The Chamber of Shadows

Department of Unclassified Artefacts #3

by Justin Richards

London November 1886. Some secrets are best left buried. From deep underground, a tyrant king, dead for a thousand years, prepares to rule again. Reformed pickpocket Eddie and pals worry also about Tick-Tock Killer on foggy streets. George is missing; Liz behaves oddly; only Sir William can help Eddie save the Empire from an ancient curse.

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult, Mystery

419 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Justin Richards is a British writer. He has written many spin off novels based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, and he is Creative Director for the BBC Books range. He has also written for television, contributing to Five's soap opera Family Affairs. He is also the author of a series of crime novels for children about the Invisible Detective, and novels for older children. His Doctor Who novel The Burning was placed sixth in the Top 10 of SFX magazine's "Best SF/Fantasy novelisation or TV tie-in novel" category of 2000.

Reviews

[Samantha Boyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Justin Richards, if you haven't read The Death Collector or Parliament of Blood, you should probably read them first though. This book is the third in the continuing story of George, Eddie, and Liz. Once again they find themselves smack dab in the middle of another adventure. This time around it's in the form of an ancient king who's bent on reclaiming his power.

It's no secret that I love Justin Richards. His books are inventive, exciting, and fast reads. He's the first author to ever really get me into a period piece sort of book, and I thank him for it. This series is especially fun with characters you've met before thrown into increasingly crazy situations. Personally, I love Eddie, the street urchin George took in during the first book. Along with his friends, he's always doing his best to solve whatever puzzle has presented itself.

I felt this book lacked a little because Eddie's story was more separated from the others. As far as I can recall, this didn't happen in the first two books. The interactions between Eddie and his older, more refined friends are always good fun and I missed them a bit in this book. However, this story was as exciting as the others with mysterious killers, half clock work soldiers, and strange magicians. I would highly recommend it.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book a while ago whilst browsing through the library as the cover stood out to me. I wasn't really expecting much, but began to read it anyway and- Wow! I was utterly amazed at how wonderfully spooky and gripping the storyline was and how hooked I became.
I would recommend this chilling book to those who like to be scared!

[Karen Desmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very English mystery/horror/fantasy with touches of magic, rebirth and royalty.