If you haven’t yet tried Lockwood and Co. and are a fan of ghost stories then I have one question for you: what have you been doing?! I am quite infatuated with this series (and no it does not matter that it is aimed at middle graders). It is action-packed, hilarious, and definitely creepy! The storylines are engaging and keep you on your toes, and the first novel in the series is no exception. The Screaming Staircase is full of suspense and had me hungry for more.
The following is a spoiler-free review.

Book blurb: A sinister Problem has occurred in London: all nature of ghosts, haunts, and spectres are appearing throughout the city, and they are not exactly friendly. Only young people have the psychic abilities required to see and eradicate these unnatural foes. Many different 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?

The plot of The Screaming Staircase is both clever and interesting. It has been intricately put together and the world that Stroud has created is fascinating. The weapons of choice against the ghosts are really interesting to read about: lavendar, iron chains, salt, metal fillings, and rapiers! The events in Combe Carrey Hall are very creepy and the creation of suspense has been done well. I found myself turning the pages quickly with eagerness.

The characters are also very likeable; Lucy, Anthony, and George are a trio that doesn’t fail to put a smile on my face (OK not as good as in Harry Potter, but still pretty amazing). They are nerdy, brave, and independent. Each with their own set of skills, they work extremely well and bring plenty of laughs to the book. Lockwood and Co. are a team not to be reckoned with.

Overall, Lockwood and Co. series makes for an amazing, fast-paced, suspenseful read. It is full of amazing characters and the storylines will keep you wanting more.

Have you read the series? Do you enjoy similar novels?

Rating: 4.5/5