Death at the Sign of the Rook

 

Death at the Sign of the Rook – Kate Atkinson

The sign of a true book nerd can be measured by just how excited one gets when their favorite author has a new offering. Such is always the case with me and Kate Atkinson.  Ever since I read my first book by her, I instantly fell in love with her and she remains my favorite of the fictional genre. Not every book is on par with her best, but I’ve never been disappointed.  Fortunately for me, this one was one of her very best.

Jackson Brodie is a detective that graces several of her books; probably close to half.  Yes, you could say these are ‘mysteries’ but with Kate Atkinson, it’s never the story that hooks you, it’s her style of writing.  She does such a wonderful job of describing her characters and their observations at how their lives are never quite what they wish they were.  I don’t think I’ve ever met a happy character in a Kate Atkinson novel. If reading such a sentence turns you off and scares you from reading any of her work, it must be pointed out that although the characters are usually pretty miserable, their histories are always presented to us in a quirky off-beat way that still allows us to laugh even though there isn’t much happiness involved.

The ’story’ here begins with  a couple of missing pieces of artwork from multiple locations.  One of these locations is owned by an older aristocratic family that has seen better days.  The old dowager is well aware that her family finances are dwindling, and her (irresponsible of course) offspring are having to come up with schemes that can somehow keep the family’s coffers from completely dwindling.  Since they still reside in splendor (think Downton Abbey), they can “rent out” portions of their estate to curious tourists.   In addition, they can even host one of those fictional ‘murder mysteries’.

Well, what happens if a real murder happens on the grounds at the same time?  What if there are real detectives trying to uncover clues and yet the guests all think it’s part of the act?  And what if the fact that there is a major snowstorm somehow confines these individuals so no one can leave even if they really wanted to?

I laughed an awful lot during this one.  This would make a splendid movie if the right amount of attention and focus were devoted to it.  Seeing so much confusion amongst the quirky characters as they go back and forth reminded me of a cross between the ‘Knives Out’ movies and the ‘Fawlty Towers’ television series.  Again, I need to repeat myself, the plot even though well executed and humorous isn’t nearly as prevalent as what you would find in most novels.  This is why many people may read one Kate Atkinson book, decide she isn’t their cup of tea, and quickly dismiss any other works.

So no, it isn’t for everybody, but my guess is that if you’re a fan of Kate Atkinson, you’ll find that this book will probably quickly become one of your favorites of hers.  And so far, Jackson Brodie has never let me down.