I swapped my kindle back in 2018 and am unable to recover this title. I appreciate the opportunity that was given for review but sadly can't complete it for this title. However, based on the other works I know by this author I am awarding 3Stars.
Many thanks.

Mix-up in identity leads to a fantastical after-life adventure that has a fresh feel to it.

It's a little different, a younger read to Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series that create a world of the dead. It gets off the ground quickly and scoops up the main character in a fast-paced exploit with a fair backstory of characters, plotlines and terms.

Jake unwittingly enters a rather dark and scary world when he signs for a box that's not intended for him. Now the Dead are after him and if he doesn't want to spend eternity in an unpleasant afterlife and get home to his parents (who think he's on a school trip) he's going to need to return the contents of the box to a certain Embassy while avoiding some intent pursuers, and learns along the way a few things about life after death, loyalty and friendship.

Despite being quite short, there are some amusing minor characters (though none get much chance to develop), and Jake is a pretty smart little protagonist. The author tries to fit in a lot, making it a little episodic, but it's an enjoyable world to explore, with highlights being one character who reminded me of Moaning Myrtle and a rather funny Embassy and staff.

If you have a reader that likes fantasy and magic, this could be for them. For ages 9-12.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing the sample e-copy.

A story with humour, for fans of Skullduggery Pleasant.
Jake find himself on the wrong end of a meeting with a spirit. He takes possession of a box - and, without thinking, opens it. Inside is a severed finger. For Jake it’s also the start of a rather surreal adventure.
Jake finds himself hunted by employees of the Embassy of the Dead, and in his quest to avoid being sent to the Eternal Void he ends up befriending a Possessor, communing with the dead and doing all he can to keep his life.
Slightly tongue-in-cheek and this looks like the first in an interesting series. Thanks, NetGalley, for putting me on to something new for younger readers.

Jake is unexpectedly handed a package in a dark alley by the sort of person you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley, and rather than heading off on the school trip he's suddenly facing the Eternal Void in the ghostly company of Stiffkey the undertaker, hockey-stick wielding Cora and a ghost fox called Zorro.
There's plenty of action, sinister characters and a dismembered digit, and if as an adult reader it's possible to spot the plot twists coming, I think the target age group - older juniors and up - will be kept on the edge of their seats. I certainly found the story hard to put down, and can't wait to read more of the adventures of these engaging characters.

A fun read, full of jokes, scares and a few ghosts. All in a days work! A great start to a new series and I'm excited to see what happens next for our lead character and his friendly (or not so friendly) ghost.

Consider this a stronger fantasy read for the older primary schoolchild (and don't believe the British cover artwork, it reads a lot more mature than that looks). Stronger in that it involves many dead people, reanimated animals, and a gruesome body part. But also stronger in that it's really quite involving and engaging, with a great narrative flow. I guess the older reader will see a little too much coming, and it is a little clunky at times, both in forming its mythology and in building a team for future volumes, but it's a good, pleasurable adventure.

Review courtesy of my ten year old....

HAHAHA!! What a wonderful book by a wonderful author! I loved Mabel Jones so I was excited about this. From the first page, this awesome book had me enthralled by the mysterious goings-on. The intriguing storyline didn't go the way I expected - it had an unexpected plot twist! This book has it all, including so-awful-they're-funny puns, cryptic characters and mysteries that annoyed me so much I had to keep reading to find out the ending! I can't wait for the next book! 😄📚

Embassy of the Dead is the start of what promises to be an excellent series of books for younger readers by Will Mabbitt. Think Neil Gaiman crossed with Eoin Colfer. A delightful premise that see’s Jake, who can see dead people, running for his life after accidentally summoning death. I started reading this to my grandson who was immediately enthralled. With laughs and scares aplenty, I highly recommend this book.

If you imagine Neil Gaiman and Derek Landy had a child then this would be his story.
Jake accidentally opens a box containing a severed human finger and unleashes one of the Reapers who wants to drag him to the Eternal Void. Accompanied by a crotchety old ghost, a mischievous poltergeist school girl and a ghostly fox called Zorro he has to try to run for his life. Jake has three days to get to the Embassy of the Dead and sort out his problem but is the Embassy the safest place?
Brilliant story. Anyone who loves Ada Blade, Skulduggery Pleasant, or any wonderfully sarcastic adventures will love this. I am looking forward to the next one in the series and will definitely be buying it for our library.
A great read for pre-teen boys and would go great into Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge this year.