Book Review: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon - Bloomsbury

                                                 

Welcome to Scion: No Safer Place and a 'spoil' free review............

At the early age of 19, Samantha Shannon first wrote this debut book 'The Bone Season'. This is the first book as part of an ambitious seven-part series. The rights for this book have already been sold in eighteen languages with the film rights also having been optioned. There is already a great deal of interest and speculation - not only about this book but also the talented debut author herself. With such expectations, I was particularly intrigued to find out whether the hype was justifiable.

This book is an enigma. It's marketed as an adult read but actually it also reads with a Young Adult prowess. Therefore giving it that cross-over appeal. Some people might say that this falls under the New Adult genre. However, I'm not a big fan of this label. Originating from the US, in my opinion, it is another publishing gimmick. With the main characters all over the age of 18+, the nature of the content quite graphic and violent (although this is not necessarily overused) and with various curse words thrown in, I feel that this book is of a definite adult nature with a cross-over to young adult. 

Without doubt, this is one of the best debut pieces of adult fantasy literature that I have read for a long time. The book is so complex that you will have to forgive the author for the information overload at the start. In my opinion, this is necessary, as there is actually quite a lot to get your head around. It's just like turning the light on and then cranking up the dimmer switch once you do. However it's astonishingly good from this point forward. The year is 2059. In this world there are two types of people: Clairvoyants who are made an outcast by society due to their abnormailites and the Amaurotics who are known as the non-gifted. These are people who are generally classed as normal citizens. Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people’s minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing. I don't want to delve too much into the story as I would like to keep this book review free from any 'spoilers' or clues. I really don't want to detract from your reading pleasure. Hence the very eager and early review - I have been so excited to shout about this book that I haven't been able to wait any longer. Especially as this book is not actually published until late August! However, what I will say, is that the author has ventured into the dream world and pulled out an amazing read. It is absolutely breathtaking and a truly thrilling reading experience. I'm under no illusions as to the amount of time probably taken to be able to pull everything together. The actual structure of the 'Seven Orders of Clairvoyance' is absolutely brilliant and a work of art in itself.  I loved every minute of this unique fantasy epic. It is full of wild imagination, thrills, spills and graphic horror that will hit your senses like a runaway train. It has been a very long time since I have truly engaged in such a book. Samantha is definitely a talented author and one to keep an eye out for in the future. In my opinion, this story certainly lived up to the expectations. It will stay within my mind until the next book is published as part of this tantalising series. This is a recommended summer read - just count the days until it's finally out. Bravo!

New Children's Books - Published In July 2013 - US Post

                                           

Dan Poblocki - The Haunting Of Gabriel Ashe - Published by Scholastic Press - 30, July 2013

Has Gabriel created a monster?
Something sinister lurks in the woods outside of Slade.
Gabe has seen it, or he thinks he has - a shadow standing at the tree line, watching Gabe's house with faintly glowing eyes.

Despite Gabe's misgivings, his new friend, Seth, relishes the creepy atmosphere of the forest. It's the perfect setting for his imaginary struggle against the Hunter, a deformed child-eating creature said to leave the bones of his victims in his wake. It's just a game, but it's all a bit much for Gabe, who quickly loses interest as summer ends and the days grow shorter.

But then strange things start to happen. Frightening things. And Gabe knows it has to do with the dark figure watching him from the edge of the woods.

Is Seth out to teach Gabe a lesson? Or is the Hunter more than just a myth? Gabe isn't sure which option is more horrifying, but he's determined to learn the truth before someone gets hurt . . . or worse.

                                 

Christine Brodien- Jones - The Glass Puzzle -Published by Delacorte Books - 9, July 2013

Eleven-year-old Zoé Badger, imaginative, carefree and adventurous, lives a transient life, moving with her mother from one town to the next—except for summers, when she stays with her granddad in Tenby, Wales. But when she and her cousin Ian discover a glass puzzle that's been hidden away for decades, ancient forces are unleashed that threaten to change their safe-haven summer town in sinister ways.

                                 

James Preller - Scary Tales: Home Sweet Home - Published by Feiwel & Friends - 9, July 2013

Welcome. Have a seat. Let us tell you a story. But be warned. Home Sweet Horror isn’t just any tale. This is a Scary Tale.

Meet Liam Finn, who’s just moved into a new home with his father and sister. But this old house that seems empty, isn’t . . . Bloody Mary is here. Called back from the dead by a game, she’s just dying to talk.

      

                                 

Susan Fletcher - Falcon in the Glass - Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books - 9, July 2013

A boy risks his life to save some very special children in this fantasy adventure, set amidst the rich backdrop of Renaissance Venice.

In Venice in 1487, the secrets of glassblowing are guarded jealously. Renzo, a twelve-year-old laborer in a glassworks, has just a few months to prepare for a test of his abilities, and no one to teach him. If he passes, he will qualify as a skilled glassblower. If he fails, he will be expelled from the glassworks. Becoming a glassblower is his murdered father’s dying wish for him, and the means of supporting his mother and sister. But Renzo desperately needs another pair of hands to help him turn the glass as he practices at night.

One night he is disturbed by a bird—a small falcon—that seems to belong to a girl hiding in the glassworks. Soon Renzo learns about her and others like her—the bird people, who can communicate with birds and are condemned as witches. He tries to get her to help him and discovers that she comes with baggage: ten hungry bird-kenning children who desperately need his aid. Caught between devotion to his family and his art and protecting a group of outcast children, Renzo struggles for a solution that will keep everyone safe in this atmospheric adventure.

Press Release: Egmont Press Acquire New Series - Sword of Kuromori by Jason Rohan -

                        

Egmont Press acquires major new series, Sword of Kuromori  

Egmont Press is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a major new fantasy adventure series set in modern Japan for readers of 9+. Sword of Kuromori is by debut author Jason Rohan.

Stella Paskins, Fiction Publisher at Egmont Press, pre-empted World rights in a three-book, six-figure sum deal from Anne Clark at Anne Clark Literary Agency. The first title in the series will publish in May 2014 and will be a lead title on Egmont’s list.

“I am massively excited about Sword of Kuromori,” commented Stella Paskins.  “Jason’s mix of page-turning action with smart dialogue and sparkling characters is brilliant. The fusion of hi-tech and ancient myth works really well and readers are going to devour this world of breathtaking battles and exotic monsters.”

Jason Rohan said, “As a long time admirer of Japanese culture, I’m honoured and thrilled to be bringing this rich and vibrant folklore to a wider audience. I’m also humbled by the faith that Stella and the Egmont team have placed in me by committing to three novels, and I can’t wait to see what ideas the design team come up with, given the wealth of source material.”

Jason Rohan has worked as a staff writer for Marvel Comics in New York and as an English teacher in Japan, where he lived for five years. He returned to the UK and now lives in West London with his wife and five children.

Book Review: Michaela Clarke - Tiger Thief - Nosy Crow

                             

This is a brilliant read that hooks you from the very first page right through to the last. I was so engrossed in this story that time stopped still as I was reading. It is a great debut novel; beautifully written it leaves you with a sense of feeling that the story has been written from the heart. It is a story that has been inspired from the author's desire to write as a child. In this book she brings to life a magical world for both young and old readers. 

In response to a dream, we enjoy the journey that the author takes through the characters and the bright exotic backdrop of landscapes. She has conjured up an amazing magical tale which I'm really pleased that I had the opportunity to read. The story is set in India and draws upon the rich culture of myths, legends and the spirit world. It's based around the journey of two children who become caught in the battle between the natural world and the world of human greed.  

After travelling to the legendary city of jewels, the circus which Sharat (main character) and Emira (a majestic white tiger) belong to, are ordered to perform for the Emperor of Imperial Command. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity but when Emira mysteriously disappears in the middle of a circus act, Sharat sets off on a adventurous journey. He faces many perilous dangers and reveals interesting discoveries. The magic and intrigue will have you hooked as you turn the pages with rapid intensity.  

The book has a number of fantastic characters - some which are loveable and some which are not. The Djinni's are my particular favourites; I would have loved to have seen and read more about them in the book.  This is a great family book which is full of spirit, adventure and friendship. It is packed full of plot sequences, timely action and a rather predictable outcome. However, this can easily be forgiven as long as there is another book in the future to continue on from this one. This is a recommended read with great potential  for a sequel.... 

The Bell Between Worlds - Publication Day Extracts from author Ian Johnstone ( The Mirror Chronicles)

                                  

When I was about the age of young Sylas Tate I had a thought – what if the reason we can sometimes be so doubting, so unsure of ourselves, is that we aren’t quite whole? As I got a bit older the idea started to develop: what if the other part of us had a world of its own? And what if this other world was in some ways just the same as ours but in others was utterly different, even opposite? Those thoughts stayed with me and over the years they became bolder and bigger: what might those double worlds of dual souls allow me to explore and explain? Myths and legends? Even some of our basic ideas – science, magic, the supernatural?

Eventually I had so many ideas that I knew I had to sit down and write, so I changed my own world, moving from publisher to writer, and began The Mirror Chronicles. I started by preparing the history and background of this other world and then I moved on to the first book, The Bell Between Worlds. This opening novel takes Sylas Tate into another world of possibilities, imaginings and second souls and brings him face to face with many of the questions I asked myself years before. Happily for Sylas (and for me!) he also begins to discover some of the answers.

As you will see from the length of the book I have found that there is plenty for Sylas to discover. I have written some scenes that did not make the final cut and envisaged plenty of others that I have not yet written. To give a greater insight into the trilogy I thought I would share with you two of these unpublished scenes. The first is a prologue that I have written especially for release to you, which gives a very brief introduction to the first book and a hint of its mystery and magic. The second is a scene called The Bouncing Turnip, which I had originally written for the chapter entitled “The Mutable Inn” and which gives a snapshot of some of the more playful magic of the other world. Finally, I thought it might also be good to share an extract of one of the most pivotal scenes in the book – the scene in which Sylas first hears the chime of the bell between worlds.

I very much hope you enjoy these scenes, and the novel, and the trilogy to come. With best wishes, Ian Johnstone

http://marketingassets.harpercollins.co.uk/mirrorchronicles/Mirror-Chronicles-Extracts-Letter.pdf

http://marketingassets.harpercollins.co.uk/mirrorchronicles/Mirror-Chronicles-Extracts-Prologue.pdf

http://marketingassets.harpercollins.co.uk/mirrorchronicles/Mirror-Chronicles-Extracts-Chime.pdf

http://marketingassets.harpercollins.co.uk/mirrorchronicles/Mirror-Chronicles-Extracts-Bouncing-Turnip.pdf

My book review here if you missed it......

http://mrripleysenchantedbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/book-review-ian-johnstone-bell-between.html

Mr Ripley's New Children's Books: Published In July 2013 - UK Post One

                                               

Jon Robinson - Nowhere Book One - Published by Puffin - 4, July 2013

Nowhere is a fast-paced conspiracy thriller by debut author Jon Robinson.

'No one's coming for us.

Not our families, not the police.

No one.'

Alyn, Jes, Ryan and Elsa are Nowhere.

A concrete cube in the middle of a dense forest.

Imprisoned inside are one hundred teenagers from all over the country.

They're all criminals. But none of them remember committing any crimes.

Who has put them there. What do their captors want?

And how will they ever break free . . . ?

***an intensely gripping conspiracy thriller for 11+ readers***

*** a phenomenal debut novel, for readers who love Jason Bourne and Alex Scarrow***

                                             

Sarwat Chadda - Ash Mistry: The World of Darkness - Published by HarperCollins - 4, July 2013

Ash Mistry is in a world of pain. A parallel world in fact, where another version of him seems to be living his life, and the evil Lord Savage – now all-powerful and adored by the nation – is about to carry out a terrible plan.

Worse still, Ash’s superpowers, invested in him by the Death Goddess Kali, seem no longer to be working.

Without Kali, can Ash defeat Savage and save the world?

                                     

S. J. Kincaid - Vortex (Insignia Trilogy) - Published by Hot Key Books - 4, July 2013

Now in his second year as a superhuman cadet-in-training, Tom's been promoted to a mid-level member of the elite training corps known as Camelot Company, or CamCo. As training intensifies and the moment arrives to impress the multinational corporations who will make or break the cadets' careers, Tom finds himself drawn into a power struggle that's more dramatic - and with far higher stakes - than anything he ever imagined. There are nefarious new enemies to outwit, old friendships that take on new faces, a romance that Tom is encouraged to betray, and an increasing desire on Tom's behalf to demand nothing less than 'justice for all' - even if he sabotages his own future in the process. But what will his idealism cost? Filled with camaraderie, wit, action and intelligence, the second book in S. J. Kincaid's futuristic trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty and friendship.

                                          

Chris Priestley - New World - (Reissue) - Published by Corgi - 31, July 2013
New World is a wonderfully atmospheric and exciting historical adventure about an Elizabethan voyage of discovery to the New World. The story revolves around a fourteen-year-old orphan, Kit, who, attempting to escape his life of petty crime on the streets of London, boards a ship bound for Virginia and, together with other colonists, helps establish a colony at Roanoke.

As winter sets in and the colonists struggle to survive, Kit's past comes back to haunt him when an enemy suddenly reveals himself.

Press Release: Sarah J Mass - Crown of Midnight - Throne of Glass

                       

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT

By Sarah J Mass

Publication Date: 15th August 2013 Paperback Original and Ebook Price: £6.99

Throne of Glass was a #1 eBook bestseller and one of the top three YA debuts of 2012. It has sold in 13 languages and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Teen Book of the Year. Crown of Midnight is the much anticipated sequel from the incredibly talented Sarah J Maas.

A deal always comes at a price, and assassin Celaena Sardothien has made a deal with the very man who took away everything she loved . . . Can she live with that?

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. Though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

Action-packed, heart-wrenching, fantastically addictive and not to be missed!

Maas began to develop the world of Throne of Glass on www.fictionpress.com at the age of 16 and soon received tens of thousands of views. Ten years later, in 2012, her novel was published for the first time. Maas is a Disney fan and it was while listening to the Cinderella score that the original idea for the series came to her – what if Cinderella was fleeing from the ball because she’d done something really bad, what if she was an assassin and had tried to kill the prince? Over the ten years she worked on the story it has evolved into an epic fantasy rather than a Cinderella retelling, but the books are peppered with references to everyone’s favourite fairytale.

Sarah J Maas is originally from New York and currently lives in the Californian desert. Look out for more from Sarah in 2014.

Book Review: Sam Hepburn - Chasing The Dark + Book Trailer

                                       

I was looking for something to read in this genre when this book popped through the post - I'm really glad that it did. The title of the book perfectly captures what's in store for the reader. This is a brilliant new crime-mystery story told through the eyes of a teenage boy looking for answers as to the death of his mum. 

Joe's mum is killed in a hit-and-run car crash, along with someone that he's never heard of before. Angry and alone, Joe takes his dog for a late night walk. He finds himself at the gates of an empty mansion; a house of glass belonging to an old movie star. And it's here that Joe unlocks the dangerous mystery of what happened that night. 

The author has been inspired by an eclectic mix of Dickens' Great Expectations, the famous Lord Lucan mystery and the opening of the KGB files back in 2009. These have been used to great effect and lend a sense of mystery and possibilities to the story. An exhilarating tale is told in the style of Lord Peter Wimsey from the detective adventures by Dorothy L Sayers. I have to say that this diverse mix of ideas and inspirations really make this story quite unique.

This book has a fast paced nature to it - the story unfolds the mysteries that Joe faces as he heads further into this dangerous adventure. It is layered with unexpected twists - just when you think that you've got the story sussed you have to think again. One of the strong points of this book includes the host of very interesting and varied characters that will have you gripped from the start until the very end.

The main characters are Yuri, a scary ex-contract killer with a heart of gold and a secret stash of emeralds. Norma Craig, an old movie star with a secret or two, Joe Slattery and his sidekick terrier called Oz. The all important bad person is the mysterious character know as Vulture, a Russian spy, who wants to eliminate her previous history at all cost. If that's not enough, then there are many secondary characters to keep you company along the way.

This book will take you slowly down the darkened path of murder, espionage, the London crime culture and a secret family past. There are many hidden secrets that will make you want to uncover the answers for your very self. It is a gripping read for the 11+ market - a book for both boys and girls who have adventurous spirits. It is very well written and is full of ideas which are deliciously dark and sometimes brutal. These have all been told through the modern day perspective which also pull at the heart strings.  

I would love to read more books like this as it was an absolute pleasure and delight. This is another great book from such a diverse author who also writes under the name of Sam Osman. 

Published by Chicken House - 6th June 2013. Age 11+ - ISBN: 978 1 908435 68 2

One To Watch: Monument 14 - Sky On Fire by Emmy Laybourne

                                         

Overview

Trapped in a superstore by a series of escalating disasters, including a monster hailstorm and terrifying chemical weapons spill, brothers Dean and Alex learned how to survive and worked together with twelve other kids to build a refuge from the chaos. But then strangers appeared, destroying their fragile peace, and bringing both fresh disaster and a glimmer of hope.

Knowing that the chemical weapons saturating the air outside will turn him into a bloodthirsty rage monster, Dean decides to stay in the safety of the store with Astrid and some of the younger kids. But their sanctuary has already been breached once. . . .

Meanwhile, Alex, determined to find their parents, heads out into the darkness and devastation with Niko and some others in a recently repaired school bus. If they can get to Denver International Airport, they might be evacuated to safety. But the outside world is even worse than they expected. . . .

• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
• Publication date: 28/05/2013
• Pages: 224

Samantha Shannon - The Bone Season - Book Trailer Release

Bloomsbury have launched the trailer for The Bone Season, the first book in a dazzling new fantasy series being published on 20 August this year. The book is already being developed for film by Andy Serkis' The Imaginarium Studios. Samantha is a 21 year-old currently completing her finals at Oxford University. A selection of some of amazing advance quotes follow:

'Truly extraordinary and thrilling.' Andy Serkis

'A new breed of women authors are claiming fantasy as their own. Leading the charge is Samantha Shannon.' Harper's Bazaar

'A dark and exquisitely rendered fantasy unlike anything out there. The Bone Season is a must read.' Kami Garcia, co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series

'Samantha Shannon has a hugely inventive talent and an imagination with seven league boots. She's hit the ground running.' Susan Hill 

Book Review: The Boy with 2 Heads By Andy Mulligan - Published by David Fickling

I have to say that once again Andy Mulligan has written another outstanding story. It is slightly different to his previous books as he tackles some really quite serious day-to-day life issues in this one. It's a really gritty perspective of life told through the eyes of a group of children. They all have their own individual story to tell which is weaved seamlessly into one fantastic story.

Richard is a normal boy until a lump starts to grow on his neck. At this point, his life changes forever. He wakes up to discover that he has grown another head - a breathing and talking head. Known as Rikki this additional head is rude, rebellious and very difficult. This idea, at this point, could have easily gone wrong as both Richard and Rikki's dialogue could have been read as one voice. However, I believe that Andy has got the balance just right by giving them their own clear narrative which is psychologically gripping and very intense in some places. 

This is a very clever and original idea. It is a poignant and heart-warming story about life and all the hardships and troubles that this can bring e.g growing up, unfairness in the world etc. These are all dealt with and addressed in their own unique way which makes it a fascinating and brilliant read. Each character has to cope with the complexity of life and learn to deal with their own circumstances. This is all told in a very skilful way.  

The backdrop of school life brings a large slice of reality and realism, but there are still some small elements of fantasy which give a balance to the story.

The book has so much going for it; one moment it is serious and the next it's humorous. However, there are also a lot of dark and horrifying moments in the book. These will set you on the path of moral thinking.  As an adult, I also gained a great sense of feeling as to what is was like to be a child again which was very interesting.

The ending is very unexpected and well thought out. It may shine a light down a dark tunnel but I shall say no more! This book is an entertainment extravaganza from the first page to the very last. It is a thought provoking read that will stay with me forever. Another blinding story from Andy Mulligan, which delivers the unexpected with superb imaginative qualities. I believe that he is one of the best storytellers around.

Published by David Fickling Books (6 Jun 2013) - Age 12+

Press Release: COMPETITION TO MAKE NEW CHARLIE HIGSON BOOK TRAILER FOR - THE FALLEN

                                      

                   Competition launches to make official trailer for

                    Charlie Higson’s new zombie book, The Fallen

With Penguin Books and the BFI

www.the-enemy.co.uk

Penguin Books have joined with the BFI (British Film Institute) to launch a unique film making competition ahead of the release of The Fallen, the fifth book in Charlie Higson’s best-selling zombie series, The Enemy.

Open to anyone of any age - whether they are fans of the books, budding film makers, or just huge zombie fans - the competition offers the chance to make the official trailer for The Fallen, published on 12 September 2013.

Previous trailers for the series have had more than 100,000 combined viewings on YouTube and Charlie Higson has played a pivotal role in each of them.  He starred in the first and wrote and directed the latest trailer which was the publisher’s most ambitious trailer for a book ever.

Charlie Higson launches the competition with a twitter Q&A today, 22 May 2013, at 8pm BST.  The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 23 August.

There are three categories in the competition: under 16s, 16-24s and 25 year-olds and over.    Charlie Higson will choose a winner from each category alongside a judging panel from Penguin Books and the BFI.   An overall winner will be chosen as the official trailer for The Fallen, and will be announced by Charlie at a Future Film event inspired by the BFI’s forthcoming Gothic season at BFI Southbank on Saturday 7 September.

The overall winner will become the official trailer, but there will be prizes for all winning entries.  The 16 – 24s winner wins a mentoring experience with IdeasTap and the winner of the over 25s category will have the chance to speak to industry specialists at the BFI Film Fund.  Each category winner will get £350 vouchers for film making equipment, BFI Membership, signed copies of The Enemy series and a ticket to the BFI Future Film event on 7 September.

Charlie Higson comments, “We want you to make the trailer for The Fallen.  It doesn’t matter how you make it or what equipment you’ve got, whether you’ve got a 3D 35 mm camera or just your phone.  What we’re looking for is great ideas, imagination, loads of atmosphere and plenty of gore.  The winning film will become the official trailer for my next book which means it will be seen by thousands of people all over the world.  Not just that, there will be money can’t buy prizes for the runners up.  If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own zombie movie, now is your chance.”

The BFI comments, “This competition offers aspiring filmmakers of all ages a great opportunity to practice working to a brief and the BFI is thrilled to be able to help provide some of the prizes on offer from BFI Membership to invaluable career advice from the BFI Film Fund”

The Enemy series is set in a post-apocalyptic London after a mystery illness attacks everyone over the age of fourteen.  Some survive, but those that do face a more terrifying fate – they turn into hideous zombies with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Children form gangs and attempt to survive in an unrecognisable world where there are dangers around every corner.

Further details including information on how to enter and a brief story arc to be used as a narrative guideline, can be found at www.the-enemy.co.uk.   

The Fallen is published by Penguin Books on 12 September 2013 at £12.99

Jonathan Stroud - Lockwood & Co Book Covers - What's Your Favourite? Vote Now...

UK Book Cover - Published By Doubleday Childrens (29 Aug 2013)


                                 

German Book Cover Published By cbj (11 Sep 2013)

                              

US Book Cover Published By Disney Press (17 Sep 2013)

Click here to vote - Only takes two seconds......... 

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When the dead come back to haunt the living, Lockwood & Co. step in . . .

For more than fifty years, the country has been affected by a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. A number of Psychic Investigations Agencies have sprung up to destroy the dangerous apparitions.

Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, arrives in London hoping for a notable career. Instead she finds herself joining the smallest most ramshackle agency in the city, run by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When one of their cases goes horribly wrong, Lockwood & Co. have one last chance of redemption. Unfortunately this involves spending the night in one of the most haunted houses in England, and trying to escape alive.

Set in a city stalked by spectres, The Screaming Staircase is the first in a chilling new series full of suspense, humour and truly terrifying ghosts. Your nights will never be the same again . . .