The Murderer's Ape

Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she's an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja's turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understands everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder. For Sally Jones this is the start of a harrowing quest for survival and to clear the Chief's name. Powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their secrets.

About the Author :
Jakob Wegelius is a Swedish writer and illustrator who lives and works in the small village of Mortfors. In Sweden, he was awarded the August Prize for Best Children's Book and the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize for The Murderer's Ape, which is also an International Youth Library White Raven selection.

Review :
I don't know when I last read a book with such pure and unalloyed pleasure. It's ingenious, it's moving, it's charming, it's beautiful, it's exciting, and most importantly the characters are people I feel I know like old friends. I thank Jakob Wegelius wholeheartedly for giving me several hours of joy Sally Jones is now my favourite heroine in recent Children's books. Move over King Kong, there's a new great ape in town. Charming, moving, and page-turning - what's not to like about this very original novel?? You gor-really got to read this! Does not disappoint... this extraordinary book acquires a passport full of stamps as it masterfully juggles skulduggery and malaria, accordion-making and aeronautics, fado and pastries, police corruption and at least two love stories... a rare treat; a book you want to thrust into the hands of children and adults alike Evocative... original and old-fashioned in its storytelling... A story to lose yourself in The two children's books I loved most this year are also the two I've loved most this decade. One is The Murderer's Ape - a fast-paced adventure story Charming... I loved Sally Jones's old-worldliness and Jakob Wegelius's black-and-white illustrations. Move over, King Kong Sally Jones, the year's most charming heroine There is so much to say about this unique and absorbing tale, but it would probably be better if you just read it yourself A captivating and unusual adventure story, brilliantly told from the point of view of Sally Jones Fascinating It's all too rare that you come across a novel in which the heroine is an anthropoid ape... [The Murderer's Ape] fills that very gap... Evocatively illustrated Compelling narrator... stands out as a truly original work A joy from start to finish... An adventure tale like no other, a story to get truly lost in Jakob Wegelius's The Murderer's Ape is narrated by its central animal character, the compelling Sally Jones... among the pleasures in this twisting, turning tale of profound loyalty, are the black-and-white illustrations, at each chapter head It has a real spirit of good old-fashioned storytelling... with more than 100 evocative black and white illustrations by the author. I was absolutely charmed; one for fans of Brian Selznick and Tintin Sally Jones is one of the most delightful and unexpected heroines you could hope to meet... This lavish, adventure tale has more than enough twists and turns to keep young readers entertained. The exquisite black and white illustrations illuminate the exotic mix of characters and make this international bestseller, a handsome gift My personal favourite book of all time A brilliant adventure with a wonderful main character in Sally, The Murderer's Ape is rich with lovable multi-dimensional characters that feel like family, and a European setting full of warmth and community. The black-and-white illustrations lend an extra hint of detail and luxury to this book, which has already won great acclaim Charming, quirky and the best story I've read for a very long time Its wonderful cast of quirky characters, the warm relationships and firm friendships and the lovely illustrations make [The Murderer's Ape] one which you will remember with great affection long after you've finished it A captivating adventure story, full of intrigue, mystery, dark secrets and dangerous escapades. With its rich descriptions, page-turning plot and a brilliant main character in Sally Jones, it's a truly unforgettable read Extraordinary... a compelling story of mystery, betrayal, friendship and ultimately, forgiveness, with fascinating diversions into the worlds of music, engineering and aeronautics along the way A rich and intelligent read... life-affirming A hauntingly suspenseful, masterfully written tale about right and wrong, possibilities and limits, the thrill of travel and the pain of distances, truths, lies, compassion and remembrance. A perfectly unputdownable book for the brave, the curious, and the gentle at heart Sometimes a book comes along that simply takes your breath away. The Murderer's Ape, by Swedish author and illustrator Jakob Wegelius, is one such book. Completely innovative and unique, it takes the reader on an amazing epic journey... The Murderer's Ape is a truly exceptional novel and one that will indelibly be etched in your memory for a long time to come Sally Jones... will transport you on a fabulous journey to exotic and dangerous places This may be the most charming book I've read all year A head-spinning story of mystery, intrigue, love and adventure A complex mystery, an intricately constructed narrative, and deep characters. Committed, careful readers will be richly rewarded A thrilling adventure. Prepare to meet the remarkable Sally Jones; you won't soon forget her A richly imagined and thoroughly unique adventure A joy... a great read on many levels and certainly one to read aloud with your child A new animal heroine has arrived on the scene. An unusual and oddly charming adventure [Sally Jones is] such a sympathetic character, with her longing for the Chief and her dread of being caged in a zoo, that readers will be entirely content to follow her slow progress, the novel's pace being more leisurely than dramatic yet somehow highly satisfying The best protagonist and narrator I have read since I don't know when... An instant classic If you like the Tintin books... this will make you very happy... A thrilling adventure Rich in unforgettable characters... The plot is totally immersive, making it very hard to stop reading... The Murderer's Ape is going to last - one of those books you'll still be reading many years from now. That's the best compliment I can give Captivating, emotional and utterly enchanting Eventful and gripping Utterly delightful An outstanding book... superb... an amazing page turner A wonderful book... a cracking tale filled with weird and wonderful coincidences, strange characters in these out of the ordinary adventures. And of course the inspired idea of having a gorilla, Sally Jones, as the main character. Best book I have read in years!