Rook

By: William Ritter

This standalone adventure set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series brims with humor, heart, and—of course—a hefty dose of supernatural mayhem.

Abigail Rook never intended to be the mortal bridge between the human and supernatural world. But now, the power of the Sight--and all the chaos that comes with seeing the essential truth of everything, every human, fairy, werewolf, enchanted slip of paper, and municipal building, at all times--is hers alone. With this overwhelming new gift, she should be able to solve crimes and help New Fiddleham, New England find calm in its supernatural chaos.

The only problem? She has no idea what she’s doing.

And New Fiddleham isn't waiting for Abigail to be ready. Local witches and other magical beings are going missing, as tensions between human and supernatural residents curdle into a hatred that could tear the city apart. Abigail's fiance, Charlie, works alongside her to unravel the magical disappearances, but as a shapeshifter, he's under threat as well. Then Abigail's parents appear, ready to take her back to England and marry her off to someone she's never met. Abigail has no choice but to follow her Sight, her instincts, and any clues she can find to track a culprit who is trying to destroy everything she holds dear.

Critic reviews

"Expertly blends witty banter, sympathetic, struggling characters, descriptive worldbuilding, and sometimes-gory supernatural crimes with all-too-believable motives. Quick-moving action and creative supernatural elements will hold readers’ attention…. Lively supernatural investigations with humor and heart."—Kirkus Reviews

"Well done, and will help new readers find this series in all its amazingness."—YABC

"A fun, supernatural and historical mystery."—Youth Services Book Review

Praise for the Jackaby Series:

"We honestly couldn't put it down."—Nerdist.com

"Fast-paced and full of intrigue."—EW.com

“Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” —Chicago Tribune

“With tension as taut as a high wire, this series blends laugh-out-loud humor and ghastly horror with supernatural skill . . . Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Grimm and Sherlock Holmes.”—Justine Magazine

The Entertaining World of New Fiddleham

I will never get tired of William Ritter's vision of the magical world of R. F. Jackaby and Abigail Rook. William Ritter’s magical way with words and world building is very compelling and his masterful story telling keeps me wanting more. Never have I been so relieved to get a follow-up book to a series. Rook was an instant pre-order for me. The description states that it can standalone, but I would recommend reading the Jackaby series first for a richer experience. Rook is a fast-paced dive into the consequences that unfolded in The DIre King. The books centers on Abigail Rook former assistant to R. F. Jackaby. Despite Abigail’s new abilities and her changing role in the household, she must solve a mystery in New Fiddleham. Abigail must put aside her personal issues and move forward with the support and sometimes dubious assistance of a menagerie of characters found in The Jackaby series.

Nicola Barber's wonderful voice delivers a multilayered performance as the varied inhabitants of New Fiddleham, and the experience is like listening to a full cast recording.

Rook is a magical book. Three generations in my household have read and loved all The Jackaby stories and Rook is a welcome addition to the series. Step through the portal, my friend, a magical world awaits.

Fantastic

I’m so hoping there are more in this series. What a fantastic author. I get tired of same old formula and lack of imaginative dialog.

Nice follow up to the last one

The latest book in the series is heartwarming and cute. Definitely worth reading if you’ve liked the others.

Feels fun but has hidden depth

I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot. I felt like the author wrote this book as an unplanned addition to the world. I don’t know if it was the intention but this book felt like a conversation about the complicated process of truth and reconciliation.

There is a moment when the characters are talking about the aura that has seeped through the walls and into the surrounding stone from the confessional. There was something about guilt as the aura but it was beautiful and it was tied to being in a place that felt safe to make confession of guilt.

The quote that got me was, “what is a law, if not at threat?” This quote took me to the Dimension20 season/scene where Brennan Lee Mulligan is referencing Marxist theories that argue that laws are inherently threats by the dominant socioeconomic/ethnic group to maintain power. This certainly creates the opportunity to discuss what makes laws ethical and enforcement. I was impressed with the author also referencing this philosophical/legal theory.

Fantastic Next Chapter

When I heard that William Ritter was writing a follow up to the Jackaby series, I was so excited. And the follow up, did not disappoint!!! Happy to see the return of characters and meet new faces. And the story was full of twists and turns. I thought it was a great installment and I hope to see more!