The Screaming Staircase

This is a great book for kids about 8 or 9 and up who like their stories a little scary. Jonathan Stroud builds this great alternate England where ghosts are real and are a “Problem”. Only children can sense the ghosts(see, hear, etc), and get rid of these hauntings. Ghosts have big consequences in this world where they can kill you with a touch or some other waySpoiler the first ghost the Lockwood Co. is fighting in the book pushed a man down the stairs and he died from the fall. Lucy, who is the narrator in this book, is a great character. The independence and responsibility children have is somewhat empowering, but as it talks of other children dying while fighting ghosts also daunting. The only part I had a slight problem with was the author telegraphed who the villain was in this piece I thought. It was still an enjoyable getting to the climax, which was very exciting even if you know who the villain is.

I would definitely recommend this to middle grade children and up. I think even teens and adults could get enjoyment out of the story. I know I did.

I don't know what took me so long to read this series! It is so good! I like the ambiguous time period and the way the rules of this world are laid out. I like the way Lockwood, George, and Lucy are developing their friendship and working relationships. They are making mistakes and also sticking up for each other. And the ghosts and the mystery! So good.
This might be a new favorite series!

This book is so good! The world is very interesting and the characters are so unique and wonderful. I will definitely continue reading the series!

I'm on my second cup of coffee for the morning, so please pardon any rambling I might do. I'm only running at about 50% today. Three day weekends are both a blessing and a curse. That being said, I'm prepared to do a massive amount of gushing about this book. Settle in friends, it's time for a glowing review.

First off, I absolutely love when the books I read are centered in England. There's something rather fitting about a story dealing with ghosts taking place in an area filled with so much history. In this particular England, spirits have become a real problem. Such a problem, in fact, that entities like Lockwood & Co. have popped up to deal with them. Ghost hunters by trade, despite their young ages, Lockwood, George and Lucy are all that stands between the ghosts and their would-be victims.

Following these three is so much fun! The balance between their serious sides, and their expertly crafted banter is perfection. Lockwood is the man in charge, and has a rapier sharp wit. George is in charge of researching cases, and also procuring an ample amount of donuts for the day. Lucy is the voice of reason, but will shoot your argument down in an instant if need be. In other words, these three complement one another perfectly! I couldn't get enough of these characters!

Now let's move on to the wonderfully crafted plot, shall we? From the moment you open the pages of this book, there isn't a dull moment. Back story is tucked in beautifully between present day events, and I really felt like I was immersed in the same world as Lockwood & Co. What I loved most of all though was the shiver inducing, descriptive writing that Stroud uses to tell this story. Lockwood, George and Lucy face some formidable spectral foes in this story, and Stroud doesn't shy away from letting the reader know how terrifying it really is. The Screaming Staircase walks the line between funny dialogue and skin prickling events, and it does it well! There's a mystery under all of this, and it's one that you'll be eager to uncover.

If I had to choose one word to describe The Screaming Staircase, I'd definitely choose brilliant. Not only do I think the characters in this book would appreciate the sentiment, but it's the truth. This is a fast-paced, thoroughly engaging romp into the paranormal. It's filled with witty banter, close calls, and the type of writing that makes you want to read for hundreds of pages after the story ends. To say I adored this book barely skims the surface of my enjoyment! I just know you're going to love it.

Richly detailed world-building with believable characters and a good mystery. I haven't read any of the Bartimaeus books, so I loved my first real introduction to Stroud. I've recommended it to kids who can handle scary, because some of the ghost scenes are truly creepy.