I received this book for free from Edelweiss, Publisher 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 September 16th 2014
Pages: 299
Genres: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss, Publisher
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“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 have a confession to make: I totally picked this one based on the cover alone. What I didn’t know but soon found out is that Jackaby is a ridiculously fun read that draws inspiration from both Sherlock and Doctor Who. Perfect much? Not quite but oh so close.
What I loved the most about William Ritter’s debut novel is the humor. The numerous laugh-out-loud moments stood out because they were clever and showed a deep understanding of the character Jackaby is based on. There’s a sarcastic edge to the dialogue, which makes sense if Sherlock and Doctor Who were used as the templates for this new series. While the world building was good and enjoyable, the introduction of the main character was even better. The author did an excellent job developing Jackaby’s character and showcasing his quirks. Abigail, his assistant, doesn’t stand in his shadow. Rather, she’s a very interesting female character working with the limitations of living in New England, 1892. Even though the vast majority of background information was left untold, I trust this will be fixed in the upcoming books.
The only issue I had with the novel is that it alternates between great and average writing. The average is only seen here and there but I’m being picky at this point. There are really great moments between Jackaby and Abigail and the monsters are described in a very vivid manner. However, some scenes left me wanting more. This applies more to the conclusion than anything else but my complain is nothing major if we keep in mind that I loved everything else. The “negatives” end up being silly compared to the awesomeness surrounding everything else.
Our mad detective is eccentric and detailed-oriented while his assistant is brave and sharp. Combine this with the monsters that can only exist in a Doctor Who episode and you have a winner. Even though it took me about six months (gasp!) to finish, I am counting down the days until the sequel comes out.
Paola Carolina
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Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally
Great review! I loved this book. It was one of my favorites of the year. The humor and interactions between Jackaby and Abigail were my favorite part as well. I also really like the mystery. It wasn’t very surprising but it was solvable which I always love in my mysteries. I’m excited for book 2 and I’m so glad we’re getting more Jackaby!
Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Book Related Problems
Paola Carolina
Me too! I can’t wait to read the next one!!!
Lauren
I loved this and I’m glad you liked it, too. Honestly, it had me at Doctor Who and Sherlock!
Lauren recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Book Related Problems I Have
Paola Carolina
Hahaha, it doesn’t get better than Doctor Who AND Sherlock 😀
Alex @ Seagulls and Semantics
Twitter: lazulli21
This settles it. I must get my hands on this book ASAP. THANK YOU!
Alex @ Seagulls and Semantics recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday – Book Problems
Paola Carolina
AWESOME! I hope you like it!
Carlisa
This has been on my to-read list for a while and now I’m convinced!
Carlisa recently posted…We Were Liars: A Book Review
Paola Carolina
I’m so glad! I hope you love it as much as I did 🙂
Georgette
Twitter: LadyGDuran
One of the most fun young adult books I read last fall. Loved it! Can’t wait for the next one.
Georgette recently posted…Tangled Webs by Lee Bross (3 out of 5)
Rachel @ the NerdHerd Reads
Twitter: nerdherdreads
I just finished this one recently, and I too picked it up on cover alone. But I loved it. I mean Doctor Who + Sherlock? Sold. One of my favorites, can’t wait for the sequel!
Rachel @ the NerdHerd Reads recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
Shannelle
I have no idea how it can take someone six months to finish a book, but this sounds awesome! You’re not the only one who wanted it for the cover, but I’m scared to read it, because what if it doesn’t deliver on being a good mashup of Sherlock and Doctor Who? I can’t even.
Shannelle recently posted…ARC Review: Inked by Eric Smith
Paola Carolina
I had an eARC but I prefer physical copies sooooo I would only read a few pages every couple of days D: I’m terrible to my kindle hahaha. Anyway, I would give it a chance! I’m a fan of both and I wasn’t disappointed 🙂
Francesca
Twitter: sundaysandink
I had this book on my reading list purely because the cover caught my eye too, but when I read the blurb it sounded really good so thanks for the review!
Francesca recently posted…Authors To Note: Tracy Chevalier
Frannie Pan @ In Clouds of Pages
Twitter: Frannie_Pan
Hiii, I’m a new follower! 😀
I haven’t read this book but I definitely plan to! ALso, I discovered there’s gonna be a sequel and I’m so so excited about that! 😀
Ps. If you’d like to, stop by my blog and say hi <3
Frannie @ In clouds of pages
http://frannieinthepages.blogspot.com/
Frannie Pan @ In Clouds of Pages recently posted…ChitChat with Leisa Rayven & Signed Giveaway!