4.5 stars, for sure. I feel I should link my review to One Good Turn (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... ) here, to explain that I read this title immediately after that one, through some ignorance of publication dates and an odd coincidence. 
 I am glad to have read this one, for I grew attached to Jackson in the other book, but didn't feel like I really knew him. This book gave me all the details I had been craving, and he remains my favorite character. Ever see that TV show called Life, about the quirky detective? I kind of picture Jackson like that. Getting to know Julia this way was also informative, and I liked her here...didn't like her that much in the other title. 
 Ah, but what is this one about? Well, it starts off with a chapter for each case. A description of the crime or problem is given, and we are introduced to the characters relating to the issue. Jackson Brodie, P.I., becomes involved in each case (and more). Atkinson has an impressive ability to interlock story lines and characters, all the while giving enough life to each of them that they stand well on their own. I love her writing style, and think she's written a book that made me cry earlier than any other author (by page 37). 
 The end revisits each case, and in case the reader had any lingering questions or doubts, everything is nicely cleared up by then. I liked how the ending was done, though the material is intense, and my heart felt very heavy. 
 I don't mind turning back in the book to revisit something that a current chapter has made me reconsider or wonder about. Really, I find that another sign of a good writer, if I care enough to want to really understand all that is going on. And yeah, my memory is not so great...but there were *many* times I had to flip back in the book to just try and figure out who someone was and/or what connection they had to whatever was currently happening. Things like...who the heck was Howell? Why did so many pages pass between his introduction and his reappearance? Then again, if Atkinson doesn't have to draw charts or diagrams to keep all this straight in her head, I am even more impressed. Yet that is probably what kept me from giving it 5 stars. I like to be intrigued and challenged, but I don't want to feel like I am working for a book. 
 All that said, it's a striking book, and incredibly well-written. I cared about all of the characters, likable or not, and now I can't wait to read more!