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Jackaby
Jackaby | William Ritter
"Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer." --Chicago Tribune 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 the foul deeds are the work of the kind of creature whose very existence the local authorities--with the exception of a handsome young detective named Charlie Cane--seem adamant to deny. "The rich world of this debut demands sequels." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "We honestly couldn't put it down." --Nerdist.com "Toss together an alternate 19th-century New England city, a strong tradition of Sherlockian pastiche, and one seriously ugly hat, and this lighthearted and assured debut emerges, all action and quirk." --Publishers Weekly * A Top Ten Fall '14 Kids' Indie Next Pick * A 2014 Kirkus Reviews Best Book for Young Adults * A 2015 YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults Title * A 2015 Pacific Northwest Book Award Winner * A 2015-2016 Georgia Peach Award Nominee * A Junior Library Guild Selection
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bookandbedandtea
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Considering finally reading Dire King and saw that this series has all new covers. I think I liked the old ones better. 🤔

DGRachel I agree. I‘m not a fan of the new ones. 9mo
26 likes2 comments
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Scochrane26
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

This was a Litsy recommended book that I listened to this week. I love Sherlock Holmes but was skeptical at first about whether I would like it. But then I started to enjoy the characters & humor. Jackaby is often like Holmes but has supernatural powers. Abigail becomes his assistant. Loved Jenny & Douglas. The narrator used at least 4 accents, it‘s a great audio. Will continue with the series.

MaureenMc I really enjoyed this series. 😊 2y
32 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JessClark78
Jackaby | William Ritter
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The first book in the Jackaby series. This is a really good series to read if you like detective stories and supernatural mysteries.

#AlphabetGame #LetterJ
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

A book you‘d recommend whose title starts with the featured letter.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🙌🏻📚👌🏻 2y
47 likes1 stack add1 comment
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bookandbedandtea
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I love this series. Although I've been putting off reading the last one. 🤔 I guess I don't want it to be over. #Alphabetgame @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
30 likes1 comment
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behudd
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was really fun! It was given to me by a friend, and I knew nothing about it going in aside from the blurb on the front comparing it to both Sherlock Holmes and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Realistically not up to the level of either of those, it was still a fun, YA supernatural mystery. There are three other books in the series, which I wouldn‘t mind reading in the future, but won‘t seek out right away.

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behudd
Jackaby | William Ritter
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It was late January, and New England wore a fresh coat of snow as I stepped along the gangplank to the shore.

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

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PuddleJumper
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Full of YA tropes, a little cliched but entertaining and well written. A great victorian ish urban fantasy book that isn't taxing to read

Kenyazero That's a very accurate description of this book! 3y
BookmarkTavern I‘ve had this stacked for a while! It‘s good to know what to look forward to! 3y
TheSpineView Awesome 3y
Jadams89 👍🏻🎉🎅🏻🎄 3y
27 likes5 comments
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PuddleJumper
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Playing some Mario Kart swapsies and reading when it isn't my turn

Thought this one looked like an easy one to pick up and put down

RosePressedPages Jackaby was such a fun series! Hope you like it! 3y
PuddleJumper @MadelineMcCrae Didn't realize it was a series, that's great! I'm enjoying it so far, very easy reading which is nice 3y
33 likes2 comments
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DebinHawaii
Jackaby | William Ritter
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#scarathlon #photochallenge #teamhendrix

For the #detective prompt, I thought of Jackaby who is “an investigator of the unexplained.” I listened to the first book several years ago, enjoyed it & bought the first 3 books at the library bookstore but never finished them. I should really go back & read them & the fourth one that came out after.
📚 📚📚📚🤷🏻‍♀️📚📚📚

RosePressedPages I remember the Jackaby series being good! 3y
47 likes1 stack add1 comment
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magicalshelves
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Mehso-so

Newt Scamander meets Sherlock in this YA historical detective book. The main character of Jackaby was fun and quirky. The mystery storyline was fun but rather simplistic but it didn‘t take away from me enjoying the story.

14 likes1 stack add
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Angeles
Jackaby | William Ritter
Pickpick

I don‘t usually enjoy YA, but this is just a great Sherlock Holmes/supernatural mix story that is fun and atmospheric. The mystery wasn‘t great, I figured out who was the villain almost from the start, so if you are after true mystery you will be disappointed. However the protagonist is sweet smart and endearing without being cloying and I loved the fantasy and steampunk mixed with fairy tales and mythology.

15 likes1 stack add
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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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What‘s a series that lives rent free in your mind?

The Jackaby quartet is one of mine 🤩

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I squealed when I saw that rainbow hat! Ahh!

These all look so good! I‘m not sure how big a deep dive you did to find photos from my 21st but it was Disney themed and I did dress as Belle in her yellow gown 🤩. I did have a good laugh at THREE pages of directions that came with the candle... safety first people!

Will the chocolate last the day? 🤔 signs point to no!

Now onto the books... or should I make a cup of tea and try the chocolate?

thegirlwiththelibrarybag #happilyeverafterswap @Lyssa131330 @Chrissyreadit PS - definitely using this bag for my next library trip! (edited) 4y
rabbitprincess Beautiful bag! 4y
Chrissyreadit Woah! This all looks perfect but that chocolate sounds to die for!!!😍💕 4y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Chrissyreadit, can confirm that the chocolate was excellent 4y
Chrissyreadit Love it! 4y
63 likes5 comments
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Julies_Bookshelf_Adventures
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Thank you so much @TheAromaofBooks for the wonderful #LitsyLoveWinterSwap package!!!

I was able to pick it up after work today and am thrilled to see the lovelies that you sent me! I‘m already wearing the socks and was actually thinking of ordering a couple of the same candles after the holidays. I can‘t wait to use my new travel mug and read the tagged book in front of the fire!
♥️❤️♥️💚♥️

TheAromaofBooks YAY!!! I'm so glad it arrived!!! (EVENTUALLY) Those are two of my favorite books so when I saw them on your TBR I was pretty excited to get them for you. And From the Page has become my go-to candle shop!! I love getting the little sample ones that are so easy to regift if you don't like the smell, or decide you want a bigger one later if you love it!! 4y
42 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Sweetkokoro
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

It‘s not often I say I enjoy YA, but oh goodness I loved this! I loved Abigail and Jackaby‘s chemistry they are hilarious. Jackaby was such a riot and the reveal of the mystery and who was the villain took me by surprise because I didn‘t even think it would be that person!! Also no instalove!! But I do love that instead the author went the route of having Abigail “smitten” with someone, I am always down for a possible slow build love story.

TheAromaofBooks I really loved this whole series a lot & think Jackaby & Abigail are so fun together!! 4y
See All 7 Comments
Sweetkokoro @TheAromaofBooks I am actually looking forward to picking up the rest of the series, and if I love the whole thing I wouldn‘t mind adding it to my personal collection! 4y
TheAromaofBooks He went a different direction with it than I would have personally preferred - it kind of turned into one big story instead of a series of adventures (although each book wraps up nicely), but it's still a lot of fun. 4y
Sweetkokoro @TheAromaofBooks oh that‘s interesting to hear, I was looking forward to a series of adventures. I‘ll still give it a go but at least I know what not to expect haha. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Yes, I mean there are still little adventures as well, but an over-arching story develops, which means the final book feels very final. I would have been quite content to have a dozen books of them just rambling about having adventures haha 4y
30 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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katy4peas
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Do not stare at the frog.

A fun paranormal mystery and coming of age story. First book in the series. Likable characters and fun plot twists that keep the reader guessing. Not super scary, but definitely some suspense! Narrator was excellent. Definitely recommend!! 😁

Ruthiella This book has been on my TBR forever! 4y
katy4peas It‘s so good! And a good one for Halloween! 👻 @Ruthiella 4y
Butterfinger I had to get my daughter to look at its eyes. 4y
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katy4peas Oh no! Haha! 🤣@butterfinger 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I need to read this series but want to finish up at least 2 others first. 4y
katy4peas It is so good! @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I just reread the first and now I can move on to the next in the series! 😁 4y
80 likes2 stack adds6 comments
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Aussie_SFF
Jackaby | William Ritter
Pickpick

Ok so I am not seeing the Buffy comparisons but I am certainly enjoying the supernatural Sherlock aspects of this book.
I am especially liking the fact that our main protagonist; Abigail Rook, seems to bed growing as a person as she experiences life on the mean streets. The pluck is great but I would also like to see her transition back into her “practical“ clothes and not find a new appreciation for pomp.
4/5 Stars.

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I‘ve been thinking a lot about past travel experiences (because planning future holidays is obviously the best way to survive a stage 4 lockdown) and I was reminded of how much I loved reading these (on my kindle, I bought the books later) all over Hong Kong - I feel like I always read the best books on holiday ☺️ what about you?

inthegreensandblues I love how the books I read while traveling will always make me think of those places, or when I think of my memories of a place, a certain book is part of those memories. 🥰 4y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @inthegreensandblues, 👆🏼 exactly!! They are forever linked and I love it! 4y
61 likes2 comments
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katy4peas
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Monsters are easy Miss Rook. They‘re monsters. But a monster in a suit? That‘s basically just a wicked man. And a wicked man is a more dangerous thing by far.

Ash.on.the.line This makes me want to reread this series. I loved it so much! 4y
katy4peas I have only read the first one and I want to read the rest of the series, so I decided to start it over so it was fresh in my mind. It is great! 😁 @Ash.on.the.line 4y
eri.reads I've only read the first one too and loved it! I really need to get on with the second book... 🤔 4y
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katy4peas Oh yes! I‘m doing audio this time and really like the narrator! @eri.reads 4y
eri.reads Oh hmm...audio! 🤔 Now why hadn't I thought of that?! I've been working so much that my reading time has been super limited and it's put me in a maddening funk. Thank you!!! 🥰 I do believe I'll give the next one a try on audio since you're liking the narrator because I can listen while I work. Win, win. 😁 4y
katy4peas @eri.reads right?! I am really loving audiobooks now that I have discovered them. I can multitask so easily (work, chores, walk, drive, knit) and read down my TBR mountain! I still love my paper books, but there is room for audio in my heart, too. Haha! 😁 4y
74 likes1 stack add6 comments
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CaitlinR
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

This series is a hoot. As one blurb said: “Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Written with humor and skill.

R. F. Jackaby is an private investigator who specializes in the unknown and has the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail Rook joins him as an assistant who becomes willing to believe what she cannot see. Their adventures will allow you to enjoy sheltering in place. And remember:
“Do not stare at the frog”

abookdragonsretreat Ah this is on my TBR, just wondering what POV is this book written in? And who's? 🥰 4y
CaitlinR @AmyTheBookdragon The primary narrator is Abigail Rook, Jackaby‘s newly minted assistant. Have to read the book to learn about the frog. 😊 4y
18 likes3 comments
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PathfinderNicole
Jackaby | William Ritter
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2 1/2 hours and one down in the #24B4Monday readathon! I first read Jackaby three years ago and it was just as enjoyable the second time around! I actually caught some foreshadowing that I didn‘t notice on my first read through! Had hoped to get more reading done by now but had a 3 hour video call with my sister today 😂.

Andrew65 A 3 hour video call, I‘m impressed! 😊 A good start to the Readathon. 👏👏👏 (edited) 4y
24 likes1 comment
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emtobiasz
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Having a tough day today and don‘t seem to have the mental bandwidth to read something new. Luckily, my teen book club book for the month is a reread, and it‘s going down so well that I might actually finish the whole series this time... #ya #fantasy

LeeRHarry Take care 💕 5y
emtobiasz @LeeRHarry thank you ❤️ 5y
Buechersuechtling I hope your evening will be pleasant and recouping enough so that you‘re able to forget the rest of your day. 🤗 5y
72 likes1 stack add3 comments
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staci.reads
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Fun cast of characters, both human and non-human. #YAL

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bookandbedandtea
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

This was clever and entertaining. I like all the main characters and can't wait to see what they get up to in the next book.

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I‘ve been thinking about rereading 😍

Kenyazero It's a fun read, especially if you're in the mood for mystery and supernatural. 5y
BookmarkTavern I‘ve been thinking about this one too! 5y
Prairiegirl_reading Yep I second @Kenyazero. It‘s a fun one. 5y
72 likes1 stack add3 comments
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BookwormAHN
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

I've been meaning to read this for ages & I really enjoyed it. A young woman, Abigail, arrives in the States looking for work & lands in a supernatural detective agency working for the incomparable Jackaby (who most people think is mad because he sees things others don't).
Which is fortunate since the murderer of this mystery isn't human.
#ReadWithMrBook January One Word Titles
@MrBook
#MemoirsAndMysteries #Supernatural
@BarbaraTheBibliophage

Mrs_B Oooo that sounds my kind of book! 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Good call for those prompts! ♥️📚👊🏻 5y
101 likes7 stack adds2 comments
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JessClark78
Jackaby | William Ritter
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1. A lot of funny stuff in this series.
2. ‘I was born to be a good friend and I loved the food.‘ Guess that‘s accurate. I am a good friend and I do love food.
3. I usually only watch horse racing, some Red Sox games, and the Super Bowl (for the commercials). Not that big on sports.
4. I appreciate all of the Litsy community. Everyone has been welcoming and kind and it‘s made being on Litsy a wonderful experience.

#FriYAYintro

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Kenyazero
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Mehso-so

I listened to this one on a whim as I often do, choosing books based on availability and vague interest. Sometimes I'm surprised and fall in love. I didn't fall hard in love with this one, but it was enjoyable. I couldn't really get into any of the characters (other than the banshee, I loved her!). #magic #supernatural #murder #banshee

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JessClark78
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Yesterday I spent most of the day finishing up one of my last reads of 2019, The Story Raider, to start off #JumpStart2020. Now moving on to the Jackaby series and starting my first book of 2020. ✨📚

thegirlwiththelibrarybag I love this series so hard! The mysteries get stronger in each book and I just loved all the characters ☺️ 5y
Clwojick I really enjoyed this one! I need to read the next in the series. 5y
JessClark78 @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @Clwojick I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite books for the year. 🙂 5y
See All 9 Comments
thegirlwiththelibrarybag That‘s great ☺️ there is a novella that‘s worth reading too - it‘s called The Map and is set between books 1 & 2... it‘s free on Amazon Kindle 💙 5y
JessClark78 @thegirlwiththelibrarybag Thanks! I didn‘t know about that. Just looked it up and downloaded it to my Kindle. 😊 5y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @JessClark78, I found it after I finished the quartet and was going through ‘what do you mean there isn‘t any more‘ feelings 😂 5y
JessClark78 @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I hate when a good series comes to an end. 5y
thegirlwiththelibrarybag @JessClark78 , I‘m still hoping that one day there will be more! He‘s started a new series tho - which I haven‘t started yet 5y
90 likes9 comments
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JenlovesJT47
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I got some exciting #bookmail yesterday! I received my #CreepyChristmas swap from the wonderful @Gissy — I got so excited when I realized it was from you!

I also received my books from my #SantaThing Secret Santa — @julesG you did an amazing job picking books for me! I‘m so excited to read all of these! 🤗

#WinterGames
#TMSkellington

julesG Yeah!!! Glad you like what I chose for you. 5y
Gissy I'm glad it arrived on time!🤗You will receive another box later but I'm still waiting for some things, I don't know how soon I will send the other box. But I'm glad that box is in your hand already! I forgot the card because I was so confident that the other things would be here on time that I was waiting to include it in box 2 and then I forgot to include card. I will send the card then in the other box. I hope you like what i chose for you. 5y
JenlovesJT47 @Gissy no worries! You spoil me!! 🤗❤️😘 5y
coffees 1pt!! 12-20 those look like awesome reads!! :D 5y
35 likes4 comments
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Lchnessmnstr
Jackaby | William Ritter

“I suppose I am curious, first. I‘ll let myself be afraid when my curiosity is satisfied—and as my curiosity will only be satisfied when I‘ve looked our murderer in the face, it is unlikely I shall need to spend much time in fear.”

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Lchnessmnstr
Jackaby | William Ritter
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After the trudge through my last book, I needed a quirky, supernatural Holmesian-style read! 1 day, 10 Chapters in!

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Deblovestoread
Jackaby | William Ritter
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#LitsyAtoZ2019. 23 down 3 to go. This was an okay read for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see William Ritter is an Oregon author.

@BookishMarginalia

ferskner One of my favorite covers! 5y
36 likes1 comment
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hes7
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

I meant to read the rest of the series this month (which is why I didn‘t post a review back when I finished this book), but then, of course, I ran out of time. I‘ll just have to get to the next three in November because I do love Jackaby. 🤞🏻

+2 for a mystery (finished before the point change)

#TeamSlaughter #Scarathlon

mabell I really enjoyed this! Such great characters. I haven‘t read any further in the series, yet, but I intend to! 5y
75 likes1 stack add1 comment
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hes7
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Well, my brother and I finished the marathon (#TheNumber13 x 2 😉). Loved rereading Jackaby at the beginning, but then, The Girls in the Garden let me down, thanks to a plot that just didn‘t interest me.

+1 for #TeamSlaughter #Scarathlon #ChillingPhotoChallenge

marleed Congratulations! 5y
Clwojick Congrats!!! 5y
ScientistSam Congratulations! 5y
See All 7 Comments
mrp27 Awesome! 5y
DaveGreen7777 Congratulations on finishing the marathon! 👏 🏃🏻‍♀️ 💪 (edited) 5y
TheAromaofBooks Have you read the rest of the Jackaby series? I really loved the concept, but didn't completely like the way he took the overall series. 5y
hes7 @TheAromaofBooks I have read the first three. I remember liking them when I first read them, but I don't really remember all that happened (so I'm rereading now to finally finish the series). 5y
77 likes7 comments
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Erofan
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

I can say with confidence that this is a great book for young readers! Interesting story, the presence of mysticism, legends and adventures! However, I lacked the sharpness of the plot. 4/5
🕵️‍♂️ #jackaby #YoungDetective

80 likes3 stack adds
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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Post a favourite cover everyday for seven days, no explanation.

#7covers7days

Ash.on.the.line I love these too! 5y
SW-T 😊😊😊 5y
Centique That‘s a lovely one! 5y
73 likes1 stack add3 comments
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sparrowssavvy
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Heard so many great things about this book and it didn‘t disappoint. Such a fun adventure, I just wish it was twice as long! I feel like there was so much more that could have been fit in there. The characters were truly delightful as was the quirky feel to it all. Now I have to buy the other three.

Crewgurl Yes you do!!!! So good 😊 5y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
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sherryvdh
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Looks like I'm not the only one enjoying my #currentread. 😂 Getting it back is going to be interesting.
#RaisingReaders #HesVeryAdvancedForHisAge

jmtrivera It's a really fun book. He's got good taste! 😂 5y
brit91 💖💖💖💖 5y
Crewgurl I ❤️ Jackaby 5y
42 likes3 comments
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sherryvdh
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Omg thank you so much @mcctrish for the belated birthday gift! Such a pleasant surprise in my mailbox! 💜 #poutinepenpals

mcctrish Yay!!!! So happy it arrived! I hope you like it as much as me 5y
Tianarose Amazing book and series! 5y
43 likes3 comments
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KeepCalmWithBooksAndCoffee
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Just finished this one before bed. I enjoyed the story but thought the writing was surface level. The characters were interesting and I will be continuing the series! A fun mix of Sherlock and supernatural.

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KtheBookwyrm
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

This was a quick fun read. An obvious riff on Sherlock Holmes with a huge dollop of fae mixed in. Also, Jackaby reminded me a lot of Newt Scamander so that was also quite fun.

Crewgurl I ❤️ this series. 5y
24 likes1 stack add1 comment
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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
Jackaby | William Ritter
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I love listening to music - while working, reading, driving...
I wish I had the same affection for podcasts and audio books - what about you?

AnneCecilie Chip‘n‘Dale (that‘s what their called in English, right?)😍😍😍 5y
Leftcoastzen It‘s weird I can listen to audiobooks in the car.But when I take walks music. 5y
Reggie @AnneCecilie yes, whenever we rented Disney Cartoons they were my favorite. ❤️ 5y
67 likes3 comments
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LeenReads
Jackaby | William Ritter
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Pickpick

Enjoyed this more than i thought i would. Historical paranormal-murder mystery with an eccentric detective (arent they all, though?) and his new fresh faced assistant. The mystery is a bit predictable, but its the elements of paranormal and the odd Jackaby, (who reminded me of an emo version of Mr Magorium) that make it interesting. Onto the next book in the series.

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TiffanyMichele
Jackaby | William Ritter
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There is so much going on here but my favorite bit is “hokum” 😂
Re read this beauty this month and it is still a great one!

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sparrowssavvy
Jackaby | William Ritter
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My latest book outlet order came in and I‘m so ready to read all these!!!

TheLudicReader I just placed a big order, too. 😂 6y
sparrowssavvy @TheLudicReader it‘s such an addictive site! I keeping looking and adding things to my cart! What did you order? 6y
TheLudicReader @sparrowssavvy I ordered a bunch of books for my classroom library, a couple of things for me and three books for my son. I will post a pic when they arrive. :-) 6y
10 likes3 comments
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Shuks22
Jackaby | William Ritter
Pickpick

Love this Sherlock Holmes vibe mixed with a fantasy world that others can‘t see!