The second page-turning adventure in this sharp-witted, magical mystery series.
When reports come in that valuable magical objects are being stolen, Goodly and Grave are on the case, but just when they think they know whodunit their prime suspect turns up – murdered! Will Lucy be able to track the real villain without putting herself in deadly danger…?
This is a lovely, charming book. On the younger end of the young adult scale I think. It doesn't shy aware from blood and death but not in a scary way. It's quite fun even if I am about 30 years older than the reading age. But sometimes that's the thing about a good book, it doesn't matter how old you are - if it's good, anyone can read it.
It doesn't take long to read it and there's some really good illustrations in the book from Becka Moor as well as some bonkers news articles that move the story forward. The author of all the stories is convinced everything that happens is the work of zombies.
I would say buy it for your child but then make sure you read it yourself.
The unlike duo of Goodly and Grave are back, and this time it’s murder! Yes, after just about surviving her first adventure, boot-girl Lucy is improving her magic and getting to know the magicians around her, while also investigating grave robberies, magical break-ins and murders most foul with the occasional help of her boss and mentor, Lord Grave.
The mystery is the main focus of the book this time, leaving the magic sadly a little more in the background. As Lucy is no longer a stranger to this world, she still feels a bit of wonder occasionally, but mostly she’s exploring her own abilities and collecting clues. There is still plenty of magic to enjoy, so it’s still fun, but there’s less everyday silliness of the sort that made me love the first book. Instead we learn a bit more about the bad magicians that Lord Grave and his friends are out to stop.
With more quirky illustrations from Becka Moor and the occasional fun newspaper article (complete with Flesh Eating Zombie theories), this is still an enjoyable, entertaining read that’s perfect for lovers of both magic and mystery. If you liked the first adventure, you’ll like this. I can’t wait to see what Lucy tackles next.
Lucy Goodly is such a fun character. I was sad when this adventure ended and there wasn't another to leap on into.
The historical details and old tales (eg. safety coffins, Golems, gemstones) were a real delight as an older reader, and I can only imagine younger readers would really enjoy searching for details about these (and other) things mentioned throughout the story.
The characters are my favourite feature of this series. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
What a great addition to the series. Lots more magic, adventures and mysteries. I did correctly suspect who the evil person was from about half way, but still a great read. On to number three.