by Jonathan Stroud
(September 17th 2013, Disney-Hyperion)
Book Description:
For more than fifty years,
the British Isles have been beset by a variety of lethal ghosts. To combat the
problem, a number Psychic Investigations Agencies were created. But there is a
catch. Only children can see or hear these dangerous beings.
Lucy Carlyle, a highly
talented Agent, has left home in shame without her last qualifying certificate.
Unable to find work in any of the bigger agencies, she is taken on by Anthony
Lockwood, the young, charismatic owner of Lockwood & Co.
Lucy feels like she has
finally found a place where she belongs, but after a string of failed cases and
a large debt owed for setting a client’s house on fire, Lockwood & Co. is
in dire straits.
Forced to agree to a very
dangerous case or risk losing the agency Lucy, Lockwood, and George take on the
most haunted house in England.
Pros:
Character is king in the
Screaming Staircase. Our three protagonists are so compelling and well-realized
that they practically leap off the page.
Unobtrusive to a fault Lucy
Carlyle, our eye and ears, is smart, funny, and tough. Armed with a unique set
of skills (even amongst her peers), she makes for a great narrator. Anthony
Lockwood, her charismatic leader, is mysterious and charming; and brings
a wonderful sense of irreverent fun to the book. The last member of Lockwood
& Co. – and in many ways my favorite – is George Cubbins. With his painful
honesty, razor-sharp intelligence, and even sharper tongue, he is the prefect
foil to Lockwood’s diplomatic charm.
Though not as luminous as
the characters, the world-building here is excellent as well. Stroud has
created a London that is both familiar and hauntingly mysterious. The effects
of the Problem are well integrated, from small details like the popularity of
lavender (to ward off Visitors) to the far-reaching echoes like creation of the
Psychic Investigations Agencies, and the use of children as agents.
The plot is strong, too,
and the main mystery intriguing and aside from some momentum lost in telling
Lucy’s backstory, the book remains action-packed and engaging.
Con:
The only complaint I have
about the Screaming Staircase is Stroud’s decision to stop in the middle of the
action and recount – more or less -- Lucy’s life story.
Thankfully, it wasn’t
boring and it did give important information as far as the Problem was
concerned. It was too long, however, and Stroud could interspersed it
throughout the story rather than in one big chunk.
Verdict:
Brilliantly realized
world-building, an engrossing mystery, three exceptionally likable protagonist,
and excellent writing make the Screaming Staircase a book to be read and
savored by anyone who can.
Rating: (9.5/10)
Get it on Book Depository
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