When Will There Be Good News‪?‬

When Will There Be Good News? is the third novel in Kate Atkinson’s acclaimed Jackson Brodie series. Set in and around Edinburgh, the book masterfully intertwines multiple storylines and characters, delivering a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative that stands out within the modern crime genre.

The novel opens with a harrowing crime: six-year-old Joanna Mason is the sole survivor when her family is brutally murdered in the countryside. Thirty years later, Joanna—now Dr. Hunter—appears to have moved on, but the past resurfaces as her family’s killer is about to be released from prison. The plot weaves together the lives of:
• Jackson Brodie, the ex-detective whose personal and professional lives are in flux.
• Louise Monroe, a police detective with her own complicated relationships.
• Reggie, a resourceful and endearing sixteen-year-old orphan working as a nanny for Dr. Hunter.

The story is propelled by a series of coincidences and unexpected events, including a dramatic train crash that brings the characters together and sets off a chain of investigations into disappearances and possible crimes.

Atkinson’s strength lies in her ability to craft vivid, flawed, and wholly believable characters. Reggie, in particular, is widely celebrated as one of the most memorable and plucky protagonists in recent fiction—her resilience and intelligence make her the emotional heart of the novel. Jackson Brodie and Louise Monroe, both returning from previous books, are portrayed with depth and nuance, their lives intersecting in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable.

The novel explores themes of trauma, survival, regret, and the enduring impact of past choices—particularly in matters of love and family. Atkinson’s writing is often described as effortless and enchanting, blending suspense, dark humor, and poignant observations. The narrative is rich with coincidence, but Atkinson uses these moments to illuminate character motivations and to drive the plot in unexpected directions.

When Will There Be Good News? is a standout crime novel that transcends genre conventions through its compelling characters, intricate narrative, and emotional intelligence. It is best enjoyed as part of the Jackson Brodie series, but its central mysteries and character arcs are strong enough to engage new readers as well. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literary crime fiction with heart and complexity

Excellent read

Not bad but tedious at times with all the different plot lines. She would also often mention a new character without introduction.