Rook

By: William Ritter

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

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.

©2023 William Ritter (P)2023 Algonquin Young Readers

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

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.

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!

Another great installment

I am in love with this series and I hope there are many more to come.

So Good !! I hope more are to come

He’s done it again! This book was written just as well as the Jackaby books . I loved how the same characters were there with the addition of a few more necessary ones such as Abigail’s parents :)
I wasn’t sure how it was going to be with the roles being reversed with Abigail and Jackaby but it was good . Jackaby was in the story just as much , not To mention it made since that he was able to help Abigail as well with the transition.
Anyway I don’t wanna give too much anyway but if u liked the Jackaby books , u will like this book as well. I just hope he makes
More
Oh and the narrator was superb !!

Great but slightly irritating

Excellent story and perfect narration. My only issue is one that I find common even in the best stories. For some reason that I fail to understand, authors seem to feel it a requirement for their protagonist to be absolutely brain dead on occasion. I understand the desire to make them feel more real but it often comes off as contrived. Put that aside and it’s a wonderful adventure. I absolutely look forward to the next book and sincerely recommend.

A standout in an incredible series

I have loved all of the Jackaby series. This one stands out for it's presentation of insights regarding narcissism, control, gaslighting and trust. Exceptional!

Great story.

Loves the story line. It kept our interest the whole time. And it kept us guessing at every turn.

Amazing!

Everything was awesome. The combination of magic, mystery, and everyday life was perfect. So great!