SYNOPSIS:
Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R. F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary–including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby’s assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it’s an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it’s a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police–with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane–deny.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK IT OUT?
Superwholock fans are sure to swoon all over this one, though they won’t be the only readers drawn in. Set in historical New England in the US, here we have the peculiar young detective Jackaby (for Sherlock) and his sensible if mundane companion Abigail (for Dr. Who) dealing with paranormal monsters and killers (for Supernatural). Frankly, even if we’re not in on the tumblr-crazed TV show love, there’s a lot to pique our interest! It wouldn’t surprise us to see those two with their own live-action series some time soon…
The cover has such a classic literature look and feel. Jackaby in profile, in soft blue hues, the picture of Victorian Gentleman. The young woman running down the cobblestone streets–fleeing something perhaps?–stands out with her red dress and the red door she is headed toward. The superimposed image on his mind neatly hints at Jackaby’s seer abilities.
Young adult author William Ritter teaches high school language arts, including reading and writing, mythology and heroes. He is a proud husband and father. This is his debut novel! Learn more about William at http://rwillritter.wordpress.com!
EARLY REVIEWS SAY…
Abigail’s attention to the everyday serves as a foil to Jackaby’s paranormal perception and makes her a refreshingly realistic and agreeable heroine. … Ritter’s debut skillfully blends science with the supernatural and balances whimsy with violence. … [T]he rich world of this debut demands sequels. (Kirkus Reviews)
Ritter is also capable of tenderness and pathos, as his description of a suffering banshee demonstrates, leaving room for development in any future cases Abigail may chronicle. (Publishers Weekly)
NECESSARY DETAILS
YA Historical Paranormal Mystery
Hardcover & ebook, 304 pages
Published on September 16th 2014 by Algonquin Young Readers (ISBN 1616203536)
http://algonquinyoungreaders.com/book/jackaby/
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