This is a well-written, intellectual mystery by a noted literary writer. The characters are thoroughly developed and believable, the plot filled with hooks and surprises.

Jackson Brodie is an ex-cop, ex-PI turned millionaire who happens to be on the spot during a road rage incident in Scotland. Not wanting to get involved, he assumes the other bystanders will give the information needed and walks away. Unfortunately, fate determines that he will be involved as he, the two road rage players and the bystanders all become intertwined in a tale of embezzlement, graft, murder, blackmail, and more.

Ms. Atkinson follows the intimate life of each character as they draw ever closer to the ultimate end, but this is not a linear story. Since each scene is written in a different character's point of view, the reader is often pulled back in time as you view the same scene from different characters' perspectives. Thus, you may read the conclusion several times, just from different points of view. This can be confusing if you are accustomed to a straight story line, but it does allow for more in-depth characterization.

While a bit slow to start, the book surprises you by pulling you in at the end as you find out what happens to each character. This is not a book for someone who is looking for a quick read that follows a linear path and has lots of action. This is a literary book masquerading as a mystery that focuses on characters instead of action. When I read a book, unless it's a non-fiction, I want to be entertained. This one did not do that for me. It is a well written book; it's just not my cup of tea.

Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder
10/15/2006

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Coming soon from Cerridwen Press: "Akashan'te" and "Prime Time"

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