Jackaby

When Abigail Rook gets off the boat in New Fiddleham in 1892, her primary goal is to find a job. Through a strange set of circumstances she ends up as an assistant to the strange detective, R.F. Jackaby. While Jackaby's skills remind Abigail of some fictional detectives, his powers of perception

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encompass things much further outside the normal as he is capable of seeing the creatures that others relegate to legend and myth. When a body is found murdered, Jackaby's special detecting skills are required and Abigail is thrilled to finally be involved in a real adventure. But adventures are far more dangerous in real life than they are in books.

I want to sing the praises of this book everywhere. First of all, look at that gorgeous cover. Appreciate its beauty. Then rejoice because the book inside lives up to that cover. With two fantastically well-drawn central characters in Abigail and Jackaby and a plot that pulls you along without ever feeling that it's breakneck, the book is enjoyable from beginning to end. While Jackaby obviously has hints of Sherlock Holmes about him, he is in no way a lesser version as his powers of perception lie in being able to see supernatural creatures invisible to all other human eyes. Abigail provides excellent first-person narrative as she follows Jackaby and very quickly asserts herself. This is a girl who will not take your 19th century misogyny. The plot of the novel is enjoyable with an excellent mystery and sparks of humour along the way. A fantastic read that I highly recommend to everyone who likes books.

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Oh my, that was quite delightful :)

In any partnership story, its success hinges on the appeal of both partners. Thankfully, Jackaby has two wonderful characters and even better minor characters that make the story thoroughly entertaining and fun. Abigail is the woman ahead of her times, making her own way through the world seeking

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adventure and excitement. She stumbles into Jackaby upon her first few hours in town, and the story takes off from there. Jackaby is every bit as quirky, disorganized, and distant as one would imagine when compared to Sherlock or Doctor Who, but there is a softer side that quickly shines through the gruff exterior. Together, the two balance each other. Abigail brings Jackaby back to reality, and Jackaby in turn allows Abigail to use her imagination and sense of adventure in ways she never imagined.

The eclectic cast of characters includes a resident ghost who takes Abigail under her wing and provides the nurturing she did not realize she missed, a former assistant turned duck who also resides in the house and attends to Jackaby’s records and case files. There is also the local witch-type figure, whose grasp on reality is tentative at best but whose earnestness is never in doubt, as well as the local police chief who refuses to believe in the supernatural but begrudgingly admits that Jackaby has a way of solving the unsolvable. It is very Sherlockian, but it is not so much a rip-off as it is a tongue-in-cheek homage to the very popular series and beloved characters.

While the story takes place in 1892, New Fiddleham and its inhabitants have a much more aged quality about them that makes it easy for readers to imagine the story occurring in 1792 rather than during the Industrial Revolution. Mentions of telegrams are off-putting because the town feels much so much older. However, the attitudes are anything but Puritanical but more befitting of the times. No one looks askance at a young unchaperoned woman wandering the streets alone at night or at a young woman looking for work. It is refreshing to see Abigail’s independence embraced by her small circle of friends.

Jackaby is a thoroughly enjoyable, rollicking adventure, with tongue firmly in cheek as Abigail and Jackaby attend to the various supernatural crimes around the little town. Abigail is spunky and delightfully anti-status quo, while Jackaby has an insouciance about him that is quite charming. Together, they make a unique but entertaining duo, and one can only hope theirs is a partnership of which readers will see a lot more adventures.

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Jackaby's story is told from the point of view of Abigail Rook, a young and educated English girl. who decided to leave school in search for an education through archeological digs. Her father is a palentologist but recommended that she finish her schooling and find a husband to care for her.

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Instead, Abigail absconded with her tuition money to join an archeological dig which went bankrupt. Abigail then decided to try her luck in America where she meets young Jackaby, a self proclaimed detective with the ability to find and see supernatural creatures.

Jackaby is young, arrogant, disturbingly observant - much like a young American Sherlock Holmes dedicated to reason and science which he uses to explain illusions and supernatural phenomena. Rook is funny, spirited, and equally observant; she's an excellent foil for Jackaby and a valuable assistant. "Jackaby sees things more extraordinary still, the things that no one else sees. But Rook - Rook notices mailboxes and wastebaskets and . . . and people. One who can see the ordinary is extraordinary indeed." So, Rook is hired as Jackaby's assistant.

As a Sherlock Holmes type character, Jackaby does get a lot of teasing from Abigail Rook, Chief Inspector Marlowe, and the people that he encounters. While Jackaby does get respect, the ribbing he suffers adds to the fun.

The murder mystery that makes up Jackaby's main case comes with a strange map, a banshee, goblins, and other supernatural creatures. Still, the detective skills used to find and interpret the clues are based in reason.

ISBN-10: 1616203536 - Hardcover $16.95
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers (September 16, 2014), 304 pages.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley.

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Jackaby is a pleasant mix of Sherlock Holmes and Dresden files set in early America. Quick witted and manic at times, I especially enjoyed the speed at which this book progresses. Funny at times and not overly morose, Jackaby will strike a chord with any supernatural reading fan.

The story itself

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is interesting but a bit weak. The plot was predictable but I had a great time getting to the end and seeing what the resolution was.

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So I was one of the many readers to be drawn into this book because of the “Doctor Who meets Sherlock” line. I had so much fun reading this book. I wonder if I would have felt the same way about this book if I didn’t come to it with the Doctor Who and Sherlock mindset. Jackaby has the same

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quirky, intense, not so great with the people skills, slightly annoying but still lovable personality that the BBC Sherlock possesses.

Abigail arrives to town and is trying to find a job when she meets Jackaby. After mistakingly looking at the frog she finds herself accompanying Jackaby on a case. Abigail is thrown into a world of mythical creatures and magic that we only just touch on throughout this book. We met so many different characters that at first seem so fantastical but quickly become just another part of Jackaby’s way of life and I hope to have the chance to learn more about them in future books- hint hint!

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Doctor Who meets Sherlock Holmes. Fun read!

Jackaby reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes type of character - super-smart, quirky, and sometimes rude. Abigail Rook has just arrived in America and is on the lookout for adventure, but more than that, she is desperate for a job. She finds a posting for an assistant to Jackaby is his investigations

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which often include the paranormal.
This murder case includes the standard looking for clues, sneaking into crime scenes, and investigation. But it also has the layer of supernatural creatures and the paranormal.
Enjoyable characters and action.

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If you want a fun mystery with a supernatural element, this is the book for you!

Abigail Rook seeks adventure. After hoping to unearth dinosaurs, Abigail discovers only dirt and mud. Because she stole her tuition money from her parents, Abigail feels she can’t return home but must find adventure.

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She takes a ship and ends up in New Fiddleham, New England. It’s 1892 and no one is hiring. She ends up at Jackaby’s place after seeing an advertisement; he seems amenable to a female assistant and takes her with him when he is called out to a murder investigation. Jackaby’s talent is to see what others don’t see, both metaphorically and literally. Something is definitely odd with this case and only Jackaby knows that the supernatural is involved.

Abigail discovers that she truly enjoys adventure and solving mysteries. She wants to be a true detective with a notebook and magnifying glass to complete the picture. Jackaby sees these tools as unnecessary even though the police detectives have notebooks at the crime scene! After seeing the body, they meet a man with pillows over his ears. He can’t understand why the police won’t stop the noise. Jackaby gives him a tuning fork and leaves, saying he hears the cry of the banshee and will be dead by morning. Abigail wants to warn him, but Jackaby explains that once you hear the cry, one’s fate is sealed. They are kicked out; Jackaby sneaks back in to get clues. What ensues is the solving of the murders.

I very much recommend this novel, as it is fun and has a great sense of humor!

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Good book...waiting for next one

**UPDATE**
THERE'D BE MORE BOOKS. WELL, AT LEAST ONE MORE NEXT FALL. YES YES YES YES!
**
Oh my God. I had very low expectations for this book but...wow
It was actually good. And I can't believe it's a standalone!!!!! I thought there'd be more books. Ugh.

I loved Jackaby because it reminded me so much of BBC's Sherlock. It felt like I was watching another episode of that show.

This book was filled with mystery, adventure, suspense, sarcasm, and humor. Jackaby himself was an indeed curious character. If I had to compare him with someone, I'd say he

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was a mix between Sherlock and the 11th Doctor from Doctor Who. Can you imagine that?

He was incredibly smart, yet completely naive at the same time. He was so sure of himself that he would sometimes come off as snobby and stuck up. However Jackaby was always a step ahead. Which is why it makes his interactions with Abigail, his assistant (think, a Watson to Jackaby's Sherlock or a companion to the Doctor) all the more interesting.

Abigail is not extraordinarily smart. She does not know that much of paranormal creatures. For all purposes, she's just like any other human. However she gives Jackaby something he didn't have before: "an insight into the human mind". She certainly holds her own as a character and really stands as a tremendously strong female. She may not be as smart as Jackaby, but she is street smart, she is cunning, and she is brave.

The storyline is completely engrossing; the paranormal aspect is very well done and completely believable. The mystery and the whole "whodunnit" aspect was so good! I was turning the pages as fast as I could to find out the mystery.

I loved the setting, too. I felt like I could've easily been walking around the streets with Jackaby and Abigail with how amazingly detailed the setting was.

Overall, Jackaby was a very entertaining story with awesome characters, a gripping mystery, excellent writing, and an engrossing atmosphere. You definitely do not want to miss out on this one.

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There's not really much to say about this one other than I disliked both the narrator and the title character, which obviously means this book didn't hold my attention for very long. So I DNFed at about a quarter of the way through.

2/5

Oh my, that was quite delightful :)

Book Description:

Abigail Rook has always wanted to go on an adventure. Instead of going to university in her native England, she runs away with her tuition in search of it. After a wandering for a year, she finds herself in New Fiddleham, New England, and looking for work. She falls in with

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Jackaby, a detective who specializes in “supernatural phenomena”. Soon, she’s swept up in a mysterious series of murders. The police force may believe that the culprit is human, but Jackaby is convinced that it’s a monster, and that it’s still on the hunt for new prey…

Pros:

Jackaby is an interesting twist on the traditional Sherlockian mystery, with elements of the supernatural sprinkled liberally throughout. The strongest point of this novel is, I think, the prose. Written in flowing, period-appropriate first-person, it’s evocative even as it remains streamlined, and delivers information with a measured economy that’s just great.

The character of Jackaby, while lacking in the gravitas of his famous counterpart, is a likeable, engaging character. His more humane moments can be quite heartwarming, and his restrained nature makes for a fascinating protagonist. The plot isn’t impressive overall, but does contain some good twists that I didn’t see coming.

There are also some interesting ideas here that may pique readers’ interest in forthcoming volumes. The concept of “the Seer”, for example, is excellent and it’s elevated further by its uniqueness (literally, as there can only be one “Seer” at a time). The ending, although umimpressive in itself, wraps things up nicely, and prepares readers well for coming installments.

Cons:

I thought that the actual mystery of this novel was unimpressive. This is owing partially to the fact the not enough information is given to reader, so they can’t attempt to solve it with Jackaby and Abigail, but it’s also caused by lackadaisical delivery. You never get the feeling that much is at stake one way or the other. This also applies to the more supernatural elements of the story, which are treated so monotonously that they become boring.

The setting of New Fiddleham is also a problem. It’s unremarkable, bordering on drab, and bogged down interest in the mystery for me.

In spite of one or two good twists, I disliked the fact that my favorite twist in the novel was actually not as it seemed – to its detriment (I can’t tell you why, unfortunately).

I found that this novel contained some irritating lapses in logic. Charlie and Abigail, for example, were far too willing to believe in the myriad creatures Jackaby claims exists (banshees, brownies, fairies, ghost, etc.). This is doubly implausible because there was not a single piece of evidence that was genuinely incontrovertible. Even if his evidence was convincing to their mind, why are they not more disconcerted at finding out that all these things exist? They simply take them as a matter of course.

I also felt that too much happened or was discovered after Abigail’s appearance. For example, why was it that no one made the connection between these very obviously similar murders before? I understand that most of these killings took place in other jurisdictions, but I think brutal murders of this kind would be pretty big news, and Jackaby would certainly keep up with this kind of thing. Also, I find it hard to believe that in spite of help on other cases, Barlowe only officially asks for Jackaby help when Abigail becomes his assistant.

Actually, Abigail herself is unlikeable. She considers herself quite sensible and intelligent (as do others), yet there’s very little by way of evidence to prove it. Her parents had just become convinced that she should go to university, and instead of proving to them that deserves to do so by genuinely preparing herself for a potential career, she absconds with their money in search of “adventure”. What does this prove other than she’s rash and illogical? I also find she’s unjustifiably prideful, especially in relation to her parents. (She hasn’t given them a proper way of communicating with her. For all she’s knows, they might be dead!) At one point, she even refuses to agree with rational advice on principle!

Unfortunately, the ending was also a letdown. A very unimpressive antagonist and a lack of genuine danger made it lackluster and disappointing, especially considering the lead-up to the climax.

Verdict:

Although excellently written, Jackaby’s potentially interesting premise is wasted through an unlikeable narrator, deficient delivery, an unimpressive mystery, and irritating lapses in logic.

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If you like Rick Yancey's Monstrumologist and Jonathan Stroud's Lock & Co. you'll like this book; which I do!

Because I got lucky and got the second in the Jackaby series to review, I decided to read the first book in the series so that I have some background and reference for when I actually review the second book. *contains spoilers*

Being a fan of Sherlock on PBS and detective stories in general, I was

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very pleased with this debut novel from the new writer. The character of R.F. Jackaby is very similar to that of our favorite (modern) detective, having interesting quirks like a crazy mismatched hat and very, very long scarf, speaking his mind, and eventually getting lost in deep thought. The general public thinks he's nuts, uncanny, and consider him uncouth. However, what I probably like the most is that the point of view is from not Jackaby, but his assistant (and eventual detective) Abigail Rook. The reader gets a look at what Jackaby is through her mind and opinions. She's a young woman who's only ever been told that it's not proper for a lady to do this or that. Yet she has a thirst and yearning for adventure and the undiscovered. So she did what every young woman would do: take her 1st semester's tuition and go on a dinosaur dig in Eastern Europe. While she braved the elements, dirt, and menswear, it wasn't enough. So because she has such a unique background herself (from that of any other traditional lady), I think her and Jackaby compliment each other. I like how the author makes his opinions blunt for Abigail, and more importantly - that it's not an issue of gender. Jackaby considers himself extraordinary, and then there's everyone else, no matter what you're sex, color, or the like. I also applaud the author for not making Jackaby the love interest of Abigail in this book. I feel that, especially in YA books, young women are expected to just have love interests and make up their minds about who they love if there is more than one. If the novel is meant to be a romance, then that's fine. But every YA novel doesn't need a young woman falling in love all the time. A girl can have a good adventure without falling in love, and again applaud the author for not falling into the trap. It made the story better overall.

The plot itself twists and turns. Abigail's new adventure and process of getting acclimated in a new country is contrasted with the murder case and the suspense throughout. I didn't feel that there was a lull within the story; in fact, I was intrigued by the more fractioned bits of the story such as the omission of the chapter and the additional notes at the end of the novel. The tone was spot on - it wasn't too bleak or ridiculous. On William Ritter's author page, he describes his influences as Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and the reader can clearly see that influence throughout. Stories are weaved into more stories and the fantastical and real collide in such a beautiful way that it's almost like poetry. I would have thought that Abigail would have been screaming for half the novel, upon discovering that fairies, shapeshifters, goblins, and ghosts exist. The fact that she accepts it so easily only adds to her depth as a character.

The atmosphere and general tone of the story is well rounded; I think an even match of sadness, intrigue, and discovery is incorporated to keep the reader captivated (I know I was). The fact that it took place in America during what most consider to be a Victorian-like age (late 1890s) gives the scene more moodiness and mystery.

All in all, I have no complaints about the novel - except one. I wish that, when Abigail opens the parcel and discovers that Jackaby has given her the notebook that she so desperately wanted, she should have given him a hug. A hug speaks ten thousand times more than just "thank you". But then again, maybe because it's Jackaby, she knew better. As full disclosure, I not read this book but rather "read" it as an audiobook. I thought the young woman who did the reading, Nicola Barber, had a marvelous accent and I can't wait to hear her voice read the second book from the series.

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When Abigail Rook arrives in New England in 1892 seeking adventure, she immediately sets out to find employment. The job she finds is not what she expected, but exactly what she wanted. She is assistant to the detective R.F. Jackaby, a seer who can sense the supernatural and solve crimes committed

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in the human world by creatures most people can't even see.

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Favorite part of this novel: the oddball humor. Some of the off the cuff lines and jokes the author incorporates had me laughing out loud more than once. I mean, how our two main characters meet! LOL Jackaby mentions that it would be an impolite invasion of privacy to read her luggage labels, yet

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right after uttering those words he's picking lint right off her jacket and eating it!?!?! It's just off the wall encounters like that that set the tone for this novel. Yes, there's a murder/mystery going on, horrid death scenes, and a bunch of supernatural stuff happening, but it's the humor that strikes me as so unique.

The story was fairly well told and plotted out. The murder/mystery stuff had me guessing for most of the book, though I had faint glimmers about the culprit was a few times throughout the book. I loved all the supernatural elements. The author presents them in such way that just makes them so normal and yet so unique. I mean, it's not too many books that can combine a late Victorian mystery with a troll living under a bridge, an island/pond combination in the attic, a former assistant turned into waterfowl, and pooping kobolds. And make all that into a coherent and engrossing storyline.

The characters were pretty vivid. I especially enjoyed Abigail. She had pluck and courage to be dumped into the extremely odd world of Jackaby and the supernatural. She handles the strangeness with a straightforward approach to it all and a practicality and common sense that I really admired. Jackaby, on the other hand, I didn't enjoy as much. I was reminded of why I didn't like Sherlock Holmes that much; Jackaby reminds me much of him. He's a bit too confident, a bit too condescending, a bit too much of a "shut up and do what I tell you" kind of approach to mystery-solving. I'm sure that probably wasn't the author's intent, to make him such an ass munch. But that's how he came across to this reader.

This is a very promising debut. The author is able to combine supernatural elements, humor, a good story, and good characters into a overall package that is very engrossing. And while I could have done without some of the characterization points of the main lead, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. I'd highly recommend this one to those who enjoy a good supernatural mystery now and then.

Note: Book received via GoodReads FirstReads program for free in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this book. From the first line until the last, it was wonderful, whimsical, and exactly the kind of book that I love to read!

Jackaby is a marvelous character, and Miss Abigail Rook is the perfect foil. Tired of her rigid 19th century life in which well bred British girls never seem to be

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allowed to go out and experience life. Abigail decides to take matters in her own hands. Without her parents knowledge she leaves her boarding school and sets out to find some adventure, eventually making her way to New England and, in her search for work, R.F. Jackaby, who is advertising for an assistant to help him in his detective work. A young Sherlock Holmes type with a sharp mind, an eye for detail, and a vast knowledge of the supernatural, Jackaby intrigues Abigail from the very start and she is quickly pulled along into an investigation of a series of gruesome murders that leave a strong sense of something inhuman as the perpetrator. A wailing banshee is their only clue to the next victim in a string of brutal killings that leave such odd clues, that even the cynical police detective in charge doesn't know what to make of them. What he does know is that he finds Jackaby strange, annoying, and too often right in his deductions.

Aside from a wonderfully good supernatural mystery that kept me guessing until the very end, and then still surprised me, Ritter has created such a visual and delightful world. His description of the pond in Jackaby's house...the way it ripples and how the shadows on the ceiling create an atmosphere of serenity made me wish I too could dip my toes into the water and feed Douglas bits of bread while watching reflections of the ripples on the ceiling. The resident ghost who becomes a friend, the duck who no longer wants to be a man, preferring, it seems, to remaining a duck, and a frog that no one should stare at if they know what's good for them... it all combines to make a world so richly detailed and vibrant that I had no problem seeing it all inside my head.

The writing is well paced and a good mixture of humour and pathos. The character are well drawn and a good match for each other, with Abigail being plucky and brave, and noticing the mundane details that help pull everything together. It all felt very well balanced and the historical setting and language made it all that much more enjoyable.

Can't wait to start the sequel, which I just purchased yesterday!

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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."

Abigail Rook has always

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wanted adventure. Fresh off a failed attempt to infiltrate an archaeological dig, she finds herself in a town in New England, desperately searching for a job. She stumbles onto an advertisement seeking an assistant, and finds herself suddenly working for R.F. Jackaby, a seer who solves mysteries the police can't quite seem to figure out themselves.

I have heard this book described as Sherlock Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I would say that is definitely accurate. The supernatural elements are expertly woven into the mystery, which lends a creepy and fascinating atmosphere to the book itself. The ending has a great twist, and no part of the book disappoints.

I look forward to reading more books in this series!

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I adored this book. Yes, some parts were a bit childish or slow, but overall I really, really enjoyed it. It has a good story line, kept me interested, and I just loved Jackaby's character. This genre is right up my alley though so I figured I would like it. I would recommend this to preteens on up

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to adults. Well worth the quick read. 4.5 out of 5 stars. I will read it again, I'm sure.

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I adored this book. Yes, some parts were a bit childish or slow, but overall I really, really enjoyed it. It has a good story line, kept me interested, and I just loved Jackaby's character. This genre is right up my alley though so I figured I would like it. I would recommend this to preteens on up

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to adults. Well worth the quick read. 4.5 out of 5 stars. I will read it again, I'm sure.

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RGG: Well-written, paced Victorian horror drama. All of the characters are engaging and intriguing enough to read about more in future books of the series. Not sure it's scary enough to encourage readers to try historical fiction though. Reading Interest: 12-YA.