As we begin the third book of the Lockwood & Co series, we find that our main character, Lucy Carlyle, is very much feeling at home with her newfound family – the scruffy yet funny George Cubbins and the polite and mysterious Anthony Lockwood.
But Stroud wouldn’t be worth his salt as a writer if he didn’t throw a bit of chaos Lucy’s way. Her ‘Talent’ for communicating with ghosts is growing more powerful yet more difficult to control and the introduction of a new agent at Portland Row is a shift in Lucy’s life she isn’t prepared for.
I really enjoyed how Stroud upped the ante in this one, and the missions Lockwood & Co. find themselves in are as exciting as before, fighting off ghosts while trying to find the “source”. With hauntings of pandemic proportions breaking out across Chelsea, you can guess that this will be the biggest “source” yet.
I also loved the writing style, which is clear and quirky, making it as easy to read as it is entertaining. One of my favourite lines is:
“I looked at it. ‘Hello,’ I said. ‘Sorry.’
The skeleton said nothing. It couldn’t help its bad manners.”
The characters are expectedly engaging. The Skull is as insulting and funny as ever and the frienemy relationship between it and Lucy continues in book three. George, who I can guess is many people’s favourite character, offers much appreciated comic relief throughout the story.
While we learn a bit more about Anthony, it comes in breadcrumbs and there is still plenty to learn about him and his past by the end of book three. Stroud is an expert at keeping us fascinated about his past and always leaves us wanting to learn more.
I really enjoyed this book and the new adventure perused by our favourite ghost-hunting agency. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Read my review for Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Stair Case: Book 1
Read my review for Lockwood & Co. The Dagger in the Desk: Book 1.5
Read my review for Lockwood & Co. The Whispering Skull: Book 2
MARK KIELTY 