One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson vs PBS's Case Histories

One Good Turn is the second in Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie series.  PBS's Masterpiece Mystery just took a stab at the first three books of the series, the third episode my DVR unceremoniously erased before I could watch.  The series is named after the first book in the series, Case Histories. I enjoyed this first book but didn't love it.  But I have loved the title of the fourth book in the series: Started Early, Took My Dog.

I usually hate reading a book after seeing the movie/television show.  But I must say, I loved One Good Turn even after seeing the Masterpiece Mystery version of the novel.  What I like about Atkinson's writing is that it is layered with interesting character development and employs delightful humor. Case Histories was called a genre bending literary novel and I think it is a good description. The novel, One Good Turn, was a delightful page turner with wonderful characters.  Gloria was a character I wish I could have had tea with even though sharing some conversation over tea would not reveal Gloria's real thoughts as did Atkinson's writing. Gloria will be one of my favorite heroines for some time to come.  She, in her middle years, has come to some great conclusions with a sense of humor, calm resignation and pointed insight.

The book begins with Jackson living without working by the benefit of the unexpected money he inherited in the first book.  He has followed, really financed, his girl friend's theater production in Edinburgh, part of the "Fringe Festival". The girlfriend is Julia from the Case Histories.  I tried to start this book a couple times but couldn't get past the first couple of chapters with the focus on Julia who I never liked as a character...why the heck did Jackson take up with her??? I also hate the first scene but still, it does become an interesting riddle for the rest of the book. Seeing the PBS production pulled me into the rest of the story, though they took huge creative license in how the PBS structured Jackson's personal life with money (he didn't inherit in the television production), where he lives and his situation with his daughter.  In many ways the PBS show was nothing like the novel except for the central mystery.  I always love the book more as in this case...the book is much better, though the actor who plays Jackson is quite attractive.

I now have the next book in the series, When Will There Be Good News? waiting for me on my Kindle.  So many books, must go read...