I can’t remember the last time I read a book this fast. And by fast I mean it took me less than 24 hours from start to finish. I don’t even think I read Illusion this quickly, but that could have also been that I didn’t want it to end. With this book, I didn’t have to wait for it to get interesting, it just was. Something that I find very attractive in my reading!
Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase is the first in a new series of books that grips you tight and doesn’t let you go. Think “Supernatural” mixed with “Sherlock”, only make the main characters ten years younger and give them rapiers; that’s about the sum of this novel. In the best way possible.
I was enjoying the plot and backstory so much that I didn’t even care that there was no explanation of what or where the “screaming staircase” was until I was over 200 pages into the story. It was such an effortless plot blend of current and past events that doubled-back on themselves that I was completely immersed in the tale before I even realized what was happening.
Lucy is our leading lady and narrator and she is accompanied by the over-zealous and cheerful Lockwood and the grating but highly intelligent George. The threesome make up Lockwood & Co. and they take on ghosts in London. The business isn’t doing very well after a fire that destroys a clients house, leaving Lockwood to foot the bill.
So of course, before long the three are mired up to their eyeballs in trouble and mischief. There is a locket and a murder and some really creepy ghostly behavior that trips them up.The team has its issues and strengths and of course, some entertaining bickering and a love of doughnuts.
The writing is fantastic, the plot flows very well, and the main characters’ banter is vastly entertaining. I think I will need to take a break from being creeped out to read the next one but I will definitely keep it on my TBR list!
Goodreads rating: 5 stars
Personal rating total: 92
- Writing style – 10
- Plot – 10
- Dialogue -10
- Personality of Main Character(s) – 10
- Love story* – 5
- Invokes emotion (mostly fear) – 8
- Synopsis accuracy – 9
- Consistent level of interest – 10
- Stays on topic – 10
- Accuracy of genre/genre blending – 10
*In this case, it wasn’t a main plot point, but the hidden love of Lockwood for his parents, and Lucy for her family, plus the murderer for his victim…
Kat Webber 