This book just... this book. Magical realism has very much wormed its way into my heart but I think I might just have a new favourite. In a nutshell we have Victorian London, a gutsy female detective, the ghost of a charming boxer, an irascible 7ft housekeeper and a kidnapping to solve. I’m telling you, it’s a winning recipe.

Things in Jars has mystery, intrigue, humour, suspense and so much heart. It’s eccentric but accessible, the prose is beautiful and compelling, the plot snatches you up like the Thames at its centre (but returns you in much better condition). Kidd has masterfully captured the bizarre relationship between science and the occult that has always made the era so fascinating to me. Absolutely un-put-down-able.

A huge, huge thank you to @canongatebooks for providing this bookseller with a copy of this incredible book.