The Murderer's Ape - by Jakob Wegelius (Paperback)

About the Book

"First published in hardcover in the Swedish language as Mèordarens apa by Bonnier Carlsen, Stockholm, Sweden, in 2014"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

A captivating mystery adventure story, with gorgeously detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout

'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 not only a loyal friend, she's an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja's turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understanding everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder.

For Sally Jones this is the start of a harrowing quest for survival and to clear the Chief's name. Powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their secrets.

Review Quotes

"Slyly funny and poignant . . . a thrilling adventure."--Caldecott Medal winner Paul O. Zelinsky

"This may be the most charming book I've read all year. It's a challenge to build a story around a protagonist who can't speak, and Wegelius does this skillfully, emphasizing qualities that make us human." -- The New York Times Book Review

"Features a complex mystery, an intricately constructed narrative, and deep characters. Committed, careful readers will be richly rewarded." -- Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"A richly imagined and thoroughly unique adventure." -- Booklist, Starred

"A thrilling adventure. Prepare to meet the remarkable Sally Jones; you won't soon forget her."--PW, Starred

"A new animal heroine has arrived on the scene. An unusual and oddly charming adventure."--SLJ

"Award-winning Swedish writer and illustrator Jakob Wegelius weaves together a head-spinning story of mystery, intrigue, love and adventure, beautifully translated by Peter Graves."--Shelf Awareness

" . . . gorgeous, clever, and memorable."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Jakob Wegelius is a Swedish writer and illustrator who lives and works in the small village of Mörtfors. In Sweden, he was awarded the August Prize for Best Children's Book and the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize for The Murderer's Ape, which is also an International Youth Library White Raven selection.

Peter Graves is a translator from the Scandinavian languages, known in particular for his translations of novels by Selma Lagerlöf. He has been awarded the Swedish Academy's Translation Prize for his work.