In this "miraculous and thrilling" (Diane Setterfield, #1 New York Times bestselling author) gothic mystery for fans of The Essex Serpent and The Book of Speculation, Victorian London comes to life as an intrepid female sleuth wades through a murky world of collectors and criminals to recover a remarkable child. Bridie Devine--flame-haired, pipe-smoking 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 in this age of discovery.
Winding her way through the sooty streets of Victorian London, Bridie won't rest until she finds the young girl, even if it means unearthing secrets about her 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 Victorian underworld where nothing is quite what it seems.
Blending darkness and light, Things in Jars is a stunning, "richly woven tapestry of fantasy, folklore, and history" (Booklist, starred review) that explores what it means to be human in inhumane times.
About the Author :
Jess Kidd is the award-winning author of Murder at the Spirit Lounge, Murder at Gulls Nest, The Night Ship, Himself, Mr. Flood's Last Resort, and Things in Jars. Learn more at JessKidd.com. Jacqueline Milne is an Irish actress born and raised in Luxembourg. She studied drama at Mountview Academy in London, and is currently based in London and Luxembourg.
Review :
"A richly woven tapestry of fantasy, folklore, and history. The atmosphere is thick with myriad unpleasant smells on offer, and readers may find themselves wrinkling their noses, but they will keep turning the pages."
-- "Booklist (starred review)"
"Creepy, violent, and propulsive; a standout gothic mystery."
-- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"
"If there was an Oscar ceremony for books, then Jess Kidd's Victorian mystery Things in Jars would surely sweep the board."
-- "Irish Times (Dublin)"
"Jacqueline Milne's supple, suggestive voice sets a gothic mood...[and] excels at detailing the depth of evil found within the human villains--listeners won't soon forget the nightmarish Mrs. Bibby. This strangely compelling audiobook is a must-listen. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award."
-- "AudioFile"
"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"
