What do you think?
Rate this book
Lockwood & Co. #1.5
The Dagger in the Desk
A thrilling new case for London’s most talented psychic detection agency – from the global bestselling author of the Bartimaeus Sequence.
In London, a mysterious and potentially deadly ghost is stalking the halls of St Simeon’s Academy for Talented Youngsters. It lurks in the shadows, spreading fear and icy cold – and it carries a sharp and very solid dagger . . .
The headmaster wastes no time in enlisting the help of ghost-hunters Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle and George Cubbins.
Can Lockwood & Co. survive the night and save the day?
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2013
299 people are currently reading
9724 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Stroud
61 books11k followersJonathan Anthony Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies of English literature at the University of York, he worked in London as an editor for the Walker Books store. He worked with different types of books there and this soon led to the writing of his own books. During the 1990s, he started publishing his own works and quickly gained success.
In May 1999, Stroud published his first children's novel, Buried Fire, which was the first of a line of fantasy/mythology children's books.
Among his most prominent works are the bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy. A special feature of these novels compared to others of their genre is that Stroud examines the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and the enslaved demons. This is done by examining the perspective of the sarcastic and slightly egomaniacal djinni Bartimaeus. The books in this series are The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate, his first books to be published in the United States.
Stroud lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his two children, Isabelle and Arthur, and his wife Gina, an illustrator of children's books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
August 28, 2015
5 Words: Perfect length for a cuppa.
This was a sweet little read to fill the gaps between books, and it proves more than ever that LUCY SHOULD BE ON THE COVER!
Come on, publishers. Not only is Lucy the main character but she's the most kick ass of the lot. She made it into my top ten book heroines. She puts every other character in this book to shame. She's incredible. And Lockwood is really a barely there character.
Lucy Carlyle once again proved how awesome she is, how brave and fearless and dedicated, something that is only strengthened by her curiosity and how fantastically written she is.
This was a sweet little read to fill the gaps between books, and it proves more than ever that LUCY SHOULD BE ON THE COVER!
Come on, publishers. Not only is Lucy the main character but she's the most kick ass of the lot. She made it into my top ten book heroines. She puts every other character in this book to shame. She's incredible. And Lockwood is really a barely there character.
Lucy Carlyle once again proved how awesome she is, how brave and fearless and dedicated, something that is only strengthened by her curiosity and how fantastically written she is.
May 4, 2017
dont read this at 10 p.m while trying to do a practice regents exam bc guess who won't be able to sleep now and finish that practice exam ??
i lied. read this and cry with me bc lockwood and lucy are so beautiful. i am literally screaming so quietly. send help
P.S. George Cubbins is the cutest little shit, i love him so much.
I grinned back, flushing a little, as I sometimes do when Lockwood trains his smile on me.
i lied. read this and cry with me bc lockwood and lucy are so beautiful. i am literally screaming so quietly. send help
P.S. George Cubbins is the cutest little shit, i love him so much.
May 1, 2021
this was deliciously spooky and atrociously short 😭
I loved it, nonetheless.
Also, I need Lockwood and Gansey to meet🙌
I loved it, nonetheless.
Also, I need Lockwood and Gansey to meet🙌
February 19, 2023
This is a real 'liked-it' - The Dagger in the Desk is a short summary of a case performed by Lockwood & Co as we know them in book one. Published before the series started from the look of it, though set after the events of the first book, we do retread some ground if you've already read that. It sets the scene well if you haven't, though, and I like that it includes a brief gallery of ghosts at the end.
February 20, 2017
4.5/5 stars
I’m so excited reading about my favorite psychics agency, Lockwood & co. again ^.^ It set afterThe Screaming Staircase and before The Whispering Skull. It felt a little bit awkward at first. I suppose it’s because it’s a very short story compared to the others so it felt too fast at the beginning or maybe it’s just me, too used to the other new characters in the next three books so it’s kind of weird to see Lockwood & co. without the Skull, Holly, Flo, even Kipps. I almost forgot it used to be just the three of them. But it’s just as exciting though I missed their usual bickering that goes to minimum here due to the short length. I’m not saying it’s less funny.. George, as usual, managed to make me laugh even as the others gone more serious. It was a scary moments, all dark and silent, angry dangerous ghost out, and the Source near.. and George startled everyone (including me) by mistaking a mop for a ghost!
Well, to answer George’s question, I do store mop upside-down but I don’t jump and scream in the middle of the night, thinking it’s a ghost :p. There’s the usual Lucy and George funny bickering too.
I got to say it’s not like what I thought it would be. I thought I’d find out about the phenomenal Mrs. Barrett’s tomb case that cost Lockwood his brand new coat. They often talk about it in the next books and I don’t even know what exactly happened there unless that the ghost ripped Lockwood’s coat with it’s claw.
But this story isn’t bad either. It’s a bit fast and full of introductions at the first few pages but when the haunting started, it’s back to Lockwood & co. usual exciting creepy atmosphere. It’s a really fun and great read. On the negative side is that it’s so short that it’s all ghost and horror things the mystery and case solving is almost nonexistent. George barely had the change to read the school history. But then again it is a short story afterall. oh and the ghosts gallery at the back is just fun! ^.^
I’m so excited reading about my favorite psychics agency, Lockwood & co. again ^.^ It set afterThe Screaming Staircase and before The Whispering Skull. It felt a little bit awkward at first. I suppose it’s because it’s a very short story compared to the others so it felt too fast at the beginning or maybe it’s just me, too used to the other new characters in the next three books so it’s kind of weird to see Lockwood & co. without the Skull, Holly, Flo, even Kipps. I almost forgot it used to be just the three of them. But it’s just as exciting though I missed their usual bickering that goes to minimum here due to the short length. I’m not saying it’s less funny.. George, as usual, managed to make me laugh even as the others gone more serious. It was a scary moments, all dark and silent, angry dangerous ghost out, and the Source near.. and George startled everyone (including me) by mistaking a mop for a ghost!
‘I thought it was a very thin ghost. But it’s only a mop. Look! It’s got the floppy bit at the top. I ask you. Who does that? Who stores a mop upside-down?’
Well, to answer George’s question, I do store mop upside-down but I don’t jump and scream in the middle of the night, thinking it’s a ghost :p. There’s the usual Lucy and George funny bickering too.
I stopped short. ‘Was that your stomach, George?’
He looked at me blankly. ‘Was what my stomach? I didn’t hear anything.’
‘Nor me,’ Lockwood said. ‘What did you get, Lucy?’
That’s my Talent, you see. I hear things other people don’t. ‘A horrid wrenching creak. Sort of like a rusted door hinge, or a coffin lid opening.’
‘What?’ George said. ‘And you thought that was me?’
‘Your belly makes weird sounds when you’re hungry.’
I got to say it’s not like what I thought it would be. I thought I’d find out about the phenomenal Mrs. Barrett’s tomb case that cost Lockwood his brand new coat. They often talk about it in the next books and I don’t even know what exactly happened there unless that the ghost ripped Lockwood’s coat with it’s claw.
But this story isn’t bad either. It’s a bit fast and full of introductions at the first few pages but when the haunting started, it’s back to Lockwood & co. usual exciting creepy atmosphere. It’s a really fun and great read. On the negative side is that it’s so short that it’s all ghost and horror things the mystery and case solving is almost nonexistent. George barely had the change to read the school history. But then again it is a short story afterall. oh and the ghosts gallery at the back is just fun! ^.^
December 31, 2018
How is that in only 40 pages Jonathan Stroud can have me looking around my quiet house nervously?
Children’s books should not be this scary, and yet these are; and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I liked this short little story that was all about reminding us of the tricks the team uses to fight ghosts. If you need a quick break from a different book take an ~30 minute break and read this spooky short story.
Children’s books should not be this scary, and yet these are; and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I liked this short little story that was all about reminding us of the tricks the team uses to fight ghosts. If you need a quick break from a different book take an ~30 minute break and read this spooky short story.
April 29, 2018
So that was creepy as fuck. WOW! I still can't get over these are kids books. So deliciously scary!
September 18, 2016
A fun addition to the series!
October 24, 2023
A fun mysterious short story!
November 15, 2017
Set after the events of book 1, this short story was a perfect little ‘taster’. Lucy, George and Lockwood deal with a new case taking them to a school in Hammersmith. It seems a nefarious ‘ghost’ is making a nuisance of himself, scaring the kids and teachers, even attacking the later by throwing knifes. Queue adventure in the cold and dark... The only bad thing about this title was that it was too short! ;0)
March 2, 2018
This short story takes place between books 2 and 3 but works fine as a stand-alone regardless of which books you have or have not read. It follows a case of Lockwood & Co. complete with its usual ghosts and creepiness. It’s fun.
Only about half the story is the actual story. The rest is a glossary of ghost types and the first chapter or so of book 3.
Only about half the story is the actual story. The rest is a glossary of ghost types and the first chapter or so of book 3.
November 5, 2017
3.5 / 5
a good refresher for the second book, didn’t have as much banter between my three favourites as the other books do; but it was a nice little novella.
Lucy and Lockwood is a ship I will go down with and George is the light of my life, I am so obsessed with this series already.
onto the second book!!
a good refresher for the second book, didn’t have as much banter between my three favourites as the other books do; but it was a nice little novella.
Lucy and Lockwood is a ship I will go down with and George is the light of my life, I am so obsessed with this series already.
onto the second book!!
July 18, 2024
This is a free short story that takes place after the first novel. In this one our trio of heroes are hired to take care of a ghost problem at a new library at a school.
I just started reading this series as I am interested in the television show based on the first two books. I enjoyed the first book and the price was right for this offering. I liked it and it was a very quick read. There is really nothing special here as there is not much depth especially if you read the first book. That is what I believe the goal of this offering is to be. It is for readers who have not read the first book to get an idea of what this series entails. It gives an idea of who the main characters are and what this world is about. Any overall plot momentum is not existent as this is a one off adventure. The one off adventure works for this universe and does the job. We establish this group of young adults are ghost hunters and available for hire. That is basically it to this offering.
There is not much here but it is still a likeable story. As a newbie to this series I like that I spend time in this universe. It really doesn't do much besides that. That being said it gives a sense of what this series will about moving forward. I for one am so interested in seeing that as I will immediately jump into the next full length novel.
I just started reading this series as I am interested in the television show based on the first two books. I enjoyed the first book and the price was right for this offering. I liked it and it was a very quick read. There is really nothing special here as there is not much depth especially if you read the first book. That is what I believe the goal of this offering is to be. It is for readers who have not read the first book to get an idea of what this series entails. It gives an idea of who the main characters are and what this world is about. Any overall plot momentum is not existent as this is a one off adventure. The one off adventure works for this universe and does the job. We establish this group of young adults are ghost hunters and available for hire. That is basically it to this offering.
There is not much here but it is still a likeable story. As a newbie to this series I like that I spend time in this universe. It really doesn't do much besides that. That being said it gives a sense of what this series will about moving forward. I for one am so interested in seeing that as I will immediately jump into the next full length novel.
September 8, 2019
Final rating: 3.5/5
This was a fun and quick read set within the world of Lockwood & Co. It was nice getting to go on another job with the team as I absolutely love these characters. There's nothing spoilery here, but having knowledge of agencies and how they operate would be helpful (although not entirely necessary as any crucial information is provided). The mystery is set up quickly and solved neatly. It does lack the overall charm and excitement that I've come to expect from this series, however I realize that's not possible in so short a tale. What I think really sets this apart is how it was created with input from the fans. That's such a great way to engage children in the story.
If you want to see the original posts along with the options not chosen, visit the following links:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
This was a fun and quick read set within the world of Lockwood & Co. It was nice getting to go on another job with the team as I absolutely love these characters. There's nothing spoilery here, but having knowledge of agencies and how they operate would be helpful (although not entirely necessary as any crucial information is provided). The mystery is set up quickly and solved neatly. It does lack the overall charm and excitement that I've come to expect from this series, however I realize that's not possible in so short a tale. What I think really sets this apart is how it was created with input from the fans. That's such a great way to engage children in the story.
If you want to see the original posts along with the options not chosen, visit the following links:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
June 18, 2017
I don't know about everyone else, but I'm always a bit sceptical about bridging short stories/novellas. There are some woeful efforts out there that are nothing more than changing perspective on a scene by writing 'he said' instead of the original 'she said'. But the reason I keep reading them anyway, is there are some true little gems out there - Sarah Maas' efforts are outstanding, as they are standalone, whilst furthering the world building and characterisation.
I digress a little, but my point is that I approach them with some trepidation. As can already be seen by the number of stars I've given this, the trepidation wasn't warranted in this case, and this story joins the ranks of the best in novella land. I can never get enough Lockwood and Co - love em, love em, love em, but this is a fun addition to the series as well. In this installment, Lockwood, Lucy, and George are hired to clear a ghost with a penchant for knife throwing from a school. Whilst short, it has the same delicious creepiness whilst not scaring the pants off me (that's a good thing).
Now, who's for more toast?
I digress a little, but my point is that I approach them with some trepidation. As can already be seen by the number of stars I've given this, the trepidation wasn't warranted in this case, and this story joins the ranks of the best in novella land. I can never get enough Lockwood and Co - love em, love em, love em, but this is a fun addition to the series as well. In this installment, Lockwood, Lucy, and George are hired to clear a ghost with a penchant for knife throwing from a school. Whilst short, it has the same delicious creepiness whilst not scaring the pants off me (that's a good thing).
Now, who's for more toast?
May 19, 2017
5 stars
The Story
Lockwood & Co. has been called to investigate a recent disturbance that has terrorized the students and teachers at St Simeon’s Academy for Talented Youngsters.
What I Liked (because let’s face it I’m Lockwood trash and pretty much have nothing bad to say!
Creepy, dark and a little disturbing … and snark (because I'm 100% here for the snark). Basically this novella had all of the Lockwood awesomeness that I am quickly becoming absolute trash for! A great addition to the series and one of the most enjoyable short stories I have read in a long time!
I love this world
I love these characters
I love Lockwood & Co.
In Conclusion
Great novella to add to this awesome series!
March 8, 2015
A rather nice little short story. Very short though, so not a lot of development of character or plot or such - essentially just a descriptive little story about a regular night's work for Lucy, Lockwood and George (ghost spotted, go on location, fight the ghost, wrap up, go home).
January 6, 2020
I only have one complaint--I wish it was longer.
Every Lockwood and Co. adventure makes me so happy. Who doesn't love teenagers simultaneously bickering and and fighting malicious ghosts?
Every Lockwood and Co. adventure makes me so happy. Who doesn't love teenagers simultaneously bickering and and fighting malicious ghosts?
April 14, 2021
Diese Geschichte ist leider zu kurz. Das ist aber auch schon das einzige, was ich zu bemängeln habe... Gefühlt besteht das halbe Ebook aus Vorgeschichte und Glossar. Dank der Vorgeschichte war ich allerdings direkt wieder mittendrin in der Welt von Lockwood & Co. Und diese Welt ist gespenstisch gefährlich. Tolle Kurzgeschichte mit einem tollen Team!
May 1, 2023
Stars: 5 out of 5.
This was a delightful short story set in the world of Lockwood & Co and detailing one of the trio's ghost hunting cases. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I must say that this world fascinates me. I want to know more about the Problem and what caused it. Or what type 3 Visitors really are. Onward to book 2.
This was a delightful short story set in the world of Lockwood & Co and detailing one of the trio's ghost hunting cases. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I must say that this world fascinates me. I want to know more about the Problem and what caused it. Or what type 3 Visitors really are. Onward to book 2.
February 24, 2023
cortito y conciso, tiene mi like
June 9, 2020
honestly how long we need to wait for next book?:-)
but to make this review a bit longer.....
find it interesting as author agreed to write it in parts as pre-halloween fun for children where they can after each chapter decide how the story will evolve by voting.
This as well means that story is not re-writen or re-read by author millions times to perfection but has natural and very action speed :-)
As always main trio is funny and entertain with good portion of chill down the spine when the ghost appears in the school.... with the dagger and well, wants to use it... of course on our heroes :-)
Short, well packed with action, fast read with lots of fun and thrill.
Enjoy
but to make this review a bit longer.....
find it interesting as author agreed to write it in parts as pre-halloween fun for children where they can after each chapter decide how the story will evolve by voting.
This as well means that story is not re-writen or re-read by author millions times to perfection but has natural and very action speed :-)
As always main trio is funny and entertain with good portion of chill down the spine when the ghost appears in the school.... with the dagger and well, wants to use it... of course on our heroes :-)
Short, well packed with action, fast read with lots of fun and thrill.
Enjoy
August 28, 2017
3.5*
In this short story, another dangerous case comes along for the young and intrepid ghost busting team of Lockwood & Co.
This time they must investigate a malicious presence in a school, and it's going to take all their skills and equipment to bring this nasty, knife throwing ghoul to heel.
In this short story, another dangerous case comes along for the young and intrepid ghost busting team of Lockwood & Co.
This time they must investigate a malicious presence in a school, and it's going to take all their skills and equipment to bring this nasty, knife throwing ghoul to heel.
August 22, 2023
8/10
This was a nice short story but I think there is potential for it to have been incorporated into an already existing volume because the action was a bit rushed in this book and the suspenseful moments could have been better if the action wasn't so fast because there was only one chapter, where everything happened.
This was a nice short story but I think there is potential for it to have been incorporated into an already existing volume because the action was a bit rushed in this book and the suspenseful moments could have been better if the action wasn't so fast because there was only one chapter, where everything happened.
March 12, 2021
3.5 stars, just because it was short.
November 11, 2023
"I grinned back, flushing a little, as I sometimes do when Lockwood trains his smile on me."
cuteness??
cuteness??
December 24, 2021
3.5 stars
I'm really enjoying this series 🖤
I'm really enjoying this series 🖤
January 3, 2021
Das Team um Anthony Lockwood wurde damit beauftragt die Quelle eines Geistes in einer Schule aufzuspüren und zu beseitigen.
Eine solide Kurzgeschichte, die kurze Spannungs- und Gruselmomente bereithält.
Eine solide Kurzgeschichte, die kurze Spannungs- und Gruselmomente bereithält.
March 1, 2020
Nachdem ich die fünfteilige Buchreihe beendet habe musste ich auch noch die Kurzgeschichte aus diesem Universum lesen. Hier muss man sagen, dass man zwar ein kurzes Abenteuer mit Lockwood & Co. erlebt, es aber nicht erleben muss. Zudem ist der Großteil dieser Geschichte eine Leseprobe. Man kann also, muss man aber nicht. Ganz nett.
December 9, 2019
These characters are just so precious and their interactions are priceless.
Lol, poor Lockwood getting hit in the head with a book. And George and his screaming, oh my gosh that is so funny. And Lucy is just such a good character, such wit and sass.
Go have your celebratory buns guys. You precious souls deserve them, you deserve all the treats in the world.
A fun little read.
Lol, poor Lockwood getting hit in the head with a book. And George and his screaming, oh my gosh that is so funny. And Lucy is just such a good character, such wit and sass.
Go have your celebratory buns guys. You precious souls deserve them, you deserve all the treats in the world.
A fun little read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews