I'd only (sorry, "only" – pardon me for sounding as if they're not wonderful) read a pair of this author's Barrington Stoke titles before picking up this digitally, and therefore hastened back to the first in this series [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7637112604], only to find it bang on the money for breezy, clever adventures. This first sequel had a lot to live up to. Thankfully it had enough to already feel mighty familiar. OK, I missed the limericks – but I gained a repeat dose of the wacky chapter headings, the semi-wordless chapter was even more wordless, the art still burst into comic strip format at times, the book was still as snappy and engaging as before – and in fact everything was once again most readable.

So, Matilda has gained her ghost friend, and the family's dodgy séance performance is still on the London stage. But ghostly goings-on still need investigating – in this case, at a run-down junk shop. And this time things are a lot closer to home, as a criminal surprisingly close to Matilda's family history is released from jail, and our heroes have to investigate (a) to find out more about her direct ancestors and (b) to sort the ghostly problems out.

Unfortunately, this was fine, but a step down in quality from what had come before. Heck, it even repeats the same shtick, regarding <spoiler>mishearing a ghost's utterances</spoiler>. All told, it seemed unfortunately early in the series – and bear in mind I have no idea how many are planned – to focus on Matilda's family history; the world was wide enough with adventure without tightening in on that aspect of this franchise. There was one "aha, yes – that explains that" beat – which I registered, acknowledged – and then promptly forgot (before remembering, it was the police costume – a minor thing here).

This isn't, however, meant to be a completely negative review – it's just that the series opener was so fresh, so able to deliver the old saws in fresh ways, so lively. This is a fair step down in quality and novelty – perhaps to be expected, somewhat, now we know what's what and who's who and how this world works. But in getting four stars, while it shines as a fun entertainment, it sure does show that lightning seldom strikes the same place twice. My memories of the first book weren't hurt at all – but I knew this was given every chance to really dazzle, and didn't. It's a strong glimmer, instead.

I couldn’t wait to be back in the delightfully gothic world of Matilda Lockett and her ghostly friend, Edgar Wilde. Brimming with questions, clues and plenty of peril, readers are whisked away to a richly atmospheric and brilliantly entertaining, supernatural Victorian mystery. As the features of this 19th century detective story unfold, we learn more about Matilda’s past – her personal story bringing extra warmth to an already charming tale.

Pam Smy’s engaging black and white drawings accented with golden highlights throughout add a vibrancy to this shadowy story. The endearing characters of Matilda, her Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Barnabus, Edgar, and of course Evelyn’s chatty parakeet, Colin, come to life on the page. Such wonderfully illustrated fiction is rare at middle grade and so welcome. The Lockett & Wilde books are completely unique and a breath of fresh air amidst heavier stories with dense text.

In The Ghosts of London, we return to Signora Valentino (Aunt Evelyn) and the rest of the team at their theatre in London. Having purchased Bloomsbury Square Theatre, they are trying to make a success of their mystical psychic medium show. Unfortunately, the famous medium Signora Valentino can’t actually see or hear ghosts – but Matilda can. Acting as translator for her aunt, Matilda convinces the resident ghost to perform and completely mesmerise their audiences. This is so much more convincing than their previous smoke-and-mirrors attempts.

Just as rehearsals for their big show near completion, a shocking newspaper headline stops them in their tracks. Notorious criminal Max Grabb has been released from prison. Matilda learns Grabb was her father’s business partner and may have had something to do with her parents’ death as the result of a hot air balloon accident. Further connection to infamous gold heist thief Bullion Bill and reports of ghostly encounters in a nearby junk shop turn an ordinary day into one of Edgar’s beloved detective stories. The supernatural sleuths of Lockett & Wilde are on the case!

Eerie clues from both this world and the supernatural raise question after question. Who were her parents? What really happened to them? What did they leave behind? Signs of poltergeists (ghosts who move can lift and move things), wisps of spirits unable to leave the earthly realm behind, a creepy doll with a phonogram voice (Traitors anyone?) and threats from a man with a golden gun put Matilda and Edgar right in the middle of a dangerous search.

The depiction of ghosts drifting through the streets of London – a hidden history we too often overlook – is quite poignant. There are so many forgotten stories and messages that those who came before us might wish they could have shared. Maybe these ghosts have the answers Matilda is looking for.

The Ghosts of London is an exciting, pacey adventure for readers age 8+. There’s no time to stand still as Matilda and Edger search for the clues that will reveal the truth about her family and the key to her future. I can’t wait for more books in this one-of-a-kind series!

A huge thank you to Walker Books and NetGalley UK for an early read. I’m so looking forward to seeing a finished copy!