This is a fun short story which takes place between book 1 and book 2. Whilst it’s not necessary to read this in tandem with the other books in the series, it gives you a little extra ghost hunting enjoyment, which is never a minus.
Because of the shortness of this story, Stroud doesn’t waste any time getting the adventure started. Our favourite ghost hunting agency receives a job taking care of a problem of the supernatural kind at St Simeon’s Academy for Talented Youngsters. Stroud does a good job reiterating some of the world building basics from book 1 without taking too much away from the overall story.
You’ll find all of the main things in this story which made The Screaming Staircase so popular. This mission is a mystery and figuring out clues as to what the “source” of the haunting might be is as important as fighting the ghost off with rapiers and other ghost hunting weapons. You’ll also enjoy the familiar banter between the characters, with George Cubbins offering his funny contribution as usual to their adventures.
It doesn’t take long to read and includes a nice reference of haunting illustrations of ghost types at the back so you’ll know what to watch out for once day turns to dusk.
Read my review for Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Stair Case: Book 1
Read my review for Lockwood & Co. The Whispering Skull: Book 2
MARK KIELTY 