Title: Jackaby

Author: William Ritter

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery

Summary: 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.

Review: 

This book was absolutely, positively lovely. Also let’s all take a moment, scroll up, and truly admire the beauty that is the cover for this novel. It is what captured my attention, and my inattention to detail caused me to order two copies of the pretty book, months apart, and give the extra to my sister. (She still hasn’t read it, but I’ve already told her she must!)

I read this in split sittings which made me sad because I really did not want to put it down. But sadly work exists because I have not yet won millions of dollars. Or even a single million.

Therefore I snatched as much time as I could to devour this book as though I myself, was a hungry supernatural creature. The writing is filled with warmth and wit. The setting is explained so well when I closed my eyes I could see it as though I was there.

Jackaby is an amusing character, who is adorably awkward, and does not know how to be complimentary.

Abigail is interesting, and is definitely learning who she is. I hope that she has more character development in the next books.

Jane was actually one of my favourite characters, very vivacious despite her circumstance (no spoilers 😉

This book is a good mystery, a good supernatural novel and very good at pointing out the hypocrisy of how people used to be (and some still are). It is one of those books, where if you don’t have the next one you will be tempted to weep. Not that I did that…or anything…

It is also intensely re-readable. Just go pick it up.