The Murderer's Ape

I don't know when I last read a book with such pure and unalloyed pleasure. It's ingenious, it's moving, it's charming, it's beautiful, it's exciting, and most importantly the characters are people I feel I know like old friends. I thank Jakob Wegelius wholeheartedly for giving me several hours of joy * Philip Pullman *
Sally Jones is now my favourite heroine in recent Children's books. Move over King Kong, there's a new great ape in town. Charming, moving, and page-turning - what's not to like about this very original novel?? You gor-really got to read this! * Julia Golding, author of 'The Diamond of Drury Lane' *
Does not disappoint... this extraordinary book acquires a passport full of stamps as it masterfully juggles skulduggery and malaria, accordion-making and aeronautics, fado and pastries, police corruption and at least two love stories... a rare treat; a book you want to thrust into the hands of children and adults alike * Observer, Children's Books of the Year *
Evocative... original and old-fashioned in its storytelling... A story to lose yourself in -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times Children's Books of the Year *
The two children's books I loved most this year are also the two I've loved most this decade. One is The Murderer's Ape - a fast-paced adventure story -- Katherine Rundell * Guardian, Children's Books of the Year *
Charming... I loved Sally Jones's old-worldliness and Jakob Wegelius's black-and-white illustrations. Move over, King Kong -- Alex O'Connell * The Times Children's Books of the Year *
Sally Jones, the year's most charming heroine * Telegraph, The 50 Best Books of 2017 *
There is so much to say about this unique and absorbing tale, but it would probably be better if you just read it yourself -- Sophy Henn * BookTrust, Children's Books of the Year 2018 *
A captivating and unusual adventure story, brilliantly told from the point of view of Sally Jones -- Katherine Woodfine * BookTrust, Children's Books of the Year 2017 *
Fascinating * Guardian *
It's all too rare that you come across a novel in which the heroine is an anthropoid ape... [The Murderer's Ape] fills that very gap... Evocatively illustrated * Spectator *
Compelling narrator... stands out as a truly original work * Irish Times *
A joy from start to finish... An adventure tale like no other, a story to get truly lost in * Irish Independent *
Jakob Wegelius's The Murderer's Ape is narrated by its central animal character, the compelling Sally Jones... among the pleasures in this twisting, turning tale of profound loyalty, are the black-and-white illustrations, at each chapter head * Herald *
It has a real spirit of good old-fashioned storytelling... with more than 100 evocative black and white illustrations by the author. I was absolutely charmed; one for fans of Brian Selznick and Tintin * The Bookseller (Ones to Watch) *
Sally Jones is one of the most delightful and unexpected heroines you could hope to meet... This lavish, adventure tale has more than enough twists and turns to keep young readers entertained. The exquisite black and white illustrations illuminate the exotic mix of characters and make this international bestseller, a handsome gift * Carousel *
My personal favourite book of all time -- Melissa Cox * Down the Rabbit Hole *
A brilliant adventure with a wonderful main character in Sally, The Murderer's Ape is rich with lovable multi-dimensional characters that feel like family, and a European setting full of warmth and community. The black-and-white illustrations lend an extra hint of detail and luxury to this book, which has already won great acclaim * BookTrust *
Charming, quirky and the best story I've read for a very long time -- Philip Pullman (when asked on his Book of Year) * iNews *
Its wonderful cast of quirky characters, the warm relationships and firm friendships and the lovely illustrations make [The Murderer's Ape] one which you will remember with great affection long after you've finished it * Reading Zone *
A captivating adventure story, full of intrigue, mystery, dark secrets and dangerous escapades. With its rich descriptions, page-turning plot and a brilliant main character in Sally Jones, it's a truly unforgettable read * The Week Junior *
Extraordinary... a compelling story of mystery, betrayal, friendship and ultimately, forgiveness, with fascinating diversions into the worlds of music, engineering and aeronautics along the way * Teach Secondary *
A rich and intelligent read... life-affirming * The Bookbag *
A hauntingly suspenseful, masterfully written tale about right and wrong, possibilities and limits, the thrill of travel and the pain of distances, truths, lies, compassion and remembrance. A perfectly unputdownable book for the brave, the curious, and the gentle at heart * Bookanista *
Sometimes a book comes along that simply takes your breath away. The Murderer's Ape, by Swedish author and illustrator Jakob Wegelius, is one such book. Completely innovative and unique, it takes the reader on an amazing epic journey... The Murderer's Ape is a truly exceptional novel and one that will indelibly be etched in your memory for a long time to come * Outside in World *
Sally Jones... will transport you on a fabulous journey to exotic and dangerous places * New Books Magazine, Books of the Year *
This may be the most charming book I've read all year * New York Times Book Review *
A head-spinning story of mystery, intrigue, love and adventure * Shelf Awareness *
A complex mystery, an intricately constructed narrative, and deep characters. Committed, careful readers will be richly rewarded * Kirkus Reviews (starred) *
A thrilling adventure. Prepare to meet the remarkable Sally Jones; you won't soon forget her * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *
A richly imagined and thoroughly unique adventure * Booklist, (starred review) *
A joy... a great read on many levels and certainly one to read aloud with your child * The Book Trail *
A new animal heroine has arrived on the scene. An unusual and oddly charming adventure * School Library Journal *
[Sally Jones is] such a sympathetic character, with her longing for the Chief and her dread of being caged in a zoo, that readers will be entirely content to follow her slow progress, the novel's pace being more leisurely than dramatic yet somehow highly satisfying * The Horn Book *
The best protagonist and narrator I have read since I don't know when... An instant classic * Teenreads *
If you like the Tintin books... this will make you very happy... A thrilling adventure -- Paul Zelinsky
Rich in unforgettable characters... The plot is totally immersive, making it very hard to stop reading... The Murderer's Ape is going to last - one of those books you'll still be reading many years from now. That's the best compliment I can give -- Daniel Hahn * Scoop *
Captivating, emotional and utterly enchanting * Blog of a Bookaholic *
Eventful and gripping * The Bay *
Utterly delightful * Lizzy's Literary Life (blog) *
An outstanding book... superb... an amazing page turner * David Keyte: Teacher & Book Vlogger *
A wonderful book... a cracking tale filled with weird and wonderful coincidences, strange characters in these out of the ordinary adventures. And of course the inspired idea of having a gorilla, Sally Jones, as the main character. Best book I have read in years! -- Korky Paul