The Dire King

A Jackaby Novel

By: William Ritter

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 8 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The thrilling conclusion to the New York Times best-selling series the Chicago Tribune called "Sherlock Holmes crossed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer" sends the eccentric detective and his indispensable assistant into the heart of a war between magical worlds.

The fate of the world is in the hands of detective of the supernatural R. F. Jackaby and his intrepid assistant, Abigail Rook. An evil king is turning ancient tensions into modern strife, using a blend of magic and technology to push Earth and the Otherworld into a mortal competition. Jackaby and Abigail are caught in the middle as they continue to solve the daily mysteries of New Fiddleham, New England - like who's created the rend between the worlds, how to close it, and why zombies are appearing around town. At the same time, the romance between Abigail and the shape-shifting police detective Charlie Cane deepens, and Jackaby's resistance to his feelings for 926 Augur Lane's ghostly lady, Jenny, begins to give way. Before the four can think about their own futures, they will have to defeat an evil that wants to destroy the future altogether.

The epic conclusion to the New York Times best-selling Jackaby series features sly humor and a quirky cast of unforgettable characters as they face off against their most dangerous, bone-chilling foe ever.

©2017 William Ritter (P)2017 Recorded Books

A Satisfying End

With Jackaby 4, The Dire King, we have a satisfying denouement of the series which pulls in all the clues and events of the previous three novels. What seemed unrelated is now shown as intricately connected to one event: the return from the Fae world of the Dire King - and the reintegration of the faerie and human worlds. I'm not a fan of Fae stories and didn't know going into the series that was the way it would go; all the same, I've enjoyed every book for the wit and imagination of the worldbuilding. Jackaby and Rook are great characters and whose storylines I was sad to see come to an end now that the tale is complete.

Story: New Fiddleham is the epicenter of the supernatural as the odd creatures take up residence in Jackaby's house for protection now that they have been 'outed' by various events. Jackaby makes several bargains with the Seelie court to help find the Dire King and his lost instruments of power (black crown, black spear, shield). It is feared once the Dire King has assembled those items again, he will return from the dead and spread war across the human world.

There is plenty of adventure to be had with The Dire King as Abigail and Jackaby will have to move between the Fae and the human worlds to combat the growing rift and power of the Dire King. They do not know who he is but they rapidly find clues to his spear and shield - clues that are as confusing as they are useful. There are enough red herrings in the book to surprise and I enjoyed the twists and turns. Nothing in the book is as it seems to our intrepid heroes.

The story moves briskly and Ritter does an excellent job of tying in the events of previous novels to the overall story arc. Jackaby isn't too clever nor is Abigail too lucky - often it is hard work and a bit of perseverance that helps them to uncover what they need. Along the way, we get all the bon mots and witticisms that have made the books so memorable. I often had a smile on my face at the turn of a phrase or unexpected situation.

By the end, it all makes sense and is very clever. I listened to the Audible version and the author did a great job at giving us many different accents and personalities. I think the only one I had a hard time with was her Jackaby - she sounded too much like a Brit trying to give a laconic American accent and thus sounded stilted. It honestly sucked all the life and personality out of Jackaby as a character.

Perfect finish to a good series

I enjoyed the book very much. I think anyone reading it really would need to read the first three to understand the growth of the characters as well as the potential evil that overcomes the humans and the non-humans through suspicion and prejudice.

A Captivating Conclusion

I just completed the entire Jackaby series and the ending did not disappoint! I did not want it to end! Thank you William Ritter for leaving the Jackaby fans with a truly unique ending.
Nicola Barber's performance is the best! From her delivery to her accents, she puts on a great performance every time!
I highly recommend the entire Jackaby series to anyone who enjoys mystery intertwined with fantasy.

A Heartwarming, Magical Mystery Adventure

All throughout the series I fell in love more and more with the characters. Listening to it made my horrible days better. A series for me is not good unless the ending is good. Yhe last book delivered in a way that ensured I would return to the series whenever I feel low. it has loss, pain, friendship, love, and mystery. It is both light and heavy and full of hope. In short, I bloody love this series. and the ending confirmed my love.

Loved it

I really enjoyed this whole series. The characters are so quirky and loveable. And the narration is one of my favorites.

A fabulous tale from beginning to a perfect end!!!

Perfect end to the series. Well worth reading again and again. Excellent voices by Nicola Barber.

amazing creative outstanding performance of writi

awesome outstanding performance of writing it it was creative intriguing and inspireing mysterious and romantic

still a favorite

this is like the third time I have read this book via Audible. it is still a wonderful story I loved all four parts it's still sadly sweet and sweetly sad

OMG AWSOME

The ending of this series is beyond word's
you must read the entire series to get what I am saying. wish there were going to be more but all great things must come to an end. and what an ending.

Still obsessed

I have not found a series so riveting and captivating in a very long time. I truly hope the series is "continued" in another set.
I actually teared up towards the end and felt for the characters and the events happening. The narrator was, as always, good - some words she pronounces strangely and every now and then she takes very deep breaths that can be off-putting.

Author is great and can't wait to read more of their books.