The endings are like good chocolate-satisfying, but leaving you wanting just a little more. The characters are as intricately developed as the plot line. When Will There Be Good News?, along with Atkinson's other Jackson Brodie books, are mystery thrillers for people who don't like mystery thrillers. The mysteries in this book are compelling and, as always with Kate Atkinson, twisted together in ways that do not all become apparent until the very end of the book. In addition, we get better acquainted with DCI Louise Monroe and meet the ineffably persistent Reggie Chase. Jackson Brodie is back along with the string of misfortunes that have been plaguing him since Case Histories.

Her characters and their predicaments will draw you in to the point where you'll find yourself sitting in the driveway or tuning out your family to find out what happens next. If this is your first experience with this author, be prepared. If you've read (or listened to) Case Histories and One Good Turn, then When Will There Be Good News? is just what you'd expect from Kate Atkinson.

Oh, and yes, you need to pay attention to small details and give the stories time to play themselves out. Highly recommended-but do read the series in order-as one book builds on the next. All the makings necessary for excellent mystery/crime writing are present here. Good guys blend with bad guys and at times nothing is as it seems. I particularly enjoy seeing how his life plays out with the outlandish troop of extras that Atkinson deftly captures. To me, this captivates and keeps things really interesting. Facts are revealed from multiple angles and in gradual degrees. Characters weave in and out of each novel and their lives grow and change. Once you get the hang of the 'two steps forward three steps backwards' approach and understand the author's take on time-the storytelling takes on a life of its own. As with all of Atkinson's writing the stories are complicated and she bends time to suit her whim. I am reviewing the first three books in the series as a group here-viewing them as a unit. Book one-Case Histories, book two-One Good Turn and then this third book-When Will There Be Good News. Next I came upon and devoured her mystery series which, so far, has four books. I recently stumbled upon Kate Atkinson's writing when I read and loved Life After Life.

When will there be good news