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reader4evr's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3.5
I started listening to this on audio but the CDs were skipping so I read the rest of the book. I did enjoy the narrator so I would recommend that.
I did like Abigail Rook but wasn't a fan of Jackaby. I did enjoy the end with who the killer was and it was right in front of my nose! Don't think I'll read on in the series...wish it had a good cliffhanger at the end.
I started listening to this on audio but the CDs were skipping so I read the rest of the book. I did enjoy the narrator so I would recommend that.
I did like Abigail Rook but wasn't a fan of Jackaby. I did enjoy the end with who the killer was and it was right in front of my nose! Don't think I'll read on in the series...wish it had a good cliffhanger at the end.
selbear__'s review against another edition
5.0
I will forever keep this book in my top ten quick reads. I'm a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who and this book is the perfect mixture. I loved how we received the perfect amount of background information on Abigail. Just long enough to understand her but not too long to where we would learn more about her character through out the book. The banter between Jackaby and Abigail made the book light hearted even during their thrilling adventure. I always recommend this book to my friends when they want a nice read.
ec_newman's review against another edition
4.0
Once I got into it, very absorbing. Jackaby has the frenetic energy of the 10th/11th Doctor (Doctor Who for those confused) and that's very appealing. The writing is not strong, but the author is probably newer to it, and the story eventually takes over. I look forward to the next one.
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I'd heard about Jackaby by William Ritter well over a year ago (when it was still in hardback). As I suck, and still have not read any Sherlock Holmes (I KNOW?!), but enjoy the various renditions of the classic detective in film and television, I thought this sounded really fun.
Doctor Who meets Holmes is a really good description. There were times that Jackaby acted just like the 10th or 11th Doctor and it made me smile.
It did take me awhile to get into it. The writing is not stunning by any means, and I felt like Ritter's understanding of females enough to write a female narrator was lacking. There were moments, jolting moments, where the narrator would have a more feminine train of thoughts (outfits, good looking men, etc.) and not that we girls don't think like that, but it just would happen when I expected Abigail to be focused and the much more interesting scene in front of her (usually a crime scene or strange suspect/witness). I eventually got into the story as it picked up and the mere intrigue about the case took over any flaws in the writing and characterization.
The supernatural part is fun. It's familiar and different. Doctor Who in this case is a misnomer as it doesn't not deal (in this book anyway) with aliens, or the like. It's more Grimm, or Buffy in terms of its supernatural elements. There's violence and death, but I wasn't horrified even though maybe a person with more sensitivity might be put off.
I really like Jackaby and his house and those beings that live in it. He really is the best part.
This book was strong enough by the end that I'm curious about the next story, the next case and where the relationship with Abigail and Jackaby goes (it's not romantic which makes me so happy).
----
I'd heard about Jackaby by William Ritter well over a year ago (when it was still in hardback). As I suck, and still have not read any Sherlock Holmes (I KNOW?!), but enjoy the various renditions of the classic detective in film and television, I thought this sounded really fun.
Doctor Who meets Holmes is a really good description. There were times that Jackaby acted just like the 10th or 11th Doctor and it made me smile.
It did take me awhile to get into it. The writing is not stunning by any means, and I felt like Ritter's understanding of females enough to write a female narrator was lacking. There were moments, jolting moments, where the narrator would have a more feminine train of thoughts (outfits, good looking men, etc.) and not that we girls don't think like that, but it just would happen when I expected Abigail to be focused and the much more interesting scene in front of her (usually a crime scene or strange suspect/witness). I eventually got into the story as it picked up and the mere intrigue about the case took over any flaws in the writing and characterization.
The supernatural part is fun. It's familiar and different. Doctor Who in this case is a misnomer as it doesn't not deal (in this book anyway) with aliens, or the like. It's more Grimm, or Buffy in terms of its supernatural elements. There's violence and death, but I wasn't horrified even though maybe a person with more sensitivity might be put off.
I really like Jackaby and his house and those beings that live in it. He really is the best part.
This book was strong enough by the end that I'm curious about the next story, the next case and where the relationship with Abigail and Jackaby goes (it's not romantic which makes me so happy).
underscorebret's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I read it a few years ago and I remember loving the supernatural mystery aspect of it the most. I will have to revisit the series soon.
itsonlyamodel's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sin_flore's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
amandalyn's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book was extremely fun and engaging. I really enjoyed the characters and the mystery. I didn’t have a clue who the killer was, but could see that it made sense once it was revealed, an indication of a good mystery if you ask me. Definitely am going to check out the next ones in the series.
cutenanya's review against another edition
4.0
Although it is not the type of mystery I am looking for, aka with logical deductions and a complex plot, the reading experience is enjoyable and the characters likable. I really like Jackaby and his interactions with Abigail, Charlie, Jenny, Douglas and even the chief.inspector. Excuse my spellings as I listened to the audible version and may not get their names spelled correctly.
The most disappointing aspect of this book is how the story resolves itself. I prefer the type where readers logically deduce the solution instead of having one thrown right at the charcters' faces. Nonetheless, I may continue the series and sees what adventure awaits Jackaby, Abigail and Charlie.
The most disappointing aspect of this book is how the story resolves itself. I prefer the type where readers logically deduce the solution instead of having one thrown right at the charcters' faces. Nonetheless, I may continue the series and sees what adventure awaits Jackaby, Abigail and Charlie.
whimsyfaerie's review against another edition
4.0
*4.5!!
omggg i love this book so much!!! the characters are amazing- i love all of the ones i’m suppose to, and the concept is so different and interesting! if stalking jack the ripper and fantastic beasts (mixed with some paranormal) had a child, this would literally be it!! i’m so so excited to read the next book!!
age rating: 13+
omggg i love this book so much!!! the characters are amazing- i love all of the ones i’m suppose to, and the concept is so different and interesting! if stalking jack the ripper and fantastic beasts (mixed with some paranormal) had a child, this would literally be it!! i’m so so excited to read the next book!!
age rating: 13+