Author: Jonathan Stroud | Genre: YA, Children's, Paranormal, Detective | Format: Hardcover, 400 pages | Series: Lockwood & Co, #1 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | Source: Library | Rating: 10/10!! British ghost-hunting WONDERFULNESS.
A sinister Problem has occurred in London: all nature of ghosts, haunts, spirits, and specters are appearing throughout the city, and they aren't exactly friendly. Only young people have the psychic abilities required to see-and eradicate-these supernatural foes. Many different Psychic Detection Agencies have cropped up to handle the dangerous work, and they are in fierce competition for business.
In The Screaming Staircase, the plucky and talented Lucy Carlyle teams up with Anthony Lockwood, the charismatic leader of Lockwood & Co, a small agency that runs independent of any adult supervision. After an assignment leads to both a grisly discovery and a disastrous end, Lucy, Anthony, and their sarcastic colleague, George, are forced to take part in the perilous investigation of Combe Carey Hall, one of the most haunted houses in England. Will Lockwood & Co. survive the Hall's legendary Screaming Staircase and Red Room to see another day?
Readers who enjoyed the action, suspense, and humor in Jonathan Stroud's internationally best-selling Bartimaeus books will be delighted to find the same ingredients, combined with deliciously creepy scares, in his thrilling and chilling Lockwood & Co. series.
I wanted to cuddle this book and never let go. I wanted to jump into it and have tea and blueberry scones with Lucy, Lockwood and George. This book had all of my favorite things: strong characters with a sense of humor, charming British writing, freaky ghost-hunting missions with deadly ghosts, and a bone-chilling mystery. Have I already mentioned that I adore it to pieces? Because I do.
In a world where ghost hauntings are common and only children can see them, Anthony, Lucy and George run Lockwood & Co, a struggling ghost-hunting agency, where they combat the skepticism of other adults as well as unfriendly ghosts. The types of ghosts explored are unique and varied, and so are the methods Lockwood & Co use to defeat them: iron filings, chains, Greek fire that can burn an entire house down - the possibilities are limitless! The most important step of exorcising ghosts is getting rid of the "Source", which ghosts are attached to. Figuring out what those Sources is an adventure on its own.
Lockwood & Co's main dilemma comes about when someone hires them to exorcise the most haunted house in England, known for its infamous Screaming Staircase and Red Room. No one has ever survived one night in that house. Our agents think they've seen it all, but they're in for a night they won't forget.
Our agents - Lucy, Lockwood and George - are charming, resilient, and witty. Their constant banter always made me smile. Stroud's writing was superb - it was crisp yet descriptive, with a charming British flair. I savoured the words like they were frozen yogurt on a hot summer's day. And the plot - it twists and turns and leaves you breathless as ghosts pop out from every corner and you fear for our agents' lives.
Fans of the Artemis Fowl series will dig this one. Anthony Lockwood, hero and child CEO of his own ghost-hunting business, reminded me very much of Artemis Fowl - both are smart and resourceful. But while Artemis was heartless (at the beginning), Anthony oozing with charm. Lucy Carlyle, our heroine, is bright, fierce, and independent, not unlike Holly, the spirited LEP pixie. Then there's the delightful George, sweet and hilarious, who is Foaly and Mulch rolled into one. Yes, fans of Artemis Fowl will love Lockwood & Co.
Stroud has such a knack for immersing you in his rich and complex world, and I guarantee you'd enjoy every bit of the ride. Thank you, Jonathan Stroud. I'll be adding you to my favorite authors list now, and your books will have a guest-of-honor space on my shelf.
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