Lockwood & Co - The Screaming Staircase, by Jonathan Stroud

The inspiration for a Netflix series, the Lockwood & Co books tell tales of London ghostbusting agencies staffed by psychic teenagers. For the past 50 years the UK has been plagued by a growing paranormal ‘Problem’. Restless spirits such as poltergeists, wraiths, spectres and stalkers cause fear, despair, death and destruction at night. Sensitive children form a night watch and talented teens armed with salt, iron and silver provide protection for the populace, usually supervised by adults. When Lucy Carlyle flees a tragedy in the north she joins a small independent agency, unfettered by adults – Lockwood & Co. Working with charismatic principal Anthony and his stoic offsider George, Lucy develops her abilities and builds confidence. These are tested by an increasingly dangerous mob of malevolent ghosts, which challenge the valiant three to keep the agency afloat and themselves alive. The book is a tad darker than the series, which is otherwise faithful to the text. It includes some gentle, age appropriate, URST, a nice line in wry humour and an admirable dedication to tea and biscuits.