'Beastly Bones'

I'm sorry it's been so long, faithful readers, but I've been taking a hiatus.  A health hiatus. Reading is still one of the best ways I spend my days, but I've had to stand back and think about my future.

And I've determined that this blog is part of it, especially if my dream of owning a book shop comes to fruition.  I'm still working on that.  And if it does happen, I'll most likely stock a lot of Young Adult novels.

Speaking of Young Adult novels, I was overjoyed to find the second book in the 'Jackaby' series by William Ritter while I was roaming around the library not too long ago. I grabbed it, checked it out, and ran, eager to throw myself upon the couch and dig into Ritter's newest story, 'Beastly Bones'.

And I really liked it.  It wasn't as unusual as the first book, but it was entertaining, nonetheless.

In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigate the latest supernatural incident.  First, members of a particularly vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens.  A day later, their owner is found dead, with a single mysterious puncture wound to her neck. Then, in nearby Gad's Valley, dinosaur bones from a recent dig go missing, and an unidentifiable beast attacks animals and people, leaving mangled bodies behind. Policeman Charlie Cane, recently exiled to the valley, calls on Jackaby and Abigail for help, and soon all three are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer.

Ritter has maintained the same type of humor that was so well-displayed in his first book. But what truly delighted me was learning more about the 'house ghost', Jenny.  She and Abigail have become close friends, and the fact that she loans clothes to Abigail seemed rather strange, yet endearing.

Author William Ritter

The story's pace never lets up, even when there's an incident broiling between two of the antagonists.  I especially love the story's 'Sherlock Holmes' vibe.

But the tentative move toward a romance shared by Abigail and Charlie has taken a few steps. Small steps, I grant you, but at least it's moving forward.  

'Beastly Bones' is a quick read, but I was totally satisfied and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

'Beastly Bones', the second 'Jackaby' book by William Ritter, is now available at your local library or favorite bookstore.  

ISBN 9781616203542