You need to read the other books in the Lockwood & Co. The intense rivalry between the ghost agencies is developed more in this third book, as is the world, building, and breadth of the plot. I loved the additional Lockwood agent element to the tale but be warned – the new girl can be very unlikeable. Lucy’s character is developed a lot more and although some of the mystery surrounding Lockwood himself dissipates, George, who is often treated off-handedly by Lockwood, is developing in this book too. The third book introduces a new character who mixes things up in the way that a newcomer does to a firm pre-established friendship. The main characters gel wonderfully despite their differences, or perhaps because of the way they rub along together and irritate one another too.

It has all of the wit and drama of the previous stories and it is still as petrifying as ever. series and it is just as brilliant as the others. The Hollow Boy is the third book in the Lockwood & Co. Can they get a chance to prove their worth? Will they have to take matters into their own hands as ‘the Problem’ continues? has yet again been ignored by the authorities. to investigate? All of their rival agencies have been called in to avert a deepening crisis. Surely this is just the sort of case for Lockwood & Co. Many people are dying, many agents are frightened and the ghosts are haunting like crazy. London is facing the worst period of ghost manifestations on record with serious haunting incidents (mainly in Chelsea) causing turmoil.

The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud