recommended!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book number three in the Jackson Brodie series, the story begins 30 years ago with the horrific completely random murder of a young mum, two of her three children (one child - Joanna,manages to escape) and their dog...
Fast forward to the present day, 16 year old Reggie works as a mothers help for Joanna, caring for her one year old son. When Joanna and her son go missing, around the same time the murderer is released from prison ... Reggie struggles to be taken seriously..

This is an addictive read which totally engrossed me, full of mystery, twists and turns, with likeable characters (Reggie in particular) I throughly enjoyed.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read.
4 stars

I love the Jackson Brodie series. As detective thrillers they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I found this, like the others, thoughtful, engrossing and immensely enjoyable.

In When Will There Be Good News, a thoroughly unlikely series of events takes Brodie back to Edinburgh where we are introduced to a group of variously connected characters, a historic murder whose perpetrator is being released after 30 years and, of course, Louise Monroe (now a DCI) who is as gloriously spiky as ever and in a superficially perfect marriage to a charming and cultured surgeon. It is Kate Atkinson’s portrayal of these characters which makes the books so brilliant; her writing is pitch perfect and rich, recognisable pictures of real people rise from the page to involve you in their lives. There are crimes, some exciting action scenes and so on, but on the whole the action is at a very measured pace. I love that and found myself completely gripped, so that I had no trouble in overlooking the rather large number of coincidences in the plot.

In short, I thought this was terrific. It’s a very fine novel of character while being a thoroughly readable and enjoyable detective story. Very warmly recommended.

I love the Kate Atkinson Jackson Brodie series and this one doesn’t disappoint. Full of twists and turns with excellent characters it is an excellent read.
I requested it from Netgalley not realising I’d read it before when first published (doh!) but it’s worth a re-read.