Author: William Ritter
Published by: Alonquin Young Readers on 16th September 2014
Genre: Mystery Paranormal Fantasy
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Source: Publisher
Check it out on Goodreads
*I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration, this in no way affects my opinion of the book.*
Goodreads Synopsis: “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.
*I received a copy of this book free from the publisher via Netgalley for review consideration, this in no way affects my opinion of the book.*
Goodreads Synopsis: “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.
My Thoughts: I really liked this book; the writing is superb and the characters are simply wonderful. The beautiful writing grabbed me from the first line and the intriging plot and well fleshed out characters kept me hooked to the end. For once the comparisons fit; it is very much like Doctor Who meets Sherlock and it is marvelous.
Abigail Rook is a great narrator, she is an idependant young woman in search of adventure, and a job. Luckily for her she quickly becomes an assistant to private investigator Jackaby. Jackaby isn't an ordinary investigator and he doesn't investigate ordinary crimes. I didn't read anything about this book before I read it, aside from the comparisons, so I had no idea that it had any paranormal aspects to it and they were a really nice surprise. I enjoyed the mystery, even though I did guess who the baddy was early on and found it ever so slightly annoying that Jackaby didn't.
I found this a very solid read and I really look forward to more books following Abigail and Jackaby. I recommend it to anyone who just can't help but love the insufferable know-it-all Sherlock Holmes/The Doctor and for those who love beautiful writing and well written characters.
So glad you liked this one. It was one of my favorite books of the year so far. I've only seen a few episodes of Sherlock and Doctor Who so I can't say how similar they are to those shows but I honestly think that was a benefit for me. I also loved the paranormal aspects and the mystery. Great review!
ReplyDeleteCassi @ My Thoughts Literally
Thanks Cassi, I sure this will definitely be one of my favourite books of the year too. I think not knowing much about Sherlock or The Doctor, doesn't take anything away from this book because the characters are fabulous without any comparison all on their own.
Delete