“Stroud is a genius at inventing an utterly believable world which is very much like ours, but so creepily different.”

 

NO MAJOR SPOILERS

Jonathan Stroud, known for the wit and comedy in his writing, effortlessly brings in a sense of humour to the realm of ghost-hunting. The three books released so far are all equally engaging, known for each of their cliffhanger endings which make you wanting more.

They’re told from the perspective of Lucy Carlyle, one of the (only three) agents of Lockwood & Co. along with Anthony Lockwood and George Cubbins, a ghost-hunting agency located in Portland Row, London.

London has been plagued by the Problem for more than fifty years. Curfew starts as soon as there are signs of dark. Only the agents, all teenagers, who have Talents that aid them in sensing ghosts, prowl the streets in the dark, along with the ghosts that haunt them.

Fans of the Bartimaeus series (and Stroud) will recognise the author’s trademark ability to blend action and humour. The wit of Bartimaeus can be seen in George, sometimes even Lucy; while the (slightly) arrogant manner of Nathaniel is shown in the character of Lockwood, whose past remains mostly a mystery at first, slowly unfurling.

A definite read for anyone, irrespective of their favourite genres.

 

Reviewed by:

Krishnaa

Added 13th October 2015