The mystery may wrap up a little too quickly for some, but never fear: It's the first in a series New Fiddleham's ghouls and goblins surely won't stay law-abiding for long. Supporting characters, especially a female ghost whose exasperation with the detective belies affection and a former assistant turned 'temporarily waterfowl' - yes, he's a duck - add humor and texture. Abigail's level-headed perspective serves as the perfect window onto Jackaby's occupation, lending plausibility to even the most fantastical turn of events. 'Jackaby' is a young adult fantasy story that follows a young woman named Abigail Rook, who moves to New England to become an assistant to a detective named R.F. Her first outing with Jackaby is to the scene of a brutal murder where the evidence, in his opinion, points to a nonhuman culprit. Ritter wastes no time in helping her find what she seeks. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Jackaby series for young adult readers.

He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.The Oddmireis Ritter’s first series for middle-grade readers. Restless and ill-content with her proper English upbringing, she steps off the boat in 1892 at the fictional New England harbor city of New Fiddleham ripe for the adventure that has thus far eluded her during her travels. Jackaby by William Ritter, Algonquin Young Readers, 299 pages, 16.95, ages 12 and up The title character of 'Jackaby,' William Ritter's agreeable debut young adult novel, is at once strange. William Ritter is an Oregon author and educator.