45 pages 1 hour read

Jackaby

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014

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Summary and Study Guide

Overview

Jackaby is a 2014 young adult fantasy novel by William Ritter. It is the first in a series by the same name and follows paranormal investigator R. F. Jackaby, and his new assistant Abigail Rook, as they investigate a series of supernatural murders. The novel draws on a range of world mythologies and classic detective fiction like Sherlock Holmes, Inspector Dupin, and the works of Raymond Chandler.

Plot Summary

In 1892, a young Englishwoman named Abigail Rook arrives in the American town of New Fiddleham. She is searching for adventure—and a job. After responding to an advertisement, she comes into the employ of a paranormal investigator named R. F. Jackaby. Jackaby has the gift of second sight, allowing him to see the supernatural world. He brings her to a crime scene where a journalist has been murdered in his apartment building. Among the police officers are Chief Inspector Marlowe and a young man named Charlie Cane, to whom Abigail is immediately attracted. Jackaby notes that although the dead man is covered in blood, much of the blood seems to be missing. They visit the man’s neighbor, Mr. Henderson, who claims to be hearing unbearable screams that no one else can hear.

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