Abigail Rook has just arrived in New Fiddleham in 1892 and she needs a job. She soon meets R.F. Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained. She has a gift for noticing important details which makes her perfect for the position as his assistant. They quickly find themselves in the midst of a thrilling new case, a serial killer is on the loose. The police are sure it is an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is convinced it is a nonhuman creature that the police deny even exists.
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 honestly loved it. Even though I don't think the mystery is too difficult to work out, it has multiple layers so there's enough twists and excitement to make the ride enjoyable in itself - which, for me, is what makes a good mystery anyway. And it's funny. And the paranormal mythology was compelling and used in ways I haven't read about before. I only hope this is the start of a series and not a one-off; the mystery is tied up neatly at the end of this book - which I like - but it's definitely been left open for potential future stories. I can't wait!
Anyone who likes Sherlock and a good mystery.