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

Such a complex plot

Wow! I was not expecting this. I thought this would be a cute little mystery. It turned out to be a complex book with a terrific plot and clever characters. The narrator is perfect for the book. I had to listen to it twice just so I could see how Kate Atkinson had pulled it off. Excellent use of a credit for me. Remarkably entertaining.

Complex and entertaining

I had a bit of trouble getting things straight at the beginning of this novel, but as the story progressed I couldn't stop listening (got a lot of dishes washed!). The narrator was fabulous - with subtle character differences and a dry tone that had me laugh out loud in places. I found the characters believable and -not appealing, really, but I could like them and have compassion for them. The little girl was worth the price of the book. A crazy scene at the climax of the plot, with enough denouement to give a good sense of closure. I bought it for the title, but will go back and listen again for the quality. Looking forward to "reading" more of Atkinson's work.

Not what I expected

I hadn't read any of Kate Atkinson's books before but I liked this title and the description sounded interesting. I wouldn't have downloaded this book if I'd realized it was part of a series. The book was a lot darker than I thought it would be. Most of the characters I had to work at liking, they were pretty jaded with life. However, the writing was good and the reader was fine. I liked it enough to download the first novel containing these characters, hoping to understand how they got to where they were emotionally in this book.

loved this book

Besides hating the fowl language, I loved this book! Out of all the books I have read over the years, this is the first time I've reviewed any of them! This was tragic, yes, and heart rending, yes, but I found myself laughing as much as crying because it was too sooooory funny! The narrator reading the story had a perfect voice for this. And I would find myself more times laughing at the dry humor than not! Just loved it

Started Early Took My Dog

So much more than a multi-webbed mystery, it makes one think and touches the heart.

Wonderful detective story

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

Top 10

What did you like best about this story?

I love the detective Jackson Brodie, a very flawed but engaging character who seems to pick up lost people and stray animals wherever he goes, and who courts personal disaster while somehow in the end helping all the people who need it most. And I love the interconnectedness of all the characters through time or space, and the way the reader must solve the detective story in order to understand the connections between all the characters.

Have you listened to any of Graeme Malcolm’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Graeme Malcolm has a warm, melodic voice and all his performances are wonderful. His voice seems particularly beautiful for the undercurrent of melancholy and loss that runs through this book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found it very beautiful, and I didn't want it to end.

A thoughtful, well written story.

Kate Atkinson at her best; layers of time, flashbacks and reconciliation.
Pay attention and you will not be disappointed. Excellent narration!

Author a favorite

I’m really enjoying this series. Characters are fascinating and plots are engaging. Looking forward to the next one!

Not your mother's murder mystery

Calling it a murder mystery really does an injustice to this story. The story is so complex and multi-layered, you won't be able to stop listening. The multiple plot lines weave and intersect the past with the present. It's not a casual listen, as you must be constantly alert to which time line and plot you are following. The characters are so well-developed and real, you feel like they could pop into reality at any second. This is a very enjoyable listed, and the narrator's accents add to the ambiance of the story. I'm going to search out some more books by this author and narrator.

My new favorite.....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend this book--the story is provocative and gripping and the narration is absolutely wonderful!

What does Graeme Malcolm bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Malcom's narration is so pitch-perfect that I was very disappointed to find that he doesn't narrate the other books in the series!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I prefer unabridged audiobooks, so can't listen in all one sitting. But this is a book I will listen to again.

Any additional comments?

Other readers admitted to some confusion caused by the changes in time and the number of characters. I did go back to listen to a couple of chapters from the beginning when I found myself lost or distracted, but didn't find this a problem, as I considered the author's turn of phrase and the narrator's interpretation of the characters to be so enjoyable.