Good scary fun

I've been reading supernatural fiction for many years and am delighted to come across high-quality examples of the genre for young people. This one piles on the atmosphere and tension and makes judicious use of gore - there is just enough - while presenting a world in which ghost-fog, death-lights and aggressive type-two ghosts are part of every day life. The tone of normality heightens the terror and makes for a very good listen.

It's also very funny and this is partly down to Amanda Raisin's flair for voices. She's very good with people who aren't like her, whether they are truculent teenage boys or nasty old men. I always knew when George was talking and he's hilarious. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens to him in the next book.

6 people found this helpful

Amazing!

My best friend and I (in our twenties) listened to this over as series of weekends. The story was gripping, the characters were wonderfully written, and the world was immersive. Miranda Rasion's highly talented performance brought each character to life, we hung on her every word. A powerful, yet eerie and thrilling tale. The writing of Johnathan Stroud, and the voice of Miranda Raison make a powerful team.

5 people found this helpful

Excellent Story - Excellent Narration

Where does The Screaming Staircase rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I downloaded this book this morning intending to listen to it while away on holiday but I made the mistake of listening to it for a few minutes and ended up finishing it within the day.Miranda Raison's narration was first class from start to finish and I hope she will be the narrator of all future books in this series.

What other book might you compare The Screaming Staircase to, and why?

The Screaming Staircase compares very well to the books of Neil Gaiman in particular Graveyard.

Which character – as performed by Miranda Raison – was your favourite?

The story centers on Lucy Carlyle and she can't fail to be a favourite but Ms Raison voiced all of the characters, male as well as female, so perfectly that her performance brought all of the major players to life.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It did not make me cry or laugh but it did make me feel concern for the well being of the entire team of Lockwood and Co and frequently brought a smile to my face.

4 people found this helpful

Utterly brilliant

Would you listen to The Screaming Staircase again? Why?

Yes! Here is my full review -This book pretty much blew my socks off - not just because I loved it so much but also as we listened to the audio version (brilliantly read by the way) in the car whilst on holiday. Never before have the kids asked to go on a journey!! The children (7 (she was possibly a touch too young for this), 9 and 12) were so excited between each listen, talking about it, going over sections and jokes and even my husband (who's not an audio fan) thoroughly enjoyed it. Just for that sheer fact it's got to be one of the best books I've read this year, it was so lovely to have the book as a family event that we could all share and enjoy.

So onto the story itself - it started out with a bang, full on action. Lucy lives in an alternate London where ghosts have become powerful enough to kill with one touch and the catch being that only children have the ability to see and therefore fight and control them. A brilliantly thought out and executed world, where children have to grow up fast and nothing seemed unbelievable. The ghosts were suitably chilling - no white sheets to be seen here, this was scary stuff and I found myself shivering more than once. The mystery of Annabell Ward was perhaps not the most difficult to solve as a reader but the background and how we got there was gripping and the scenes in Coombe Cary Hall (sorry spelling - this was audio) were at times terrifying. However brilliant the story was though, the characters truly stole the whole show. Lucy, George and Lockwood - Lockwood and Co. - they were a truly entertaining and heart warming bunch of children/young teenagers who manage quite capably on their own thank you very much, no adult supervision needed. And no surprise when children are the natural defence to the Country's 'Problem' - they have to work fast, efficiently and under great pressure or be killed and with that comes the ability to survive no matter the cost.

I clicked buy on the next book, The Whispering Skull, the second we had finished this, what more of a recommendation can I make? My love of children's books continues.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved all three main characters equally, they all brought something important and irreplaceable to the story

What about Miranda Raison’s performance did you like?

This was one of the best performances I have listened to recently and the different characters were brilliantly done, George in particular.

1 person found this helpful

An excellent supernatural story for the young (and old!)

I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. A good story from beginning to end. Well narrated and good characterisation with just the right amount of supernatural scariness. I can understand why this series is aimed at young people. I'm in my late sixties but why should they get all the fun?! Can't wait to hear the next in series.

1 person found this helpful

Thoroughly good ghost detective story

Bought this off the strength of the authors Bartimeus books, and really glad I did. This is a story of 3 young ghost hunters trying to keep their business afloat against the big corporations. Don't want to spoil anything though, so shall say no more except the pace is good, the premise is well fleshed out, the characters believable and the ghosts thrilling. Would give this a 12 rating, but well read younger children may be fine.

1 person found this helpful

teenage fantasy that works for adults

engaging narration and a fun good story. if you like Artemis Fowl you'll like this. I will be getting the next book in the series.

1 person found this helpful

A fantastic mystery

I really enjoyed this fantastic book. It's a bit too scary for anyone under 10 and it's well worth reading if your a grown up kid like me. Jonathan Stroud is a great author and the narrator was good too.

1 person found this helpful

Super for 11-12 year olds !

A story for year 7s or loving parents of a child who is relishing this toothless tale of derring-do. It is such a poor, unimaginative tale that is ALMOST saved by Miranda Raison, a wonderful narrator who works her socks off here. Cliché follows cliché, people flush and stammer in confusion. Adults are the baddies and even 20 year olds are derided as 'past it' !
I'm past 20 myself and am bemused by positive reviews citing 'scariness'.
Never again.

Love these books

Great stories and characters....and a little scary on occasion. Change of narrators a touch annoying (as ever).

Who’s for Tea and biscuits?