Book 1 in the Skulduggery Pleasant series (aka Scepter of the Ancients).
“So you won't keep anything from me again?” He put his hand to his chest. “Cross my heart and hope to die.” “Okay then. Though you don't actually have a heart,” she said. “I know.” “And technically, you've already died.” “I know that too.” “Just so we're clear.”
Stephanie's uncle Gordon is a writer of horror fiction. But when he dies and leaves her his estate, Stephanie learns that while he may have written horror, it certainly wasn't fiction. Pursued by evil forces intent on recovering a mysterious key, Stephanie finds help from an unusual source – the wisecracking skeleton of a dead wizard. When all hell breaks loose, it's lucky for Skulduggery that he's already dead. Though he's about to discover that being a skeleton doesn't stop you from being tortured, if the torturer is determined enough. And if there's anything Skulduggery hates, it's torture! Will evil win the day? Will Stephanie and Skulduggery stop bickering long enough to stop it? One thing's for sure: evil won't know what's hit it.
Reviews
“'Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure. Once you've met Stephanie and Skullduggery, you'll be clamouring for a sequel.” Rick Riordan
"It's exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun. I sincerely hope Landy revisits these characters.‘ Philip Ardagh, Guardian ’
“A fun and quirky mix of magic, mystery, and lost of humor.” – Locus
“An utterly charming debut, perfect for the Potter crowd.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Skulduggery Pleasant lives up to his name, performing amazing feats with such self-effacing drollness that readers will wish they had a similar skeletal friend. Give this one to fans of Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl” books (Hyperion) or to anyone who likes a dash of violence and danger served up with the magic." School Library Journal
“A distinctly Horowitzian humor and verve.” – London Times
“Landy's witty style will win him fans of all ages… With writing of this standard, a rattling plot and definite potential for cross-over appeal, it's a good job Harry's [Potter] resigning before he's forcibly retired.” Irish Mail on Sunday
“Landy keeps the action brisk, his characters slightly macabre, and uses humor to take the edge off.” – ALA Booklist
“This book is a delight. Full of character, black humor, and great fun.” – Daily Telegraph (London)
Author Biography
Derek Landy lives near Dublin. Before writing his children's story about a sharply-dressed skeleton detective, he wrote the screenplays for a zombie movie and a murderous horror film. “I think my career-guidance teacher is spinning in her grave,” he says, “or she would be if she were dead.”
