“Best Mystery of the Decade”: Stephen King’s 20-Year-Old Thriller Book Deserves More Recognition

Stephen King notably emphasized an underappreciated thriller as one of the standout reads of the 2000s. Known for his forthright critiques of literary adaptations, King does not shy away from sharing his rigorous opinions, once dismissively referring to “Graveyard Shift”as merely “a quick exploitation picture”(Deadline). Given his candid nature regarding both literature and cinema, his insights into fascinating reads warrant serious consideration. During the 2000s, King’s recommendations were particularly notable, making his endorsement of certain titles all the more compelling.

Throughout his prolific career spanning the ’70s to the present, Stephen King has gifted readers with many overlooked masterpieces. One such work is Under the Dome, which showcases one of King’s most compelling human antagonists. This mortality-themed perspective uniquely positions him to commend another breakout novel from British author Kate Atkinson. Her 2004 detective novel, “Case Histories,”unveils a complex web of cold cases rooted in Cambridge, England, as seen through the eyes of the deeply human investigator, Jackson Brodie. King’s encouragement to delve into this novel showcases his recognition of its significance in the mystery genre.

Stephen King Is Right About “Case Histories”Being One of the Best 2000s Mystery Books

Kate Atkinson’s “Case Histories”Is a Great Read

Jason Isaacs stands in front of an English town in Case Histories.

While it’s not uncommon for Stephen King to endorse contemporary thrillers, his recommendation of Case Histories stands out as one of his more compelling mystery suggestions. This gripping narrative intricately explores several crimes, addressing them sequentially and pulling the reader into a compelling quest for resolution. With themes of disappearance and violent incidents, the novel does not provide a light-hearted escape; rather, it offers a profound examination of the human psyche’s response to tragedy—a theme often echoed in King’s work, albeit through supernatural lenses.

Disappointingly, “Case Histories”Hasn’t Garnered More Attention in Recent Years

“Case Histories”Is an Underrated Gem

Jason Isaacs in Case Histories Edinburgh.

Upon its release, Case Histories enjoyed a fair amount of visibility, bolstered by an engaging television adaptation. However, as we move deeper into the 2020s, it remains relatively unknown among avid readers of crime fiction. This exceptional novel truly deserves a spot on best-of lists and should be a focal point in book clubs across the globe. Despite this oversight, the work did earn accolades, including the Saltire Book of the Year Award and the Prix Westminster in 2004, which were recognized and celebrated in a subsequent BBC adaptation presented as a three-part series.

Although the miniseries currently holds a modest 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it undoubtedly merits a more favorable assessment. Featuring Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs in a gripping lead role, the adaptation has drawn a stronger audience rating compared to critical reviews. Presently available exclusively on Peacock in the U.S., this series deserves broader availability and recognition on leading streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. As a captivating adaptation of an often-overlooked novel from 2004, Case Histories is a treasure waiting to be rediscovered, as reinforced by King’s own endorsement.

Source: Deadline

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