Kate Atkinson has penned a brilliant parody of the Agatha Christie English country estate mystery trope in this, the sixth in her series featuring Jackson Brodie.

In this one, private investigator Brodie has been hired by the devious heirs of an elderly widow to find a Renaissance-era painting that may or may not have been stolen. He soon discovers links between this and other missing paintings and embroils a reluctant Reggie Chase, now a police officer, into assisting in the search for clues. Reggie had previously been involved in the investigation of one of those other art thefts.

Via Brodie, Reggie and a trio of characters with their own problems, Atkinson comments on a slew of society's contemporary issues. These other characters are a vicar who has lost his faith, a soldier who lost a limb in Afghanistan, and the lady of the manor who has lost her sense of self.

A blizzard traps them all in the country manor where the aristocratic owner is hosting a Murder Mystery evening for paying guests. Among the uninvited guests is an escaped murderer on the hunt for more victims.

But, don't worry. In the end, all the loose ends of the plot are wrapped up and justice is served. P.S., that's not meant to be a spoiler.

Long a fan of Atkinson, I've followed the adventures/misadventures of Brodie since stumbling upon a copy of Started Early, Took My Dog, fourth in the series, in 2012, then backtracking to catch up with the earlier novels. Like Christie, whom she obviously admires, she tells a great story, rich in quirky characters, laced with surprising twists and dotted with red herrings galore. Lots of literary references and dark humor, as well.

Even if you're not usually a mystery fan, this is a fun read I recommend to all.