Overall, what did you think of Death at the Sign of the Rook? (no spoilers, please!)
I really enjoyed this book. I love these slow burn, carefully thought out English murder mysteries. I read Case Histories last month and then jumped to number six in the series. I have since bought all the previous book and can’t wait to dive in.
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Truthfully, I’m having trouble getting into it. Very slow. I hope the curate (vicar?) plays an important role in the book, because I kept nodding off while reading his backstory. I have a feeling the pace will pick up soon. Going to do some catch-up reading this afternoon!
I think I was at about 50% when I felt the pace picked up - pretty much about the time Reggie makes her appearance.
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I love reading Kate Atkinson and have read several of her books, though not all the Jackson Brodie stories yet. However, I did have some trouble following all the stories in this one. As much as I love her character development, I found myself getting lost later in the book when there were so many characters to try to keep track of, especially when a few of them had more than one name. Still, if you read this for nothing other than the humor, it’s a fun read.
I LOVE Kate Atkinson’s books—I actually forgot I had requested this for the book club & took it out of my library several weeks before my copy arrived. So, I read it again (which I never do) and enjoyed it just as much. I was even able to catch a few details I hadn’t previously.
I particularly enjoy the deep dive into the characters’ stories, then seeing how they all knit together. And there were many times when I laughed out loud—Atkinson has such an irreverent sense of humor.
One of my favorite books of the summer and one I can’t wait to pass on
I loved it. I’m a big fan of slow-burn, character-driven stories and this fit the bill.
This was a difficult book for me, rather than a really enjoyable one. I found it hard to engage with. There were times my interest clicked in, but then, shortly, the story would lose me. I did finish it, but maybe I will try rereading it, now that I see others give positive reviews.
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I’m with you on this book! Never did finish it but maybe I’ll try again.
I have been a fan of mysteries since I began reading Agatha Christie in middle school. When I first began reading the book, it had the same quaint English village feel; however, it didn’t last. I have been pushing myself to read and hoping to get immersed in the plot. Frankly, I’d rather read something else.
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I love Kate Atkinson but did not love this book. I found it confusing, especially with the ‘play’. Brodie was not in it near enough! Too many characters to keep track of!
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P.S. I found it ‘plodding’ as opposed to ‘plotting’.
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I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I expected a cozy mystery (not my genre) and received a witty British comedy of manners.
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I dont know when I have laughed more at dead people. This is a book of characters, many of whom deserve their own book. Some of them are people you would like to know, others you would just as soon known a little bit about.
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I really enjoyed reading the book. This was my first Jackson Brodie read. The only part that was confusing for me was during the mystery play. I had to go back to identify the characters.
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I adored Case Histories and was excited to participate in this discussion about Death at the Sign of the Rook. I have a few pages left, so I will say for now is it’s been a little slow for me. I find myself feeling forced to read it. That is a very disappointing feeling, after enjoying Case Histories. I can say that I still love Jackson and now, Reggie. And Ms. Atkinson is truly a fabulous writer. More to come.
I mildly enjoyed it. The book seemed to be part mystery-part farce. The farcical sections I’d love to see enacted on the stage. Some of the back stories – especially Simon’s – seemed superfluous. Brodie sometimes seems terribly dim-witted. I can’t say I’ll go back and read more Atkinson.
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I agree with most reviews regarding character development being well done. Not only were they described, but done so in such a way that created immediate interest. The interweaving of the various story lines was also done well. The book is an enjoyable read.
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I like to post as I read the book. I am finding it starts a bit slow.
I think the slow start is helping me to really get to know the characters.
I like the way the way the detective shares his inner thoughts while interviewing the twins.
This is my third book by Atkinson. I love the way she creates people. They have consistent characteristics. They are flawed and realistic.
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I will add that there is nothing quite like British humor and this book rates well for that!