Lockwood & Co..Now a major Netflix series Paperback – 26 Jan. 2023

Jonathan Stroud is a great writer. Although his books are aimed at young adults, readers of any age should be able to find much to enjoy from his work. THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE is the first book in his new series, Lockwood & Co.Stroud's new series is set in a time when there is a real problem with ghosts. Because of this, agencies have been set up to tackle the problem. Lockwood & Co is one such agency. Our narrator, Lucy, is a young girl who has recently left a rival agency. A job she was on did not go well, so she feels she has to redeem herself in her new job. Lockwood & Co is a small agency; only three make up the team. In various ways, they all seem to think that they have a lot to prove, both as a team with no adults involved, but also as individuals. Each character is expertly drawn; they all have positives and negatives and features of their personality which makes them all unique. There is also the suggestion of each character's backstory too, making them feel more real.I won't go into any more of the story as I don't want to ruin this brilliant book for anyone who decides to read this for themselves. As the first in a series, THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE has a fair bit of foundation laying, but this does not detract from the main story. Stroud has done a marvellous job at getting the balance for this novel just right. The story is scary, funny, intelligent and engrossing. Having finished this, I am now eager to read the next instalment.

As a fan of Bartimaeus I came to this with mixed emotions, anticipation and concern that it would not live up to my hopes.The characterisation is as you would expect from Stroud excellent and the lead character / narrator is engaging. The plot is well worked through with enough twists to keep you eagerly reading on. If anything the book was a tiny bit short and I was wanting more,( hint for sequel here! ), although better than being padded out. The interaction of the characters was good, and again I would like to see this developed further.Not quite the completely visualised environment of the original Bartimaeus trilogy, but an interesting concept of world plagued by visitations again scope for further development.Overall good read, will certainly buy any follow up prequel or sequel. Very slight lack of fully explored depth / character interaction made difference between 4 and5 stars, but recommended.

Absolutely brilliant.Well written, great characters that individually shine in their own unique way.If you like the supernatural and the underdog coming out on top then I recommend this highly.Each chapter has the reader captivated by the mysterious events leading to a perfect end.Funny heartwarming and fun.

I read this book after hearing the cancellation of season 2 of the netflix TV serie.I am not disappointed. The netflix serie was amazing. Just rewatched it and couldn't bear to not know more.The book is amazing. It's very well written especially the dialogues. The characters are beautifully written and fleshy and the interactions are delightful.The world of the ghosts is so well built and realistic it is inspiring.It's an enticing and satisfying read that I will revisit more than once for sure.Couldn't recommend more.

I really love Stroud's work. Gripping stories that have pace and urgency all interwoven with an amazing and sly sense of humour.Bartimaeus and Scarlett and Browne are also great series like this one.I liked the Netflix adaptation (which has great reviews on Rotten tomatoes audience's and critics) that I cancelled my subscription when they cancelled this show. They had one job.Anyway, a fine addition to the "magical child endangerment" Canon and very much worth your time.

Really enjoyed this. Had never heard of it until the Netflix show, which I enjoyed. Thought I’d start reading the books as there doesn’t look like there will be a 2nd season of the show. Looking forward to reading the others.

I totally fell in love with this book. I loved the whole concept of ghosts being the Problem (with a capital P)it was almost like pest control but for ghosts rather than bugs and a bit more death involved.I was wondering how the author would top his last series but this is just as funny, and though there's still huge mysteries surrounding Lockwood, I totally love Lucy as the main character and even George has grown on me.Lockwood's wit reminded me heavily of Bartimaeus the Djinni which was awesome because I was worried it wouldn't live up to the standards of humor Mr Stroud had already set.This is somewhat darker in one sense and creepier and the premise is very original. Ghost stories have been done so many times it's hard to find something that jumps out, yet this does and with great clarity.It sounds so scientific at the same time too, which I was kinda impressed with. Not to mention I was reading the scene with Lucy in her bedroom at night and I was thoroughly glad I was reading it in daylight. And I was even more glad I was reading it during the day when I got to the end of the novel. My next challenge is to read the sequel in the dark by light of my kindle.I'd like to conclude this review by saying that if you're on the fence as to whether you should read this then take my advice and read it. Yes, it's aimed at children and teens but it's so funny, scary and really adventurous. Bring out that inner child. You know you want too!

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a really original story, the characters are interesting and easy to engage with. I felt excited and on the edge of my seat (metaphorically,) on several occasions.Better than the TV series.I read all five books and did find myself predicting the ending, however I didn’t mind that at all as it was so well written and it ended the way I wanted it to. I was a little sad when I finished and I will re-read them at some point, but it won’t be the same buzz.