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The Hollow Boy
(Lockwood & Co. #3)
by
As a massive outbreak of supernatural Visitors baffles Scotland Yard and causes protests throughout London, Lockwood & Co. continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in exterminating spirits. Anthony Lockwood is dashing, George insightful, and Lucy dynamic, while the skull in the jar utters sardonic advice from the sidelines. There is a new spirit of openness in the team
...more
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Hardcover, 374 pages
Published
September 15th 2015
by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
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Start your review of The Hollow Boy (Lockwood & Co., #3)

”Secrets followed Lockwood about like the flapping of his coat, and it was nice to be close enough to feel them brush against me too.”
The more “Lockwood & Co” books I read, the more I want to dive into this world. It’s really amazing and something completely different to all the other fantasy books I usually read. Stroud invented such an intriguing world that it gets difficult not to believe in spectres, malaise and ghost lock. XD I mean alone the effort he put into his glossary is more than jus ...more
The more “Lockwood & Co” books I read, the more I want to dive into this world. It’s really amazing and something completely different to all the other fantasy books I usually read. Stroud invented such an intriguing world that it gets difficult not to believe in spectres, malaise and ghost lock. XD I mean alone the effort he put into his glossary is more than jus ...more

I was in the mood for something spoopy for Halloween.

But I think I'm done with this series now. First off, the thin story is stretched over 374 pages when it easily could have been told in ~120. Second, now that we know the secret that Lockwood has been hiding in that room, his mystique is all gone, leaving him quite bland. Third, Lucy is threatened by a new female on the job. Jonathan Stroud, you should be ashamed of yourself for this. Is that really what you want to do with that character? Luc ...more

But I think I'm done with this series now. First off, the thin story is stretched over 374 pages when it easily could have been told in ~120. Second, now that we know the secret that Lockwood has been hiding in that room, his mystique is all gone, leaving him quite bland. Third, Lucy is threatened by a new female on the job. Jonathan Stroud, you should be ashamed of yourself for this. Is that really what you want to do with that character? Luc ...more

This is a reread.
Second time reading this really stirred up emotions for me. That ending brought tears to my eyes and I just want to lay down and cry. Who knew this series could affect me like this?
I seem to love this even more reading this the second time. For me, this book is the best in the series. I am absolutely terrified to start the next book. I haven't read that book at all and was rereading the previous three in preparation for it. I'm so nervous and scared for what's going to happen w ...more
Second time reading this really stirred up emotions for me. That ending brought tears to my eyes and I just want to lay down and cry. Who knew this series could affect me like this?
I seem to love this even more reading this the second time. For me, this book is the best in the series. I am absolutely terrified to start the next book. I haven't read that book at all and was rereading the previous three in preparation for it. I'm so nervous and scared for what's going to happen w ...more

Feb 11, 2015
Paige Bookdragon
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
almost-a-fave,
read-2015,
adventure,
ghosts,
suspense,
best-series,
favorite-author,
favorites,
friendship,
humor
“Under all the anger and the sorrow, Lucy, I was was just left feeling hollow”
I love this book.I can't get over it, I want to swallow it and I want to stare at it for a looong time.

The Hollow Boy is the third book in the Lockwood & Co. series and damn you, Jonathan Stroud for making me such an unrepentant fangirl to Lucy and Lockwood..

Speaking of Lucewood love team, there's another character added to our little band of psychics. Holly Munro is this goody-two-shoes,I'm-so-perfect-and-you-c ...more

ME WHEN I GOT THE BOOK
ME WHEN MY MOM KEPT TELLING ME TO GO DO MY HOMEWORK
ME WHEN I FINISHED THE BOOK
ME REALIZING I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER YEAR
...more

ME WHEN MY MOM KEPT TELLING ME TO GO DO MY HOMEWORK

ME WHEN I FINISHED THE BOOK

ME REALIZING I HAVE TO WAIT FOR ANOTHER YEAR


Aug 24, 2017
♛ may
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
400-pgs,
fantasy,
buddy-read,
kickass-heroine,
my-heart,
series,
aaaaaaaaaa,
bye,
audiobook,
i-will-go-down-with-this-ship
Full review posted
Lockwood and Co. continue to freak me out and melt my heart at the same time. I’m. Just. So. Invested. In. Everything.
So, let me tell you, if you looking for creepy, this book has got it. If you’re looking for complex characters that will own your soul, this book has got it. If you’re looking for mysteries and thrills, this book has got it.
HONESTLY JUST PICK UP THE BOOK.
I’m telling you, when I was listening to it (audiobook-ed it), I was getting goosebumps at certain parts, ...more
Lockwood and Co. continue to freak me out and melt my heart at the same time. I’m. Just. So. Invested. In. Everything.
So, let me tell you, if you looking for creepy, this book has got it. If you’re looking for complex characters that will own your soul, this book has got it. If you’re looking for mysteries and thrills, this book has got it.
HONESTLY JUST PICK UP THE BOOK.
I’m telling you, when I was listening to it (audiobook-ed it), I was getting goosebumps at certain parts, ...more

What a great cliffhanger! I really enjoyed The Hollow Boy which is the 3rd book in the Lockwood & Co. series.
First, the name of the book, The Hollow Boy was only a small portion of this book. The book was much more involved with other ghost hauntings. It also dives into personal changes within the paranormal group, Lockwood & Co.
I thought this was a good addition to the series and the book starts off with the crew of Anthony Lockwood, George and Lucy tackling ghosts while there's a ghost epidemi ...more
First, the name of the book, The Hollow Boy was only a small portion of this book. The book was much more involved with other ghost hauntings. It also dives into personal changes within the paranormal group, Lockwood & Co.
I thought this was a good addition to the series and the book starts off with the crew of Anthony Lockwood, George and Lucy tackling ghosts while there's a ghost epidemi ...more

Looking back at my reviews for the first two books in the Lockwood & Co series, I learn that apparently the second book (The Whispering Skull) ended on a massive cliffhanger. But since there was so much time between me finishing the second book and starting the third, I completely forgot what the cliffhanger even was. If it got resolved in any satisfying manner in the beginning of The Hollow Boy, I didn't notice. So that's probably not a great sign.
We're at the third installation of what is at ...more
We're at the third installation of what is at ...more

Nov 15, 2018
Jody
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
spooktacular,
kindle
Thoughts: I'm happy to say Jonathan Stroud really stepped up his game in this installment. In The Hollow Boy we get all the ghost chasing fun we've had in the previous two books, but with a little darker tone.
By darker tone, I mean the hauntings and description of the haunts had a more horror feel to them. Now, I'm not comparing this to a Stephen King book, but I felt more of a terror vibe with this as compared to the creepy and spooky atmosphere of books 1 & 2.
It has been about a year and a ha ...more
By darker tone, I mean the hauntings and description of the haunts had a more horror feel to them. Now, I'm not comparing this to a Stephen King book, but I felt more of a terror vibe with this as compared to the creepy and spooky atmosphere of books 1 & 2.
It has been about a year and a ha ...more

Luckwood, don't fail me now.
AFTER READING
Consider Luckwood NOT failed. Slow burning, but definitely no fail.
But why...
Why must there be another cliffhanger? STROUD. ...more
AFTER READING
Consider Luckwood NOT failed. Slow burning, but definitely no fail.
But why...
Why must there be another cliffhanger? STROUD. ...more

Honestly, this series just keeps getting better and better. It's a big call, but here goes - this is the best series to come along since my beloved Mr Potter. I never want this series to end.
This installment has a lot of humour (love that skull!), a lot of character development for Lucy, and A LOT of chills. I read the book in the cold hard light of day (after being scared silly reading the first installment at night), but frankly the climax of this book still scared the bejeebus out of me.
Write ...more
This installment has a lot of humour (love that skull!), a lot of character development for Lucy, and A LOT of chills. I read the book in the cold hard light of day (after being scared silly reading the first installment at night), but frankly the climax of this book still scared the bejeebus out of me.
Write ...more

We could probably get a lot more kids to read if all middle grade books were this exciting, spine-chilling, and intriguing! Lockwood & Co series proves that the Goosebumps books I read as a child were mild in comparison. I'm so glad that today's kids have this kind of amazing writing and story-telling to read instead of some cheesy Goosebumps books (that while fun lack the depth of story telling and characterization we get here).
New Girl = Jealousy
I really liked the girl/girl jealousy that imme ...more
New Girl = Jealousy
I really liked the girl/girl jealousy that imme ...more

This is the third book in Jonathan Stroud's exciting series about young ghost hunters. In this alternative London, it's children who must hunt down and exterminate ghosts, as almost all grownups have lost the ability to detect them. Not all ghosts are dangerous, but many are, and contact with some kinds can be fatal.
It had been several years since I'd read the first two books, but the author was good about catching the reader up on previous events involving the ghost-hunting agency Lockwood & Co ...more
It had been several years since I'd read the first two books, but the author was good about catching the reader up on previous events involving the ghost-hunting agency Lockwood & Co ...more

More like The Girl Who Got Gaslighted (Lockwood & Co.). Still scary and more accurate.
I have LOVED the last two in this series, so I started this one with a lot of faith.
Woof.
I'm always interested when writers write main characters of the opposite gender. Ditto when they write in first person in the opposite gender. I think it's an interesting choice, and I'm always curious why they made that choice. I've really loved Lucy through the last two installments, but, she's had these occasional momen ...more
I have LOVED the last two in this series, so I started this one with a lot of faith.
Woof.
I'm always interested when writers write main characters of the opposite gender. Ditto when they write in first person in the opposite gender. I think it's an interesting choice, and I'm always curious why they made that choice. I've really loved Lucy through the last two installments, but, she's had these occasional momen ...more

Yeah I don't even have to think about this one.
5 stars
ALL THE STARS
I can't even form adequate words right now to write this review!
I'm not even sure adequate words even exist!
This book is a piece of my soul. My emotions are off the charts right now!!!
I just ... and .... omg but .... my heart ❤️ ...more
ALL THE STARS
I can't even form adequate words right now to write this review!
I'm not even sure adequate words even exist!
This book is a piece of my soul. My emotions are off the charts right now!!!
I just ... and .... omg but .... my heart ❤️ ...more

4.5* re-read. What can I say? I couldn’t resist?
---
“Because you're unique . You shine like a beacon, attracting the attention of all dark things." It chuckled. “Why do you think I'm chatting with you?”
Ok, I am completely hooked on this series. Stroud builds on the previous two titles, deepening the development of our cast, while offering the expected thrilling action scenes, spine-tingling moments, and of course the humour and snark. We also start finding out a little more about the nature of t ...more
---
“Because you're unique . You shine like a beacon, attracting the attention of all dark things." It chuckled. “Why do you think I'm chatting with you?”
Ok, I am completely hooked on this series. Stroud builds on the previous two titles, deepening the development of our cast, while offering the expected thrilling action scenes, spine-tingling moments, and of course the humour and snark. We also start finding out a little more about the nature of t ...more

Absolutely brilliant and terrifying! And the most petrifying plot twist I've ever read!!! (view spoiler)
The Lockwood series are not for the faint of heart. People will ask: "What, the bloody hell, is she talking about? This book is targeting middle-school children! Does she get scared by her own bloody shadow?" and I'll just send my army of rabid bunnies after them, because reasons. This series will leave you with eyes wide open during the night and feet shive ...more
The Lockwood series are not for the faint of heart. People will ask: "What, the bloody hell, is she talking about? This book is targeting middle-school children! Does she get scared by her own bloody shadow?" and I'll just send my army of rabid bunnies after them, because reasons. This series will leave you with eyes wide open during the night and feet shive ...more

The Hollow Boy
(Lockwood & Co. #3)
by Jonathan Stroud
Wow, I thought this was even better than the last book! Even though the book is called the Hollow Boy, it is just one of many exciting ghost stories in this book. The other interesting element to this book is the personal aspects that happen or that are shared. They also get a new team member and that plays out in here too! Great action, characters, ghostly presences, and team dynamics are all part of this great adventure!
(Lockwood & Co. #3)
by Jonathan Stroud
Wow, I thought this was even better than the last book! Even though the book is called the Hollow Boy, it is just one of many exciting ghost stories in this book. The other interesting element to this book is the personal aspects that happen or that are shared. They also get a new team member and that plays out in here too! Great action, characters, ghostly presences, and team dynamics are all part of this great adventure!

Jul 17, 2017
Scott Hitchcock
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
urban-fantasy,
ya-fantasy
Another good chapter in this series. I could have missed the angst between Lucy and Holly over Lockwood but it did produce one very funny scene.

SO MUCH TO SAY. First: who thought a cliffhanger ending was a good idea? WHY? (It's a good ending. It grows organically out of the story. I just hate cliffhangers.)
Even with an abrupt end, the story crackles. I find the worldbuilding so compelling, and I never get bored of the different ways ghosts manifest and the many problems they can cause. I think The Hollow Boy dials up the series elements: there are more threads introduced that aren't wrapped up than I remember from the previous two books ...more
Even with an abrupt end, the story crackles. I find the worldbuilding so compelling, and I never get bored of the different ways ghosts manifest and the many problems they can cause. I think The Hollow Boy dials up the series elements: there are more threads introduced that aren't wrapped up than I remember from the previous two books ...more

What a cliffhanger?
Another new team member to the Lockwood and Co' and what a hard decision that Lucy had to take on behalf of Lockwood.
Wow this series keeps getting better and better.
I'm so excited to try the next book. ...more
Another new team member to the Lockwood and Co' and what a hard decision that Lucy had to take on behalf of Lockwood.
Wow this series keeps getting better and better.
I'm so excited to try the next book. ...more

Final rating: 4.5/5
It's taken me awhile to sort through my thoughts regarding this book. I admit that there were times I dreaded continuing the story because of how much it broke my heart in multiple ways at multiple times. I struggled to get through some parts just because of how completely unfair things had become and how miserable I felt reading about them. As the narrator, Lucy definitely engendered more of my empathy and compassionate despite her sometimes impulsive and reckless behaviors. ...more
It's taken me awhile to sort through my thoughts regarding this book. I admit that there were times I dreaded continuing the story because of how much it broke my heart in multiple ways at multiple times. I struggled to get through some parts just because of how completely unfair things had become and how miserable I felt reading about them. As the narrator, Lucy definitely engendered more of my empathy and compassionate despite her sometimes impulsive and reckless behaviors. ...more

Apr 01, 2016
Danielle The Book Huntress
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
ghost fiction readers
I was thrilled that my library finally got the audiobook for this latest release in the Lockwood and Co. series. I've been listening to it from the beginning and I hated to have to change format. The narrator is a different person, but she was very good. She brings Lucy, George, Lockwood and the other characters to life distinctively.
I was slightly less impressed with this than the previous books, but it was still very good. I wasn't sure I liked the addition of a new agent to the team. The tri ...more
I was slightly less impressed with this than the previous books, but it was still very good. I wasn't sure I liked the addition of a new agent to the team. The tri ...more

Mar 12, 2021
Sylvie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
paranormal,
mystery,
middle-grade,
sci-fi,
super-natural,
thriller,
urban-fantasy,
detective,
horror
4.25 stars.
I never thought that the two characters from the previous books whom I didn't like would become my faorites. (I'm talking about George and Skull). ...more
I never thought that the two characters from the previous books whom I didn't like would become my faorites. (I'm talking about George and Skull). ...more

This book is a masterpiece: I am in shock, in awe, I am blown away, I can't even articulate words right now.
I started this series with almost no expectations whatsoever and now I'm blaming myself for not picking up these books sooner.
This particular book deserves 5 stars not only because of the intricate plot, the amazing character development, the brilliant way it ended.... but because after three books I finally had an amazing shipping moment that I will remember forever. that part where Lockw ...more
I started this series with almost no expectations whatsoever and now I'm blaming myself for not picking up these books sooner.
This particular book deserves 5 stars not only because of the intricate plot, the amazing character development, the brilliant way it ended.... but because after three books I finally had an amazing shipping moment that I will remember forever. that part where Lockw ...more

Sep 03, 2015
Annemieke / A Dance with Books
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
5-star,
supernatural-paranormal
You know, it doesn’t often happen that I rate books higher as the series goes along. But this third installment definitely deserves that. Jonathan Stroud stepped it up a notch.
Especially in the plot department and world building. Things from the first and second book, like the figure on the goggles in the first book, are now becoming a part of a larger plot. Not everything is clear about this larger plot yet, but they are slowly falling into place. Another aspect that I liked is that I am getti ...more
Especially in the plot department and world building. Things from the first and second book, like the figure on the goggles in the first book, are now becoming a part of a larger plot. Not everything is clear about this larger plot yet, but they are slowly falling into place. Another aspect that I liked is that I am getti ...more

24/5/2017
Trigger warnings: ghosts of people who died in horrible ways? Discussion of the death of a sibling several years earlier.
3.5 stars.
Definitely my least favourite of the series to date. Everything that I said last time stands, but I wanted to punch Lucy in the face for approximately 60% of the book. (Although to be fair, I kiiiiiind of wanted to punch Lockwood in the face for approximately 60% of the book too. So there's that.)
6/3/2016
To be honest, this is probably my least favourite of ...more
Trigger warnings: ghosts of people who died in horrible ways? Discussion of the death of a sibling several years earlier.
3.5 stars.
Definitely my least favourite of the series to date. Everything that I said last time stands, but I wanted to punch Lucy in the face for approximately 60% of the book. (Although to be fair, I kiiiiiind of wanted to punch Lockwood in the face for approximately 60% of the book too. So there's that.)
6/3/2016
To be honest, this is probably my least favourite of ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Middle Grade Madn...: Lockwood & Co. Readathon Book 3 - March 2020 | 29 | 23 | Apr 10, 2020 03:34AM | |
Goodreads Librari...: Editing Book Description | 3 | 84 | Sep 14, 2016 05:27PM | |
Lucy Discussion (Spoilers) | 5 | 72 | Apr 07, 2016 09:13AM | |
Possible 4th book's plot | 3 | 39 | Dec 25, 2015 09:39AM |
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Jonathan Anthony Stroud is an author of fantasy books, mainly for children and youths.
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies ...more
Stroud grew up in St Albans where he enjoyed reading books, drawing pictures, and writing stories. Between the ages seven and nine he was often ill, so he spent most of his days in the hospital or in his bed at home. To escape boredom he would occupy himself with books and stories. After he completed his studies ...more
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Lockwood & Co.
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“His rapier was at his belt, glittering as he swung. He reached down, ripped the sword clear.
I jumped over a slashing frond of plasm, spun round with the water bottle in my hand. I hurled it across to Lockwood.
George threw his rapier to me.
Watch this now. Sword and bottle, sailing through the air, twin trajectories, arching beautifully through the mass of swirling tendrils towards Lockwood and me. Lockwood held out his hand. I held out mine.
Remember I said there was that moment of sweet precision when we gelled perfectly as a team?
Yeah, well. This wasn't it.
The rapier shot past, missing me by miles. It skidded halfway across the floor. The bottle struck Lockwood plumb in the centre of his forehead, knocking him through the window.
There was a moment's pause.
'Is he dead?' the skulls voice said 'Yay! Oh. No, he's hanging onto the shutters. Shame. Still, this is defiantly the funniest thing I've ever seen. You three really are incompetence on a stick”
—
18 likes
I jumped over a slashing frond of plasm, spun round with the water bottle in my hand. I hurled it across to Lockwood.
George threw his rapier to me.
Watch this now. Sword and bottle, sailing through the air, twin trajectories, arching beautifully through the mass of swirling tendrils towards Lockwood and me. Lockwood held out his hand. I held out mine.
Remember I said there was that moment of sweet precision when we gelled perfectly as a team?
Yeah, well. This wasn't it.
The rapier shot past, missing me by miles. It skidded halfway across the floor. The bottle struck Lockwood plumb in the centre of his forehead, knocking him through the window.
There was a moment's pause.
'Is he dead?' the skulls voice said 'Yay! Oh. No, he's hanging onto the shutters. Shame. Still, this is defiantly the funniest thing I've ever seen. You three really are incompetence on a stick”
“Nothing could keep me from you. Nothing in life or Death...”
—
17 likes
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