Blending darkness and light, history and folklore, Things in Jars is 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.
I received this book free to review; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no cost to you.
Things in Jars
by Jess Kidd
In the dark underbelly of Victorian London, a formidable female sleuth is pulled into the macabre world of fanatical anatomists and crooked surgeons while investigating the kidnapping of an extraordinary child in this Gothic mystery—perfect for fans of The Essex Serpent andThe Book of Speculation.
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.
My Review
I really loved Things in Jars! I’d been waiting to read it because I wasn’t sure what to expect given some of the reviews. However, as we all know, not everyone has the same opinion when it comes to writing styles nor subject matter.
This Gothic story is magical, mystical, and macabre. It transported me to Victorian London with its attention to detail, and the author doesn’t leave out unpleasant details. either. Jess Kidd’s extremely detailed descriptions in Things in Jars help bring the story alive. Just one example is when Bridie arrives at her client Sir Edmund’s home.
“Sir Edmund’s home is an architectural grotesque, the ornate facade the unlikely union of a warship and a wedding cake. A riot of musket loops, carved shells, licorice-twist chimneys, mock battlements, a first-floor prow, and an exuberance of portholes. On the carved stone pediment above the wide front door Neptune cavorts with sea nymphs.”
I just love these details which are much like this throughout the book.
The characters in Things in Jars are well fleshed out and bring life to the story. Some of the characters are just as creepy as the setting, but I’ll let you discover them for yourselves.
The main character, Bridie Devine, is an extremely talented detective. Her attention to detail, and her ability to blend in with the crowds give her an extra advantage. Of course, the police force, with the exception of one, doesn’t care. She’s a woman, therefore, she can’t be smart enough to be an investigator. One particular detective, though, appreciates her skills though, and he’s come to her for help many times. This isn’t one of those times, and the two end up at odds several times during the investigation.
I love the paranormal elements in the story. There are just enough of them , mixed with reality, to make you believe that maybe, just maybe, this could be a true story.
Things in Jars will appeal to readers who enjoy Gothic detective stories. I can’t wait to read more books by Jess Kidd.
Praise for Things in Jars
“Miraculous and thrilling…A few pages in and I was determined to read every word Jess Kidd has ever written.” —Diane Setterfield, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a River
“An impossible wonder: a book for everyone, and yet somehow a book just for you…A sumptuous tour of Victorian London, resurrected here with a vigor and vibrancy to rival The Crimson Petal and the White…Utterly magical.”—A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window
“A perfect mix of hilarity, the macabre, and a touch of romance, Things in Jars is ridiculously entertaining, all as it sneaks up and makes you feel things…Simply: Jess Kidd is so good it isn’t fair.” —Erika Swyler, bestselling author of The Book of Speculation and Light from Other Stars
About Jess Kidd
I live in West London with my daughter and my dog, Mr Wilks. I was brought up in London as part of a large family from Mayo and started writing in the cupboard under the stairs. Being a shy child among great storytellers it seemed like a good plan to share my stories by writing them down. I haven’t stopped since. I’m currently Writer in Residence at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College where I returned to education as an adult learner.
My latest book is a the Victorian detective mystery Things in Jars (Canongate, U.K. out now. Atria, U.S. out Feb 2020). I’m delighted to tell you that my VERY FIRST CHILDREN’S book called EVERYDAY MAGIC is out in June 2020 (Canongate). I’m now hard at work developing original TV projects – watch this space!
I love hearing from my readers so do get in touch!
Via Twitter @JessKiddHerself or my website jesskidd.com
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