Author: William Ritter
Genre: Young adult, historical fiction, fantasy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: September 22, 2015
304 pages, hardcover (291 ARC)
Check out the full synopsis on Goodreads.
Shout out to the wonderful Emma aka Miss Print for being so kind and sending me her ARC.
Brilliant, wonderful, charming, witty, fantastic, fun, entertaining. Basically, think of any good word you want, and it can probably be used to describe Beastly Bones, the follow-up to William Ritter’s debut novel, Jackaby (which I read earlier this year and loved).
I think the best part of this book is how many layers there are; there are so many stories all woven together into one incredible book. Not only do we have the theft of the dinosaur bones, but there’s also a group of shapeshifting kittens, a mysterious monster, a murderer who may or may not be a vampire, and so many other delightful things. Honestly, delightful is one of the best words I can think of to describe Beastly Bones.
Abigail is just as witty and wonderful as in the first book. I love reading her narration – she’s clever and charming. I’m also a big fan of Jackaby; he’s just quirky enough and I know it may turn some people off, but he reminds me so much of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock, which I totally dig. We also get a few new characters in this one – namely paranormal creature trapper Hudson and nosy but fierce and independent reporter Nellie.
Beastly Bones opens up so many possibilities for future books – YES, THERE’S GOING TO BE MORE – and I loved the little bit of foreshadowing we get for the next book. I will say there were a few instances where I just wanted to yell at the characters because they were taking so long to put it together, but overall, I was completely into the story and I cannot wait for the next one – this is the main problem with reading books that aren’t even out yet. EVEN LONGER TO WAIT.
The bottom line: Three words – GIVE ME MORE! How about four more? Definitely a favorite series.
Rating: 8 – freaking fantastic
Caught Read Handed 
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I’m seriously missing out! I’ve heard mixed things about Jackaby when it was first released, but in recent months, so many readers have been loving it! The cover always intrigued me, and come on that synopsis so gives us an idea that it’ll be a pretty damn promising read, but I’ve always been on the fence. Now that I’ve read your review for Beastly Bones, I am DEFINITELY picking up both books. (when this is released) You’ve pretty much sold me at ” shifting kittens ” and a murderer who ” may or may not be a vampire. ” Yep, I’m buying Jackaby . . . like . . . right now lol.
Yessssss! Tell me what you think!
I really liked Jackaby and am looking forward to this book, I’m glad to hear it’s good! I’ve never watched Sherlock, but I kind of pictured Jackaby as the Matthew Smith version of Dr Who (I’ve only seen a handful of episodes and he’s the only Doctor I’ve seen – but he fits!).
I was actually just talking to someone about how Jackaby is a bit of a mix between Matt Smith’s Doctor and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock, so I completely agree!
YESSSSSSSSS
🙂