What Is The Plot Of Things In Jars Novel?

For fans of Jess Kidd's Things in Jars, what's the Victorian detective storyline about Bridie Devine's case with the missing merrow child and the eerie collector?
2025-11-13 12:22:04
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NadiaStar
NadiaStar
Library Roamer Librarian
That's 'Things in Jars' by Jess Kidd, a Gothic mystery set in 1863 London. It follows Bridie Devine, a female detective hired to find a kidnapped girl who's rumored to be a merrow—a kind of mythical sea creature. The plot weaves together circus freaks, sinister collectors, and ghostly sidekicks as Bridie uncovers a darker world of Victorian pseudoscience and obsession. If you enjoy that blend of historical intrigue and the supernatural, you might also like 'Shards in Eternity', which centers on an archivist piecing together a shattered cosmic record, discovering that each fragment holds a different, conflicting history of the same fallen empire.
2026-07-21 15:45:00
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Peter
Peter
Longtime Reader UX Designer
The novel 'Things in Jars' by Jess Kidd is this gorgeously eerie Victorian-era mystery that feels like stepping into a shadowy, gaslit alley where every corner hides a secret. Bridie Devine, the protagonist, is a pipe-smoking, sharp-witted detective-for-hire with a knack for solving the bizarre. When she’s tasked with finding a Kidnapped child who’s rumored to have supernatural abilities, the story spirals into this lush, gothic tapestry of circus freaks, resurrection men, and ghostly companions. Kidd’s writing is so vivid—you can almost smell the damp cobblestones and hear the creak of carriages. What I love most is how the supernatural elements weave into the gritty reality of 19th-century London without ever feeling forced. It’s a detective story, yes, but also a meditation on loss, love, and the things we keep hidden.

What really hooked me was the character of Ruby, Bridie’s ghostly sidekick, who adds this layer of melancholy and dry humor. the plot twists are unpredictable but never cheap, and the ending left me staring at the ceiling, replaying every clue. If you’re into atmospheric historical fiction with a dash of the uncanny, this one’s a gem. It’s like 'Penny Dreadful' met 'Sherlock Holmes' in a opium den and decided to collaborate.
2025-11-14 13:02:38
22
Isaac
Isaac
Bookworm UX Designer
A detective story with ghosts and a dash of the macabre? Sign me up. 'Things in Jars' follows Bridie Devine, a no-nonsense investigator hired to find a kidnapped girl who might not be entirely human. The setting—Victorian London—is practically a character itself, all fog and flickering lamplight, with a supporting cast that includes a tattooed boxer, a ghost with a vendetta, and a surgeon with questionable ethics. The plot twists are deliciously unpredictable, and Kidd’s prose has this lyrical quality that makes even the grimiest scenes feel poetic. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about uncovering the grotesque beauty in the Margins of society. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their historical fiction with a side of weird.
2025-11-15 14:12:37
8
Ben
Ben
Active Reader Engineer
Jess Kidd’s 'Things in Jars' is a wild ride through Victorian London’s underbelly, blending detective work with the supernatural in a way that feels fresh despite the period setting. Bridie Devine isn’t your typical sleuth—she’s brash, flawed, and surrounded by a cast of characters that could’ve stepped out of a Dickens novel (if Dickens wrote about ghosts and merrows). The missing child at the heart of the story isn’t just any kid; she’s got this eerie, otherworldly Aura that sets off a chain reaction of secrets and betrayals. The plot’s pace is deliberate, letting you soak in the atmosphere, but it never drags. Kidd’s knack for dialogue shines, especially in the banter between Bridie and Ruby, which balances the story’s darker tones.

What stuck with me were the themes of exploitation and identity—how the era’s obsession with curiosities mirrors modern voyeurism. The novel doesn’t shy away from the grotesque, but it’s never gratuitous. It’s more like peeling back layers of a very peculiar onion. If you enjoy mysteries with heart and a side of the surreal, this book’s a must-read. I finished it in two sittings, partly because I couldn’t sleep until I knew how it all unraveled.
2025-11-17 22:14:58
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How does Things in Jars novel end?

3 Answers2025-11-13 16:31:37
Jess Kidd's 'Things in Jars' wraps up with a haunting yet strangely hopeful resolution. Bridie Devine, the sharp-witted detective, finally uncovers the dark secrets surrounding Christabel, the mysterious child with supernatural traits. The novel’s climax reveals the true motives of the villainous Sir Edmund Athelstan, who’s been exploiting Christabel for his twisted experiments. Bridie’s resilience shines as she outsmarts him, but not without personal cost—her relationship with Ruby, the ghostly boxer, takes an emotional turn. The ending leaves you pondering the blurred lines between science and myth, with Christabel’s fate hinting at a bittersweet freedom. Kidd’s gothic atmosphere lingers, like fog over Victorian London, long after the last page. What stuck with me was how Bridie’s toughness masks her vulnerability, especially in her quiet moments with Ruby. The way Kidd weaves folklore into a detective story feels fresh, and Christabel’s character—neither fully human nor monster—challenges every assumption. It’s not a tidy ending, but it’s satisfying in its ambiguity, like a half-remembered dream.

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Is Things in Jars novel available as a PDF?

3 Answers2025-11-13 17:54:59
Oh, 'Things in Jars' by Jess Kidd is such a gem—darkly whimsical with that Victorian gothic flair! I remember hunting for a PDF version myself a while back. While I couldn’t find an official free release (publishers usually keep those under lock and key), you might stumble across it on platforms like Amazon Kindle or Kobo as a paid download. Sometimes libraries offer digital loans through apps like OverDrive, so that’s worth checking too. That said, I’d really recommend the physical book if you can swing it. The prose is so lush and atmospheric—it’s the kind of story that feels even richer with pages to flip. Plus, the cover art is gorgeous! If you’re into eerie detective tales with a supernatural twist, this one’s a must-read, format aside.

Who are the main characters in Things in Jars?

3 Answers2025-11-13 11:57:52
Jess Kidd's 'Things in Jars' is this wild, atmospheric blend of Victorian gothic and detective fiction, and the characters are just chef’s kiss. Bridie Devine, the protagonist, is a pipe-smoking, no-nonsense investigator with a tragic past—she’s got this razor-sharp wit and a heart buried under layers of pragmatism. Then there’s Ruby Doyle, her ghostly sidekick and ex-boxer, who’s all charm and bravado but with this haunting vulnerability. Their dynamic is electric, honestly—like Sherlock and Watson if Watson were a spectral Irishman with a penchant for flirting. And let’s not forget the creepy kid, Christabel, who’s at the center of the mystery. She’s not your typical Victorian waif; there’s something unnervingly otherworldly about her, and the way Bridie’s protective instincts kick in around her adds such depth. The villains, like the collector Dr. Harbin, are grotesque in the best way—Kidd doesn’t shy away from making them downright monstrous. It’s a cast that feels alive (or, well, undead in Ruby’s case), and they drag you into this grimy, magical version of London kicking and screaming.

What is the plot summary of Relics novel?

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Relics is this wild ride that blends urban fantasy with crime thriller vibes, and I couldn't put it down once I started. The story follows Angela Gough, an American criminology student who gets tangled in London's underground black market for magical artifacts—known as 'relics.' These aren't just dusty old trinkets; they hold real power, like a knife that compels people to tell the truth or a mirror that shows your darkest secrets. But when Angela's boyfriend, Vince, mysteriously vanishes after dealing with a relic dealer, she dives headfirst into this dangerous world where the line between myth and reality blurs. What hooked me was how the novel juggles gritty realism with supernatural elements. The relics aren't just plot devices; they're tied to folklore and history, like the infamous Hand of Glory. The deeper Angela digs, the more she uncovers a hidden society of collectors, criminals, and even a secretive branch of the police. The pacing is relentless—think 'Indiana Jones' meets 'The Wire'—but it never sacrifices character depth. Angela's desperation to find Vince feels raw, and her moral dilemmas (like using relics herself) add layers. By the end, you're left questioning whether these artifacts are blessings or curses.

Can I download Things in Jars for free online?

3 Answers2025-11-13 21:25:56
Books like 'Things in Jars' by Jess Kidd deserve so much love, and I totally get the urge to find free copies—budgets can be tight! But here’s the thing: downloading it illegally hurts authors and indie bookstores. Kidd’s gothic mystery is this gorgeous blend of Victorian oddities and folklore, and she poured her soul into it. Instead of sketchy sites, check if your local library offers digital loans via apps like Libby or OverDrive. Some libraries even let you request purchases! Scribd also has a free trial, and ebook deals pop up often. Supporting creators means more weird, wonderful stories like this can exist. If you’re really stuck, maybe buddy-read with a friend who owns it or hunt secondhand shops. The hunt’s part of the fun! I found my copy buried under a stack of cookbooks at a flea market, and now its creaky spine feels like part of the story’s charm.

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