Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
I have always been a fan of the world of curiosities, oddities and wonders that are drawn from folklore, fairytales as well as the many unexplainable mutations in nature. The author did a fantastic job of weaving it all together in a very poetic book.
Ever since reading books like Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee, Menagerie by Rachel Vincent and The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman the topic of curiosities and oddities has been a fascinating subject for me.
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Bridie Devine—female detective extraordinaire—is confronted with the most baffling puzzle yet: the kidnapping of Christabel Berwick, secret daughter of Sir Edmund Athelstan Berwick, and a peculiar child whose reputed supernatural powers have captured the unwanted attention of collectors trading curiosities in this age of discovery.
Winding her way through the labyrinthine, sooty streets of Victorian London, Bridie won’t rest until she finds the young girl, even if it means unearthing a past that she’d rather keep buried. Luckily, her search is aided by an enchanting cast of characters, including a seven-foot tall housemaid; a melancholic, tattoo-covered ghost; and an avuncular apothecary. But secrets abound in this foggy underworld where spectacle is king and nothing is quite what it seems.
Blending darkness and light, history and folklore, Things in Jarsis a spellbinding Gothic mystery that collapses the boundary between fact and fairy tale to stunning effect and explores what it means to be human in inhumane times.
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
MY THOUGHTS
Things in Jars is a Victorian mystery with characters that are vibrant and and unforgettable. These characters are what I’ll be taking away from this book. The many quirky and at times weird and strange characters, who, with their interactions and witty dialogues, brought this story to live.
The author really excels at creating wonderful relationships that just fly off the pages. Bridie and her housemaid Cora, “the most terrifying seven-foot-tall house-maid in London” have the most wonderful connection. Supportive, understanding, open, with a subtle wit that made me smile.
Bridie/Bridget, is for all intents and purposes a kind of detective in Victorian England. She doesn’t officially work as one, but is given cases on the side. Her talent is seeing what others might overlook. In that regard she and the story arent’ anything special, but her personality, and especially her backstory are fascinating. And then there is the ghost, Ruby Doyle, a famous champion boxer, a subplot I wasn’t expecting.
The story can be dark, bizarre, and gruesome too. A tale that makes me wonder what to believe at times. Especially because of the super-natural part to the story. Something that kept me guessing throughout the entire novel.
Overall, the book really shone when it came to the characters. Their interactions and relationships.
| last thoughts |
In the end I can’t say that I was wowed by the book. And the writing didn’t entirely sync with me. Nevertheless the story, the mystery, and the wonderfully vibrant characters will stay with me for longer.
Moreover the ending sounded like there is more to come, which I would love. Especially since I rooted for Bridie and Inspector Valentine Rose of Scotland Yard. I really liked the little bit we saw of him, and the possibility of it all has me excited.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books for free.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
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Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
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