Jackaby by William Ritter

Fantasy, YA Mystery/Suspense, Young Adult Fantasy

I read the Jackaby tetralogy, by William Ritter. I went back and forth on whether to review just one book, or the entire series. I’ve decided to just talk about the first book, to avoid accidentally giving anything away.

Think of a cross between Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes, with a supernatural twist thrown in, and you’ve got R.F. Jackaby. Jackaby is a supernatural detective. He’s kooky, absent-minded, witty, and clever, sometimes simultaneously. How do you catch a murderer if you’re not sure if he or she is human? Told from the perspective of Abigail- this series’ Watson- this book is simply fun! 
Jackaby comes complete with a great cast of characters. They all add to the narrative. Jenny is the strongest, most well-written female character I’ve read in a long time. If William Ritter ever writes a side novel specifically about her, I’ll be standing in line to read it.

The mysteries aren’t mind-bending, but they are entertaining and well thought out. I love that there are clues scattered throughout the book. I can’t stand it when a mystery’s solution comes out of the blue, so I appreciate that you can go back through the book and follow the logic to get to the “whodunnit” correctly.

If you like entertaining, easy reads, give this series a go! You won’t be sorry. The pages fly by and there’s never a dull moment.

If you prefer your mysteries sans supernatural, read The Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. It has a similar rip-roaringly adventurous appeal without the fairy tale critters. Amelia Peabody is incorrigible in the best possible way.

What should I read next? Comments? Suggestions?

My Book Suggestions: The Crocodile On the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters; The Screaming Staircase by Johnathan Stroud.


Published by wittysarcasticbookclub

Published

5 thoughts on “Jackaby by William Ritter”

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  3. Wish I had read this series a bit slower so I could’ve enjoyed the story longer, but will read it again. Felt very much like Sherlock Holmes meets Brothers Grimm vibe to me. Great characters and I enjoyed that the story was from Abigail’s perspective instead of Jackaby’s. After finishing “The Dire King” I think it would be fantastic to see more books in this series from another character’s perspective, but I don’t want to name that particular character here. Definitely prefer mysteries that leave the clues for you to follow, especially the subtle ones, as you work your way to the reveal. Will have to look for more from Ritter.

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