The Murderer’s Ape

Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

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.

Story Locale:Portugal (also features a voyage, with notable stops in Egypt, India, Greece)

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.

Author Residence: Mörtfors, Sweden

Author Hometown: Gothenburg, Sweden