Jessica (HDB)

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.