After finishing The Screaming Staircase, I dove straight into The Whispering Skull. This book lines up with episodes 4–8 from the Netflix adaptation, so if you’ve seen the show, you’ll recognize some of the major moments — but the book still holds plenty of surprises. I picked up the second installment with high expectations, and it absolutely delivered. If anything, it felt darker, sharper, and even funnier in places.
In this sequel, we’re back with Lucy, Lockwood, and George as they take on an even more dangerous case involving a mysterious relic and a powerful ghost: the titular Whispering Skull. The stakes are higher, and the ongoing rivalry with the Fittes agency adds to the overall tension. What really stood out for me was how we get deeper insight into George’s quirks, Lockwood’s secrets, and Lucy’s evolving connection with the Skull itself. Jonathan Stroud continues to nail that perfect blend of chilling ghost story and witty banter, all wrapped in a richly imagined world.
Now, several months after finishing the book, I finally completed the audiobook version. This time it’s narrated by Katie Lyons, who does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Her performance adds a new layer of energy, especially with the Skull’s sarcastic commentary. The Whispering Skull is the kind of sequel that builds beautifully on what came before, while setting up even bigger mysteries ahead. If you loved the first book (or the show), don’t miss this one. It’s spooky, smart, and so much fun.