Jackaby

Title: Jackaby

Author: William Ritter

First Published: September 16th 2014

Series: Jackaby #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mystery

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 299

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 8.5/10

Goodreads Summary

“Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,” Jackaby said. “I have a gift that allows me to see truth where others see the illusion--and there are many illusions. All the world’s a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a view behind the curtain.” 

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.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter’s debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of the macabre.

I enjoyed this book a lot! It was a mix of Sherlock Holmes alongside some fantasy, and it was really great! Abigail seeks adventure desperately, but so far, all her attempts have been failures. So when she joins up with Jackaby, she's very excited. Assistant to one eccentric detective, together, they solve the mystery behind the deaths.

Abigail and Jackaby make a good team. As Jackaby says, Abigail notices the obvious, the common things that most people will not perceive. Jackaby notices the fantastical parts, things other people have no idea about. Together, they fit together like a puzzle piece. Jackaby really reminds me of Sherlock Holmes in the way he talks, and Abigail is similar to Dr Watson. It's amusing to see all the similarities, but overall, the two books are like polar opposites.

I must say, I did not see that one coming! I was surprised to find out who really was the serial killer. He/she hid in plain sight (but we should be used to it by now). When they finally confronted him/her, I wasn't sure if they were getting out alive. Luckily, they did. Well, most of them did. Anyways, I'm glad that everything turned out fine.

The book felt a little stretched out at times, but not negatively! There was not one moment when my attention drifted, and the plot was really compelling. However, I felt as if there were some irrelevant parts but very minor.

Though I don't have much to say about this book, the read was worth it! I definitely recommend it for those who love mysteries and a pinch of fantasy on the sidelines!

My Chosen Quote

“Happiness is bliss - but ignorance is anesthetic, and in the face of what's to come, that may be all we can hope for our ill-fated acquaintances.”

Nearly Gone

Title: Nearly Gone

Author: Elle Cosimano

First Published: March 25th 2014

Series: Nearly Gone #1

Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller

Available As: Hardcover, paperback, ebook

Pages: 386

My Copy: Physical copy

My Rating: 9/10

Goodreads Summary

He revved the engine and I held tight with both hands as the bike lurched forward, We zoomed down streets, leaning into the curves, wind whipping over me. I pressed into his back until all I could smell was the leather tang of his jacket, and all I could taste was the sweet thrill of flying away.

Keeping secrets is second nature to Nearly Boswell. Living in a trailer park outside Washington, DC, with a mom who works as an exotic dancer, she knows better than to share anything that would make her a target with her classmates. Only her best friends know about her obsession with the personal ads, and Nearly hasn't told anyone about the emotions she can taste when she brushes against someone's skin.

Then a serial killer goes on a murder spree and starts attacking students, leaving cryptic ads in the newspaper. Nearly might be the one person who can put all the clues together, and if she doesn't figure it out soon - she'll be next.

Big, dark, scary, and brilliantly plotted, Nearly Gone will leave you guessing until the very end. 

I Hunt Killers

Title: I Hunt Killers

"You won't know you've crossed the line until
it's way back in your rearview mirror"

Author: Barry Lyga

First Published: 2012

Series: Followed by Game

Genre: YA, Thriller, Horror, Mystery

Available As: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: 8.5/10

Jazz is the son of the notorious serial killer, Billy Dent. Since he was born, his father has been teaching him how to become a killer like him. He's been witnessing all his father's crimes from the inside view. But, his father has been in prison for a while now. Jazz thought his life would be better, until dead bodies start piling up. Again. And Jazz is determined to find the killer this time.

Jazz is a teenage boy who's already witnessed too many things he shouldn't have. It's scarred him, and sometimes, he feels like he is a killer on the inside, thanks to the lessons Billy drilled into his brain since young. He has flashbacks of when he was younger, and one of them is a recurring flashback of killing someone (He just can't seem to remember who!)

I also loved the relationship between Howie and Jazz. They're always there for each other, and Howie seems to be one of the reasons Jazz hasn't spiralled into insanity yet. Quite nice friendship. Jazz is protective of Howie, and I love their little conversations. It's funny. However, I thought Connie wasn't the most important. She's Jazz's girlfriend who doesn't seem much of help. *Sigh. Oh well.

There's a lot of vivid imagery in the book; it describes in detail all the gory bits, especially how each person was cruelly murdered. It's a gory book, and it's amazing. There are so many little details, and even some medical things you learn! Now I know how to cut off someone's fingers if I ever need to. Weird right?

I really liked how we could finally see the point of view of a serial killer, and how they really work, because you don't really see this in TV shows or movies. It's just not detailed enough. This time, you don't only see the point of view of the police and Jazz, but also how a serial killer thinks and works. Now, if you wanna become a serial killer, here's your book!

This book was amazing, and I know the sequel is out!! If you like gore and horror, here's your next read!