By becoming a crime writer she has – in a way that other “literary” types may wish to note – become a better literary writer than ever: funny, bracingly intelligent and delightfully prickly . . . Kate Atkinson is that rarest of beasts, a genuinely surprising novelist

Atkinson’s genius is her sure control of plot . . . immaculately – even lovingly – paced, and it is a measure of Atkinson’s talent that I read it in one sitting . . . insightful, often funny, life-affirming

An exhilarating read. Her wry humour, sharp eye for the quirks of human behaviour and subtle characterisation are a constant joy…with writing of this quality, there is good news on every page

An intricately crafted tale of coincidence and fate, love and longing. From the get-go, Atkinson’s pitch-perfect ear for dialogue is apparent . . . As in the best crime fiction, dramatic events and unexpected twists abound, but Atkinson subverts the genre by refusing to neatly tie up every thread. And while there is plenty of blood and bitterness, redemption and resolve are well represented too. Good news all around

Atkinson’s world is full of bizarre accidents and meaningless murders, but she celebrates love, laughter and literature so wholeheartedly that I cheered aloud. She is one of the most eccentric of crime writers, and perhaps the sanest. Everybody should read her

Full of unsolved mysteries and suspense. It is one of those rare fictions that defies categorisation, creating a milieu that is a recognisable version of the real world but inflected with its author’s preoccupations…contains startling moments of truth, and its insights into human nature are simply superb

The good news, of course, is that here is another Jackson Brodie thriller from the brilliant Kate Atkinson. The even better news is that . . . it’s the most enthralling to date

Another faultless display by Kate Atkinson . . . Like the other titles in the Jackson Brodie series, this one plays with the tenets of the crime genre without ever sacrificing the essence of wit and nuance which make Atkinson’s novels such jubilant reads

In this gripping new thriller by Kate Atkinson we are plunged into the heart of darkness . . . Suspense is tinglingly maintained throughout . . . shot through with wry wit and gritty realism

One of those writers who effortlessly bridges the gap between commercial and literary fiction