Last year, the first book in the series, “Forgotten Cases,” was published in Lithuanian, and now readers can access the second novel in the series – “Dangerous Services,” translated into Lithuanian by Sigitas Parulskis. The series, translated into more than 20 languages, has gained international recognition, and its author was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to literature. Lithuanian readers are well acquainted with K. Atkinson from the novels “The God of Ruins” and “Life After Life,” while the detective Jackson Brodie series reveals another side of her work.
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The Mystery of K. Atkinson’s Detectives
K. Atkinson’s series takes us to Cambridge, where former policeman Jackson Brodie works as a private detective. His daily life seems quite dull at first glance: J. Brodie follows a woman suspected of infidelity, searches for missing cats, and takes on other routine assignments. But everything changes when three old, long-unsolved cases appear in his life within a few weeks.
K. Atkinson’s novels are full of familiar elements of the crime genre: unsolved crimes, mysteries, clues, and investigations into what really happened. However, the crime plot here becomes an opportunity to tell much more. The writer is interested in the people at the center of each case. What happened in their lives? Why were some things left unsaid? How did a tragedy that occurred many years ago change those who remained alive?
J. Brodie’s cases are rich in irony and humor, and the characters are not easily divided into guilty and innocent. It is this combination of crime intrigue and human story that can attract even those who usually do not read detective stories. Although J. Brodie’s cases are presented as a six-book series, readers can start their acquaintance with these detectives from any book.
The Newly Released Lithuanian Edition of “Dangerous Services”
The recently published second book in this series, “Dangerous Services,” takes place in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. On a bright summer day, a festival crowd witnesses a strange event – an outburst of rage on the road almost ends in murder. Among the spectators is J. Brodie. He has already left his private detective work, but several details of the incident immediately catch his attention.
The investigation leads the former detective to several very different people: a guilt-ridden writer, the sad wife of a real estate magnate, and a mysterious woman with cross-shaped earrings. It soon becomes clear that these people’s lives are connected more than they seem at first glance. Old secrets begin to emerge in Edinburgh, and J. Brodie becomes increasingly entangled in their web. As the book’s title suggests, every service has its price. And sometimes it is much higher than one can imagine.
A Detective Especially Popular with Women
At first glance, J. Brodie is a perfectly recognizable type of private detective, with many typical traits – he is lonely, divorced, has relationship problems, and often acts impulsively. However, K. Atkinson likes to play with genre clichés and does not allow him to remain just a stereotypical character.
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According to the author, to avoid stereotypes, it is important to show the character from the inside. Behind the reserved exterior of the detective hides a sensitive person who finds it hard to pass by when seeing another’s suffering. Even after leaving detective work, he keeps getting involved in other people’s problems. Having experienced many difficulties himself, J. Brodie understands well those who find themselves in complicated situations. Perhaps that is why he has become one of the most memorable heroes of contemporary British crime literature, especially beloved by female readers.
J. Brodie’s Stories – Also on BBC
J. Brodie’s stories have also moved to television – the first three books of the series were adapted, and the series was shown on BBC. The main role of J. Brodie was played by the well-known British actor Jason Isaacs. K. Atkinson’s detective world is familiar to him, as the actor has narrated all six books in the series. According to J. Isaacs, what surprised him most was K. Atkinson’s ability to very accurately portray people’s weaknesses, desires, and motives. That is why her stories have a strong impact on screen as well.
One of the most important features of K. Atkinson’s books remains in the series – J. Brodie investigates not only crimes but also tries to help people left without answers after a tragedy. The series takes place in modern Edinburgh, which becomes an important part of the stories. The lives of different people intertwine in the city’s streets, and seemingly unrelated events gradually begin to connect into one story.
From Chambermaid to One of the Most Famous British Writers
K. Atkinson’s own story could become the plot of a novel. When her first novel was published at the age of 43, the British press called her an “unknown chambermaid.” And not without reason: before becoming a writer, she really worked in a hotel. But the first novel quickly changed everything. “Behind the Scenes” won the Whitbread (now Costa) Book of the Year award, beating literary giants like Salman Rushdie. This brought K. Atkinson to the center of attention in British literature.
Today, K. Atkinson is one of the most famous contemporary British writers. She has published 16 books, translated into more than 20 languages. Lithuanian readers are well acquainted not only with the detective Jackson Brodie series but also with standalone novels like “Behind the Scenes,” “The God of Ruins,” and “Life After Life.”
K. Atkinson has said that writing at a later age is much better because the writer has more life experience to draw inspiration from. Perhaps that is why her books pay so much attention to complex relationships and how the past affects people many years later. However, her characters do not view life’s hardships only seriously – her books are full of humor. And the author herself, who explores complex themes, gladly distances herself from them. She admits that after writing a book, she can watch Netflix series all night to “clear” the material accumulated in her mind.
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