I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Jackaby by William Ritter Series: Jackaby #1
Published by Algonquin Young Readers on 9/16/14
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Mystery & Detective, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 321
Format: Hardcover
Source: Reviewer Purchase
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Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary--including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local authorities--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--seem adamant to deny.
Short and Sweet Review
Abigail Rook has just arrived in New Fiddleham and is in need of a job which is how she meets detective R.F. Jackaby. Jackaby isn’t a regular detective he specializes in the supernatural and the things that normal people can’t see. Jackaby isn’t sure that Abigail is the assistant that he’s looking for but her ability to point out the ordinary things that Jackaby misses is what makes this a dream team. There’s been a series of unexplained murders going on in the city and this is the first case that Jackaby and Abigail tackle together.
I loved that Jackaby isn’t a normal detective, her has a Sherlock Holmes thing going on and his ability to see the extraordinary is what makes him special. Abigail was a great character and she didn’t shy away from the challenge of being Jackaby’s assistant she took it all in stride. The mystery was great the supernatural aspect of it will have you trying to figure out what’s behind all of the mayhem being caused. The characters are what really make this book come to life, the interactions between them will have you engrossed in the world of New Fiddleham. This is the second time I’ve read Jackaby and I love it as much as I did the first time around and I can’t wait to read the next three books!
Good post.