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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Imagine Sherlock detecting werewolves and vampires. That's Jackaby. He's abrasive, abrupt, and defies social conventions, and he, along with his independent and intelligent assistant, Abigail Rook, solve paranormal crime. In this follow-up to the first novel, Jackaby and Abigail must solve the murder of the owner of shape-shifting kittens; however, this case is put on hold once a creature begins killing residents of a countryside village around a paleontological dig. This one was definitely slower than the first book in the series, but Ritter also seemed to focus more on characterizing the two female leads in the novel. While there was mystery and action, it almost took a backseat to the development of these characters and their desires. And, while it was more subtly done, we also learn more about our secretive title character, Jackaby himself. All-in-all a fun follow-up, but I'm hoping for more in the third installment.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Though the setting and plot are imaginative, the stock characters never grow beyond the mundane. I wish the human elements matched the sense of humor and creativity the story displays.
I liked this book so much more than the first book. Which is shocking. Really. Sequels, as I have experienced in the past, are usually so disappointing. But this book... I actually really enjoyed. Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting to love it or even like it - really, I wasn't expecting anything from this book - so I think I was able to just enjoy it.
Plus, Charlie and Abigail...
... deep down I'm a hopeless romantic :)
Plus, Charlie and Abigail...
... deep down I'm a hopeless romantic :)
Come see this review and more at my blog, The Scribe Owl!
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
I'm so glad I continued on with this series! I read the first book back in July. I saw the series at my library and I decided to check them out! These books aren't really ones I'd use my own money to buy, but when the library has them that's always a good reason to read them.
Beastly Bones opens immediately with another mystery on deck for Jackaby and Miss Abigail Rook, this one about creatures that shapeshift into whatever food they eat. The next day, they get a message from the nearby town of Gad's Valley, the very same place that a certain Charlie Cane was relocated to, about missing dinosaur bones. The second installment in the Jackaby series brings a just as interesting new mystery to William Ritter's repertoire.
The characters are such an essential part of bringing a book together, and as I've said, I love the characters in this series. From eccentric Mr. Jackaby to politely snarky Miss Rook to sweet Charlie Cane, all the characters have such distinct and interesting personalities that I need to read on. I also still really enjoy that Jackaby and Miss Rook have such a platonic working relationship, which is something that is rarely seen in YA. Jackaby and Miss Rook also have some amazing banter such as:
The very best part of this book is the writing. It paints a quirky and humorous setting with well-chosen figurative language. I just love William Ritter's writing, and I'm here for it all the way. I also loved the little random droplets of Jackaby wisdom here and there such as the following:
I can add more quotes all day if you'd like. The writing and banter were such important parts; I just couldn't leave them out. I really enjoyed yet another Jackaby book, and I'd encourage you to give this series a try!
Content and trigger warnings: Blood and death.
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
I'm so glad I continued on with this series! I read the first book back in July. I saw the series at my library and I decided to check them out! These books aren't really ones I'd use my own money to buy, but when the library has them that's always a good reason to read them.
Beastly Bones opens immediately with another mystery on deck for Jackaby and Miss Abigail Rook, this one about creatures that shapeshift into whatever food they eat. The next day, they get a message from the nearby town of Gad's Valley, the very same place that a certain Charlie Cane was relocated to, about missing dinosaur bones. The second installment in the Jackaby series brings a just as interesting new mystery to William Ritter's repertoire.
The characters are such an essential part of bringing a book together, and as I've said, I love the characters in this series. From eccentric Mr. Jackaby to politely snarky Miss Rook to sweet Charlie Cane, all the characters have such distinct and interesting personalities that I need to read on. I also still really enjoy that Jackaby and Miss Rook have such a platonic working relationship, which is something that is rarely seen in YA. Jackaby and Miss Rook also have some amazing banter such as:
“Miss Rook, on a scale of one to pomegranate, how dangerous would you say this situation has become?"
"Dangerous?" I faltered.
"Yes, Miss Rook," prompted Jackaby, in your expert opinion."
"On a scale of one to pomegranate?" I followed his lead, checking over the notes I had scribbled in my notepad and speaking in my most audible, serious whisper. "I should think ... acorn? Possibly badger. Time alone will tell.”
The very best part of this book is the writing. It paints a quirky and humorous setting with well-chosen figurative language. I just love William Ritter's writing, and I'm here for it all the way. I also loved the little random droplets of Jackaby wisdom here and there such as the following:
“The only paths you can't travel are the ones you block yourself--so don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying in the first place.”
"Failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a part of it."
I can add more quotes all day if you'd like. The writing and banter were such important parts; I just couldn't leave them out. I really enjoyed yet another Jackaby book, and I'd encourage you to give this series a try!
Content and trigger warnings: Blood and death.
This book was just as fun (albeit a little more grotesque and violent) as its predecessor. I can't wait to listen to the next in the series. The narrator is really wonderful!
I really do enjoy this series! I think this one was just as good as the first, maybe a tiny bit better - mostly because we already know the characters and the world that Ritter has created. But, they are both really great reads. This sereis is really unusual - it's a Victorian supernatural mystery - and it has such wonderful characters and stories! I just love Jackaby and Abagail! Their adventures are so interesting and not entirely 'normal' - shape shifting kittens, dinosaurs, dragons, and more! I just love these books - immensely readable and interesting! Highly recommend but definitely start with the first in the series before tackling this one!
This one was a bit sad.. but I still enjoyed it.
Have I talked about how much I love these characters? Because they are absolutely hilarious. Jackaby is brilliant and weird. He had some many wonderful moment with Abigail and Jenny. He truly wants to help the people in his life, there are just moments when he is unsure how to do that. I do consider him a lighter version of BBC’s Sherlock.
Abigail continues to be the wonderful voice of reason for this little family of misfits. She was confronted by two very different people about it is to be an empowered woman. She had so many wonderful moments when she questioned what she really wanted with her life. Towards the end of the book she had a beautiful heart to heart with Jackaby about her choices.
And I absolutely adore her love interest, the detective, he is just so sweet. I can’t wait to see how their relationship is expanded as the series goes on.
I forgot to mention in my review of Jackaby about his two other roommates. One is his previous assistant who was turned into a duck and the ghost of young woman, Jenny. Jenny wasn’t featured a great deal in this book, but she completely captivated within her few scenes.
In the first book we saw her as more of a kind and helpful spirit. She is the caretaker of their home. In this book we saw more of a darker side to Jenny. We learned a great deal about her and ghost in very few pages.
I can’t reiterate enough about how I absolutely love these characters, they had me laughing out loud with all their antics. The mystery was intriguing but had a predictable ending. What I did love about this book was the introduction to a new setting, creatures and people. We also got a hint of dastardly villain, who will probably be featured more as a series arch rather than individual books.
I give this book a B.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Abigail continues to be the wonderful voice of reason for this little family of misfits. She was confronted by two very different people about it is to be an empowered woman. She had so many wonderful moments when she questioned what she really wanted with her life. Towards the end of the book she had a beautiful heart to heart with Jackaby about her choices.
And I absolutely adore her love interest, the detective, he is just so sweet. I can’t wait to see how their relationship is expanded as the series goes on.
I forgot to mention in my review of Jackaby about his two other roommates. One is his previous assistant who was turned into a duck and the ghost of young woman, Jenny. Jenny wasn’t featured a great deal in this book, but she completely captivated within her few scenes.
In the first book we saw her as more of a kind and helpful spirit. She is the caretaker of their home. In this book we saw more of a darker side to Jenny. We learned a great deal about her and ghost in very few pages.
I can’t reiterate enough about how I absolutely love these characters, they had me laughing out loud with all their antics. The mystery was intriguing but had a predictable ending. What I did love about this book was the introduction to a new setting, creatures and people. We also got a hint of dastardly villain, who will probably be featured more as a series arch rather than individual books.
I give this book a B.
I can’t wait to read the next book.