Lockwood & Co

by Jonathan Stroud

[Beth C.]

I have long been a fan of Jonathan Stroud, having enjoyed his Bartimaeus Trilogy, among others. I have actually been trying to get my 12-year-old son to read some of his books, knowing that he would love them. He continued to resist - until now. I got this book, and we are both hooked.

In the version of London in this book, spirits are everywhere. Literally. It's not safe to walk around at night, lavender is a *huge* business due to its deterrence factor, and agencies have sprung up all over to try and deal with the problem. Those agencies tend to be run by adults, but are largely staffed by children and they are the only ones who can see the spirits to deal with them. Lucy is one of those children, but she happens to be employed by the only agency in London run without adult supervision. When they burn down a house fighting a spirit, the line gets drawn in the sand. Will they be able to save the agency? And if so, will they survive the attempt?

I really enjoyed the book - the character of Lucy is a great one, particularly as she is a strong, independent, yet vulnerable girl. Her past has made her a little wary of trusting, and she can be a bit on the impulsive side, so she actually fits in well with the owner of the agency she works for. Anthony Lockwood, said owner, is mysterious in several ways. He is around Lucy's age, but owns the house and the company. His parents are, apparently, no longer with the living, but little of explanation is given. I'm assuming that as the series grows, more about each character will be forthcoming. The story is interesting in and of itself, and I believe that most kids will like the idea that it's the children in the book that have a fair amount of the power, and the adults that try to control it.

I'm looking forward to reading more about Lockwood & Co., and my son is as well. A definite keeper at our house!