Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what middle-grade-to-YA fiction should be: smart, scary, funny, and genuinely well-written. Jonathan Stroud (of Bartimaeus fame) doesn't pull punches or talk down to readers. The ghost-hunting premise hooks kids immediately, but the character work and intricate plotting keep them reading through all five books.

Lucy, Lockwood, and George feel like real teenagers trying to survive both supernatural threats and the politics of competing ghost-hunting agencies. The mysteries are legitimately clever—you can try to solve them alongside the characters, and the clues are actually there if you're paying attention.

The scary factor is real. If your kid gets nightmares from Goosebumps, this might be too much. But for kids ready for genuine suspense and peril, it's the perfect level—creepy atmosphere and life-threatening situations without graphic gore. Think more 'hiding under covers with a flashlight' than 'traumatized for life.'

At 4.8 stars on Amazon and glowing reviews from adult readers, this series has serious staying power. It's the rare kids' series that adults genuinely enjoy, not just tolerate.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-16, though many adults love the series. The sophisticated writing and genuine scares make it too intense for younger kids, but the teenage protagonists and coming-of-age themes might feel a bit young for older teens unless they're already fantasy/mystery fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models teamwork, loyalty, and courage through three young agents running their own ghost-hunting agency. The relationships between Lockwood, Lucy, and George are grounded in mutual respect and friendship, with realistic conflicts and growth. The tone is suspenseful but balanced with humor and wit. Some violence against ghosts and perilous situations, but handled with appropriate gravity rather than gratuitous detail.

Imaginative

88

Jonathan Stroud creates a richly detailed alternate London plagued by a decades-long ghost epidemic, complete with its own rules, agencies, and psychic detection methods. The mythology is intricate and original—talking skulls, different types of apparitions, children with special 'Talents' for seeing ghosts. Each book introduces new mysteries and expands the world. The series rewards careful attention and invites readers to puzzle out clues alongside the protagonists.

Safe

72

Supernatural horror themes with ghosts, violence, and peril throughout. Characters face life-threatening situations, some deaths occur (mostly off-page), and the atmosphere is genuinely creepy. Common Sense Media notes it contains 'elements of violence' and may be 'too intense for sensitive readers.' However, no sexual content, minimal language, and the horror is age-appropriate thriller material rather than graphic gore. Books are predictably scary—readers know what they're getting into.

Enriching

82

Sophisticated plotting with genuine mystery-solving that requires attention and critical thinking. Explores themes of class, corporate corruption, grief, and found family. Lucy's character development across five books is particularly strong—dealing with isolation, self-worth, and finding her place. The books don't talk down to young readers; they're described as 'sophisticated' and 'not reading like YA at all.' Strong vocabulary and complex sentence structures make them genuinely challenging reads.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely clever mysteries that reward careful readers who pay attention to clues and world-building details
Three-dimensional characters with real growth—Lucy's arc across five books is particularly satisfying
Stroud doesn't write down to kids; the prose is sophisticated, witty, and fast-paced enough to hook reluctant readers
The ghost mythology is original and internally consistent, with different types of apparitions and psychic abilities
Perfect gateway to longer series reading—each book advances both individual mysteries and overarching plot threads

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What to Watch For

Legitimately scary—characters face mortal danger, some die (mostly off-page), and the atmosphere is creepy throughout
Not for sensitive readers who get nightmares easily; Common Sense Media specifically warns about intensity
Five books is a commitment, though each works as a standalone mystery with series-long character development
Some class commentary and corporate corruption themes that younger readers might miss but add depth for older ones

Conversation Starters

"If you could have Lucy's Listening, George's research skills, or Lockwood's leadership, which psychic Talent would you want and why?"
"The kids in this book basically run their own business. What do you think about that—would you want that kind of responsibility at their age?"
"Why do you think only children and young people can see ghosts in this world? What does that say about growing up?"
"Lucy struggles with feeling like she doesn't belong. Have you ever felt that way? How did she handle it differently as the series went on?"

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