Started Early, Took My Dog (Jackson Brodie, #4) Summary & Key Insights

Kate Atkinson's 'Started Early, Took My Dog' follows the meandering investigations of Jackson Brodie, a former detective turned private investigator, as he navigates a series of seemingly unconnected cases. The narrative unfolds non-linearly, weaving together past and present events to create a rich, complex tapestry.

The main plot revolves around a missing woman, Tracy's disappearance, which Brodie is initially hired to investigate by her worried mother. This case intertwines with several others, including the seemingly unrelated murder of a man found with a dog's chew toy in his hand. These disparate threads gradually converge, revealing a pattern of deceit and violence linked to a complex web of relationships.

Brodie's personal life, as ever, is far from straightforward. He grapples with his complicated relationships with various women, including his estranged wife, and his ongoing struggle to balance his professional life with his personal demons. His own past, particularly his experiences within the police force and his troubled family history, continually informs his approach to his investigations.

Key supporting characters include the enigmatic and troubled Tracy herself; her mother, whose desperation fuels her hiring of Brodie; and various other individuals whose lives intersect with Brodie's in surprising ways. Each character possesses their own secrets and motivations, contributing to the layers of intrigue within the novel. The recurring presence of Brodie's dog, the eponymous canine companion, offers a subtle counterpoint to the darker aspects of the narrative, adding a touch of humour and warmth amidst the suspense.

The overarching themes in 'Started Early, Took My Dog' explore the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate lives, the enduring power of the past, and the human capacity for both great cruelty and unexpected kindness. Atkinson masterfully uses the non-linear structure to highlight the cyclical nature of trauma and the subtle ways in which past events shape present actions. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial, revealing the underlying tensions and vulnerabilities that can lead to both personal and societal unrest.

The mystery unfolds gradually, with Atkinson expertly dropping clues and red herrings, leading the reader on a twisting path towards the revelation of the truth. The resolution, though satisfying, doesn't offer simple answers, instead highlighting the messy, unpredictable nature of human behaviour and the lingering consequences of past choices. Ultimately, the novel is a character-driven mystery, showcasing Brodie's cynical wit and empathetic nature as he navigates a labyrinthine plot and reveals the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.