For a reader, there is almost nothing better than discovering another author who speaks in a unique, yet deeply familiar way; presenting point of view, dialogue, and action that feels like a close connection, as though, author and reader, we know each other, we are on the same wavelength. For me, Elizabeth Strout, Louise Penny, Henning Mankell, Richard Osman, and now, add to the list, Kate Atkinson. I read one of her historical fiction novels, Transcription, set in World War II England, and found her to be a solid, interesting writer. Discovering her detective protagonist Jackson Brodie has opened a whole new side of this writer for me.

Sign of the Rook is the sixth book in the series, but it is completely readable and engaging without having read the previous books. Of course, I plan to go back and read those, and give a review of the series at some point this year. Jackson Brodie is a former police detective, now working freelance cases in Yorkshire, northern England. We have several plotlines that slowly, then quickly become tangled, leading to quite a madcap ending. When investigating a stolen painting of possible great value, Jackson crosses paths with Reggie (Regina) Chase, a police detective who is also working a similar case of a painting stolen from a Downton Abbey-style great house called Burton Makepeace. It becomes clear to them both that the suspects in each case are likely the same woman, going under different names, inserting herself into situations where she develops trust and intimacy; in Jackson’s case, a carer for an aged, dying woman; and in Reggie’s, the maid and companion of Lady Milton, aging widow of Lord Milton, hereditary heir of Burton Makepeace. In Jackson’s case, when the old woman dies, the painting and the carer disappear. At Burton Makepeace, Lady Milton’s son, Piers, has been selling off art to make basic repairs to the sprawling mansion. A valuable painting by Turner goes missing, as does Lady Milton’s companion.

Following Jackson and Reggie’s investigations, we meet an amusing cast of characters: Hazel and Ian, adopted children, now adults, of Dorothy Padgett (the now deceased), as well as Dorothy’s neighbor Bob, and her extended family; and the extended Milton family, as well as neighbors living in homes formerly part of the great house, but sold off to pay the upkeep bills. Piers has converted the east wing of the house to a hotel which promises a Downton Abbey-style experience, and is holding a murder mystery weekend event to bring more customers. The actors, a group of third-rate performers called the Red Herrings Theatre Company, a motley crew whose leader, Titus North, created a script that steals a mystery from one of Nancy Styles novels (Nancy Styles, a fictional author, sort of a pulp fiction, Agatha Christie wannabe.) Add to that weekend a big snow storm, and an escaped known violent killer, and this is sure to be a crazy denouement.

Most of the story is told from Jackson’s and Reggie’s viewpoints, which bring much of the humor. Jackson, suffering insecurities from an unstable midlife crisis, thinks all the judgmental things about people that we often do, and those quirky inner thoughts are hilarious. While having great ambitions regarding her career, Reggie also harbors a secret desire to be romantically swept off her feet by a handsome, able, manly man. Reggie doesn’t want to work with Jackson, whom she finds somewhat annoying, but despite herself cannot help but like and respect him. Other characters are cleverly given depth and believability, such as the vicar Simon Cate, who loses his faith and his voice; and Ben Jennings, returning Afghanistan Army major who lost his leg, and his purpose. Atkinson uses great economy in plotting, for each character will play an important part, and gets expertly woven into the action.

I think it is obvious that I highly recommend this book, and I hope you, like me, will go on to enjoy the entire Jackson Brodie series. I’ll be sure to get back to you with that complete review, in future.