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Jakob Wegelius
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The Murderer's Ape Hardcover – January 24, 2017

by Jakob Wegelius (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 437 ratings
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"This may be the most charming book I’ve read all year." --The New York Times
 
"I don’t know when I last read a book with such pure and unalloyed pleasure." –Philip Pullman, internationally bestselling author of the His Dark Materials series
 
Winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder award, this is a captivating story about dark truths and heinous crimes as well as unexpected friendships, with detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout. Perfect for fans of Brian Selznick and mystery and detective stories.
 
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.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    12 years and up
  2. Print length
    624 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    7 - 9
  5. Lexile measure
    870L
  6. Dimensions
    5.81 x 1.75 x 7.56 inches
  7. Publisher
    Delacorte Press
  8. Publication date
    January 24, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    1101931752
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1101931752
  11. See all details
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Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

From the Publisher

Illustrations from The Murderer's Ape

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4–8—An engagingly accessible but quirky mystery featuring a gorilla named Sally Jones who not only narrates the story but can also read and write. She just doesn't talk. Sally Jones is an engineer working for Chief Koskela on his ship, the Hudson Queen, in this suspenseful and well-plotted adventure. In Lisbon, Portugal, while carrying what they think is a crate of tiles, Sally Jones and the Chief are attacked by robbers, and the ship is sunk. Things go from bad to worse when the Chief is shortly thereafter arrested for the murder of the man who hired them to transport the cargo. Sally Jones is on her own, decried by passersby as "the murderer's gorilla." Attracted to the music of a factory worker named Ana Molina, Sally Jones forges a new life but is determined to prove the Chief's innocence. It's her ability to work mechanical miracles—even with accordions—and her hard work ethic that help her find friends who support her on her quest for answers. A circuitous journey leads her to India and a completely fabulous maharaja. All events occur in the early part of the 20th century, when cars, planes, and typewriters were newfangled inventions. The book has been translated from Swedish and contains a series of portraits of the main cast of characters filling the opening pages, and there is surprisingly little to deter readers from immediately falling for Sally Jones and eagerly cheering her on. There are moments that are a little over-the-top or stereotypical, such as the abilities of the ape, the maharaja's wealth, and Ana's captivating voice. A new animal heroine has arrived on the scene, and while she may not rival Charlotte for her wisdom, her writing is just as engaging and her persistent loyalty equally admirable. VERDICT An unusual and oddly charming adventure. A solid purchase for medium to large middle grade collections.—Carol A. Edwards, formerly at Denver Public Library

Review

"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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Delacorte Press; Illustrated edition (January 24, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 624 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1101931752
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1101931752
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 870L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.81 x 1.75 x 7.56 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 437 ratings

About the author

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Jakob Wegelius

Jakob Wegelius

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Jakob Wegelius is a Swedish writer and illustrator. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages and awarded several literary prizes such as the August Prize, the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize, the Prix Sorcières, the Deutsche Jugendliteraturpreis and the ALA Mildred Batchelder Award. Jakob Wegelius lives with his wife and two sons in the small village of Mörtfors in southern Sweden. In his spare time he enjoys playing the accordion and messing about in boats.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
437 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

TINA BARR
5.0 out of 5 stars Brava Sally Jones
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2017
Verified Purchase
This book has everything. Political intrigue; globe trotting; an innocent man framed for murder; a loyal, devoted, dogged companion.
Music, art, love, kindness, treachery. Friends coming to help; those Sally Jones believes are friends being treacherous; dishonest police, honest detectives, atmosphere. It encompasses everything.
Have not enjoyed a novel this much since THE LUMINARIES.
Want more about the adventures of Sally Jones.
This book should be marketed. All ages could enjoy it if readers were aware of its existence.
Everything is not neatly resolved. The reader is left wondering about certain characters. What about Ana's secret admirer? What about Geoff Gerard. Was he wrongly accused of deceit?
When will the Chief and Sally Jones sail again?
4 people found this helpful
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Theresa Samuelson.
5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO BE LITERATE
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020
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What a delight and joy this book was to read and the beautiful illustrations. Wish I could give it 10 stars **********
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tbrhodes
4.0 out of 5 stars Sally Jones is a most interesting protagonist
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
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This meandering, fanciful book is Sally Jones’s quest to find the true murderer and free her friend the Captain from jail. Sally Jones is a gorilla who can read and write and is very talented at fixing all kinds of things, but can’t speak. She tells the story through her writing. I was totally mesmerized by this book. The only things that put me off were that it goes on too long and the in-depth descriptions of how she fixed things went right over my head. It’s rated for 12+ but I’m not sure the story is suitable for tweens.
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BKW
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2017
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This book will take you on a thrilling and unique page-turning adventure! I know it is in the children's/young adult category, but the compelling characters and a captivating writing will appeal to all ages. I highly recommend it!
5 people found this helpful
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Joel S.
5.0 out of 5 stars A superb read
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
I read this book concurrently with my son and we both loved it. It reminds me a bit of Forrest Gump (the book) with an ape playing his role. No doubt soon to be a movie or miniseries. I can’t recommend it enough.
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Gwen Elliott
5.0 out of 5 stars The audiobook is terrible!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2022
Love the book, don't bother with the audiobook! The narrator tries on all these voices and makes our Finnish Koskela German or some weird voice. It is very grating.
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Tess
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a wonderful story!
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020
I didn’t realize that this book was a YA book when I bought it. I am not a young adult but I do enjoy them. This is a wonderful story! It really held my attention. There were no wasted words or parts that dragged or were not necessary to the story. I highly recommend it to anyone.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars charming premise and wonderful adventure. Rather wish Sally had pummeled more bad ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fascinating, charming premise and wonderful adventure. Rather wish Sally had pummeled more bad guys, just because she could. But couldn't put it down!!
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure hearted gorrilla
Reviewed in Germany on May 21, 2021
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The media could not be loaded.
 Lovely book, unique stoy.
Its sold as children’s book but Im an adult and enjoyed this very much..
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Aanchal
5.0 out of 5 stars nice buy
Reviewed in India on September 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
good story
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kemy
4.0 out of 5 stars Am imaginative tale of love, friendship and loyalty
Reviewed in France on September 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
A little gem of a book. Sweet, full of adventure, and really original. A tale of love, friendship, and loyalty. Sally Jones’ point of view definitely add something to the story, as a mute, often overlooked protagonist. People see her as a tool to achieve their wicked aims or look down at her because she is an animal. But she sees, feels, and understands everything, and she endure a lot.
Luckily she finds friends and allies on her journey.
Her story is a web of fabulous and life-changing adventures across the world. I loved reading about all the places she visited and the gallery of people she encountered. This is a book I would definitely offer recommend to the children I know (and adults alike)
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Mr. D. Whittaker
5.0 out of 5 stars Had a whole room of my kids and other parents kids rapt on holiday
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book ambles at a lovely pace, like you're walking and chatting with a good friend. It flows well both on the page and between the pages, offering funny moments, exciting moments and introspective moments that bring Sally Jones and the story's protagonists and agonists alive. There are layers dying to be explored (Ana's lover, for example) and Sally Jones' voice is both wise and vulnerable throughout. On a joint family holiday, every child was asking me to read more and it was more than enough of an enticement to get every child to bed to hear the next (relatively short) chapter. Never mind the kids - I loved this book!
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Marie
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Germany on September 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
Despite the volume, I literally gulped this book in one (ok, long) sit! Great story line, vivid characters and happy ending
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