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Mystery & Thriller· United Kingdom

Case Histories

by Kate Atkinson
Aggregate Editorial Score68/100
★Costa Book Award
Published 2004368 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Kate Atkinson published Case Histories in 2004, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of mystery & thriller. Three apparently unrelated cases from the past haunt private investigator Jackson Brodie in Atkinson's genre-defying novel, winner of the Crime Writers' Gold Dagger. Moving between literary fiction and crime, it is one of the most intelligent and humane thrillers ever written. Themes of grief, loss, crime run through the work. The book has received recognition from Costa Book Award 2004.

Book Details

AuthorKate Atkinson
Published2004
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages368
Category🔍 Mystery & Thriller
ISBN9780316010788
Editorial Score68/100
About the Category

🔍 Mystery & Thriller

Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

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Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Case Histories by Kate Atkinson sits within the tradition of mystery & thriller that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2004 in United Kingdom, it engages with grief, loss, crime, family in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Case Histories among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Costa Book Award 2004. Our aggregate score of 68/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Case Histories for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of grief, loss, crime, family is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Kate Atkinson occupies a significant position. Case Histories is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Costa Book Award
winner · national
200462
✍️
About the Author
Kate Atkinson
United Kingdom
View Author →

Kate Atkinson is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of mystery thriller.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Case Histories about?

Three apparently unrelated cases from the past haunt private investigator Jackson Brodie in Atkinson's genre-defying novel, winner of the Crime Writers' Gold Dagger. Moving between literary fiction and crime, it is one of the most intelligent and humane thrillers ever written.

Who wrote Case Histories?

Case Histories was written by Kate Atkinson, from United Kingdom. First published in 2004.

What awards has Case Histories won?

Case Histories has received the following awards and honours: Costa Book Award 2004.

Is Case Histories worth reading?

Case Histories is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 62/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in grief, loss, crime.

Where can I buy Case Histories?

You can buy Case Histories on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Case Histories?

Case Histories is classified as Mystery & Thriller. Suspenseful fiction built around crime, detection, and hidden truths.

What country is Case Histories from?

Case Histories originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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