Thank you Em from A Geeky Jock for constantly talking about Jackaby because that kept it on the top of my TBR list, which meant that I managed to read book two only one and a half years after I read book one. As with the first book, Beastly Bones is an extremely fun read that combines Sherlock with the supernatural and a large dose of humour.

When Beastly Bones starts, Abigail Rook has more or less established herself as Jackaby’s assistant. After a case where they retrieve a basket of fish-kittens (aka beings that change into whatever they eat), Abigail and Jackaby head to the countryside to investigate some mysterious dinosaur bones (and a murder).

I really enjoyed this mystery because Abigail was given the chance to shine. It was very fun to watch her nerd out over palaeontology, because as much as she enjoys the mysteries, you can tell that paleontology was her first love. Pretty much anytime Abigail comes near some old bones, I smile a bit.

Jackaby was entertaining, as usual. I enjoy his and Abigail’s interactions a lot, especially when he tries to give advice without giving advice. For example, this quote made me chuckle:

“I much prefer that you remain on comfortable terms with Miss Cavanaugh. Although, should she ever be unavailable,” Jackaby said earnestly, “I want you to know” – he put a hand gently on my shoulder – “that Douglas is an excellent listener.”

The mystery itself was great. I liked how it managed to make the supernatural believable and how clues were dropped in from the start. That made the reveal more believable and brought the book to a natural high – especially since they solved the mystery as their lives were being threatened (again).

I’m also really curious about this mysterious figure! He isn’t a very active participant in the book but he’s definitely a catalyst. I’m definitely reading the next book, if only to see how this subplot develops. Hopefully I don’t take another year and a half to get to the next book.