"I notice things...things that other people don't."
Jackaby, William Ritter's intriguing murder mystery tale, throws a brilliant detective, a knit Yeti-hair cap, and an observant young woman into a world where fantasy is reality. The year is 1892, and Abigail Rook has just set foot in the small American town of New Fiddleham. Desperate to prove herself to the stifling parents she left behind in England, she applies for a job with a local private detective. But R. F. Jackaby isn't an ordinary sleuth, as Abigail quickly learns. When a man is found dead in his hotel room, Jackaby's first instinct is to search the building for supernatural beings. Though she's tempted to label him crazy, Miss Rook can't help admitting his ramblings make sense. If they're to prevent the killer from striking again, they'll need to examine this case from every possible angle, no matter how absurd. She can only hope his methods don't get them killed.
At first glance, Mr. Jackaby closely resembles the world-famous Sherlock Holmes. He's witty, clever, and almost too observant. From the house spirit on one's hat he can tell where they are from, and he doesn't waste an opportunity to show off such skills to the skeptical police force. In fact, he's so focused on utilizing and flaunting his gifts with the bizarre that he often overlooks ordinary details that might help him--and that's where Abigail Rook comes in. Armed with a sharp mind and an incredible eye for the things her employer misses, she's determined to live up to her title of "detective's assistant". While this is occasionally helpful, in the end she contributes little to Jackaby's hunt for justice, which is immensely disappointing because she shows such great promise.
New Fiddleham is riddled with an astounding array of unusual creatures. There are trolls, goblins, and ghosts around every corner, so many that it's a wonder the townsfolk haven't noticed them. These are all beautifully depicted and well-rounded, especially given that so few can see them besides Jackaby. They have lush backstories and multidimensional personalities, more so than the hero himself, who retains a charming mystique throughout the narrative. Abigail Rook is interesting as well, with her history of boyish exploration and longing for adventure. Although she isn't essential to the case, her mind is the perfect lens through which to interpret it, due to her curiosity, daring, and spunk.
There is romance in Abigail's tale, but it isn't with Jackaby. It's more of a schoolyard crush than anything else, packed with lingering glances and stomach-confined butterflies. Considering the shortness of the story's timeline, this comes as quite the relief. There is a fair amount of blood, however, and violence that, though sparse, can be rather intense. The only major downside is the language--not the three instances of minor profanity, but New Fiddleham's apparent taste in British accents. Everyone speaks in a similar fashion to the world Miss Rook so recently abandoned, despite their American surroundings, which chips away a bit at the realism of the piece.
I would recommend this book to older teens and adults looking for a charming narrative about a clever girl, a genius detective, and ancient mythological figures. William Ritter's writing style perfectly captures Abigail Rook, R. F. Jackaby, and the murder case that sweeps them up in a whirlwind of continuous action. Even though Mr. Jackaby's personality bears a perhaps-too-strong resemblance to Sherlock Holmes, he is a fun character to read about, especially from a sidekick's perspective. If only the town they live in wasn't populated by Americans with British accents. For wit, an intriguing plot, and a solid premise, Jackaby deserves four stars.
New Fiddleham is riddled with an astounding array of unusual creatures. There are trolls, goblins, and ghosts around every corner, so many that it's a wonder the townsfolk haven't noticed them. These are all beautifully depicted and well-rounded, especially given that so few can see them besides Jackaby. They have lush backstories and multidimensional personalities, more so than the hero himself, who retains a charming mystique throughout the narrative. Abigail Rook is interesting as well, with her history of boyish exploration and longing for adventure. Although she isn't essential to the case, her mind is the perfect lens through which to interpret it, due to her curiosity, daring, and spunk.
There is romance in Abigail's tale, but it isn't with Jackaby. It's more of a schoolyard crush than anything else, packed with lingering glances and stomach-confined butterflies. Considering the shortness of the story's timeline, this comes as quite the relief. There is a fair amount of blood, however, and violence that, though sparse, can be rather intense. The only major downside is the language--not the three instances of minor profanity, but New Fiddleham's apparent taste in British accents. Everyone speaks in a similar fashion to the world Miss Rook so recently abandoned, despite their American surroundings, which chips away a bit at the realism of the piece.
I would recommend this book to older teens and adults looking for a charming narrative about a clever girl, a genius detective, and ancient mythological figures. William Ritter's writing style perfectly captures Abigail Rook, R. F. Jackaby, and the murder case that sweeps them up in a whirlwind of continuous action. Even though Mr. Jackaby's personality bears a perhaps-too-strong resemblance to Sherlock Holmes, he is a fun character to read about, especially from a sidekick's perspective. If only the town they live in wasn't populated by Americans with British accents. For wit, an intriguing plot, and a solid premise, Jackaby deserves four stars.
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