Jackaby (Jackaby, #1)

Reach for this book when your teen feels like an outsider because of the way their mind works, especially if they value logic and observation over social conformity. Abigail Rook is a young woman carving out her own path in 1892 New England who partners with the eccentric R.F. Jackaby, a man who sees supernatural truths hidden behind everyday illusions. Together, they hunt a serial killer that the traditional police refuse to acknowledge exists. While the plot is a fast paced paranormal mystery, the heart of the story lies in the validation of different perspectives. Abigail provides the grounded, practical observation while Jackaby offers the visionary, intuitive leaps. It is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy historical settings but want a modern approach to gender roles and neurodivergent-coded characters. Parents should note there is some macabre imagery related to the murders, making it best suited for mature middle schoolers and up.