ghost-hunting – MARK KIELTY

*Banner stating, “Book Review – Lockwood & Co. The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud.”*

Since the ridiculous cancellation of the Lockwood and Co. TV show by Netflix, I was left curious as to what might happen next to Lucy Carlyle, Anthony Lockwood, and George Cubbins, and their precocious ghost hunting agency, Lockwood & Co.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and it’s very easy to see why Netflix identified this series as a viable project for adaptation.

Six months on from their first adventure, our favourite agents find themselves wrapped up in a new mission. Starting off with a small supervisory role at a graveyard investigating a mysterious grave, it begins a journey into the dark underworld of the illegal black market of Sources (objects with connections to ghosts) and the mysterious Bone Mirror (which I won’t say too much about but it’s as creepy as it sounds).

The book, *Lockwood & Co. The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud*, resting on a white windowsill. Photo taken by Mark Kielty

We have the opportunity to explore a little more deeply into Stroud’s world as we find out more about the Fittes agency through their rivalry with Lockwood & Co. (A fun wager sees them meet several times throughout the book).

But a few exciting things are revealed in this book which were introduced in the first. As the name of this book suggests, the skull starts whispering, and only to Lucy. As much as I don’t want to give anything away, the ghost is a fun addition to the gang and is as interesting and mysterious as Stroud’s other characters.

The second mystery to be revealed is what is hidden behind the forbidden door at Lockwood & Co’s headquarters. And for that, you’ll have to read the book for yourself.

What people might not expect with these books is that they’re very funny. I wouldn’t be surprised if readers revealed George as their favourite character. He offers much appreciated comic relief throughout the book. Lockwood also has his moments through his polite manner and quick wit. He’s the only character capable of complimenting and insulting someone at the same time. I think it’s characters like these that keep people coming back to read more.

Which is exactly what I’ll be doing for the rest of this series.

Read my original review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6494528464

Banner stating, “Book Review – Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud.”

I was annoyed when Netflix cancelled Lockwood & Co. after season one, so I needed to read the books to find out what happens next and I’m glad I did.

Stroud builds a world where London has a problem with ghosts. The Visitors manifest in different ways, but they are almost always demonic/monstrous like rather than just invisible, talking people. It makes for intense scenes where you fear for the safety of the main characters.

The story is told from the point of view of Lucy Carlyle, a sensitive who hears ghosts and objects which have been touched by ghosts or death. She joins Lockwood & Co. as an agent who investigates hauntings. There she meets its two other agents, Anthony Lockwood, the suave, intelligent teenager whom the agency is named after, and George Cubbins, the chubby researcher, both of whom have the sight – the ability to see ghosts, or ghost remanence.

Lockwood & Co. The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud – book standing on a white bedside table. A grey lamp and white walls are in the background. Photo taken by Mark Kielty.

Stroud structures the magical system so that only children can sense the Visitors, hence why teenagers are the ones thrusted into life threatening situations fighting off ghosts. Most agencies are run under adult supervision except for Lockwood & Co. of course. As the children grow older, their talents fade until they can no longer sense ghosts. Stroud leverages this to make for an engaging and entertaining story.

This story, though packed with supernatural elements, is at its heart a mystery. I like how Stroud takes two different mysteries that seem unrelated and knits them together to make for a satisfying ending.

This book has likable, engaging characters; monstrous action; along with some spooky mysteries. I highly recommend this particularly if, like me, you’re still smarting about the cancellation of a great TV show.

Read my original review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6416956820?book_show_action=false