The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co #2)
Synopsis: Ghosts and ghouls beware! London’s smallest, shabbiest and most talented psychic detection agency is back.
Life is never exactly peaceful for Lockwood & Co. Lucy and George are trying to solve the mystery of the talking skull trapped in their ghost jar, while Lockwood is desperate for an exciting new case.
Things seem to be looking up when the team is called to Kensal Green Cemetery to investigate the grave of a sinister Victorian doctor. Strange apparitions have been seen there, and the site must be made safe. As usual, Lockwood is confident; as usual, everything goes wrong – a terrible phantom is unleashed, and a dangerous object is stolen from the coffin.
Lockwood & Co must recover the relic before its power is unleashed, but it’s a race against time. Their obnoxious rivals from the Fittes agency are also on the hunt. And if that’s not bad enough, the skull in the ghost-jar is stirring again…
Stroud’s second ghost-busting adventure shifts its focus from setting the scene to some exciting new (and dangerous…) tasks for Lockwood & Co, psychical investigators. A somewhat predictable ending is slightly bitter but the book remains an enjoyable read as it charts Lockwood, Lucy and George’s adventures to reclaim a stolen relic that possesses immense power. Like its predecessor, The Whispering Skull avoids any unfortunate romantic clichés and presents an alternate London with steampunk overtones. An amicable and entertaining read that can be enjoyed without too many goose bumps, even when read at midnight!
