Death at the Sign of the Rook is the sixth book in the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson.
The Jackson Brodie series follows the life and investigations of a former police inspector turned private investigator, Jackson Brodie. Each novel delves into intricate mysteries, exploring Brodie’s complex character as he navigates through cases that intertwine with his personal life.
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Marooned overnight by a snowstorm is a cast of characters and a setting that even Agatha Christie might recognise – a vicar, an Army major, a Dowager, a sleuth and his sidekick – except that the sleuth is Jackson Brodie, and the ‘sidekick’ is DC Reggie Chase.
The crumbling house – Burton Makepeace and its chatelaine the Dowager Lady Milton – suffered the loss of their last remaining painting of any value, a Turner, some years ago. The housekeeper, Sophie, who disappeared the same night, is suspected of stealing it.
Jackson, a reluctant hostage to the snowstorm, has been investigating the theft of another painting: The Woman with a Weasel, a portrait, taken from the house of an elderly widow, on the morning she died. The suspect this time is the widow’s carer, Melanie. Is this a coincidence or is there a connection? And what secrets does the Woman with a Weasel hold? The puzzle is Jackson’s to solve. And let’s not forget that a convicted murderer is on the run on the moors around Burton Makepeace.
All the while, in a bid to make money, Burton Makepeace is determined to keep hosting a shambolic Murder Mystery that acts as a backdrop while the real drama is being played out in the house.
About the Author
Kate Atkinson is a British author known for her novels, short stories, and plays. Kate Atkinson books have received numerous awards and accolades. These include the Whitbread Book of the Year Award (for Behind the Scenes at the Museum) and multiple Costa Book Awards in various categories. She has also been shortlisted for prestigious literary awards such as the Man Booker Prize.
Kate Atkinson books are therefore a must-read for so many people. Atkinson’s writing often blends various genres, including literary fiction, crime fiction, and historical fiction, and she is praised for her intricate plots, well-drawn characters, and sharp wit.
What to read next
If you’ve completed the Jackson Brodie series, I’d suggest reading one of Kate Atkinson’s standalone novels. I’d particularly recommend Shrines of Gaiety.
