Jackaby by William Ritter Pages: 321
Published by Algonquin Young Readers on September 16, 2014
Series: Jackaby #1
Genres: Fantasy & Magic
Source: Finished Hardcover from Publisher
“Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.”
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 it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--deny.
Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.
Jackaby is the first book in the young adult paranormal detective series by author William Ritter. The first three books in the series are already out, and believe me when I tell you, this is a series you are going to want to binge read. I LOVED Jackaby. It is one of my favorite books of the year, and hands down my favorite young adult book I have read in 2016. I need to start Beastly Bones ASAP. If you are new to the series, never fear, I have a giveaway you can enter at the bottom of the post to win a copy of the first book so you can become as addicted to this awesome series as I am.
Jackaby is like a mixture of Sherlock and the anime Ghost Hunt (which, btw, is one of my favorite anime’s EVER. If you haven’t watched it yet, shame on you! It is on Netflix, so get to it! Even if you don’t like Anime’s- watch Ghost Hunt. I will accept thank you’s in the form of Instagram comments or vanilla cupcakes) I love how awkward, and quirky Jackaby is. While the book had more of a Sherlock, dark and dreary vibe, Jackaby himself reminded me of a mixture of Sherlock’s cryptic-ness and the awkwardness of the new detective from the British TV show, Death in Paradise. (also on Netflix) Bottom line- he is a very interesting guy, and I absolutely love him as the main character in this series. I like him even more than his assistant, Abigail, which I didn’t think was initially possible. I love Abigail. She doesn’t know how to hold her tongue, ever, but there is just something endearing about her. I love how spunky and inquisitive she is. She is the perfect compliment to Jackaby. They really make a great team.
In fact, the two of them together is a lot of magic of the series. I want to go on adventures with them forever. I know there will be at least four books in the series, but I am personally hoping it is even longer than that. I love the paranormal twist to the mysteries, and I really enjoy the mix of creatures and legends that are used. William Ritter does a fantastic job with the atmosphere, world building, and characterization in Jackaby. I fell in love with the characters, and the plot had me totally captivated. I didn’t want this book to be over. And I can’t wait for more.
By sure to check out the Jackaby series webpage for all kinds of cool bonus content, like meet the cast, maps of the story, a peek into abigails notebook just to name a few.
You can check it all out HERE
Other books in the Jackaby Series:
(Click on the covers for more info)
To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below to win a copy of Jackaby (and some bookish swag!)
Open to US only
Note: Book Briefs Contest Policy applies. All of the prizes, terms and conditions of the giveaway should be contained in the rafflecopter below. No Purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law.
About William Ritter
At the University of Oregon, William made questionable choices, including willfully selecting classes for the interesting stories they promised, rather than for any practical application. When he wasn’t frivolously playing with words, he earned credits in such meaningful courses as Trampoline, Juggling, and 17th Century Italian Longsword. These dubious decisions notwithstanding, he regrets nothing and now holds degrees in English and Education with certificates in Creative Writing and Folklore.
He currently teaches high school Language Arts, including reading and writing, mythology and heroes. He is a proud husband and father. When reading aloud, he always does the voices.
Jackaby is his first novel. It was born in the middle of the night and written on two different hemispheres. It has survived typhoons and hurricanes, and was fostered into publication through the patient care of many hands.
Excellent review!
I so want this book…lol. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I love the cover and this is a really great review – thanks for sharing, I’ve added it to my TBR 😀