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Embassy of the Dead #2
Hangman's Crossing
The second book in a spookily funny new series, where the living meet the dead and survival is a race against time. Perfect for fans of Skulduggery Pleasant and Who Let the Gods Out. Welcome to the Embassy of the Dead. Leave your life at the door. (Thanks.) Jake may have already outrun and outwitted a grim reaper - saving his own life, as well as the soul of an innocent ghost - but his spooky adventure has only just begun . . . In return for helping ghost, Stiffkey, resolve his unfinished business and travel to the Afterworld, Jake has now been awarded an official position working for the Embassy of the Dead, protecting ghosts in need. He didn't ask for it and, to be honest, he doesn't necessarily want it, but saying 'no' to the Embassy isn't an option. Now Jake must journey even deeper into the mysterious world of ghosts where, on a rowdy night undercover at the Hangman's Social Club, he overhears a plot to destroy the very fabric between the world of the living and the dead. With his ghostly gang at his side - hockey stick-wielding Cora and Zorro the fox - Jake must do the impossible. He has to be a hero. Again. His life - and ultimately his death - depends on it.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 9, 2021
Hangman's Crossing is the second book in the Embassy of the Dead series, in which we follow Jake who is an Undoer (he helps ghosts to pass on). He overhears a plot to bring a plague demon to the world of the living, and finds himself travelling to the Afterworld to, once again, save the world. This is a spoopy book with a good dose of humour and a relatable main character. It is also a short book (around 240 pages, I read it in under 4 hours though and I am a very slow reader), which sadly also means that the pacing is break-neck, some things just are too easy, and the ending is a bit anti-climactic. I think this would have profited from just an extra 50 or so pages, and an extra round of editing (there were still quite a lot typos/sentences that don't run well in there). But a fun and quick read.
April 15, 2024
This series might fit the bill if you are looking for something in the spooky-funny section for your middle graders.
Jake joins an official position working for the Embassy of the Dead, protecting ghosts despite his reluctance. In the second book, Jake, accompanied by his ghostly pals-hockey stick-wielding Cora and Zorro, the fox, travels deeper into the world of ghosts. The rest of the narrative follows Jake dodging terrifying undead creatures in a race against time to save the world.
The expedition into unknown realms is engaging and fascinating to read and, at times gripping for the intended age group.
This sequel delivers, boosting the series in clever, ingenious ways that will delight the fans and entice the newcomers to return to the first book.
A delightful cast of characters paints the plot in humorous and horror tints in equal measure.
An even pace, with a sprinkle of creepy illustrations, intrigue the readers and keep them on the lookout.
A fun, straightforward plot, sparkling with neat twists and turns, is just right for the younger audience without being too spooky.
A fun ride! It would definitely appeal to fans of mystery, adventure and spooky thrillers!
Jake joins an official position working for the Embassy of the Dead, protecting ghosts despite his reluctance. In the second book, Jake, accompanied by his ghostly pals-hockey stick-wielding Cora and Zorro, the fox, travels deeper into the world of ghosts. The rest of the narrative follows Jake dodging terrifying undead creatures in a race against time to save the world.
The expedition into unknown realms is engaging and fascinating to read and, at times gripping for the intended age group.
This sequel delivers, boosting the series in clever, ingenious ways that will delight the fans and entice the newcomers to return to the first book.
A delightful cast of characters paints the plot in humorous and horror tints in equal measure.
An even pace, with a sprinkle of creepy illustrations, intrigue the readers and keep them on the lookout.
A fun, straightforward plot, sparkling with neat twists and turns, is just right for the younger audience without being too spooky.
A fun ride! It would definitely appeal to fans of mystery, adventure and spooky thrillers!
October 16, 2021
E-ARC provided by Edelweiss+
Mabbitt provides a nice little recap for the first book in the series, but I would encourage to check out The Embassy of the Dead prior to reading Hangman's Crossing. I quite enjoyed the creepiness and humor of this book more than in the first. The worldbuilding around the Afterworld, the City of the Dead and especially Hangman's Crossing was well done. There's something eerie and unsettling about taking that boat across the Void and I just loved the balance of spooky and mystery in this book, trying to figure out who was behind it all. Jake continues to be my favorite character, he truly wants to be helpful, as long as it doesn't put him in danger. Well at least not at first, cause he does face a lot of danger in this book, but he also can't ignore when others are in danger. Also really liked Cora's enthusiasm for adventure, wanting to jump right in and sort of save the world. The story moved along at a really nice, fast moving pace, with plenty of suspenseful moments, the kind you'd expect from a story involving ghosts, demons, shadowfolk and an Embassy for the Dead. So yeah, a few body possessions and the added bonus of one creepy tree and plague demon. A special thanks to Taryn Knight for the illustrations of familiar characters like Stiffkey, and Bad Penny and new people like the boatman from the Void. While the ending was satisfying, I'm happy Mabbitt left room to add in further adventures for Cora and Jake and the possibility of a new member joining their team.
Mabbitt provides a nice little recap for the first book in the series, but I would encourage to check out The Embassy of the Dead prior to reading Hangman's Crossing. I quite enjoyed the creepiness and humor of this book more than in the first. The worldbuilding around the Afterworld, the City of the Dead and especially Hangman's Crossing was well done. There's something eerie and unsettling about taking that boat across the Void and I just loved the balance of spooky and mystery in this book, trying to figure out who was behind it all. Jake continues to be my favorite character, he truly wants to be helpful, as long as it doesn't put him in danger. Well at least not at first, cause he does face a lot of danger in this book, but he also can't ignore when others are in danger. Also really liked Cora's enthusiasm for adventure, wanting to jump right in and sort of save the world. The story moved along at a really nice, fast moving pace, with plenty of suspenseful moments, the kind you'd expect from a story involving ghosts, demons, shadowfolk and an Embassy for the Dead. So yeah, a few body possessions and the added bonus of one creepy tree and plague demon. A special thanks to Taryn Knight for the illustrations of familiar characters like Stiffkey, and Bad Penny and new people like the boatman from the Void. While the ending was satisfying, I'm happy Mabbitt left room to add in further adventures for Cora and Jake and the possibility of a new member joining their team.
December 20, 2021
I read this one without diving into the first one, yet, which I wouldn't recommend, since this book takes off where the first one left off. However, it isn't terribly difficult to catch up and enjoy the read alone, either.
Jake wants nothing more to do with the Embassy of the Dead, although Cora and Zorro won't ever let him forget about his dangerous time...and he can't shake his ability to see ghosts, either. When his attempt to ignore their summons, ends him as a full-fledged Un-doer, he's off onto his first, easy mission. But instead of working with just a spirit, he ends up uncovering a plot to bring evil across the world.
Jake and Cora are characters to root for from beginning to end. They balance each other out so well with their very different personalities, which also causes tons of back and forth and fun. But then, many of the characters brighten the pages as each one carries a distinct personality with quirky twists, which make them easy to love, fear or hate. It's intriguing to meet each one and see how Jake comes to odds with the weird additions they make.
This is a quick-paced read, which glides from one predicament into the next. I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The plot is very straight forward, and each problem is pretty much solved before the next comes in...except for the saving the world arc, obviously. Each dangerous situation is ended fairly easily and with care, swinging it more toward this lower end. Plus, the ending happens a bit too neatly for those who love more twist and turn.
But to say it wasn't a fun ride would be wrong. It's a well done adventure with mystery and friendship and so much fantasy. I read this in one sitting, since it is an easier read, and was into the story the entire way through. It's a grabbing, quick adventure with tons of imagination and just the right amount of tension mixed with a slight bit of ghosts and darkness. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for book three, since I am curious what will happen to this courageous duo next. I received a complimentary copy and my middle grader enjoyed it quite a bit
Jake wants nothing more to do with the Embassy of the Dead, although Cora and Zorro won't ever let him forget about his dangerous time...and he can't shake his ability to see ghosts, either. When his attempt to ignore their summons, ends him as a full-fledged Un-doer, he's off onto his first, easy mission. But instead of working with just a spirit, he ends up uncovering a plot to bring evil across the world.
Jake and Cora are characters to root for from beginning to end. They balance each other out so well with their very different personalities, which also causes tons of back and forth and fun. But then, many of the characters brighten the pages as each one carries a distinct personality with quirky twists, which make them easy to love, fear or hate. It's intriguing to meet each one and see how Jake comes to odds with the weird additions they make.
This is a quick-paced read, which glides from one predicament into the next. I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The plot is very straight forward, and each problem is pretty much solved before the next comes in...except for the saving the world arc, obviously. Each dangerous situation is ended fairly easily and with care, swinging it more toward this lower end. Plus, the ending happens a bit too neatly for those who love more twist and turn.
But to say it wasn't a fun ride would be wrong. It's a well done adventure with mystery and friendship and so much fantasy. I read this in one sitting, since it is an easier read, and was into the story the entire way through. It's a grabbing, quick adventure with tons of imagination and just the right amount of tension mixed with a slight bit of ghosts and darkness. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for book three, since I am curious what will happen to this courageous duo next. I received a complimentary copy and my middle grader enjoyed it quite a bit
March 15, 2021
Once More Unto the Void
This is a fine and ripping sequel, but this is the sort of series that you really need to read in order. The first book sets up the clever and imaginative frame and introduces all of the engaging recurring characters. This second book picks up where the first book ended, with a whole new adventure. The author does the best he can to recap the setup, but that isn't nearly as effective or enjoyable as just starting with book one to begin with. The good news is that the series is gripping and funny and suspenseful, so it is most definitely worth the effort.
Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a fine and ripping sequel, but this is the sort of series that you really need to read in order. The first book sets up the clever and imaginative frame and introduces all of the engaging recurring characters. This second book picks up where the first book ended, with a whole new adventure. The author does the best he can to recap the setup, but that isn't nearly as effective or enjoyable as just starting with book one to begin with. The good news is that the series is gripping and funny and suspenseful, so it is most definitely worth the effort.
Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
December 14, 2021
Fun continuation of the Embassy of the Dead series. Here we see Jake get his Undoer's License. As he takes on new assignments with his ghost partner, Cora, he discovers a plot--maybe within the Embassy itself--that threatens the worlds of the living and the dead.
This is a fun, voicey middle grade adventure that reminds me of Thomas Taylor's Malamander series. The writing style is smooth and fast-paced and is perfect for the MG fan in your life. I have children that are nearing this reading category and I'm very much looking forward to sharing it with them.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book through LibraryThing for the purposes of a review.
This is a fun, voicey middle grade adventure that reminds me of Thomas Taylor's Malamander series. The writing style is smooth and fast-paced and is perfect for the MG fan in your life. I have children that are nearing this reading category and I'm very much looking forward to sharing it with them.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book through LibraryThing for the purposes of a review.
January 1, 2022
The second title in the series has our duo saving the world once again...well, that is if they aren’t too late and can figure out just who is involved and how far into the Embassy the betrayals stem! Danger is afoot, but you can be sure that thanks to dumb luck, blind determination, and a few self-assured moments of clarity...these guys will have it covered! This series has proven with both installments that one can be seriously dedicated to solving a problem that is not your own, and still have a grand time of things too! Filled with humor and heart, it’s a series you won’t want to miss...
**ARC received for review; opinions are my own
**ARC received for review; opinions are my own
February 10, 2022
In this book teenager, Jake Green, works at the Embassy of the Dead as an Undoer. Helping ghosts to pass to the other side. With his ghost partner, Cora Sanderford, and ghost fox, Zorro, they set out to solve a mystery. Someone is trying to open a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead. But who and why?
I loved the story, very easy to follow and it kept me entertained. There were a handful of words I had to look up (Jodhpurs, snooker club, jetty, machinations), but it didn't distract from the book.
Kids will get a kick out of the humor and slightly scary tidbits in this book.
I'd recommend for ages 9-12, grades 3rd-6th.
I loved the story, very easy to follow and it kept me entertained. There were a handful of words I had to look up (Jodhpurs, snooker club, jetty, machinations), but it didn't distract from the book.
Kids will get a kick out of the humor and slightly scary tidbits in this book.
I'd recommend for ages 9-12, grades 3rd-6th.
January 2, 2022
Hangman's Crossing is book #2 in the Embassy of the Dead middle grade series. I was glad to have read book #1 in the series, because while there is a re-cap, having the fill story made it easier to understand going in. The re-cap was a bit short but set up this book well, so it could be read without book one if necessary.
In this book, Jake is now an Undoer, helping the Embassy to send ghosts on to the afterlife, but he hasn't been called on until now and he is reluctant to go. He learns that there are ghosts to undo while the normal undoer team is on the hunt for a missing assistant and trying to piece together some suspicious artifact movements. Jake becomes more interested and involved when the ghost he is sent to help pass on was pretty easy but the normal undoer had months with the case.
The characters were all just ok. Jake is similar to the last book, stubborn but brave in the face of death and ghosts. Cory, his ghostly companion, is persistant and a bit annoying but it makes for osme really good humor throughout the story. Best of all, and my favorite is the ghost fox - cute and hanging about. All that said, the villain in this book, doesn't seem as threatening or ominous as the one in the first book, which made the whole story seem not as dramatic as I would have liked.
It is all a fun story to follow, but it seemed rushed. I would have liked to learn more about the plots to overthrow the Embassy and more about the ghosts involved in this book, kind of like the last one did. Overall, it was a good book 2 in a series. I think Middle Grade readers will enjoy it, it is creepy and an adventure of sorts.
In this book, Jake is now an Undoer, helping the Embassy to send ghosts on to the afterlife, but he hasn't been called on until now and he is reluctant to go. He learns that there are ghosts to undo while the normal undoer team is on the hunt for a missing assistant and trying to piece together some suspicious artifact movements. Jake becomes more interested and involved when the ghost he is sent to help pass on was pretty easy but the normal undoer had months with the case.
The characters were all just ok. Jake is similar to the last book, stubborn but brave in the face of death and ghosts. Cory, his ghostly companion, is persistant and a bit annoying but it makes for osme really good humor throughout the story. Best of all, and my favorite is the ghost fox - cute and hanging about. All that said, the villain in this book, doesn't seem as threatening or ominous as the one in the first book, which made the whole story seem not as dramatic as I would have liked.
It is all a fun story to follow, but it seemed rushed. I would have liked to learn more about the plots to overthrow the Embassy and more about the ghosts involved in this book, kind of like the last one did. Overall, it was a good book 2 in a series. I think Middle Grade readers will enjoy it, it is creepy and an adventure of sorts.
August 9, 2020
The second in Will Mabbitt’s spooky fantasy series for readers aged 9+ (gorgeously illustrated by Chris Mould) is fast-paced, has a hero who remains easy to relate to and sets up an interesting scenario for the next book but it is fairly episodic and takes a while to get going while Cora has little to do and is two-dimensional. I enjoyed it but it teeters towards being formulaic and the female characters don’t pop like the male ones do.
December 1, 2023
Definitely a fun and short read that could be read in 1 sitting (around 2-3 hours). The pacing was past and the plotting was great, it even have some body horror in it! Unfortunately the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic, but it's a great sequel nonetheless.
June 22, 2020
Absolute must-read for anyone who loves stories with friendship, adventure and mystery.
July 13, 2020
Yet another great kids book from this author. My daughter loved it and so did I !!!
(A little more complex in plot than the first, more of a who-dunit)
Pre-ordered the third
(A little more complex in plot than the first, more of a who-dunit)
Pre-ordered the third
December 5, 2022
Just as engrossing and fast-paced as the first adventure. Original world building and interesting plot
April 5, 2023
Story continues, stakes are raised. Another fantastic read.
June 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
December 22, 2021
A decent follow up for those that enjoyed the shenanigans of the first book.
I listened to this as an audiobook and did find it less engaging than the first one, yet it was still a light and fun read/listen.
I listened to this as an audiobook and did find it less engaging than the first one, yet it was still a light and fun read/listen.
June 2, 2025
Leaving your body to meet the dead is one way to go.
Another spooky fun read. Fast paced, at times I feel like it needed to slow down and let the adventure play out a little more.
The premise did not disappoint with the ghosts and characters.
Another spooky fun read. Fast paced, at times I feel like it needed to slow down and let the adventure play out a little more.
The premise did not disappoint with the ghosts and characters.
September 21, 2020
Another fun adventure, I'm so glad Stiffkey turned up again. I'll definitely read more in this series, they're just a really good time.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews