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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
While I did enjoy this book more than the first one, there was still a feeling that there was a lack of unity in the fundamental elements of the story. While fantasy, science, and mystery are all amazing elements to combine together in a story, this particular series’s method of doing so is slightly jarring and distracting. In the same instances where I was intrigued by a particular plot point or detail of information, I was likewise confused about what type of story this was supposed to be and how everything pieced together. It often felt like there was too many things all at once to make sense of. While I did enjoy the book overall, such particular factors kept me from enjoying it immensely.
Jackaby - A Paranormal Sherlock
These books scratch an itch I didn’t know existed. Sherlock meets Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in the pages of this book.
Beastly Bones is a fun, humorous romp through myths, legends, and wonderful detective work.
These books scratch an itch I didn’t know existed. Sherlock meets Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in the pages of this book.
Beastly Bones is a fun, humorous romp through myths, legends, and wonderful detective work.
initially was going to give this 3 stars, but i've bumped it down to 2 simply because i ended up skimming a lot just to get through this. im not sure whether i enjoyed book 1 so much simply because it was the first thing i'd read in months or whether it was the timing of when i decided to read this one or if this one actually just wasn't as good. idk. i still enjoyed this enough that it kept me entertained though and i do plan on continuing the series.
I've got to say, I love this series. It's light, it's smart, it's fun, and it's witty. Plus, the heroine is off forging a new path for herself in America in a time period when that was a lot harder for women to do, so props for girl power. I still got a big Amelia Peabody/Sherlock vibe from the second book, Beastly Bones, which is really part of the fun. The relationship between Abigail and Jackaby is droll and quirky and the hint of romance between Abigail and Charley is very sweet. I can't wait to read Ghostly Echoes and find out what happened to Jenny! (Hurry up, August 23!)
Loved the Jackaby books! Similar to a Sherlock holmes, but, like the TV show,,, the sidekick is a girl.
very cool! Recommend!
very cool! Recommend!
Amusing. Whimsical. Entertaining. Still distractingly Wholock, but I'm also not sure that's at least half the appeal. Still. Anyway. This is clearly the middle installment of a series - lots of foreshadowing for the next one. And call me a sucker, but I am excited to see what's next! I do like Abigail Rook, what with choosing two paths and all. If you like lighthearted mysteries, Doctor Who, and/or Sherlock, you should definitely give this series a go.
Received from Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for an completely unbiased review.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
In Beastly Bones we return to the city of New England in 1982 with Abigail Rook and R.F. Jackaby where we follow them on yet another adventure of the paranormal nature. When I read book one of this series I had a hunch that the first book would be the foundation of a series that only improve with each installment which, so far, seems to be a fair assumption.
I definitely felt like there was plenty of character development and general story building in this installment. Unfortunately, Beastly Bones was rather slow and took awhile to read, but it is definitely worth the read once you've completed it!
The relationship between Jackaby and Abilgal is growing into something supportive and deliciously awkward. Jackaby is an unwilling participant to Abigail's troubles with love and is unprepared for her to share personal details about herself so he reacts in a very "Jackaby" fashion. Secretly, Jackaby is a huge softie! It's adorable.
Abigail and Jackaby have some humourous conversations regarding Abigail's indecision whether or not to pursue the handsome cop Charlie and in turn we get some pretty fantastic advice from Jackaby on love. Surprisingly, the friendship between Abigail and Jackaby appears to be developing naturally with a lot of emotional investment being tied up in the interactions between these two in their shared moments. It might have actually made the book worthwhile for me because the actual case took so long to be solved. I absolutely love how the characters are building a repertoire!
Perhaps the story moved too slowly because I read far too carefully, attempting to find clues rather than enjoying the mundane details. I learned from book one that no detail is superfluous and a reader needs to pay attention if they want to solve the case before Jackaby does his big reveal at the end of the book. I probably spent too much time combing over the text and pondering the details rather than enjoying the flow and general language to really enjoy the full effect of this book.
That being said, I really enjoyed Jackaby and can't wait to read book three. I'm certain the relationships between Jackaby, Abigail and Charlie will continue to develop in lovely but hilarious ways.
It's not imperative to read book one of this series to enjoy the detective story, but new readers wont understand the dynamics between the two main characters. The history between these two along with their daring adventures will prove to be the ultimate crown on a very unique and fun series.
This book is appeal to readers who enjoy alternate historical fiction, paranormal young adult detective story with a sense of humour. A fantastic rendition of Sherlock Holmes with strange and extraordinary mysteries for our heroes to solve. Just like book one, Beastly Bones is witty, intelligent and stands completely on its own as a new experience for young adult fans.
Also posted on Silk & Serif
In Beastly Bones we return to the city of New England in 1982 with Abigail Rook and R.F. Jackaby where we follow them on yet another adventure of the paranormal nature. When I read book one of this series I had a hunch that the first book would be the foundation of a series that only improve with each installment which, so far, seems to be a fair assumption.
I definitely felt like there was plenty of character development and general story building in this installment. Unfortunately, Beastly Bones was rather slow and took awhile to read, but it is definitely worth the read once you've completed it!
What do a shape-shifting litter of kittens, mysterious murder, dinosaur bones and animal mutilation have in common? They're all cases Jackaby must tackle before mayhem occurs. And Abigail gets a second chance to make a romantic connection with her endearing dog-shifter Charlie.
The relationship between Jackaby and Abilgal is growing into something supportive and deliciously awkward. Jackaby is an unwilling participant to Abigail's troubles with love and is unprepared for her to share personal details about herself so he reacts in a very "Jackaby" fashion. Secretly, Jackaby is a huge softie! It's adorable.
Abigail and Jackaby have some humourous conversations regarding Abigail's indecision whether or not to pursue the handsome cop Charlie and in turn we get some pretty fantastic advice from Jackaby on love. Surprisingly, the friendship between Abigail and Jackaby appears to be developing naturally with a lot of emotional investment being tied up in the interactions between these two in their shared moments. It might have actually made the book worthwhile for me because the actual case took so long to be solved. I absolutely love how the characters are building a repertoire!
Perhaps the story moved too slowly because I read far too carefully, attempting to find clues rather than enjoying the mundane details. I learned from book one that no detail is superfluous and a reader needs to pay attention if they want to solve the case before Jackaby does his big reveal at the end of the book. I probably spent too much time combing over the text and pondering the details rather than enjoying the flow and general language to really enjoy the full effect of this book.
That being said, I really enjoyed Jackaby and can't wait to read book three. I'm certain the relationships between Jackaby, Abigail and Charlie will continue to develop in lovely but hilarious ways.
It's not imperative to read book one of this series to enjoy the detective story, but new readers wont understand the dynamics between the two main characters. The history between these two along with their daring adventures will prove to be the ultimate crown on a very unique and fun series.
My only request for book three? More Jackaby! This book is all about Abigail and her relationship decisions..lets have more Jackaby related oddity in book three!
This book is appeal to readers who enjoy alternate historical fiction, paranormal young adult detective story with a sense of humour. A fantastic rendition of Sherlock Holmes with strange and extraordinary mysteries for our heroes to solve. Just like book one, Beastly Bones is witty, intelligent and stands completely on its own as a new experience for young adult fans.
4.5 stars!
These books are truly delightful. It’s one of those series where you sit with a stupid grin on your face the entire time you’re reading.
Beastly Bones seems to have done away with the very minor issues of the first book: the mystery kept me guessing and Abigail had some great hero moments; damsel she is not!
I have to say though that this book gets an extra half star for including one of my favourite mythical creatures, as well as interweaving paranormal species with Darwin’s work.
I would like to see a bit more depth from Jackaby in the next books, he’s in danger of becoming a bit of a caricature.
I very much enjoyed sweet, marshmallow man Charlie Barker - I hope he writes those letters...
These books are truly delightful. It’s one of those series where you sit with a stupid grin on your face the entire time you’re reading.
Beastly Bones seems to have done away with the very minor issues of the first book: the mystery kept me guessing and Abigail had some great hero moments; damsel she is not!
I have to say though that this book gets an extra half star for including one of my favourite mythical creatures, as well as interweaving paranormal species with Darwin’s work.
I would like to see a bit more depth from Jackaby in the next books, he’s in danger of becoming a bit of a caricature.
I very much enjoyed sweet, marshmallow man Charlie Barker - I hope he writes those letters...