Dive into the eerie, exhilarating world of Lockwood & Co., where ghosts haunt the foggy streets of an alternate London and a trio of fearless teens stand ready to fight them! Written by Jonathan Stroud, this young adult series blends supernatural thrills, detective flair, and sharp humor, captivating readers with its unique take on fantasy horror. Follow Lucy Carlyle, Anthony Lockwood, and George Cubbins as they tackle deadly specters and unravel chilling mysteries in a ghost-plagued Britain.
With its mix of heart-pounding action and witty banter, Lockwood & Co. offers a fresh spin on the ghost-hunting genre, perfect for fans of adventure and the supernatural. Let’s explore how this gripping series came to life, its unforgettable books, and why it continues to haunt readers’ imaginations!
How Lockwood & Co. Began
Jonathan Stroud, already celebrated for his Bartimaeus series, launched Lockwood & Co. in 2013 with a vision to merge classic ghost stories with modern detective vibes. Inspired by Britain’s love for spooky tales and Victorian gothic settings, Stroud crafted an alternate London where a ghostly epidemic, dubbed 'the Problem,' has gripped society for decades. His goal? To create a world where only kids can sense ghosts, putting teens at the heart of a thrilling, high-stakes battle.
Stroud’s knack for blending humor, horror, and heart shaped the series’ distinctive tone. Drawing from influences like Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe, he built a universe that feels both familiar and eerily unique, with real London landmarks woven into the supernatural chaos. The result was a series that hooked readers and critics alike, earning praise for its inventive world-building.
The Heart of Lockwood & Co.
The series spans five novels, each brimming with ghostly adventures and clever twists. The Screaming Staircase (2013) introduces Lucy, a gifted psychic, as she joins Lockwood & Co., a scrappy agency led by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. Their mission to survive a night in England’s most haunted house sets the stage for heart-racing action. The Whispering Skull (2014) dives deeper, with the team racing to recover a dangerous relic while grappling with a chatty, sinister skull in a jar.
The Hollow Boy (2015) and The Creeping Shadow (2016) ramp up the stakes, exploring Lucy’s growing powers and the team’s rivalries with larger agencies. The finale, The Empty Grave (2017), delivers a gripping showdown as the trio uncovers secrets about the ghostly epidemic’s origins. Themes of friendship, bravery, and rebellion shine through, set against a backdrop of a society exploiting young ghost hunters. Stroud’s sharp dialogue and vivid London setting—think cobblestone streets and flickering lanterns—make every page pop with atmosphere.
The series’ style is a winning mix of spooky suspense and laugh-out-loud moments, with characters like the sarcastic George and the mysterious Lockwood stealing the show. It’s a love letter to fans of fantasy, horror, and detective stories, with a distinctly British charm that keeps you hooked.
Why Lockwood & Co. Resonates
Lockwood & Co. has carved a niche in young adult fiction, praised for its fresh take on ghost stories and its relatable, flawed heroes. Fans adore the trio’s chemistry and the series’ balance of creepy thrills and heartfelt moments, with many calling it a modern classic. Its Netflix adaptation in 2023, though canceled after one season, sparked renewed interest, driving readers to the books for richer details and expanded adventures.
The series’ exploration of societal issues—like the exploitation of young workers—adds depth, resonating with teens and adults alike. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to scare, entertain, and inspire, making it a must-read for anyone craving a ghostly adventure. With a graphic novel in the works, Lockwood & Co.’s legacy continues to grow.
- Publication Years: 2013–2017
- Number of Books: 5
- Notable Award: ALA Notable Book for The Screaming Staircase
- Short Story: The Dagger in the Desk (2013)
Ready to face ghosts with Lucy, Lockwood, and George? Grab The Screaming Staircase and step into the thrilling, chilling world of Lockwood & Co. today!