Review: #482
Title: The Screaming Staircase
Series: Lockwood & Co. - 1st book
Author: Jonathan Stroud
Read Before: no
Comments: It has been a long time since a book was this fantastic. From the very first chapter it sucks you in completely into its world. Like the Bartimaeus Sequence, The Screaming Staircase is based in an alternate world London. The twist here is that there is a ghost epidemic and our heroes and heroine are agents who are employed by common folk to release these ghosts. The way the author blends in some well-known ghost fighting tactics and creating a whole field of work with great attention to detail is mind blowing. The novel is part horror (due to the supernatural theme and with some chilling events that occasionally occur) and part mystery. It is an amazing combination and even though you’re already hooked early on, once you hit the middle and then the climax you cannot put this book down. The writing style is addictive and you’re eagerness at wanting to know what’s going to happen next does not diminish. The only weak point in the whole book is the ending where it doesn’t feel as satisfying as the rest of the novel. There was a good resolution but it seemed to have been lacking something. A bit more backstory on how the epidemic came up would also be good. There is a lot of teasing, a bit of bait here and there to satisfy your curiosity but never your hunger. The characters are likeable and I think the one thing that stands out is the atmosphere. This is a highly recommended book with a brilliant story; I am looking forward to the sequel.
Rating: 8.5/10