Started Early, Took My Dog

A Novel

By: Kate Atkinson

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Waterhouse leads a quiet, ordered life as a retired police detective - a life that takes a surprising turn when she encounters Kelly Cross, a habitual offender, dragging a young child through town. Both appear miserable and better off without each other - or so decides Tracy, in a snap decision that surprises herself as much as Kelly.

Suddenly burdened with a small child, Tracy soon learns her parental inexperience is actually the least of her problems, as much larger ones loom for her and her young charge.

Meanwhile, Jackson Brodie, the beloved detective of novels such as Case Histories, is embarking on a different sort of rescue - that of an abused dog. Dog in tow, Jackson is about to learn, along with Tracy, that no good deed goes unpunished.

©2010 Kate Atkinson (P)2011 Hachette Audio

Excellent Performance, tho better as a read book

I hold Kate Atkinson a very high standard, and I believe this would have been a better read than a listen, tho The narrator was excellent, I got very tired of listening to endless descriptions which if read, might have been alright. Hoping for a better next one.

Brilliant

I have read many Kate Atkinson books, and it shocks me that more people don’t know of her talent. I find her brilliant, and the narration of the books is always incredible.  I loved this one so much that I listened twice. There were some parts that I questioned as well so it filled in the gaps for me. It will be a sad day when I run out of Kate Atkinson novels.

For the Love of Children and Dogs

Kate Atkinson has once again written one of the most interesting and touching novels I have been entertained by in a long time. Saving a child and a dog are only the tip of this tale which weaves its heartfelt story with well developed characters you care about even with their many flaws. A mystery, a love story, a story of redemption- I recommend this book whole heartedly.

A Bittersweet Beauty

Well this is the sort of book that will keep you up listening way too late at night and most likely making sure you have pockets to hold the player as you go about your day. I listened almost nonstop. I have loved each book in this four book series. Maybe this last installment being my favorite. Just know that each book fits together perfectly, building upon the last and snapping together--each as a piece in a large jigsaw puzzle.

Much of this story takes place in Yorkshire. It was an added treat for me as I have rented the National Trust house for a week years ago at Fountains Abbey where some of the action takes place. To me, Atkinson captured that location beautifully, it was like being there again.

Be aware that Atkinson tackles difficult topics in this book--which becomes a time bending look at people at risk in society and those meant to help. Police, private investigators,social service, actresses, children and dogs all play vital roles.

This is the last book in the series (so far) and I know Atkinson has been interviewed about the possibility of a fifth book and she has said no. While I would love to hear more from Jackson Brodie and hope she continues, I can understand. If I view the series as a whole--seeing the puzzle picture as I stand back--I think I can fill in the missing bits. It all makes sense.

I am so glad I stumbled on Atkinson and her writing. She is a gem. This is a series not to be missed if you love complex literate mysteries with depth. Fantastic.

a great pleasure

Terrific book, well written, with a great narrator. My first Kate Atkinson, but only the first; there will be more.

Started Early, Could Not Stop Listening!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Jackson Brody, Tracy Waterhouse, Courtney, Tilly and many more characters with depth and charm.
I will be a Jackson Brody fan from now on and am thrilled to know he lived before this book!

Surprising and sad

I needed to read most of the way before making any conclusions. Wonderful writing and a great story. Read it yourself.

wonderful!

Where does Started Early, Took My Dog rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

great narration, very good story, A mystery with many layers.....I would definitely suggest this book

Great series.

I stumbled upon this series and I'm so glad I did. It is extremely intense. The characters are rich and vibrant and the narrator does an excellent job bringing them to life.
Get this series. You won't regret it.

Quite dark and depressing.

For me it is much more difficult to follow a story in Audible than a traditional book or an ebook. Multiple characters which I found harder than usual to differentiate and understand. Not as much focus on Jackson Brodie’s character, which was disappointing and made the book less enjoyable for me.