Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson is a mystery novel centered around former detective Tracy Waterhouse who impulsively takes in a neglected girl named Courtney, leading her to confront past injustices involving corrupt policemen. Simultaneously, private investigator Jackson Brodie searches for his client's birth parents, intertwining their fates with a retired actress who witnesses the incident. The novel addresses issues of child neglect, abuse, police corruption, and the challenges of dementia.

Kate Atkinson's Started Early, Took My Dog receives commendation for its intricate plot and compelling characters, enhancing the Jackson Brodie series. Readers appreciate Atkinson's wit and narrative skill. Criticisms mention occasional pacing issues and convoluted subplots. Overall, it’s praised for emotional depth and inventive storytelling.

A reader who enjoys Kate Atkinson's Started Early, Took My Dog would likely appreciate complex narratives, intricate character development, and intertwining plots. Fans of Tana French's In the Woods or Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl will find similar enjoyment in Atkinson's blend of mystery, psychological depth, and literary style.

Mysterious / Gritty / Suspenseful / Melancholic / Contemplative

- Kate Atkinson's novel Started Early, Took My Dog features a complex narrative structure that intertwines various storylines, a technique she's known for in her other works.
- The title Started Early, Took My Dog is inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem, reflecting the author's frequent literary references and influences.
- The protagonist, Jackson Brodie, is a recurring character in Atkinson's series, known for his private investigation work and being portrayed by Jason Isaacs in the BBC adaptation.

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