Ghostly Echoes: A Jackaby Novel

While the first two books had two seemingly disparate cases, Ghostly Echoes brings them together in a connected storyline, with a Big Bad arising, and going into the backstories of Jenny and Jackaby. The book starts with them investigating Jenny's murder, and Abigail volunteering for possession to help delve into Jenny's locked memories, but soon they also have a similar murder in the present, unraveling a conspiracy that involves the whole town and part of the supernatural world. It combines steampunk and the supernatural in a cohesive plot that has big stakes, but also comes down to get at the core of the main characters, developing on their relationships, giving them personal stakes to work into this. Ghostly Echoes has a more dangerous feel to it than the previous two installments, and that is partially because the danger has come to them, and even though it seems like a missing persons case combined with a murder, it soon becomes evident that they were also targets. Abigail shows fortitude beyond anything before, Jackaby shows a vulnerable side, but Jenny's was the most significant development in terms of character. She evolves from being a secondary character, a confidant and friend to Abigail, to being one of the main players of the story, even if she herself isn't completely a part of the investigative agency. Charlie's and Abigail's romance is progressing at a slow but comfortable (for a dark mystery like this one) pace. Jackaby's backstory gave more depth to his profession, as well as the powers of a Seer. Finally, Abigail's journey into the other side widened the known world of the Jackaby series. All in all, this was an amazing sequel with attention given to almost every aspect of the story, from plot to characters, to world-building. I was wowed!

The third book is just as intriguing as the first two. Keeps your attention and is entertaining.