Lockwood & Co. Book Three The Hollow Boy

This book is yet another incredible addition to the Lockwood and Co series. I honestly have nothing negative to say. The characterization is rich, the details are perfect, and the underlying plot that runs through all the books is very mysterious and compelling. The Hollow Boy is hilarious and deeply interesting, and I have found myself laughing out loud at least as often as I've been truly scared during the thrilling parts. It's incredible and you won't be able to stop reading until you're done. You can't help but love all the characters and their distinctive idiosyncrasies, and I just love the world building and how everything keeps tying together so well. Each of these books manages to keep the scares and humor coming in a fresh and better way. This has to be one of my top favorite books/series of all time.

I love the Lockwood and Co. series. This book, however, is my least favorite so far. I did not feel like it was as satisfying as the others. If you are a fan of Lucy and the gang, then it is worth a read, but don't expect it to be as good as The Whispering Skull.

Another creative effort from Jonathan Stroud, well worth waiting for. Unfortunately, it leaves many open ends unresolved, setting the stage for the next book in the series, so after 3 hours of reading excitement, I am looking at a year-long wait once more.

Ahoy there me mateys! Day three with book three of the Lockwood & Co. series completed. Over half way there! Arrr! If ye haven’t read the first book in this series, the screaming staircase, then ye might want to skip this post and go read the first book. Worth the read. No spoilers ahead but if ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . . . . .

Okay it’s official. I adore this series. Book three was absolutely fabulous and me favorite thus far. Soooo good. In this tale, Lockwood & Co.’s reputation has continued to improve. In fact the trio can hardly keep up. But the high profile cases are still hard to come by. However, a huge influx of ghosts is keeping the major firms extremely busy which brings a wealthy client to the their door. The problem? A set of creepy bloody footprints. Can the agency solve this case? What about the massive city outbreak that is threatening to shut down the city? Can they help with that too?

So many things are great in this book. There is the usual banter between the trio, the rivalry between the firms, the ghosts, the cases that Lockwood & Co. work on, and characters like Flo and the skull. Still wonderful. But the main focus for me in this one was the continuing growth of Lucy’s talent. This is a book of change and growth for the trio as a whole but Lucy in particular. This book also brought back some of the tingling feelings of ickiness when reading about some of the situations with the ghosts just like I had in book one. Add in a new character that adds to both the angst and the humor and I was hooked. And that ending sheesh! Totally not expecting that, and I have no idea where the next book is headed.

Just pick up a copy and experience the novel for yerself. I am looking forward to attempting the fourth book tonight! Arrrrr!

Lockwood & Co. are back for their third stint with The Hollow Boy. Taking the time to explore the paranormal in the previous two books, this third venture while still retaining the spooky focuses more towards the living rather than the undead. Just when Lucy, Lockwood and George felt they had reached the peaceful camaraderie afforded to a tight knit group, comes prim, proper and perfect Holly Munro. Successfully throwing a wrench in our favorite trio and diverting Lockwood's attention and sparking Lucy's jealousy.

While a supernatural outbreak threatens England's peace, dashing leader Lockwood, insightful and astute George and dynamic and vigorous Lucy, effectively making up Lockwood & Co. (with the skull offering sarcasm) find themselves too busy and loaded with work to keep to their chores or rest. This enters Holly Munro ..... She annoyed me big time. She comes in with her perfect self, befriends the boys and forces order in their life of varied chaos. Of course with such crashing personalities Lucy and Holly don't get along well ..... and a disjointed team like that suffers in their line of business.

It is human nature to doubt and to feel emotion like envy, jealousy or happiness, and thus it is a marvel to witness Lucy as she experiences it all with the changes in their team dynamics, her own growing powers and her doubts regarding her worth.... While I hate that Stroud took this approach to further the story but hopefully the next one will be back to focusing on the undead rather than teenage melodrama.

All the while resentment is rising among the living members of the community. Stroud carefully slips in political propaganda amidst all the paranormalia .... it is not pronounced but things complicated when a living assassin tries to murder Fittes and Rotwell. The book leans heavily on the personal issues whereas the paranormal takes a somewhat backseat. Romance really is not the issue here but the sense of belonging. As I already mentioned I hated this element but on the other hand this made interaction between Lucy and Skull all the more exciting.

Of course the resulting climax as the humans tackle the problem of Chelsea made up for the spook throughout the tale. There is no question about Jonathan Stroud's caliber for the written word and while I appreciate the twists and diversions here in The Hollow Boy, this didn't really scare me as its predecessors did ..... But that cliffhanger ....... Hoping the next book will shed more light on the questions raised in here and strike the balance between the living and the undead that felt somewhat lacking here.

With The Hollow Boy, new characters are introduced (or bumped off) as several storylines (two major cross-series arcs and a couple of smaller contained arcs) deftly interweave. We get more information about Lockwood's past, Lucy's abilities, and the strange goings-ons causing the hauntings. Tantalizing clues are dropped but honestly, Stroud so masterfully ratcheted up the suspense that this was definitely the most nerve-wracking volume of the series. Suitable for middle graders and up but with more than enough nuance and sophistication to greatly appeal to adults as well.

Story: Chelsea has become the scene of a huge outbreak of hauntings - causing the area to have to be cordoned off and attended to in great force by the various agencies. Although Lockwood is considered too small to be valuable, they will soon find themselves inexorably drawn into the mystery. Add in a wealthy benefactress, a parade and celebration party to keep the populace calm, and perhaps the scariest haunting of the entire series and Lockwood and Co will be very busy.

What the series has going for it by this third book is an incredible sense of world building. Although set in a modern, albeit alternate, London in which spirits of the undead run amok, there is an ethereal, almost fantasy-type setting where I picture the characters dressed straight out of a Dickensian tale. Like J.K. Rowling with the Harry Potter series, author Stroud smartly keeps so much of the worldbuilding timeless so readers can be transported to and fall fully under Lockwood & Co.'s gothic spell. You'll rarely read about Ipads, cell phones, internet, etc.

Less effective, though, was the addition of a new character to the team: Holly Munro. There are hints that she will have a larger role to play in the future (especially considering which agency she originated from) but for this book, she pretty much plays a foil to Lucy. Cue cat fights, jealousy, and far too much of Lucy mooning dreamily over Lockwood while competing with Holly for his attention. It was disappointing to read yet another middle grade book where the female characters can't work together and fight constantly over the males (I am reminded of the somewhat overt misogyny of Philip Reeve's Larklight series).

That aside, the characters are, as always, brilliant. From George to Lockwood to all the side characters, each is unique and comes with a firm perspective. Just by reading a line, it is obvious whose dialogue it is because each character has such a distinct personality. Add in the most developed character of all - London itself - and you get a book that really is a treat. In this case, a nail biter to the end.

I am greatly enjoying the Lockwood & Co. series. It's been quite awhile since a children's book series has been treated to such carefully crafted worldbuiling and characterization. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Note: I listened to the Audible version and the narrator did a decent job with the character and story.

I rarely read stories as purely enjoyable as The Hollow Boy. In fact, if I were to give out 5 star ratings solely based on whether or not I enjoyed the stories AS MUCH as this one, I wouldn't be rating very many books 5! I do though, for various reasons, but still, most of those aren't quite as special to me in comparison.

So what makes this story stand out? Stroud's ingenious storytelling for one thing, definitely! But also the characters, the flawless premise, the pacing, the engrossing plotting, the suspense, the sinister version of a London so different from the real one, The Problem and how it's approached, everything really!

And I mightn't be between the age of 8-12, but clearly I adore this series nonetheless. In fact, it's one of my most favorite fantasy series. And obviously, The Hollow Boy is as brilliant as the previous books. Again, Stroud is an amazingly wonderful storyteller. The ambience is tense, eerie, suspenseful and perfectly scary from page one, and I found myself feeling rather frightful for the wellbeing of Lockwood & Co. from the get go, although that is usually a silly notion with hundreds of pages ahead.

I love Lucy both as narrator and character. George and Lockwood are perfect opposites, both adding important traits to the group. The relationship amongst Lucy, George and Lockwood is very enjoyable, even the mocking and bantering seem to be in good spirits. I haven't decided what to think of Holly yet, though she does bring something new to the story, as Lucy is having difficulties accepting her. Also the skull remains an interesting, sometimes helpful, and often sarcastically witty, addition to the team. Although it's both mocking and nasty, I find it highly amusing, and in combination with the seriousness of The Problem, and the ghastly sinister tasks, it certainly does bring flashes of lightness and fun to the story.

"'Is he dead?' the skull's voice said. 'Yay! Oh. No, he's hanging onto the shutters. Shame. Still, this is definitely the funniest thing I've ever seen. You three really are incompetence on a stick.'"

Finally, this book, which is quite possibly even more brilliant than the previous books, has a more dark feel to it, both in regards to the visitors, but also as there seems to be an underlying
foreboding throughout the story. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book, and obviously, the entire series is very recommendable!

What a great addition to the series! There was tons of character development in this one. First we get the new assistant--is she just a thorn in Lucy's side? is she something darker? is Lucy overreacting? Then we have more answers on the big teaser/reveal from the last book, info about Lockwood's sister. Oh but don't think that we now know all that Lockwood's hiding because we get another teaser about his parents! Lucy, meanwhile, is growing in Talent by leaps and bounds. Now she's completely chatty with the ghost/skull in the jar (who seems more friendly, impish, hilarious, yet slightly bloodthirsty than before). But the team is being torn apart from within by secrets, hidden resentments, lack of trust, and episodes of bad judgements. Will Lockwood and Co. stay together? Will there be irreparable changes to Lockwood and Lucy's relationship? What is the solution to the huge Chelsea outbreak? Packed with fast-pasted, creepy danger, this is a great adventure with some underlying truths about human mysteries as well. Great for kids or young adults.

I rarely read stories as purely enjoyable as The Hollow Boy. In fact, if I were to give out 5 star ratings solely based on whether or not I enjoyed the stories AS MUCH as this one, I wouldn't be rating very many books 5! I do though, for various reasons, but still, most of those aren't quite as special to me in comparison.

So what makes this story stand out? Stroud's ingenious storytelling for one thing, definitely! But also the characters, the flawless premise, the pacing, the engrossing plotting, the suspense, the sinister version of a London so different from the real one, The Problem and how it's approached, everything really!

And I mightn't be between the age of 8-12, but clearly I adore this series nonetheless. In fact, it's one of my most favorite fantasy series. And obviously, The Hollow Boy is as brilliant as the previous books. Again, Stroud is an amazingly wonderful storyteller. The ambience is tense, eerie, suspenseful and perfectly scary from page one, and I found myself feeling rather frightful for the wellbeing of Lockwood & Co. from the get go, although that is usually a silly notion with hundreds of pages ahead.

I love Lucy both as narrator and character. George and Lockwood are perfect opposites, both adding important traits to the group. The relationship amongst Lucy, George and Lockwood is very enjoyable, even the mocking and bantering seem to be in good spirits. I haven't decided what to think of Holly yet, though she does bring something new to the story, as Lucy is having difficulties accepting her. Also the skull remains an interesting, sometimes helpful, and often sarcastically witty, addition to the team. Although it's both mocking and nasty, I find it highly amusing, and in combination with the seriousness of The Problem, and the ghastly sinister tasks, it certainly does bring flashes of lightness and fun to the story.

"'Is he dead?' the skull's voice said. 'Yay! Oh. No, he's hanging onto the shutters. Shame. Still, this is definitely the funniest thing I've ever seen. You three really are incompetence on a stick.'"

Finally, this book, which is quite possibly even more brilliant than the previous books, has a more dark feel to it, both in regards to the visitors, but also as there seems to be an underlying
foreboding throughout the story. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next book, and obviously, the entire series is very recommendable!

There were things I loved about this book--the deepening of Lucy's character and emotions, along with added dimensions to some of the supporting cast as well--but this was a weaker read for me than the last two.

It's not that it was a bad book, per se, but it simply felt like things haven't been changing, that the plot isn't fully moving forward. With everything that has gone on in books one and two, it doesn't seem like--for example--Lockwood & Co. Would still have to try so hard to "make it in the biz."

Still, that's where this book complicates things, as it FINALLY seems to move forward and push the plot further--while adding new mysteries to wonder about, too.

In the end, it's a good book and an entry to the series that really helps it find its trajectory. It's just disheartening that it took so long for it to fully find its footing in that regard.

Very suspenseful and intense book in the Lockwood & Co series. I find that main character Lucy very easy to relate to and "get into the mind of". Of course there is another cliffhanger ending that makes you want to instantly start the next book.

Absolutely wonderful audiobook. I confess I've never read the print version of any of Stroud's books. Why? The audio narrators are so amazing that I would much, much, much rather listen and sit in my car or drive around for hours on end than snuggle up with a print copy. Emily Bevan is now in my top 4 all-time book narrators. She does all the voices and made me laugh out loud many times during this book. Do yourself a favor and listen. You won't regret it!

just want more...thrd installment of lockwood series .th main plot kicks in late..and by the end sets the premise for the fourth.
finally Lockwoods past is revealed..Lucys conflict and affection towards Tony...also a new character is intoduced..
the best character is the Skull..hilarious.coming in the right moment to break the ice or create ruckus...hope more past is revealed abt the skull.(reminds me of bartemieus a lot)

Overall this book is more of character development and much better sinister larger plot development.

wish the next book comes ou ASAP...

This was a gorgeously written book with an ever increasing world depth (that was also excellent in book 1, but a little absent in book 2), and a great cast of characters who are also being built up and deepened as the series continues.

What more can a reader ask for? Great world building that just increases, great characters that continually deepen, a great writing style that's both descriptive, immersive, and fast, and a story that gets more enthralling with each passing page!

Another masterfully-written story from a master storyteller!

This is the third outing for 'Lockwood & Co.'. The characters are starting to grow on me more and be less cute and their interactions more natural and less slick. I love Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus Sequence and these are great to read as well. Stroud's writing is strong and well put together. Every sentence and paragraph is perfect. I was worried with the first quarter of the book because it's almost different variations when they go ghost hunting again and again, and that repetition with different variations would have gotten very boring. Related to this...Lockwood & Co. would make a great TV series now that we're in the golden age of TV. I was also guessing that this book was a mystery and wrote down my guess during the 1/4 point of the book but it didn't happen, thankfully, which makes me happy because it wasn't a predictable story. I was also pleased that the book started to deal with the broad strokes of the visitor outbreak and we can sense that there are people behind it who are pulling the strings. That's what really intrigues me and gets me excited about the series and also was one of the great things about the Bartimaeus Sequence and it seems like what we're going to get in the next few books. I really want an epic adversary for the team to go up against.