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= Jackaby = Jackaby is a fictional series written by William Ritter. Jackaby is the first book in the Jackaby series. It is narrated by female protagonist Abigail Rook, who has recently arrived in New England in 1892, looking for adventure.

Contents
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 * 1Plot
 * 2Development
 * 3MainCharacters
 * 4Sequels
 * 5References

Plot
This story takes place in 1892, New Fiddleham, New England. The story begins as Abigail Rook searches for work in the unfamiliar city of New Fiddleham. She is looking for a job, but no one accepts- until she stumbles across an ad looking for an assistant. She arrives at Jackaby's home, and he agrees to take her out for a test trial. R. F. Jackaby is an investigator with a "keen eye for the extraordinary."

They arrive at the crime scene, where a handsome policeman named Charlie Cane catches Abigail's eye. Abigail demonstrates her gift for noticing ordinary but important details, and Jackaby decides to keep her as his assistant. They also interview a man upstairs named Mr. Henderson, who has been hearing mournful wailing all morning. The wailing turns out to be from the banshee upstairs, which signals an omen for death. Charlie decided to stay overnight and try and protect Mr. Henderson from the murderer, while Jackaby leaves to reinvestigate some more. Abigail returns home to organize her items. 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 police seem adamant to deny.

Jackby returns from the investigation hours later with a map of the murderer's recent killings that he took from the crime scene. Together, through several telegrams and a strange visit to a crazy old lady who claims to also see the supernatural, they attempt to determine who the killer is, and where he would strike next.

The next morning, Jackaby and Abigail set out to investigate Mr. Henderson's death. This time, however, Jackaby and Abigail are arrested for "stealing the evidence at the crime scene"- notably, the map. Abigail and Jackaby are thrown in jail, and are interrogated by Inspector Marlowe.

That night, everyone can hear the banshee's cry, and Jackaby assumes they will all die. However, Mrs. Morrigan, the banshee was the one who actually perished, and was singing her last song of lament. Jackaby and Abigail are let out of jail, as being in prison during a murder served as an acceptable alibi. Inspector Marlowe decides to enlist Jackaby's service to help in his investigation.

Jackaby immediately gathers up all the policemen in town, and dramatically announced that the killer was one of their own. Panic ensues as Officer Cane turns into a werewolf, and the policemen, convinced he was their killer take off after him. Abigail comes to a realization and runs into the woods after them.

Abigail discovers that Commissioner Swift is the killer. He a red cap, a mythological creature whose life depends on keeping its hat soaked in fresh blood. He almost murders Abigail before Charlie, now as a werewolf, intercepts. They begins a bloody battle, until finally Jackby shows up and shoots the Commissioner with a lead bullets. He dissipates the beast by burning its hat.

There is a funeral honoring the the 4 victims and Commissioner Swift. Charlie is exiled because the townspeople are scared of him, not to mention the fact that he is a possible danger to the city.

The story ends with Jackaby and Abigail taking on a new case.

Development[edit]
Jackaby is William Ritter's first novel. When questioned about Jackaby's development by Algonquin Young Readers, Ritter stated several inspiring authors, like "Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams, P. G. Wodehouse . . . authors who write grand and occasionally ridiculous adventures, embracing their storytelling earnestly but never taking themselves too seriously."

Ritters states that he "began Jackaby after an exceptional year in which I got to design and teach classes in literature, mythology, and creative writing. The following summer I felt my mind craving the same kind of stimulation, and that was the start of the novel."

Abigail Rook[edit]
Abigail Rook, is the first main character that the reader meets. She is presented as a daring young woman looking for adventure. She is headstrong and thrilled at the idea of mystery and adventure.

Abigail's mother is a dainty woman, who wants her daughter to become a sophisticated and refined young woman. She took Abigail along to numerous parties as a child in hopes she became a proper lady. Her father, Daniel Rook, was "highly respected in certain scientific circles," and often left home to dash off and explore ancient civilizations and dig up the bones of monstrous beasts. It was this pull of adventure that inspired Abigail to take her tuition money and run away to join a dig.

Abigail came under Jackaby's employment through an ad she saw at the post office. She now accompanies Jackaby on all of his cases.

R. F. Jackaby[edit]
Jackay is Abigail's mysterious employer. He lives in a strange but enchanting house, filled with interesting objects. He has a "keen eye for the extraordinary," and can see supernatural beings. Jackaby's past is not mentioned, but it is strongly implied that it was sad and bitter.

Jackaby can be identified by his quirky hat and his long, bulky jacket with multiple pockets. He is said to carry so much to be prepared "for anything."

Charlie Cane[edit]
Charlie Cane is first described as "clean-cut," with jet-black curls and "rich brown eyes." He is a junior detective under Inspector Marlowe.

Charlie is a werewolf. He is part of the "Caini" family, an old, reclusive nomadic tribe of shape-shifters. They are gypsies, and are constantly on the move, and their power wanes and waxes with the moon. They are also fiercely loyal. Charlie decided to only stay in the town of New Fiddleham because of his devotion to Abigail.

Charlie is forced to move out of town after the incident with Commissioner Swift.

Commissioner Swift[edit]
Commissioner Swift is first introduced when Abigail arrives at the crime scene, wearing an expensive, old-fashioned charcoal black suit decorated with military epaulettes with red trim. He carries a polished metal cane, and is described as "classically pompous." Commissioner Swift has a stubborn attitude, and is easily angered. He also wears a pair of leg braces, to hide the fact that he is a red cap. A red cap is a malevolent, murderous dwarf, goblin, elf or fairy. They stay alive by staining their hats with blood, and wear iron-clad boots. His cane concealed his iron spear, which is a typical weapon favored by red caps.

Commissioner Swift is the real villain of this story, and the source of the murders in New Fiddleham. during the final battle, he is shot and slowed down by several lead bullets. He dissipates when Jackaby burns his red cap, leaving behind a few hinged leather straps and thick iron shoes.

Sequels[edit]
Book 2, Beastly Bones, was released on September 22, 2015. Book 3, Ghostly Echoes, was published on August 23, 2016.

References[edit]
Categories:
 * American fantasy novels
 * 2014 American novels

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