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Beastly Bones
(Jackaby #2)
by
I've found very little about private detective R. F. Jackaby to be standard in the time I've known him. Working as his assistant tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality . . .
In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigat ...more
In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigat ...more
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Hardcover, 296 pages
Published
September 22nd 2015
by Algonquin Young Readers
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Sally
There’s a small bit of romance between two of the characters but it’s definitely not the main plot.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Beastly Bones (Jackaby, #2)

This book was just as funny as the first one. I really love Jackaby. Well, I also love Miss Rook, Jenny and Douglas.
Jackaby is like Sherlock but with fantasy and paranormal. Can you image for real?

Jenny, the ghost and Douglas the mallard are in the book again, although, they don't have big parts like they did the first time around. But I have a feeling they will in the next book.

I mean the book just starts right out of the bat. Jackaby and Miss Rook go over to a Mrs. Beaumont's to see what's ...more
Jackaby is like Sherlock but with fantasy and paranormal. Can you image for real?

Jenny, the ghost and Douglas the mallard are in the book again, although, they don't have big parts like they did the first time around. But I have a feeling they will in the next book.

I mean the book just starts right out of the bat. Jackaby and Miss Rook go over to a Mrs. Beaumont's to see what's ...more

Mar 23, 2015
Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Anyone that likes a GOOD YA book! :)
Shelves:
read-2015
I was lucky enough to be granted an ARC of Beastly Bones from NetGalley and I read Jackaby just a couple of days before I read Beastly Bones and that was a wise decision since the story in this book picks up right where we left Abigail and Jackaby in the last book; A woman with an ailing cat. Well, ailing is probably the wrong word, the cat is slowly turning into a fish. But Abigail and Jackaby have a bigger fish to fry than then the catfish because dinosaur bones from a recent dig has gone miss
...more


Well, this was even more underwhelming than the first book.
Technically, there’s nothing “wrong” with this book. There are no tropes, it’s not cliched, romance never is the central spot (there’s just a very slight hint of romance, actually), etc. BUT this wasn’t exactly a “good” book either.
We have the same old characters from book 1, but now they’re engaged in a new adventure that involves shape-shifters, theft and murder. There is more danger involved and Abigail (the narrator) plays a more ...more

Jan 03, 2015
mith
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
kindle-or-ebook,
fantasy,
arcs,
historical,
maaaagic,
2015-publication,
horror-mystery-thrillers
Took too damn long to finish. Of course, I found this absolutely charming and hilarious and every speck of the word brilliant. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. This already has become one of my top favourite series.
And I hope it's longer than a trilogy.
It should never end.
—
I HAVE IT ITS MINE HUZZAH.
Bless you netgalley.
—
its like everyone is already getting accepted on net galley and im just here.... waiting....
dying
------
HOLY SHIT THIS COVER.
THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTY OMG.
2015: The year of sp ...more
And I hope it's longer than a trilogy.
It should never end.
—
I HAVE IT ITS MINE HUZZAH.
Bless you netgalley.
—
its like everyone is already getting accepted on net galley and im just here.... waiting....
dying
------
HOLY SHIT THIS COVER.
THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTY OMG.
2015: The year of sp ...more

"Some girls work in shops or sell flowers. Some girls find husbands and play house. I assist a mad detective in investigating unexplained phenomena--like fish that ought to be cats but seem to have forgotten how. My name is Abigail Rook and this is what I do."
"What we need is a thorough, discreet report from somebody accustomed to working outside the usual parameters of the law."
"What a coincidence," Jackaby said. "I've been thinking of putting that very thing on my business cards. So you're sen ...more
"What we need is a thorough, discreet report from somebody accustomed to working outside the usual parameters of the law."
"What a coincidence," Jackaby said. "I've been thinking of putting that very thing on my business cards. So you're sen ...more

Sep 20, 2016
♛ Garima ♛
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
cop-series,
paranormal,
drama,
romance,
creepy,
too-depressing,
beautiful-cover,
light-read,
hilarious
Another specular Jackaby & Rook adventure! Awesome and humorous dialogues, unbelievable adventure, what more do you want?
Full RTC *maybe*

This was fun, although not as good as book one. It felt a little lazier -- more plots that didn't quite make sense*, more careless accidents (the opening one with the crystal bowl -- really? And not mentioning the suspicious gut srating at her window?) and careless remarks. I don't remember our protagonist being particularly clumsy, physically or verbally, in the first book, and I don't remember Jackaby being so clueless about people's feelings, either. Sometimes indifferent, yes, but not in thi
...more

This installment was still fun, but not as great as the first one. The author continues to have great imagination for mystical creatures. I enjoyed the ones introduced this time.
We saw Abigail becoming more of her own person and learning to do what makes her happy. In the next book, I think we need to see Abigail become more outspoken and opinionated. Because everyone in this series is so reserved, it is lacking somewhat. In order to balance Jackaby's unflappability and Charlie's politeness, w ...more
We saw Abigail becoming more of her own person and learning to do what makes her happy. In the next book, I think we need to see Abigail become more outspoken and opinionated. Because everyone in this series is so reserved, it is lacking somewhat. In order to balance Jackaby's unflappability and Charlie's politeness, w ...more

This is the book that I was most excited to get at BEA this year! It's the follow-up to Jackaby, one of my favorite reads of 2014. SO. MUCH. FUN. Think Sherlock Holmes meets H. P. Lovecraft. It's Victorian-era supernatural mysteries! In this one Jackaby and Abigail investigate a murder, missing dinosaur bones, and shape-shifting kittens in a small New England town. Lemme say one part again: Shape-shifting kittens. RIGHT???? You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this but I HIGHLY suggest
...more

3.5
Dear Mr. Jackaby,
Please marry me.
xoxo Gio.
Beastly bones is a good sequel.
In terms of plot Beastly bones is, in my opinion, better than Jackaby, because the mystery itself is more complex and less predictable.
I missed Jackaby's wondrous house, because the new setting wasn't as charming (of course, how could it be) but other than that I'm quite satisfied with this sequel. Jackaby himself is as glorious as always and Abigail's character development and progress is impressive. She's the best k ...more
Dear Mr. Jackaby,
Please marry me.
xoxo Gio.
Beastly bones is a good sequel.
In terms of plot Beastly bones is, in my opinion, better than Jackaby, because the mystery itself is more complex and less predictable.
I missed Jackaby's wondrous house, because the new setting wasn't as charming (of course, how could it be) but other than that I'm quite satisfied with this sequel. Jackaby himself is as glorious as always and Abigail's character development and progress is impressive. She's the best k ...more

Actual rating: 3.5
The second book of Jackaby is tad disappointing. It's not Jackaby's character, I'm sure because I enjoyed his weirdness as ever, but mainly because the story is somewhat boring compared to the first book.
What I really liked about the first book is that Jackaby and Abigail did a lot sleuthing in that story. They certainly followed clues like what Sherlock would have done (if ever Sherlock was a paranormal detective).In the Beastly Bones however, I feel like all they ever did was ...more
The second book of Jackaby is tad disappointing. It's not Jackaby's character, I'm sure because I enjoyed his weirdness as ever, but mainly because the story is somewhat boring compared to the first book.
What I really liked about the first book is that Jackaby and Abigail did a lot sleuthing in that story. They certainly followed clues like what Sherlock would have done (if ever Sherlock was a paranormal detective).In the Beastly Bones however, I feel like all they ever did was ...more

“I might be better prepared to slay dragons, I decided, than to flirt with boys.”
A fantastic sequel. Just as good as the first book.
Even though Abigail has entered the detective business, she still gets excited anytime someone mentions bones. When a new dinosaur is found in the next town over, and one of the owners of the farm dies a mysterious death, Abigail and Jackaby set out to investigate another mystery.
I was amazed with how well this book turned out. It had just as much action and adventu ...more
A fantastic sequel. Just as good as the first book.
Even though Abigail has entered the detective business, she still gets excited anytime someone mentions bones. When a new dinosaur is found in the next town over, and one of the owners of the farm dies a mysterious death, Abigail and Jackaby set out to investigate another mystery.
I was amazed with how well this book turned out. It had just as much action and adventu ...more

Apr 25, 2016
Colleen Houck
added it
Shelves:
secrets,
shifter,
werewolves,
paranormal,
historical,
monsters,
ghosts,
dragons,
animals,
death
Just as fun as the first. My favorite part was the shape changing kittens. Love the protagonist and the heroine!

3.5 stars

“There’s somethin’ big come to Gad’s Valley.”
The Jackaby series is the perfect mix of humor and horror. I love how the characters make me laugh on one page and send shivers up my spine on the next.
Jackaby and Abigail are back, this time investigating missing dinosaur bones in the farming country outside New Fiddleham. Jackaby and Abigail are a strange team of supernatural detectives. Jackaby may appear to be slightly addled in the head, but that's just his ability to see into the paranormal ...more

After finishing Jackaby, I was so eager to continue reading about these characters. And this installment definitely didn't disappoint.
Miss Rook is a bit steadier in her role as Jackaby's assistant, but she still looks to him for guidance and their banter was some of the best parts of the book. As always, Jackaby is a delightful eccentric. He is just so much fun to read.
This plot line was intriguing and I was captivated from the beginning. The ending has me hoping there's going to be a book 3. ...more
Miss Rook is a bit steadier in her role as Jackaby's assistant, but she still looks to him for guidance and their banter was some of the best parts of the book. As always, Jackaby is a delightful eccentric. He is just so much fun to read.
This plot line was intriguing and I was captivated from the beginning. The ending has me hoping there's going to be a book 3. ...more

Mar 04, 2020
Montzalee Wittmann
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
top-15-books-of-2020,
favorites
Another awesome supernatural story!
Beastly Bones by William Ritter continues the Jackaby story. In this book there are creatures that change shape by what they eat. They were kittens that are fish then started turning into fish! That's when Jackaby and Abigail get a call to come to check them out. Jackaby is a detective of the weird. The Commissioner asks Jackaby and Abigail to go to the neighboring town to check out a disturbance at an archeological dig. Things go crazy there! Soon no one is sa ...more
Beastly Bones by William Ritter continues the Jackaby story. In this book there are creatures that change shape by what they eat. They were kittens that are fish then started turning into fish! That's when Jackaby and Abigail get a call to come to check them out. Jackaby is a detective of the weird. The Commissioner asks Jackaby and Abigail to go to the neighboring town to check out a disturbance at an archeological dig. Things go crazy there! Soon no one is sa ...more

Dec 28, 2014
Sherna
marked it as to-read
DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS BOOK??!

Come see this review and more at my blog, The Scribe Owl!
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
I'm so glad I continued on with this series! I read the first book back in July. I saw the series at my library and I decided to check them out! These books aren't really ones I'd use my own money to buy, but when the library has them that's always a good reason to read them.
Beastly Bones opens immediately with another mystery on deck for Jackaby and Miss Abigail Ro ...more
Jackaby: ★★★☆☆
Beastly Bones: ★★★☆☆
Ghostly Echoes: ★★★★☆
The Dire King: ★★★★☆
I'm so glad I continued on with this series! I read the first book back in July. I saw the series at my library and I decided to check them out! These books aren't really ones I'd use my own money to buy, but when the library has them that's always a good reason to read them.
Beastly Bones opens immediately with another mystery on deck for Jackaby and Miss Abigail Ro ...more

This is the second book in the Jackaby series, and so far, I'm enjoying these. They are fun, light and entertaining. What I like the most are the characters, both the real, the ghostly, and the changed. It is all so creative. I listened to the audio and I especially enjoyed the voice of Abigail and the news reporter. The humor too was well scripted. So 4 stars.
...more


“Do you think she’ll be all right?” I asked.
“Of course not,” said Jackaby. “I think she will be dead. Generally speaking that falls outside the realm of all right”

It sure feels beastly (see what I did there) to give a Jackaby book anything less than 4 spangled stars. In "Beastly Bones", the characters remain as charming, vibrant and enterprising as ever. Jackaby, Abigail and Charlie still have my undying love and devotion.
The book started off strong, but then the action petered off and the ...more

Book 2 does a nice job of continuing the story from Book 1 - starting mere days/weeks after the climactic events at the end of Jackaby. The adorable Charlie Cane has been relocated to Gads Valley, a small community nearby and Jackaby and Abigail continue with their investigating. Soon, local law enforcement asks them to get involved in some shenanigans that are happening in Gad's Valley.
What we need is a thorough, discreet report from somebody accustomed to working outside the usual parameters o...more

This time around the threat come from a litter of kittens...with scales? That is how these two role and it is absolutely as intriguing as it sounds. Charles Darwin himself happened to dub the little creatures chameleomorphs, a predator that assumes the form of it's prey nonetheless. You can imagine the trouble that could brew. Not only is this investigation wildly entertaining but the dynamic between Abby and Jackaby just adds that special something on top. I am rarely more impressed with a sequ
...more

Aug 14, 2020
Anna lost in stories *A*
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical,
paranormal
The sequel in the Jackaby series was just as good as the first book :) not gonna lie, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this series in general, but I immediately fell in love with it and each installment I read, it just confirms how well it works for me :) so in this one we pick up right where we left off in the first book, following along the supernatural detective Jackaby and his new assistant Abigail Rook on another adventure in 1892 :) this time we visit a new place as well… but seeing
...more

This was a very entertaining sequel and I really enjoyed it. I can see a ship rising and it's definitely not the ship I want.
...more
...more

This is a review for an Advanced Readers Copy.
Dear Beastly Bones,
Perhaps I was biased when I picked you up. I mean, I loved your first book - Jackaby - so much; I knew there was no way I was going to dislike you. I’ve been hungry for more Jackaby and Abigail ever since I finished Book #1, and so it was with eager hands and bated breath that I picked you up. And, Beastly Bones, I was the furthest thing from disappointed.
Abigail Rook continues on as the investigative assistant of idiosyncratic sup ...more
Dear Beastly Bones,
Perhaps I was biased when I picked you up. I mean, I loved your first book - Jackaby - so much; I knew there was no way I was going to dislike you. I’ve been hungry for more Jackaby and Abigail ever since I finished Book #1, and so it was with eager hands and bated breath that I picked you up. And, Beastly Bones, I was the furthest thing from disappointed.
Abigail Rook continues on as the investigative assistant of idiosyncratic sup ...more

Actual rating 4.5 stars
This review was originally posted at https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/
Critically
Plot – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Everything was just better in this second book. It had a faster pace, it was more action packed and it even had a creepy and spooky element that had me on the edge of my seat. There’s suspense and mystery, even more intriguing than the mystery from the first book. It was just as funny as the first, thanks to Jackaby, and full of entertainment and themes of friendshi ...more
This review was originally posted at https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/
Critically
Plot – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Everything was just better in this second book. It had a faster pace, it was more action packed and it even had a creepy and spooky element that had me on the edge of my seat. There’s suspense and mystery, even more intriguing than the mystery from the first book. It was just as funny as the first, thanks to Jackaby, and full of entertainment and themes of friendshi ...more

This second instalment throws us into more fantastic occurrences, from a litter of shape-shifting kittens to dinosaur bones disappearing, and a mysterious beast attacking animals and people. Jackaby and Abigail find themselves busy once again. Fun :0)

3 stars!
This sequel was just not for me. I liked the first Jackaby novel a lot, but this second book lagged behind my expectations.
The beginning was good, though. The author managed to grab my interest almost immediately and it was easy getting back into the story. I loved the creative details such as the cats (view spoiler) and the kettle full of changing fruit that in sum added up to a very special atmosphere. But the middle part was really, really slow. I a ...more
This sequel was just not for me. I liked the first Jackaby novel a lot, but this second book lagged behind my expectations.
The beginning was good, though. The author managed to grab my interest almost immediately and it was easy getting back into the story. I loved the creative details such as the cats (view spoiler) and the kettle full of changing fruit that in sum added up to a very special atmosphere. But the middle part was really, really slow. I a ...more
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“So often,” Jackaby said, “people think that when we arrive at a crossroads, we can choose only one path, but—as I have often and articulately postulated—people are stupid. We’re not walking the path. We are the path. We are all of the roads and all of the intersections. Of course you can choose both.”
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“The only paths you can't travel are the ones you block yourself--so don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying in the first place.”
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