13. ruj 2014.

ARC Review: Jackaby by William Ritter

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Book 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.
          Comparing a book with some mainstream concepts such as Sherlock or Doctor Who is not something I look forward while reading a book. Yes, it can do wonders for marketing, but it can also create false expectations. Beware of that! As you can see the blurb for this book did just that but I cannot tell you if it's for the better or worse as I didn't read the blurb before reading the book, so I didn't have those kind of expectations.

          One thing is sure you can draw parallels between the three. Jackaby is weird detective in town who has unusual way with investigating crimes and resolving mysterious cases. He is not praised by police or other townsfolk but at the end of the day it's the best they have got. When Abigail finds herself in little town called New Fiddleham she couldn't dream that she would find herself in the middle of serial killings which got stranger and stranger. In desperate need of job she finds an open position as Jackaby's assistant and slowly starts to change her views on the world.

          When I started this book it sounded like a story of mystery and killings, but paranormal elements here surprised me. Everything sounded so real and touchable that I though it would be more Sherlock than Doctor Who like. But at the same time I was impressed how the author managed to put folktales and legends and shape them so they fit the story. It was really well done and I really enjoyed it.

          Despite the references this book had everything I wanted. It was funny, interesting and nicely packed together. I'm sure that many will enjoy it as much as I did. Only things that I can put as con here would be the predictability. But nothing scary, I assure you.

Rating: 4 stars.

Until the next time,

Broj komentara: 15:

  1. You're right those type of blurbs really can make or break a read and usually just set expectations way too high. I am glad you ended up like this though having not read the blurb beforehand.

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  2. That type of blurb is really made just for selling and I hate that type of comparisons (that said, I love Sherlock and Dr Who !). On the other hand, I really enjoyed your review, thanks for reviewing that book I'd never heard about but that looks really great :)

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  3. I think comparing anything to Sherlock / Doctor Who is setting me up to hate it because I'll inevitably find it lacking, but I do still love the sound of this book and since you went in with no comparison expectations I have a feeling I'll enjoy it if I do the same. Lovely review!

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  4. Great review.
    im very curious about this one, it sound so promising, i might just read it next....

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  5. Oh it's interesting mainly to see that everything seemed real like that. But you're right sometimes comparing books to others things isn't a good idea. I didn't know the book but it sounds great. thanks for bringing it to my attention.

    OdgovoriIzbriši
  6. I definitely agree about not comparing books to other things - especially things as beloved as Doctor Who and Sherlock. I have been curious about this one and it definitely sounds like a good read. Great review!

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  7. I've been reading many positive reviews of this one and I'm glad yours joins the crowd, Tanja, I'm definitely curious about this one and though I know it's going to be hard for me not to compare this with Sherlock or Doctor Who, shows I love, I'm going to do my best to enjoy this as a separate entity. Lovely review, dear! :)

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  8. I've heard so many things about this book, I've been very excited to read it! I think the references to those shows would give me false expectations as well, I prefer going in somewhat clueless as well!

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  9. Comparisons to very popular books are usually not a good thing. As you said, it raises expectations. It does sound like this was a great experience for you so probably a good thing you didn't read the blurb. I do love mysteries about serial killers! I know, I'm a little warped, but I find them thrilling. I'll have to add this one to the TBR. Great review, Tanja! :)

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  10. I've never been a big fan of detective books for some reason, I just can't handle that icky crime stuff lol. I'm glad the comparison made you pick it up and it turned out to be enjoyable though. Great review Tanja.

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  11. I hate when books are compared to other things for the author's sake, because if it doesn't live up to that for a reader, they might be harsher toward it than otherwise. I think this sounds like a good book regardless though!!

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  12. I am with you, I hate when books are compared to mainstream books/tv shows just to sell... I usually end up disappointed. Glad that wasnt the case here, this sounds like an enjoyable read. Great review!

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  13. It's really promising to see this much praise for Jackaby! I have an ARC of this but haven't gotten to it yet and I'm truly excited to see what it's got. The Sherlock Who thingimajig people keep saying is very intriguing.

    Yup, a lot of awesome books over there, my good friend ;) You've been buying a lot of good ones :D I'm looking forward to what you think of Rites of Passage. Reading that one right no w and it is indeed powerful!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  14. This sounds good and thank you for the assurance. I get goosebumps when stuff gets too scary for my taste. I haven't been much into Doctor Who or Sherlock so if I ever pick this up, it'll be totally objective. Awesome review, girl!

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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  15. Oh wow D: I love both Doctor Who and Sherlock! But I can understand what you are saying about not putting your hopes up too high because of what it is compared to. I will be adding this to my TBR because I have never read a paranormal detective book, and this could be an interesting one to start with because of it's originality ^^

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