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Constable & Toop
Something mysterious and terrible is happening throughout Victorian London: Ghosts are disappearing. When this reaches the attention of the Ghost Bureau, the diligent but clueless Mr. Lapsewood, a paranormal paper-pusher, is sent to investigate, and what he discovers is grave. The Black Rot has arrived—a voracious spiritual infestation whereby empty haunted houses suck in unsuspecting ghosts and imprison them. Lapsewood’s investigation weaves through the plotlines of several other memorable characters—both living and dead—including an undertaker’s son who can see ghosts, a serial throat-slasher reminiscent of Jack the Ripper, an evangelical exorcist, and many more. The living and dead must work together if they hope to destroy the Black Rot—before it destroys both the ghost and human worlds.
This highly atmospheric and bitingly funny ghost story by successful British author Gareth P. Jones will delight fans of Eva Ibbotson and Neil Gaiman.
This highly atmospheric and bitingly funny ghost story by successful British author Gareth P. Jones will delight fans of Eva Ibbotson and Neil Gaiman.
391 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2012
44 people are currently reading
3606 people want to read
About the author
Gareth P. Jones
79 books154 followersGareth first started writing when he was very young but it wasn’t until he was in his early twenties that he completed his first novel. Having had it universally rejected he wrote a novel for children called Who Killed Charlie Twig, which received an equally unimpressed reception and remains rightly unpublished to this day.
Some years passed during which Gareth met his future wife, Lisa and began a career in TV, working on shows such as The Big Breakfast and Richard & Judy. Then one day he found himself having lunch at the offices of Bloomsbury. He mentioned the unpublished book to a nice lady called Sarah, who politely suggested that he should send in the first three chapters for her to look at (and most likely dismiss, she thought to herself). Gareth returned home and excitedly told his wife this news, who gently explained that the book he had written actually wasn’t very good, but reminded him that he had recently begun work on a much better idea. This turned out to be good advice. In 2007 Bloomsbury published the first of four books in the series The Dragon Detective Agency and have since published The Thornthwaite Inheritance, Space Crime Conspiracy and The Considine Curse. He has also written a shorter story, Perry’s 5, published by Barrington Stoke and a series of books called Ninja Meerkats, published by Stripes.
Gareth now divides his time between writing books, producing TV programmes, spending time with his wife and son, Herbie and playing the slightly ludicrous number of stringed instruments in his front room.
NOMINATIONS & AWARDS
The Dragon Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Cats was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize.
The Thornthwaite Inheritance was shortlisted for eleven local book awards and won seven of them.
The Considine Curse was voted Blue Peter Book of the Year 2012.
Some years passed during which Gareth met his future wife, Lisa and began a career in TV, working on shows such as The Big Breakfast and Richard & Judy. Then one day he found himself having lunch at the offices of Bloomsbury. He mentioned the unpublished book to a nice lady called Sarah, who politely suggested that he should send in the first three chapters for her to look at (and most likely dismiss, she thought to herself). Gareth returned home and excitedly told his wife this news, who gently explained that the book he had written actually wasn’t very good, but reminded him that he had recently begun work on a much better idea. This turned out to be good advice. In 2007 Bloomsbury published the first of four books in the series The Dragon Detective Agency and have since published The Thornthwaite Inheritance, Space Crime Conspiracy and The Considine Curse. He has also written a shorter story, Perry’s 5, published by Barrington Stoke and a series of books called Ninja Meerkats, published by Stripes.
Gareth now divides his time between writing books, producing TV programmes, spending time with his wife and son, Herbie and playing the slightly ludicrous number of stringed instruments in his front room.
NOMINATIONS & AWARDS
The Dragon Detective Agency: The Case of the Missing Cats was shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Book Prize.
The Thornthwaite Inheritance was shortlisted for eleven local book awards and won seven of them.
The Considine Curse was voted Blue Peter Book of the Year 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
December 29, 2020
4 STARS!!!
Even thought this took me a couple of weeks to finish, it does not take away from my love for this book. I will admit that this book could've easily been cut down at least a hundred pages but that aside, this was still awesome as hell. I loved how quirky, dark, grotesque, and heartbreaking this is. The adventure, the suspense, and the spookiness was executed amazingly. I also bought myself a copy for my shelf because it deserves a place with the rest of my babies. If you love Victorian London, ghost stories, and adventure, check this out ASAP!! - Richard
Even thought this took me a couple of weeks to finish, it does not take away from my love for this book. I will admit that this book could've easily been cut down at least a hundred pages but that aside, this was still awesome as hell. I loved how quirky, dark, grotesque, and heartbreaking this is. The adventure, the suspense, and the spookiness was executed amazingly. I also bought myself a copy for my shelf because it deserves a place with the rest of my babies. If you love Victorian London, ghost stories, and adventure, check this out ASAP!! - Richard
January 9, 2022
Novela de misterio y fantasmas ambientada en el Londres victoriano.
Original, oscuro pero con sentido del humor. Ágil, con capítulos cortos y varios protagonistas.
Muy disfrutable y muy apropiada para lectores adolescentes.
Original, oscuro pero con sentido del humor. Ágil, con capítulos cortos y varios protagonistas.
Muy disfrutable y muy apropiada para lectores adolescentes.
February 22, 2025
"I think people should be ghosts first. If we were dead before we were alive, we'd appreciate it more, wouldn't we?"
Victorian England. Smokestacks spewing smog. Derelict buildings.
And ghosts. Many, many ghosts. So many ghosts, there is a bureaucracy of several levels, where these 'beings' file papers and work to control rogue ghosts, those who scare humans without permits. But not all is well with the London ghosts, for they are disappearing thanks to a deranged exorcist. Someone has to discover the reason and solve the loss of the missing entities.
Constable & Toop is the name of the funeral parlour where the young hero of the story works. He is a Talker, one who can see and communicate with ghosts. He feels the ghosts are all selfish and self-absorbed and some are downright tricky. But they will need his help to save not only the supernatural beings, but to save the physical buildings which require ghosts as residents or a debilitating rot, like mold, takes hold.
Great idea for a book. There's a Jack the Ripper character and even an exchange between a criminal named "Bill" who is worried that his partner-in-crime will spill the beans on him. Bill Sykes and Fagin, anyone? Yes, a little dash of Dickens doesn't hurt. There are many characters here and it's a fun read with very short chapters focusing on specific characters with the latter part of the book tying everything together.
Originally, I had added this to my Children's shelf, but the opening of the book shocked me with a rather descriptive murder that wouldn't work too well with kids, except to give them nightmares. It's an addicting read until, bam, everything gets tidied up in two pages. Whoa! Way too fast for me. Still, I enjoyed the motivations of the ghosts who live in a sort of purgatory until they hear the Knocking.
Death was relentless. She wished now she had been more appreciative of afternoon snoozes, oversleeping, and early nights.
I wavered between a rating of *** and **** stars, but finally chose the former because of the sudden resolution. But I certainly loved the physical book. How could one pass by such a wonderful cover? And it's bound by Worzalla in Wisconsin and typeset in 12.5-point Mrs Eaves...yes, that's a real font. The overall design by Maria T. Middleton is marvelous and the reason for holding the printed version instead of an e-version. This is a nice Halloween treat.
Book Season = Autumn (dark nights atop sooty chimneys)
Victorian England. Smokestacks spewing smog. Derelict buildings.
And ghosts. Many, many ghosts. So many ghosts, there is a bureaucracy of several levels, where these 'beings' file papers and work to control rogue ghosts, those who scare humans without permits. But not all is well with the London ghosts, for they are disappearing thanks to a deranged exorcist. Someone has to discover the reason and solve the loss of the missing entities.
Constable & Toop is the name of the funeral parlour where the young hero of the story works. He is a Talker, one who can see and communicate with ghosts. He feels the ghosts are all selfish and self-absorbed and some are downright tricky. But they will need his help to save not only the supernatural beings, but to save the physical buildings which require ghosts as residents or a debilitating rot, like mold, takes hold.
Great idea for a book. There's a Jack the Ripper character and even an exchange between a criminal named "Bill" who is worried that his partner-in-crime will spill the beans on him. Bill Sykes and Fagin, anyone? Yes, a little dash of Dickens doesn't hurt. There are many characters here and it's a fun read with very short chapters focusing on specific characters with the latter part of the book tying everything together.
Originally, I had added this to my Children's shelf, but the opening of the book shocked me with a rather descriptive murder that wouldn't work too well with kids, except to give them nightmares. It's an addicting read until, bam, everything gets tidied up in two pages. Whoa! Way too fast for me. Still, I enjoyed the motivations of the ghosts who live in a sort of purgatory until they hear the Knocking.
Death was relentless. She wished now she had been more appreciative of afternoon snoozes, oversleeping, and early nights.
I wavered between a rating of *** and **** stars, but finally chose the former because of the sudden resolution. But I certainly loved the physical book. How could one pass by such a wonderful cover? And it's bound by Worzalla in Wisconsin and typeset in 12.5-point Mrs Eaves...yes, that's a real font. The overall design by Maria T. Middleton is marvelous and the reason for holding the printed version instead of an e-version. This is a nice Halloween treat.
Book Season = Autumn (dark nights atop sooty chimneys)
November 23, 2012
Original review posted on The Book Smugglers
Sam Toop lives in a funeral parlour with his father and this proximity to death is thought to be the reason behind Sam’s ability to see ghosts. As a Talker, he is constantly sought after by hopeful spirits wanting to put their affairs in order with Sam’s help. He is not very keen about it especially when he ends up helping the wrong sort of people.
On the “other side”, over at the Ghost Bureau, it is business as usual as long-dead clerks take care of Ghosts and Apparitions, setting up all the necessary documentation they need in order to be Legal Ghosts of London. But then, minor bureaucrat Lapsewood gets entangled in a dastardly plot as the terrible Black Rot spreads around Haunted Houses after their Ghosts mysteriously disappear.
In the meantime, a demon hound haunts the streets of London after being set free by the works of an exorcist bent on ridding London of its demons.
Inspired by Victorian’s preoccupation with mourning rituals, Constable and Toop is a paranormal Mystery novel set in Victorian London, a place for the poor and the rich as well as the living and the dead.
Constable and Toop offers an incredibly competent blend of mystery and paranormal especially with the way that several different threads and themes are expanded and elaborated on to form a cohesive whole. The chapters alternate between several characters’ point of view and as the story progresses, more of those are added. It is impressive how this is done with aplomb as this ever increasing number of characters and storylines never seem excessive or superfluous (although some of those threads are unfortunately a bit superficially dealt with).
It addresses life in London, the life of the poor and of the well-off, of the honest and the dishonest. There is also the life in the afterlife, and how gloomy it can be for those who never crossed over and stayed behind for different reasons. I loved the after-life world that the author created and its mixture of boring bureaucracy (firmly rooted in the Real Life, of course) and hopeful future. The storyline involving Sam’s family and its secretive past is also another highlight of this novel. There is a little bit of horror, a little bit of romance as well as a little bit of comedy.
Unfortunately, despite of its obvious positive aspects what struck me the most about Constable and Toop is how extremely male-centric it is. There are many point of view characters but apart from exactly one – a little girl named Clara – all of them are male. Even within each particular character’s storyline, the vast majority of their interaction is with other male characters. And when they do interact with female characters these invariably turn out to be either objects of their romantic interest, murder victims or appendixes to the male character’s arc. Which is a shame, because the little I saw of Clara and her drive to be an investigative journalist and a writer, was actually awesome. Nothing frustrates me more than having to say in a review “but where are all the women” because frankly, I shouldn’t have to.
All in all, a solid yet frustrating read.
Sam Toop lives in a funeral parlour with his father and this proximity to death is thought to be the reason behind Sam’s ability to see ghosts. As a Talker, he is constantly sought after by hopeful spirits wanting to put their affairs in order with Sam’s help. He is not very keen about it especially when he ends up helping the wrong sort of people.
On the “other side”, over at the Ghost Bureau, it is business as usual as long-dead clerks take care of Ghosts and Apparitions, setting up all the necessary documentation they need in order to be Legal Ghosts of London. But then, minor bureaucrat Lapsewood gets entangled in a dastardly plot as the terrible Black Rot spreads around Haunted Houses after their Ghosts mysteriously disappear.
In the meantime, a demon hound haunts the streets of London after being set free by the works of an exorcist bent on ridding London of its demons.
Inspired by Victorian’s preoccupation with mourning rituals, Constable and Toop is a paranormal Mystery novel set in Victorian London, a place for the poor and the rich as well as the living and the dead.
Constable and Toop offers an incredibly competent blend of mystery and paranormal especially with the way that several different threads and themes are expanded and elaborated on to form a cohesive whole. The chapters alternate between several characters’ point of view and as the story progresses, more of those are added. It is impressive how this is done with aplomb as this ever increasing number of characters and storylines never seem excessive or superfluous (although some of those threads are unfortunately a bit superficially dealt with).
It addresses life in London, the life of the poor and of the well-off, of the honest and the dishonest. There is also the life in the afterlife, and how gloomy it can be for those who never crossed over and stayed behind for different reasons. I loved the after-life world that the author created and its mixture of boring bureaucracy (firmly rooted in the Real Life, of course) and hopeful future. The storyline involving Sam’s family and its secretive past is also another highlight of this novel. There is a little bit of horror, a little bit of romance as well as a little bit of comedy.
Unfortunately, despite of its obvious positive aspects what struck me the most about Constable and Toop is how extremely male-centric it is. There are many point of view characters but apart from exactly one – a little girl named Clara – all of them are male. Even within each particular character’s storyline, the vast majority of their interaction is with other male characters. And when they do interact with female characters these invariably turn out to be either objects of their romantic interest, murder victims or appendixes to the male character’s arc. Which is a shame, because the little I saw of Clara and her drive to be an investigative journalist and a writer, was actually awesome. Nothing frustrates me more than having to say in a review “but where are all the women” because frankly, I shouldn’t have to.
All in all, a solid yet frustrating read.
January 9, 2014
3.5 curious and satisfying stars
***THE GHOSTS OF LONDON ARE DISAPPEARING!***
Let me tell you something - if the cover alone doesn't coaxes you to pick this up because a small colourful curiosity cloud formed after staring at the magical cover as it did for me, then I can assure you the following praises -- from a few dear friends of mine -- will:
"An extraordinarily witty story that accurately depicts the lives of the dead and compellingly describes the death of the living." - The Ghost of Oscar Wilde
"I wish I had written this book." - The Ghost of Charles Dickens
"Constable & Toop is a book full of life and crammed with death. All in all, a splendidly macabre and amusing tale." - The Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe
__________________________________________________
If it still does not coax you then I honestly don't know what will.
Constable & Toop was a fun read -- a damn good fun read. It's amazing how a children's novel can make me this giddy and not the YA genre. Yes, dear friends, this is a children's book. If you don't read those you still might want to give this one a shot (but honestly, though, who doesn't read children's novels?).
I am upset about one thing: the alternating point of views. There were so many of them I became extremely frustrated which is the reason I won't be giving this a higher rating. Also, I expected the story to be 100% about Sam Toop like it said in the description at the back of the book; it was not.
Anyway, ghosts, sarcasm, humour, exorcisms, and friendships. No romance, no love triangles, no insta-love, no abusive pricks, no Mary sues. Nothing. Just a good ol' entertaining novel about ghosts, a little boy being an undertaker's son who has the ability to see as well as speak to the spectres (a.k.a. a Talker), a bureau which documents the dead, and an evil entity called the Black Rot that's afflicting London and the ghosts.
How exciting!!!
The writing was exceptionally fabulous (it was awesome reading about the theatre on Drury Lane: the lights, the people, and The Man in Gray). Though Constable & Toop isn't wholly original* I can look it over since I had fun reading it .
Constable & Toop is set in 1884, London, and it begins with the murder of Emily Wilkins....
* ♢ The Bureau the dead goes to to be documented reminded me of Beetlejuice.
♢ The fact a ghost has to feel strong emotions in order to touch a solid object reminded me of the film Ghost.
♢ To see the dead one has to see death or experience dying reminded me of Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star. Also, it reminded me of Harry Potter -- instead HP's was with threstals.
***THE GHOSTS OF LONDON ARE DISAPPEARING!***
Let me tell you something - if the cover alone doesn't coaxes you to pick this up because a small colourful curiosity cloud formed after staring at the magical cover as it did for me, then I can assure you the following praises -- from a few dear friends of mine -- will:
"An extraordinarily witty story that accurately depicts the lives of the dead and compellingly describes the death of the living." - The Ghost of Oscar Wilde
"I wish I had written this book." - The Ghost of Charles Dickens
"Constable & Toop is a book full of life and crammed with death. All in all, a splendidly macabre and amusing tale." - The Ghost of Edgar Allan Poe
__________________________________________________
Bloody brilliant of Gareth P. Jones to write these praises in his book. After laughing, I snatched this book from the shelf and immediately checked it out.__________________________________________________
If it still does not coax you then I honestly don't know what will.
Constable & Toop was a fun read -- a damn good fun read. It's amazing how a children's novel can make me this giddy and not the YA genre. Yes, dear friends, this is a children's book. If you don't read those you still might want to give this one a shot (but honestly, though, who doesn't read children's novels?).
I am upset about one thing: the alternating point of views. There were so many of them I became extremely frustrated which is the reason I won't be giving this a higher rating. Also, I expected the story to be 100% about Sam Toop like it said in the description at the back of the book; it was not.
Anyway, ghosts, sarcasm, humour, exorcisms, and friendships. No romance, no love triangles, no insta-love, no abusive pricks, no Mary sues. Nothing. Just a good ol' entertaining novel about ghosts, a little boy being an undertaker's son who has the ability to see as well as speak to the spectres (a.k.a. a Talker), a bureau which documents the dead, and an evil entity called the Black Rot that's afflicting London and the ghosts.
How exciting!!!
The writing was exceptionally fabulous (it was awesome reading about the theatre on Drury Lane: the lights, the people, and The Man in Gray). Though Constable & Toop isn't wholly original* I can look it over since I had fun reading it .
Constable & Toop is set in 1884, London, and it begins with the murder of Emily Wilkins....
* ♢ The Bureau the dead goes to to be documented reminded me of Beetlejuice.
♢ The fact a ghost has to feel strong emotions in order to touch a solid object reminded me of the film Ghost.
♢ To see the dead one has to see death or experience dying reminded me of Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star. Also, it reminded me of Harry Potter -- instead HP's was with threstals.
December 22, 2020
This book was OK. I actually got tired of reading it by the end. It probably could have been shorter, I don't know, but it seemed like the story was dragged out somehow. I'm glad I read it as it was on my TBR list for awhile and now I know what it was all about, but in hindsight I probably wouldn't have been terribly upset if I didn't finish it.
September 22, 2020
En fryd av en bok. Jeg tror Gareth P Jones blir,for meg,den nye Lemony Snicket.
did-not-finish
March 16, 2020DNF around page 113 I think. I just wasn't engaged. But I am in a reading slump right now and nothing is grabbing me so it probably not the book's fault.
October 12, 2023
''-Creo que la gente debería ser primero un fantasma-dijo Grunt-. Si estuviéramos muertos antes de vivir, apreciaríamos más la vida, ¿no crees?''
Compré esta novela por la sugerente portada, por su precio, y porque estaba recomendada por los fantasmas literarios más famosos de la historia, el fantasma de Jane Austen, de Mary Shelly, de Poe... Me pareció tan original que no pude evitar comprarlo.
La historia está encuadrada en un Londres victoriano, donde muertos y vivos ¿conviven? bueno cohabitan sin molestarse los unos a los otros. Tenemos a Sam que es un joven que puede ver a los muertos y que además se presta a ayudarlos cuando éstos tienen algún asunto pendiente. Por otro lado tenemos al Sr. Lapsewood, que es un fantasma que trabaja en una Agencia de fantasmas, donde se expiden permisos, certificados, licencias para todo tipo de cosas fantasmales como aparecerse a los vivos o sobrevolar el Támesis, ese tipo de cosas. El Sr. Lapsewood tendrá que abandonar su monótono trabajo de oficina y será destinado a un departamento donde tendrá que ejercer un trabajo de calle en el mundo de los vivos. Una fantasma ha desaparecido y Lapsewood tendrá que encontrarla pero también descubrirá un oscuro mal que está afectando al mundo inmaterial.
Me ha parecido una novela muy amena, muy original, a ratos un poquito oscura y triste y a ratos divertida. Me ha soprendido gratamente.
''Los parientes de los difuntos trataban de buscar consuelo en la posibildad de que hubiera otra vida, pero Sam, que había sido testigo de ella, no encontró el más mínimo alivio en lo que había visto. A diario veía espíritus que deambulaban inquietos por las mismas calles que recorrían en vida, sin dejar huellas a su paso, sin provocar ningún ruido. Aquellos muertos no habían alcanzado la divinidad. Ni el nirvana. Ni la paz.''
Leído por segunda vez en octubre de 2023.
Compré esta novela por la sugerente portada, por su precio, y porque estaba recomendada por los fantasmas literarios más famosos de la historia, el fantasma de Jane Austen, de Mary Shelly, de Poe... Me pareció tan original que no pude evitar comprarlo.
La historia está encuadrada en un Londres victoriano, donde muertos y vivos ¿conviven? bueno cohabitan sin molestarse los unos a los otros. Tenemos a Sam que es un joven que puede ver a los muertos y que además se presta a ayudarlos cuando éstos tienen algún asunto pendiente. Por otro lado tenemos al Sr. Lapsewood, que es un fantasma que trabaja en una Agencia de fantasmas, donde se expiden permisos, certificados, licencias para todo tipo de cosas fantasmales como aparecerse a los vivos o sobrevolar el Támesis, ese tipo de cosas. El Sr. Lapsewood tendrá que abandonar su monótono trabajo de oficina y será destinado a un departamento donde tendrá que ejercer un trabajo de calle en el mundo de los vivos. Una fantasma ha desaparecido y Lapsewood tendrá que encontrarla pero también descubrirá un oscuro mal que está afectando al mundo inmaterial.
Me ha parecido una novela muy amena, muy original, a ratos un poquito oscura y triste y a ratos divertida. Me ha soprendido gratamente.
''Los parientes de los difuntos trataban de buscar consuelo en la posibildad de que hubiera otra vida, pero Sam, que había sido testigo de ella, no encontró el más mínimo alivio en lo que había visto. A diario veía espíritus que deambulaban inquietos por las mismas calles que recorrían en vida, sin dejar huellas a su paso, sin provocar ningún ruido. Aquellos muertos no habían alcanzado la divinidad. Ni el nirvana. Ni la paz.''
Leído por segunda vez en octubre de 2023.
October 31, 2023
Eine ganz nette Geistergeschichte für Jugendliche und Kinder.
Nach den hervorragend skurril-morbiden Erzählungen in "Death or Ice Cream" von Garth P. Jones war ich allerdings sehr enttäuscht.
Das Buch erinnert ein wenig an Lockwood & Co im Kinderformat und als Einzelroman.
Gerade für jüngere Leser ist es sicherlich eine gute Alternative, mir war es leider zu langweilig.
Nach den hervorragend skurril-morbiden Erzählungen in "Death or Ice Cream" von Garth P. Jones war ich allerdings sehr enttäuscht.
Das Buch erinnert ein wenig an Lockwood & Co im Kinderformat und als Einzelroman.
Gerade für jüngere Leser ist es sicherlich eine gute Alternative, mir war es leider zu langweilig.
April 27, 2017
Este libro tiene todas las cosas que me gustan (y dos que no).
Reseña en Miserables Literarios
Reseña en Miserables Literarios
July 19, 2017
I have just finished reading it. I liked it a lot. But my feeling right now is: This story was really unfair to some characters. I mean... POOR EMILY!! She was just an innocent girl murdered TWICE!! And her two murderers? They're fine: both went through the fucking door, the first one even got a beautiful funeral!!
Tanner was left trapped alone, his lovely hound dead again and gone into the Void....That's sad too, although he said he was fine with it.
I felt Sam could have been done more at the climax of the novel (he's adorable, I liked him a lot as a protagonist), but I was happy for him and Clara. The ending of the book felt sweet.
Mr Constable felt like the Dumbledore in turn. I liked him and would liked to know more about him.
The story of Jack and Charles was very interesting. I liked how the story revolved around their relationship and how everything ended with Sam's gift.
Lapsewood's chapters where sometimes a drag for me, their atmosfere indeed felt heavy and slow, and they became more interesting once Tanner met him. I liked Lapsewood's ending with Alice, anyway.
The structure of the novel, the way it was concise and to the point was very efficient and the plots came together in a brilliant way. I was mesmerized by how the author got everything together.
The characters were charming, credible, I enjoyed reading and learning about each new one.
I don't know, this book taught me a lot of things about how to write my own stories. I think i need to read it again, just to enjoy it a bit slower this time.
Constable and Toop is a book about London, my favorite City in the world. I'm glad I found it.
Tanner was left trapped alone, his lovely hound dead again and gone into the Void....That's sad too, although he said he was fine with it.
I felt Sam could have been done more at the climax of the novel (he's adorable, I liked him a lot as a protagonist), but I was happy for him and Clara. The ending of the book felt sweet.
Mr Constable felt like the Dumbledore in turn. I liked him and would liked to know more about him.
The story of Jack and Charles was very interesting. I liked how the story revolved around their relationship and how everything ended with Sam's gift.
Lapsewood's chapters where sometimes a drag for me, their atmosfere indeed felt heavy and slow, and they became more interesting once Tanner met him. I liked Lapsewood's ending with Alice, anyway.
The structure of the novel, the way it was concise and to the point was very efficient and the plots came together in a brilliant way. I was mesmerized by how the author got everything together.
The characters were charming, credible, I enjoyed reading and learning about each new one.
I don't know, this book taught me a lot of things about how to write my own stories. I think i need to read it again, just to enjoy it a bit slower this time.
Constable and Toop is a book about London, my favorite City in the world. I'm glad I found it.
July 17, 2019
Likte denne godt. Fascinerende ide og historie.
July 5, 2022
Excellent Victorian London set novel, mystery/ghost story theme but not too scary. Really well-researched by the author for historical accuracy, but then also great fantasy-writing with the ghostly factors.
Would recommend for older YA or anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
Would recommend for older YA or anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
November 14, 2012
Set in 1884, during the forty-seventh year of Queen Victoria's reign, Constable & Toop is a marvellous Victorian ghost story told by a hoard of extraordinary characters. I knew I was about to embark on something a little different as soon as I opened the book and was confronted with 'Praise', not from press or reviewers, but from famous ghosts: 'I wish I had written this story' says The Ghost of Charles Dickens.
Sam Toop is an undertaker's son and it's all he's ever known. He's used to death, but he cannot possibly get used to his unusual gift - he can see, hear, and talk to ghosts. They constantly plead to be heard and ask for help to accomplish things they can no longer do. On the other side: Lapsewood, a conscientious ghost whose work is unappreciated. Lapsewood is horrified to discover that haunted houses throughout London are losing their ghosts and that a mysterious Black Rot, undetected by humans, is trapping new ghosts and acting as a blockade. And don't mention the terrifying demon hound roaming London's streets.
Before I start to write a review, I sit down and list the main things I enjoyed about a book. But I'm struggling; I want to put everything down. Constable & Toop is full of wonderful, believable characters with colourful personalities. These characters – from Sam, our protagonist, to Clara, the journalist-in-practice daughter of wealthy Londoners – are a joy to read about. They're extremely witty, but the sort of skilful wit that I do not come across often, such as Marquis, who has a tendency to burst into inspirational speeches during inappropriate situations, and the Artful Dodger-esque Tanner who's determined to defy the Bureau. Every character has a fascinating history and although we do not read about them all in detail, each offers us a glimpse into how a character came to be, allowing us to appreciate the richness of the story.
Constable & Toop is a mystery set at a perfect pace, with excellent foreshadowing and impeccable characters. It's almost wasted on children (joking, joking!). Even if you do not usually read children's fiction, you need to pick this up. I sometimes read younger books and wonder if I'd have appreciated them more as a child, but Constable & Toop offers something for all ages. I'd have never understood the subtle references as a child. It tackles mourning, morality, and ethics, but it's not a lecture on good behaviour. It's one of those stories that once finished, you want to pick up and read all over again.
Thank you Hot Key Books for providing this book for review!
Sam Toop is an undertaker's son and it's all he's ever known. He's used to death, but he cannot possibly get used to his unusual gift - he can see, hear, and talk to ghosts. They constantly plead to be heard and ask for help to accomplish things they can no longer do. On the other side: Lapsewood, a conscientious ghost whose work is unappreciated. Lapsewood is horrified to discover that haunted houses throughout London are losing their ghosts and that a mysterious Black Rot, undetected by humans, is trapping new ghosts and acting as a blockade. And don't mention the terrifying demon hound roaming London's streets.
Before I start to write a review, I sit down and list the main things I enjoyed about a book. But I'm struggling; I want to put everything down. Constable & Toop is full of wonderful, believable characters with colourful personalities. These characters – from Sam, our protagonist, to Clara, the journalist-in-practice daughter of wealthy Londoners – are a joy to read about. They're extremely witty, but the sort of skilful wit that I do not come across often, such as Marquis, who has a tendency to burst into inspirational speeches during inappropriate situations, and the Artful Dodger-esque Tanner who's determined to defy the Bureau. Every character has a fascinating history and although we do not read about them all in detail, each offers us a glimpse into how a character came to be, allowing us to appreciate the richness of the story.
Constable & Toop is a mystery set at a perfect pace, with excellent foreshadowing and impeccable characters. It's almost wasted on children (joking, joking!). Even if you do not usually read children's fiction, you need to pick this up. I sometimes read younger books and wonder if I'd have appreciated them more as a child, but Constable & Toop offers something for all ages. I'd have never understood the subtle references as a child. It tackles mourning, morality, and ethics, but it's not a lecture on good behaviour. It's one of those stories that once finished, you want to pick up and read all over again.
Thank you Hot Key Books for providing this book for review!
August 11, 2020
9 out of 10 ✨⭐
Keywords: middle grade, cute ghost, wholesome, light read
Constable & Toop is a delightful middle grade book. It tells a story about a boy who can see ghost, a ghost who find himself in the middle of something sinister, and other ghostly lifes in London.
The narration is quite solid, it's engaging and detailed enough but not hard to comprehend. That makes this book great for someone whom native language is not english and trying to learn it. It also does not feel too simplified as many common middle grade books, so even adults can get their interest sparked reading this.
There are a lot of characters in this book. Each fleshed out with their own mini-arc and conflicts. They are all charming and adorable, the author makes sure that we care about them. The dialogues are smart and funny while also distinguished between each characters. The bonds like friendship and familial love feels convincing enough.
All the characters get several chapters from their point of view, thus we get better understanding of the main conflict of this book. All their mini-arc conflict are also resolved at the end, so no loose thread for any of them.
At first I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and the summary that reminds me a lot of Lockwood & Co. series. Turns out it's a bit similar and also very different, but still enjoyable read nonetheless.
I recommend this to those who want to learn english, those who like Lockwood & Co. series, people who want to find a bit complicated middle grade book, and those who love Victorian London's stories and its ghosts.
Keywords: middle grade, cute ghost, wholesome, light read
Constable & Toop is a delightful middle grade book. It tells a story about a boy who can see ghost, a ghost who find himself in the middle of something sinister, and other ghostly lifes in London.
The narration is quite solid, it's engaging and detailed enough but not hard to comprehend. That makes this book great for someone whom native language is not english and trying to learn it. It also does not feel too simplified as many common middle grade books, so even adults can get their interest sparked reading this.
There are a lot of characters in this book. Each fleshed out with their own mini-arc and conflicts. They are all charming and adorable, the author makes sure that we care about them. The dialogues are smart and funny while also distinguished between each characters. The bonds like friendship and familial love feels convincing enough.
All the characters get several chapters from their point of view, thus we get better understanding of the main conflict of this book. All their mini-arc conflict are also resolved at the end, so no loose thread for any of them.
At first I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and the summary that reminds me a lot of Lockwood & Co. series. Turns out it's a bit similar and also very different, but still enjoyable read nonetheless.
I recommend this to those who want to learn english, those who like Lockwood & Co. series, people who want to find a bit complicated middle grade book, and those who love Victorian London's stories and its ghosts.
August 31, 2015
This is an absolutetly DARLING book!!!
Sam is the son of a coffin maker. They live above the shop where his father and his partner Constable have their funeral business. With his left eye, he sees the normal world; with his right, he sees ghosts. And he talks with them.
Meanwhile in the Bureau, the clerk Lapsewood is sent from Dispatch and his usual job of logging in dispatches to the Housing Department and assigned to find Doris McNally, an Outreach Worker. But Lapsewood hasn't been out in the "real world" since he died. Lapseworth is a ghost.
Although they never meet, both Sam and Lapseworth discover and investigate The Black Rot, a disease which attacks buildings that have lost their ghosts.
But why are the ghosts disappearing? Add spirit dogs, an exorcist, rogue ghosts, a young girl who wants to be a journalist, and a uncle who is a murderer, stir well and you have a wonderful story.
Unlike many "youngster" books I've read, this one moves right along, keeps track of where it's been and where it's going, doesn't lose the reader in details or side stories and ends happily but with a look towards the future. You MUST read it!
Sam is the son of a coffin maker. They live above the shop where his father and his partner Constable have their funeral business. With his left eye, he sees the normal world; with his right, he sees ghosts. And he talks with them.
Meanwhile in the Bureau, the clerk Lapsewood is sent from Dispatch and his usual job of logging in dispatches to the Housing Department and assigned to find Doris McNally, an Outreach Worker. But Lapsewood hasn't been out in the "real world" since he died. Lapseworth is a ghost.
Although they never meet, both Sam and Lapseworth discover and investigate The Black Rot, a disease which attacks buildings that have lost their ghosts.
But why are the ghosts disappearing? Add spirit dogs, an exorcist, rogue ghosts, a young girl who wants to be a journalist, and a uncle who is a murderer, stir well and you have a wonderful story.
Unlike many "youngster" books I've read, this one moves right along, keeps track of where it's been and where it's going, doesn't lose the reader in details or side stories and ends happily but with a look towards the future. You MUST read it!
October 24, 2015
You know how sometimes you see something in a bookshop that catches your eye? You decide to buy it on a whim? You begin reading and you fall in love? Constable & Toop is that book.
Beautifully written, wonderful characters, mesmerizing storytelling – it’s all there. Everything about this book is just what I wanted it to be. I loved all the characters, yet I despite the richness of them I never struggled to follow what was happening. With each new chapter I got pulled further into Sam and Lapsewood’s adventure.
This book has pretty much everything you could ask for. At times I was laughing out loud (particularly during General Colt’s conversations) then I was worried and sometimes I was so wrapped up in the world building that I forgot what was happening around me.
I’m not sure why I picked this up but I’m so glad I did.
Maybe some wise ghost was guiding me ;)
Constable & Toop is intelligent, special and brilliant.
Beautifully written, wonderful characters, mesmerizing storytelling – it’s all there. Everything about this book is just what I wanted it to be. I loved all the characters, yet I despite the richness of them I never struggled to follow what was happening. With each new chapter I got pulled further into Sam and Lapsewood’s adventure.
This book has pretty much everything you could ask for. At times I was laughing out loud (particularly during General Colt’s conversations) then I was worried and sometimes I was so wrapped up in the world building that I forgot what was happening around me.
I’m not sure why I picked this up but I’m so glad I did.
Maybe some wise ghost was guiding me ;)
Constable & Toop is intelligent, special and brilliant.
January 2, 2015
*DNFED AT 312 PAGES*
I really loved the writing; it was so atmospheric and lovely to immerse yourself in. However, I probably couldn't have cared less about the characters. The whole plot, the Black Rot, was ill explained for my taste and I didn't much care for how the priests and exorcisms were portrayed. So I gave up, because I didn't think finishing that last 80 pages was worth it.
I really loved the writing; it was so atmospheric and lovely to immerse yourself in. However, I probably couldn't have cared less about the characters. The whole plot, the Black Rot, was ill explained for my taste and I didn't much care for how the priests and exorcisms were portrayed. So I gave up, because I didn't think finishing that last 80 pages was worth it.
December 11, 2016
Absolutely loved this book! I think this is supposed to be middle grade but it certainly didn't feel like I was reading middle grade. Loved this Victorian London ghost world with all the different perspectives and characters. Beautiful and creepy and fun!
April 23, 2018
Surprisingly good. The plot isn't as predictable as some of the middle grade books I've read. It's funny without being dumb, and it has the right amount of gloominess.
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The main character, a young boy who lives all his live in a funeral home, is a sensible person. I don't find it hard to like him.
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The main character, a young boy who lives all his live in a funeral home, is a sensible person. I don't find it hard to like him.
September 6, 2021
3.5 stars but I rounded up because it was such good comfort food. This gentlest of ghost stories (though not without gore: throats are slit and brains are dashed) brings together afterlife bureaucrats, living souls with "the sight," and a host of entertaining characters to address a mysterious plague affecting the haunted houses of London.
It's classified as a YA book, and the chapter art seems intended for people not too far removed from illustrated chapter books. None of that made it any less entertaining to this adult reader. Jones creates fun personalities. Sure, they're caricatures, but who doesn't want to laugh at the bumbling office manger, boo a dastardly villain, or cheer for an underdog (or two) who get the girl in the end?
I suspect this would make a good audiobook, too.
It's classified as a YA book, and the chapter art seems intended for people not too far removed from illustrated chapter books. None of that made it any less entertaining to this adult reader. Jones creates fun personalities. Sure, they're caricatures, but who doesn't want to laugh at the bumbling office manger, boo a dastardly villain, or cheer for an underdog (or two) who get the girl in the end?
I suspect this would make a good audiobook, too.
August 1, 2018
This was interesting but a bit too long. Not his best work. It took some time getting into and getting the hang which I think many kids will probably struggle with. It also doesnt say as clearly that it should that its set in the 1800s. It started making sense after a while though and towards the end it got real entertaining. However it took too long I think. But for kids who like ghoststories, I think it'll be a hit.
June 11, 2020
Fantastic book! This one is probably going down on my list of favorites. It reminded me a lot of another favorite -- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Constable & Toop is wonderfully original and fun. I enjoyed the macabre theme of ghosts and the clever humor that the author weaves into the dialogue. It is rare that I find a book that has so many character storylines going on, and yet successfully intertwines them.
April 6, 2017
I'd recommend this book to you if you like stories involving ghosts, murder, detectives, rebels, and afterlife. It's a good book but I felt like it was a bit too long for it's story so that's why I gave it a 4 out of 5.
March 18, 2018
it was surprisingly good. imagine lingering spirits have a bureau organising them, putting them into jobs so they won't turn into sorrow that can only moaning and wailing *chuckles*. There were few subplots in this story that seemed separated but you know they were connected and you're waiting for it to happen. And when it did, such joy and satisfaction. lol. The ending was also good. I recommended this for any MIddle Grade book lovers.
June 1, 2019
Charmigt om livet efter detta, parat med en hänsynslös mördare, familjehemligheter och ett riktigt mysterium för både levande och döda. Korta kapitel gör den lätt att läsa. Hade faktiskt svårt att lägga den ifrån mig!
November 15, 2020
So readable. Fantastic fun.
September 4, 2023
I need some adventures but it didn't give me what I want
February 20, 2024
I wanted to like this more, but somehow, it just didn't quite get there for me. Didn't quite connect. Still, it was a decent story! The good guys were decent and flawed and the villains were nasty.
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