Synopsis for the Dire King
The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England — like who’s created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby’s resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane’s ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.
Audiobook review
5 stars for the whole series.
First, this series should be better known! Why don’t people talk about it on booktok or bookstagram?
Second, this series should be made into a movie or a show!
There is dry humor, adventure, fantastic creatures, a modern and brave heroine, a very odd seer and hero, romance, danger, life lessons, battles of good vs bad….
I don’t know what you could ask for more!
In Jackaby, the tone was set odd and kooky!
The characters in this series are epic.
Abigail Rook, a very determined, observant and astute young woman who fled her parent’s house to live an adventure and Jackaby, a detective of paranormal world and a seer!
The “Sherlock/Watson” feel or as someone said “Doctor Who meets Sherlock” vibes we got in the first book is present throughout the series.
They are joined by amazing side characters like a ghost and a shapeshifter.
Every book center around a crime or a mystery to solve. The last book being the most somber and epic!
I was gripping the edges of my seat! My heart was galloping and I thought all hope was lost! This was EPIC! And stressful because the life of our heroes was in such great danger!
Great banter, mystery, sunshine/grumpy duo, twists and turns, adventure and even some dash of romance…that series was a big end of year crush!
Just read it!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie

Enthusiastic review, Sophie. Sherlock Holmes/Dr Who vibes eh? Sounds interesting. Are the crimes in each book solved too? Will there be more books or is Ritter sticking to just three?
Yes each crime is solved in each book and there are four books total with Jackaby being the first. The series is complete after these four.
I read the first book, but I had no idea there were three more!
Yes and they are quick reads Tammy!