Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightfully creepy 1890s mystery has some light horror.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
After traveling across Europe, Abigail Rook sails to New England in search of fresh adventure. With no luck finding a job in a strange place, she responds to an ad for an investigative assistant and meets the eccentric Mr. Jackaby, a private investigator who describes himself as a man of science who sees things others do not. Abigail's first day on the job lands her right in the middle of a murder investigation, and when a second victim is discovered, the only thing that's clear is that there are powerful, otherworldly forces at work.
Is It Any Good?
William Ritter's debut novel introduces a colorful, eccentric new detective whose mysterious antics confound and intrigue. Throw in a plucky, young, new assistant and some deliciously creepy supernatural chills and thrills -- heroine Abigail is believable and compelling as the reader's entree into a delightfully chilling murder mystery -- and teens and tweens who can handle some light horror are in for a real treat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why we like to read supernatural stories. Why are they so popular?
Jackaby says he's a man of science who sees things others don't, such as magical creatures. How does he show his scientific side? Are science and magic equally important to Jackaby?
Why do you think Chapter 13 is just a note saying the chapter was omitted? Did reading the note make you curious? Puzzled? Why do you think the author included it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Algonquin Young Readers
- Publication date : September 16, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 15
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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