When Will There Be Good News? cover art

When Will There Be Good News?

(Jackson Brodie)

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When Will There Be Good News?

By: Kate Atkinson
Narrated by: Steven Crossley
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The third Jackson Brodie novel, winner of Richard & Judy's Best Read: literary crime from the number-one bestselling author of Big Sky and Transcription.

In a quiet corner of rural Devon, a six-year-old girl witnesses an appalling crime. Thirty years later the man convicted of the crime is released from prison.

In Edinburgh, sixteen-year-old Reggie, wise beyond her years, works as a nanny for a G.P. But her employer has disappeared with her baby, and Reggie seems to be the only person who is worried. Across town, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Monroe is also looking for a missing person, unaware that hurtling towards her is a former acquaintance – Jackson Brodie – himself on a journey that becomes fatally interrupted.

'An exhilarating read. Her wry humour, sharp eye for the quirks of human behaviour and subtle characterisation are a constant joy' Daily Mail

© Kate Atkinson 2008 (P) Penguin Audio 2014

 Cosy Crime Fiction Mystery Police Procedurals Private Investigators Fiction Crime Witty Funny Suspense

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Critic reviews

By becoming a crime writer she has - in a way that other "literary" types may wish to note - become a better literary writer than ever: funny, bracingly intelligent and delightfully prickly . . . Kate Atkinson is that rarest of beasts, a genuinely surprising novelist
Atkinson's genius is her sure control of plot . . . immaculately - even lovingly - paced, and it is a measure of Atkinson's talent that I read it in one sitting . . . insightful, often funny, life-affirming
An exhilarating read. Her wry humour, sharp eye for the quirks of human behaviour and subtle characterisation are a constant joy...with writing of this quality, there is good news on every page
An intricately crafted tale of coincidence and fate, love and longing. From the get-go, Atkinson's pitch-perfect ear for dialogue is apparent . . . As in the best crime fiction, dramatic events and unexpected twists abound, but Atkinson subverts the genre by refusing to neatly tie up every thread. And while there is plenty of blood and bitterness, redemption and resolve are well represented too. Good news all around
Atkinson's world is full of bizarre accidents and meaningless murders, but she celebrates love, laughter and literature so wholeheartedly that I cheered aloud. She is one of the most eccentric of crime writers, and perhaps the sanest. Everybody should read her
Full of unsolved mysteries and suspense. It is one of those rare fictions that defies categorisation, creating a milieu that is a recognisable version of the real world but inflected with its author's preoccupations...contains startling moments of truth, and its insights into human nature are simply superb
The good news, of course, is that here is another Jackson Brodie thriller from the brilliant Kate Atkinson. The even better news is that . . . it's the most enthralling to date
Another faultless display by Kate Atkinson . . . Like the other titles in the Jackson Brodie series, this one plays with the tenets of the crime genre without ever sacrificing the essence of wit and nuance which make Atkinson's novels such jubilant reads
In this gripping new thriller by Kate Atkinson we are plunged into the heart of darkness . . . Suspense is tinglingly maintained throughout . . . shot through with wry wit and gritty realism
One of those writers who effortlessly bridges the gap between commercial and literary fiction (FAY WELDON)
All stars
Most relevant

If you could sum up When Will There Be Good News in three words, what would they be?

long, complicated, satisfying

Which character – as performed by Steven Crossley – was your favourite?

Reggie

Any additional comments?

I can't say enough about how good Steven Crossley's narration was. This book was ultimately very satisfying and I was sad to come to the end but I would have given up early on, because the number of characters was daunting, but the narration made everything clear.

worth investing time in

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slow starter, but as the characters came alive and the humour emerged I was hooked! looking forward to my next Atkinson read

recommended

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The story is so satisfying, with intricate and brilliant plotting. Every character is rounded and satisfying. The narration is excellent - lively without being obtrusive. Just loved this audiobook.

Wonderful!

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a well written and amusing story, good characterisation and plenty of twists and turns in the plot,

entertaining and amusing

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Love this series . Loved Reggie , she kept the storyline going , found the slide from one scene to another confusing sometimes and I realise that the story had to be kept going but seriously - Louise would never get her detectives badge in the Brownies !

Kate Atkinson weaves together another set of stories

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