Things in Jars

I think what I loved most about Things In Jars is that it felt wholly unique and non-derivative. The novel takes place in 1860s London, where a private investigator named Bridie Devine is hired to look into the disappearance of a young girl who may have special (and potentially dangerous) powers. While most of the story takes place in reality, there is an undercurrent of mysticism throughout, giving the reader a sense that truly anything could happen. Look no further than Bridie’s primary companions: an unwanted (but friendly) ghost named Ruby Doyle who keeps hanging around Bridie and occasionally helping, and Bridie’s 7-foot housemaid, Cora, who she liberated from the circus.

The book bounces between Bridie’s investigation and her challenged childhood, and throughlines (beyond Bridie) start to emerge from each timeline that inform the reader’s comprehension of both Bridie and the surrounding characters. Kidd’s turns of phrase are expertly written, and there’s an underlying cheekiness to the story and dialogue that makes it a really fun read. That’s not to say it’s all light-hearted -- Kidd creates dark and evil characters as well as she creates lovable ones. The end result is a perfect blend of good and evil, peril and intrigue, that results in a fantastical mystery with an especially satisfying conclusion.