Quick Take

When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest, most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co., #1)

Introduction

"The Screaming Staircase" by Jonathan Stroud is the first book in the Lockwood & Co. series, a thrilling and spooky adventure set in an alternate England plagued by ghosts. The story follows the journey of Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent who joins the smallest and most ramshackle agency in London, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. are given one last chance to redeem themselves by spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England.

About Jonathan Stroud

Jonathan Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths. He grew up in St Albans, where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. After completing his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success. Stroud is known for his ability to create believable worlds that are both creepy and engaging.

Analysis of Views

Creepy and Suspenseful: Readers praise the book for its ability to create a spooky atmosphere and keep them on the edge of their seats. The ghosts described in the story are both frightening and believable, adding to the suspenseful nature of the story.
Well-Rounded Characters: The characters in "The Screaming Staircase" are well-developed and relatable. Lucy Carlyle, in particular, is praised for her strength and resilience, while Anthony Lockwood and George Cubbins bring a sense of humor and levity to the story. Readers appreciate how these characters complement each other and contribute to the overall success of the story.
Engaging Plot: The plot of the book is engaging and keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The story is divided into five parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the investigation. Readers enjoy how the plot unfolds, revealing new twists and keeping them guessing until the end.
Immersive World-Building: Jonathan Stroud's ability to create a believable world filled with ghosts and supernatural entities is highly praised by readers. The concept of children being able to see and combat ghosts with their psychic abilities adds an interesting layer to the story. Readers appreciate the attention to detail in world-building and how it enhances their reading experience.
Mixed Reactions to Exposition: Some readers find that the exposition in the book can be overwhelming at times, particularly in the beginning. However, they also acknowledge that this is a common issue with first books in a series, as they often require more time to establish background information.

Reasons for Recommendation

Creepy and Suspenseful: The book's ability to create a spooky atmosphere and keep readers on edge makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy suspenseful stories. The ghosts described in the story are both frightening and believable, adding to the overall thrill of the read.
Well-Rounded Characters: The characters in "The Screaming Staircase" are well-developed and relatable, making them easy to root for. Lucy Carlyle's strength and resilience, as well as Anthony Lockwood's wit and charm, make for an engaging reading experience.
Engaging Plot: The plot of the book is well-crafted and keeps readers engaged throughout. The story unfolds in a way that keeps readers guessing and adds new twists at every turn. This keeps the story fresh and exciting until the very end.
Immersive World-Building: Jonathan Stroud's attention to detail in world-building is highly praised by readers. The concept of children being able to see and combat ghosts with their psychic abilities adds an interesting layer to the story, making it feel more immersive and believable.
Mixed Reactions to Exposition: While some readers find exposition overwhelming at times, others appreciate that it sets up a strong foundation for future books in the series. They understand that exposition is necessary to establish background information and appreciate how it contributes to the overall story arc.

Conclusion

"The Screaming Staircase" by Jonathan Stroud is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy suspenseful stories with creepy atmospheres and well-developed characters. With its engaging plot, immersive world-building, and spooky elements, this book is sure to appeal to fans of fantasy and horror alike. While some readers find exposition overwhelming at times, they appreciate how it sets up a strong foundation for future books in the series. Overall, "The Screaming Staircase" is a thrilling introduction to the Lockwood & Co. series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.