Big Sky returns to the ongoing life of retired policeman Jackson Brodie, who supports himself by taking on small surveillance jobs; he's hired by suspicious spouses to document infidelities. But as in all the previous novels about Brodie, his past returns to haunt as he goes about co-parenting a teenager with his old love, Julia.

The setup is similar to the other Brodie novels. The first third or so of the story introduces a bunch of seemingly unrelated characters and situations. With detailed exposition, the reader gets inside the minds and histories of these characters; even the ones who will turn out to be terrible people get a full introduction. And just as the setup follows a pattern of previous installations, so too the theme of lost and exploited and hurt children is the focus of Big Sky. There's an old human trafficking ring in the town where Brodie lives that's still active, though it takes a lot of policework (featuring When Will There Be Good News's best character, Reggie) and serendipitous detecting by Brodie to pull it all together.

Atkinson excels in all her novels in character development, and particularly of children and adolescents. In Big Sky, a young teen named Harry shines. His mother has died, his father is remote, and his stepmother takes him under her wing. His portrayal of wit, innocence, and hunger for love is the novel's strength. Jackon Brodie doesn't fare as well here. He's aging and at times aimless, and his perception relies too much on what he imagines Julia will say about his every thought. He doesn't know how he fits into the #metoo age. But the women of Big Sky have no trouble finding agency and a new strength with new thinking.

Big Sky has fantastic writing but might rely too much on the events of past novels. It would not stand on its own, apart from its predecessors, without a lot of confusion. And while Atkinson is a master of mixing timelines, in this novel, there is an excess of time and point of view shifts. Attention must be paid in the transitions to figure out who is talking, and when. All in all, it's an enjoyable return to the Brodie universe even when he's not the star.

Sorry, special books deserve special stars. The author is Kate Atkinson -automatic five stars, the protagonist is Jackson Brodie - automatic five stars. And that’s all before I read the first word . After I read the last word it’s an automatic trillion stars and that’s not one more than this novel deserves. Praying for selective amnesia so I read it again.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't think that Kate Atkinson would ever revisit Jackson Brodie and to be honest I don't know if I wanted her to. But here we are and coming back into this world is like putting on that comfy sweater.

Atkinson has such a way with words that is an absolute joy. Funny, and dry asides that help develop characters but never taking away from the story.

The story itself is similar to the other stories in the series. Several seemingly unconnected stories eventually coming together with poor Jackson in the middle. As per usual a lost girl is involved. Jackson's personal life is pretty much a disaster. He's trying to bond with his teenage son which is a new twist for him.

The thing is though, it did feel that this story didn't necessarily need Jackson or his storylines. Reggie from book 3 is now on the police force and is assigned to one of the cases with her partner. With a few tweaks this could have easily been a spinoff for her. But I suppose there is something endearing about the sad sack that is Jackson. I just think that maybe it could have been integrated a bit better.

4.25/5 rounds to 4/5.

I tried to get in to Big Sky because I love Kate Atkinson's work, but this one I just couldn't. For me, it was very slow and boring. And no matter how interesting the characters, I couldn't care less about any of them. I found my mind drifting a lot while reading this. Which really stinks because the first 100 or so pages, I enjoyed.

But overall, I didn't really like this book.

Welcome back Jackson Brodie !!

If you have not read any in the series, you can read this as a stand alone . It will probably have you hooked enough to read the series.

Lots as always in Kate Atkinson's books. There is relationships, mystery, murder , sex trade, so much to absorb.

I thoroughly enjoyed the return of Jackson , his stepson and his ex Julie.

Thanks to Net Galley and Little Brown and Company for the opportunity to read Big Sky.

I received a free digital publisher’s advance review copy of the book via Netgalley. However, on the day it is published my plan is to go to my local bookstore and buy it. It’s just so good I want to own it and be able to re-read it anytime.

This is part of a crime fiction series, but you don’t need to read the prior books in the series before this one. This is called the Jackson Brodie series and he is certainly a character, but you wouldn’t describe these as police procedurals (Brodie was previously a Detective Inspector) or detective novels (Brodie became a private investigator), at least not in the conventional sense of those sub-genres. The books aren’t about Brodie’s investigation, marshaling the evidence and following leads. They are about Brodie’s life and about his life intersecting with a kaleidoscopic cast of characters.

And what a cast in this novel. Crystal Holroyd--the 39-year-old wife of Tommy Holroyd of Holroyd’s Haulage, mother of little Candy, stepmother of the odd but sweet Harry, compulsive house cleaner and survivor of a gruesome pubescence—hires Jackson to figure out who has been following her. Pulling on that thread leads to one heck of an unraveling, involving a sad-sack about-to-be divorcé, a group of friends up to no good (plus their families), the acts at a seaside burlesque show, people from Crystal’s past, and bit-part appearances by Jackson’s latest client and her adulterous husband. On top of that, you have Jackson’s kids, his ex Julia, and his lovely regularly borrowed Lab, Dido.

I think kaleidoscopic is a good word for this novel. Every time you go from one chapter to another, the action shifts to another viewpoint, and the result can be fractal and dazzling.

My descriptions are completely inadequate to convey how wonderfully funny, tragic and intriguing this novel is. I felt downright exhilarated as I read the last several chapters and I’m still on a book high now.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the ARC. This was my first Kate Atkinson book. Even though this wasn't the first one in the series it was easily a standalone and I wasn't confused at all. I love her writing, characters, the plot development, I knew from others that she could write but wow! I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!

So Kate Atkinson is awesome, and this book continues to prove that this woman can write.

This is the fifth Jackson Brodie book, but you have neither to read the others nor watch the television program to understand and completely enjoy this book. In addition to Brodie, the book features gorgeous second wife and mom Crystal who may have a bit of a past, two newly minted police detectives working on an old case, a man down on his luck, and a web of deceit so well plotted that even the most astute readers will enjoy getting caught.

There is nothing Ms. Atkinson does not do well: dialogue, plot, details, humor, drama, and this book has them all.

If you are a longtime reader, you'll be delighted to be back with Jackson, and if this is your first, you'll want to get all the other books immediately.

Thanks so much to NetGalley.com, the author and publisher for my advance copy.

How would Dashiell Hammett’s books read if he had been British instead of American? They would have read much like Kate Atkinson’s newest novel, Big Sky. The book delights and entertains with its clean, unique prose, unrestrained eloquence, and remarkably haunted characters. Noir days are back, thanks to Kate Atkinson, and they are better than ever.
What I Liked About the Story
It was easy to immerse yourself in even if you haven’t read the first four books in the series. I have not had the pleasure of reading a Jackson Brodie novel, and this one is #5 in the series. I was a little nervous about how much I missed by not reading the first four, but still, I forged ahead, and I am glad that I did. The novel reads as complete as any stand-alone novel and makes you want to read the previous four, not to understand the back story, but just because you love Private Detective Jackson Brodie and can’t get enough of his journey.
All characters are fully developed. In a classic hard-boiled mystery, the detective struggles with his or her inner demons from their past. In Big Sky, every character has inner demons, and you finish the book understanding these inner demons as well as you know your own. It’s rare to find a novel that fleshes out its minor characters as well as its main character(s), so I applaud Big Sky for this feat.
Big Sky gives the reader a whole new perspective of England. Whenever I think of England, I think of civilized, prim and proper people and culture. Big Sky provides the reader with a whole new way of thinking about England, and it will be forever changed as a result. As an American, I am very aware of the seedy side of my country, but now I know we are not alone in that – England also has a seedy side that’s every bit as dark, dirty, violent, and greed-filled.
Big Sky takes the reader back to the classics of the genre. The tone of Big Sky took me back to the noir days of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, which gave the novel not only an authentic feel but a shout out to the classics as being the greats that they are.
What I Wish About the Story
There had been the same flow in the first third of the novel that there is in the remaining two-thirds. The plot was much like a game of chess, and as in every game, the first thing that must be done is that the board needs to be set up. In a novel, that translates to the first third of the story being dedicated to introducing the pieces that will play a role in the mystery. Unfortunately, that reads like a disjointed collection of characters that are difficult to remember because you do not yet know their relationship to one another. I felt the need to map out the characters on paper, so I was not lost when they were brought back into the story rather than the story flowing with a continuity that makes character introductions natural.
The story had ended after the mystery is solved and explained. I was surprised that the story kept going after the big reveal. The continuation of the characters’ stories didn’t add anything to the plot of the story, but it was interesting to see what happened in the picking-up-the-pieces stage of the characters’ lives.
To Read or Not to Read
Read!!! I am happy to enthusiastically recommend this novel.
Thank you to Little, Brown, and Co. and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel in advance with the promise of an honest review.

A new Jackson Brodie book is always cause for celebration. Brodie is back in his usual existential form, living a quiet life in a seaside town only to become embroiled in a messy case involving human trafficking and sexual abuse of children. As usual, Atkinson's skill at manipulating the narrative and presenting many points of view on the same situation is unparalleled. The shifting back and forth in time and character voice is perfectly done. Sympathetic characters and villains alike are well-drawn, with many shaded versions of good and evil.

I do think you need to have read the previous books in the series for this to resonate.

Thank you, Kate Atkinson! Big Sky is an interesting, witty, and yes, wise book. Jackson Brodie's return, and his musings on parenthood are terrific (although, I would have liked more of him in the book). This is Atkinson at her best--many plot strands, good characters and great writing. I have been looking for an immersive read and this one suits the bill. It should be at the top of everyones' summer reads.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC of Big Sky by Kate Atkinson. WOW - what can I say? This is Kate Atkinson at her very best. Another book with Jackson Brodie, former policeman and now private detective, balancing his personal life, while juggling several leads in a murder. The story also follows a human trafficking ring, in which young women are lured from other European countries to England, with promises of jobs, only to be held as sex slaves. Connections will eventually lead Jackson to the source. Jackson's personal life, including his relationship with his teenaged son and his ex-partner, Julie, are also part of the story. Jackson is one of the most real, well-rounded characters written in a series of books. Case Histories by Atkinson was my favorite book of hers and Big Sky is a close second. Atkinson's understanding of real life father/son relationships, ex-lovers and the world or real crime is superb.

3.5

I never thought I would say this, but this entry in the Jackson Brodie series needed more...Brodie.

He is so barely involved with any of the plots that you could delete him from the book and the story would still turn out the same. Most of his scenes are callbacks and cameos from previous books. Atkinson gives enough context that you could still read this as a standalone, but having him mostly reminiscing about earlier adventures instead of participating in this one is a letdown.

But, like the previous Brodie books, Atkinson still crafts a satisfying tale by taking what seems like a hundred different plot threads and sneakily pulling them into one tapestry by the end.

“A coincidence is just an explanation waiting to happen.”

Remember this sentence as it is important to the entire novel, its course and ultimate denouement.
Kate Atkinson has returned with another Jackson Brodie novel after a gap of several years. Jackson now is living in Yorkshire in a seaside town, working as a private investigator, primarily tailing unfaithful husbands for angry wives. Not exactly a fulfilling life but it pays bills and keeps him near his now teenaged son, Nathan, and the boy’s mother who he still has a thing for (totally unrequited).

While in the middle of his case, he happens into the middle of a couple of others and the coincidences multiply. The story can at times seem cluttered and a tad confusing as more characters are introduced without apparent links. But if you have read Atkinson at all you can trust that she knows where she is going and how she will get there. There is a serious plot involving the abuse of young women and girls developing separate from Jackson and his cheating husband case. But coincidences happen and... “Worlds were colliding all over the place. Jackson thought he might actually have gone mad. Or that he was hallucinating. Or that this was an alternative version of reality. Or all three.” No, not mad. Just involved in too much.

The characters are such winners here, all so well drawn. Almost all are truly multi-dimensional. Humor, pathos, righteous indignation are among so many emotions evoked by this novel. And, as always, the mind of Jackson is front and center, full of musical allusions, self deprecating thoughts and constant comments of the women of his life. The book moves at a quick pace and the story itself occurs over a short period of time. I do wonder what will Jackson be up to next. I will be there. I will read anything Atkinson writes.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Guess I should have read books 1-4 before this one as I felt like I was coming late to the party. Characters are good and action is top notch. Ending is unique. Might try one of the previous books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown for the ARC to read and review.

Atkinson ties up some loose ends left over from other stories in this well named "big sky" of a plot.

I did get confused occasionally, wondering if I was reading a different book or having deja vue, but all in all a great read that fans will adore.

Jackson Brodie is back after almost a decade away from the bookshelves. He's living in a seaside town close to his former lover Julia and the son they share. He works as a private investigator these days--generally involving cheating spouses--and spends time with son Nathan. Things are particularly relaxing however, Brodie and Nathan witness what might have been a child abduction and Brodie has to rescue a teen who has fallen out of a boat AND a man who is about to jump off a cliff. The man on the cliff is connected to Brodie's newest client Crystal Holyroyd who is being stalked.

Although the Brodie series is a bit dark--I read all of the books terrified that nothing will end well--I've enjoyed reading all of them.

Kate Atkinson's mysteries are always funny and full of strange encounters and coincidences. This entry in the series seems a bit less madcap and darker than earlier ones, but it's great to see the series continued. Jackson Brodie is living on the northeast coast and sharing parenting duties, coping with a glum teenager and a loving but aged dog when he sees a child with a unicorn backpack picked up while hitchhiking - surely a dangerous thing to do, particularly in a community where two celebrated businessmen were banged up for running a child sex ring.

The characters in this book, especially a "trophy wife" who is adjusting to living in luxury after a rough childhood and her stepson who would prefer to study theatre rather than follow in his dodgy businessman father's footsteps, Oh, and there are the Polish girls lured to England on false pretenses and the two young detectives who are pursuing a cold case and more ... the characters are vividly drawn and Brodie's mordant observations are funny and sometimes touching. It takes a while for the multiple threads to come together, but it's fun to watch them be spun by a masterful and original writer.

This is the 2nd Jackson Brodie novel I have read by Kate Atkinson and the other one was a very long time ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book had many plot points, and many interesting characters. Even though this was the case, I was able to follow each story line and remain on top of what was going on. In addition to Jackson Brodie, there were many other characters to enjoy: Harry, Crystal, Bunny, Reggie, and Ronnie; just to name a few.

Full disclosure, I am not typically a fan of the slave trafficking topic, however, that was just one part of this book which was multi faceted.

I am grateful to Net Galley, Kate Atkinson, and the publisher for providing me with this ARC. I will definitely be going back to read the other Jackson Brodie novels I have not read yet.

Ready for summer reading?
May 23, 2019
What are you looking forward to reading this summer? There are so many great books coming out. Here in the Boston area alone, we’ll be celebrating Hallie Ephron’s Careful What You Wish For, (Aug. 6), Hank Phillippi Ryan’s The Murder List(Aug. 20), Julia Henry‘s Tilling the Truth and Edwin Hill‘s The Missing Ones (both Aug. 27). On the cozy side, former Sisters in Crime president Leslie Budewitz has her Chai Another Day coming out June 11, and many others are due soon too. But recently I was asked by an editor to compile a list of summer mysteries and in my desperate attempt to pull together books that weren’t by friends or that haven’t been recently profiled on my own blog, I came up with the following. (Then I found out I had misread the assignment – he wanted books that were already out! Oops!). Anyway, here’s a small sampling of what I’m looking forward to, with an eye to every taste. Please let me know what you’re looking forward to – we’ve got time, at last, to indulge!
1. “One Small Sacrifice,” Hilary Davidson (out June 1)
Author of the Anthony award-winning Lily Moore series launches a new police procedural series with NYPD detective Sheryn Sterling unraveling a complicated possible murder.
2. “Conviction,” Denise Mina, (June 18)
Newly single Anna McDonald tunes into a true-crime podcast for distraction only to realize that she knows what really happened – and she’s involved – in the latest grim psychological suspense from a Scottish master of the genre.
3. “Big Sky, ” Kate Atkinson (June 25)

After an eight-year hiatus, Yorkshire ex-cop turned private investigator Jackson Brodie (with dog) surfaces in a quiet seaside village where a routine domestic case turns into something darker.
4. “Paranoid,” Lisa Jackson, (June 25)
Decades after Rachel Gatson accidentally killed her half-brother, her high school reunion – and a string of new murders – make her doubt her sanity in this bestseller’s latest psychological suspense.

5. “A Lady’s Guide to Gossip and Murder,” Dianne Freeman (June 26) The follow-up to the series’ multiple award-winning debut, this frothy, fun historical cozy once again has the American-born Countess of Harleigh solving a murder in Victorian London’s high society.
6. “The Paper Bark Tree Mystery,” Ovidia Yu (June 27)
The steamy Singaporean summer of 1937 smolders when private detective Su Lin’s ex-boss is murdered in a case involving diamonds, race, and political unrest in this third evocative Crown Colony mystery.
7. “The Whisper Man,” Alex North (June 27)
A widowed father and his young son move into a strange house in a town haunted by the memory of a serial killer in this truly creepy debut thriller.
8. “The Chain,” Adrian McKinty (July 9)
To ransom her kidnapped daughter, a mother must kidnap another child, whose parents must then do the same, in this fast-paced, nightmarish thriller from the award-winning suspense author.
9. “Lady in the Lake,” Laura Lippman (July 23)
Having bolted from a stale marriage in 1966 Baltimore, Maddie Schwarz has transitioned from housewife to crusading journalist, heedlessly seeking the truth about a missing woman in this New York Times-bestselling author’s latest standalone.
10. “The Hounds of Justice,” Claire O’Dell (July 30)
In O’Dell’s second strikingly engaging dystopian Sherlock Holmes pastiche, Dr. Janet Watson once again joins covert agent (and fellow queer black woman) Sara Holmes in infiltrating an extremist group.
11. “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” Olga Tokarczuk, (Aug. 13)
This Man Booker International Award finalist veers from straight mystery into fantasy as Janina, the local crank in a Polish resort town, takes a break from astrology to investigate a murder.
12. “The Swallows,” Lisa Lutz, (Aug. 13)
Best known for the humorous Spellman Files books, Lutz follows up her thriller “The Passenger” by going very dark with this tale of revenge and secrets at a New England prep school.
13. “Play With Fire,” William Shaw (Aug. 13)
In his fourth series outing, Detective Sergeant Cathal Breen can’t get into the swing of 1969 London, but with his pregnant partner Helen Tozer’s help he tackles the murder of a high-society call girl.
14. “Thirteen,” Steve Cavanaugh (Aug. 13)
Conman-turned-defense attorney Eddie Flynn uses the crooked system against itself, but he’s out manipulated when he’s brought into a Hollywood star’s murder trial in this legal thriller.
15. “The Long Call, ” Anne Cleeves (Sept. 3) With her usual stunningly deft prose, Scottish master Cleeves (“Vera” and “Shetland”) debuts Detective Matthew Venn, who returns to the North Devon evangelical community he once fled when a body washes up on the beach.