Jackaby

Abigail was locked out of her dream profession because of the gender constraints of her time. How have attitudes towards women changed in our own time, and how have they stayed the same?

Charlie assures Jackaby that he’s “always in control” (197); however, later he succumbs to his condition in front of everyone. How could Charlie’s internal battle be a metaphor for other human struggles, such as mental illness or addiction?

Abigail receives numerous warnings from others to stay away from Jackaby, yet she persists in being his assistant. Why do you think she was determined to work for him in spite of the dangers?

Rather than making up fictional creatures, Ritter uses mythical creatures that already existed in ancient folklore. Choose one of the beings mentioned in the text and explore how it’s been presented in other stories.

The second time Abigail meets Hatun, she has trouble recognizing her. Hatun remarks that Abigail’s “findin’ a place in the world” (222). What did she mean by this, and what does it suggest for Abigail’s future?

At the end of the novel, Inspector Marlowe is determined to let Charlie take the blame for the murders and let Swift’s memory rest in peace. Do you agree with his decision? Why or why not?

Jackaby suggests that his power of second sight only exists once in a generation. Why do you think this power is passed from one person to another?

What do you think happens in Chapter 13?