3.81
Part of "Jackson Brodie" series
"One Good Turn" by Kate Atkinson is a witty and intricately plotted crime novel that explores the interconnected lives of a diverse cast of characters in Edinburgh, Scotland. The story begins when Martin Canning, a down-on-his-luck writer, witnesses a violent altercation in traffic and intervenes, becoming an unwitting hero. This event sets off a chain reaction of consequences that draw in a retired police detective, a glamorous actress, a mysterious Russian businessman, and a host of other colorful characters. Atkinson's prose is sharp and engaging, with a dry wit that infuses the narrative and brings the characters to life. The plot is complex and multi-layered, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Atkinson is a master of misdirection, leading the reader down one path only to reveal that the truth lies in an entirely different direction. One of the strengths of "One Good Turn" is the depth and complexity of its characters. Each character is fully realized, with their own motivations, flaws, and secrets. Atkinson explores themes of fate, coincidence, and the consequences of our actions, as the characters' lives intersect and collide in unexpected ways. The setting of Edinburgh is also a character in its own right, with Atkinson bringing the city to life in all its drizzly, grey-skied glory. The city's rich history and cultural traditions provide a backdrop for the story, adding depth and texture to the narrative. Overall, "One Good Turn" is a highly entertaining and engaging crime novel that will appeal to fans of authors like Tana French and Ian Rankin. Atkinson's masterful storytelling and complex characters make this a standout addition to the genre...
Kate Atkinson
When Will There Be Good News?
If you enjoyed the complex plotlines and multiple narrators in 'One Good Turn', you'll appreciate Atkinson's signature style in 'When Will There Be Good News?'. This book follows the lives of several characters whose stories intersect in unexpected ways, and features the same wit and dark humor as 'One Good Turn'.
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The Secret History
Fans of character-driven mysteries with a literary bent will enjoy 'The Secret History'. This novel, like 'One Good Turn', explores the darker side of human nature, and the consequences of the choices we make.
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A Spot of Bother
For readers who appreciated the humor and family dynamics in 'One Good Turn', 'A Spot of Bother' is a great choice. This novel follows the trials and tribulations of a middle-aged man dealing with a variety of personal and professional crises, and is just as witty and insightful as Atkinson's work.
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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
If you enjoyed the amateur sleuthing in 'One Good Turn', you'll love 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency'. This series follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, the first female detective in Botswana, as she solves mysteries and navigates the complexities of life in Africa.
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Case Histories
For readers who can't get enough of Atkinson's writing, 'Case Histories' is a great choice. This novel follows the cases of a private investigator named Jackson Brodie, and features the same blend of humor, pathos, and mystery as 'One Good Turn'.
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The Eyre Affair
Fans of literary mysteries will enjoy 'The Eyre Affair', which follows the adventures of a literary detective named Thursday Next. This novel is a clever and imaginative take on the genre, and features a wide range of references to classic literature.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
If you enjoyed the thriller elements of 'One Good Turn', you'll love 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. This novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful tale of murder, corruption, and family secrets, and features a strong female protagonist.
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
For readers who appreciated the historical setting and epistolary format of 'One Good Turn', 'The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society' is a great choice. This novel is set in the aftermath of World War II, and follows the correspondence between a London-based writer and a group of residents of Guernsey.
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The Poisonwood Bible
If you enjoyed the vivid setting and complex family dynamics in 'One Good Turn', you'll love 'The Poisonwood Bible'. This novel is set in the Congo in the 1960s, and follows the lives of
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