To what audience would you recommend Death at the Sign of the Rook? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style

Book Clubs Death at the Sign of the Rook Discussion
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To what audience would you recommend Death at the Sign of the Rook? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style

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I would recommend this to people who like a slow burn mystery that makes you think a little. It won’t be for people who like fast past thrillers. You want to enjoy character studies if you pick this up.

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I agree with Marybeth. But I would suggest that you read some of the other Jackson Brodie stories before this one to become familiar with him and some of the characters who have been part of his story before. He has lots of interesting friends!

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I totally agree Cecelia! Knowing some of the characters was like seeing old friends—but I really love the new characters too—particularly Benedict, Simon the Vicar and Lady Milton

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I hadn’t read any Jackson Brodie books, but I was able to follow this just fine. Anyone who loves great writing and old-school mysteries like Christie would enjoy this one.

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Lady Milton was a wonderful and humorous character. I’d like to see her again.

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I think the book would works best for mystery reader with a literary bent. The book had a bit too much back story about characters. I like more focus on the crime.

This being said., I love that type of exposition in a different type of book. The combination made me frusterated wanting to get to the clues

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I’m not sure this is for everyone. And if you like true detective, mystery novels, this isn’t it. It was more character driven. But if you like fine writing, enjoy Tana French as she’s certainly increasingly a slow burn mystery writer, then you should enjoy this. It would probably help if you’ve read some of Atkinson’s other novels.

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I agree about readers with a literary bent. And I too got frustrated at times with the slow build up of character, and little movement on the mystery. But the final 1/4 of the book paid it all back! So funny, and so well written. I need to go back and reread the earlier Brody books, as I don’t remember them being anything like this novel.

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I would recommend this book to anyone who really enjoys rather light-hearted “cozy” mysteries. The characters are so well-drawn, and though the plot develops rather slowly, I think that somewhat adds to the charm. You get to know the personalities and make your guesses without stressing about fast-paced, non-stop action. I would think readers of Louise Penny might be fans of Brody.

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