Gallows Wraiths Unleashed

Lockwood & Co.—Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle, and George Cubbins—are London's smallest psychic agency, but their skills are unmatched. The story opens with the trio investigating a haunting at Wimbledon Common, where they expect to find a single ghost but are beset by a cluster of gallows Wraiths. Their research, led by George, proves incomplete, and the team is nearly overwhelmed until a rival agency, Fittes, led by Quill Kipps, intervenes. The encounter sets the tone for the rivalry and the constant threat of the supernatural, as well as the importance of thorough research and teamwork in the face of unpredictable dangers.

Rivalries and Reputations

The aftermath of the Wraith incident intensifies the rivalry between Lockwood & Co. and the prestigious Fittes Agency. Kipps, the Fittes team leader, mocks Lockwood's small operation, but Lockwood counters with a wager: the next time their agencies cross paths on a case, the loser must publicly admit defeat. This competitive spirit is both a source of tension and motivation, pushing both teams to prove themselves. Meanwhile, the trio's camaraderie and quirks are highlighted, as is Lockwood's mysterious past and the agency's underdog status in a city teeming with ghosts and larger, better-funded competitors.

The Whispering Skull's Secret

Back at their headquarters, Lockwood & Co. possess a unique artifact: a ghost-jar containing a skull that sometimes speaks to Lucy, marking it as a rare Type Three ghost. George is obsessed with experimenting on the skull, hoping to unlock its secrets, while Lucy is both fascinated and unsettled by its cryptic warnings. The skull's ability to communicate sets it apart from most ghosts and hints at deeper mysteries about the nature of the Problem—the epidemic of hauntings plaguing Britain. The skull's connection to Lucy's Talent and its potential for both danger and discovery become central to the unfolding story.

The Unexpected Grave

The team is hired to supervise the exhumation of a mysterious, unrecorded grave in Kensal Green Cemetery. The grave belongs to Dr. Edmund Bickerstaff, a Victorian doctor with a sinister reputation. Psychic disturbances and the reactions of Sensitives at the site suggest something deeply wrong. As Lockwood, Lucy, and George oversee the dig, they discover an iron coffin—an unusual and ominous find, as iron is used to contain powerful supernatural forces. The grave's secrecy and the fear it inspires foreshadow the dark legacy of Bickerstaff and the dangers tied to his remains.

Bickerstaff's Iron Coffin

Excavating the iron coffin, the team finds Bickerstaff's mummified corpse clutching a strange, dirt-blackened mirror. The moment the coffin is opened, George is nearly ensnared by the mirror's hypnotic pull, experiencing a terror so profound it almost kills him. The team quickly seals the coffin, but the incident leaves George shaken and obsessed. The mirror, later dubbed the "bone glass", is clearly a powerful Source, and its allure and danger become the central mystery. The coffin's inscription warns against disturbing it, but the warning is ignored, setting off a chain of deadly events.

The Mirror's Deadly Allure

After the coffin is moved to the chapel, the mirror is stolen in a violent break-in. A relic-man named Duane Neddles is found dead, apparently killed by fright after looking into the mirror. The theft and the mirror's lethal power draw the attention of DEPRAC (the government's ghost-control agency), who enlist both Lockwood & Co. and Kipps's team to recover the artifact. The agencies' rivalry is now official, with the winner to claim not just the case but public bragging rights. The mirror's ability to kill and its mysterious origins make it the most sought-after—and feared—object in London.

The Black Market Hunt

Lockwood & Co. investigate the theft, following clues that lead them into the world of relic-men—criminals who trade in haunted objects. They learn that the mirror was stolen by Jack Carver and Duane Neddles, but only Carver escaped with it. The team's search brings them into contact with Flo Bones, a resourceful relic-woman and Lockwood's old acquaintance, who helps them navigate the underworld. Meanwhile, Kipps's team uses more official channels, but both groups are stymied by the mirror's disappearance and the growing body count.

Relic-Men and River Rats

Flo Bones guides Lockwood and Lucy through the dangerous world of relic-men, showing them the risks and rivalries that define the black market. The team learns that the mirror is likely to be sold at a secret auction run by Julius Winkman, a notorious and ruthless dealer. The journey through the city's underbelly, including a tense encounter on the Thames, reveals the lengths to which people will go for power and knowledge—and the moral ambiguities faced by those who deal with the supernatural. The alliance with Flo is uneasy but crucial, as she provides the lead they need.

Winkman's Sinister Auction

Disguised as tourists, Lockwood and Lucy infiltrate Winkman's antique shop, barely escaping with their lives. With Flo's help, they learn the time and place of the secret auction, where the bone glass will be sold to the highest bidder. The auction is attended by wealthy collectors and criminals, all eager to possess the mirror despite its deadly reputation. Lockwood & Co. stage a daring raid, using flares and chaos to steal the mirror in the confusion. The heist is successful, but the team is pursued by Winkman's men and a mysterious, aristocratic rival who is also after the glass.

The Bone Glass Stolen

After the heist, George, under the mirror's influence, betrays the team by taking the bone glass to Albert Joplin, a scholar obsessed with Bickerstaff's work. Joplin, driven mad by his own exposure to the mirror and Bickerstaff's ghost, kidnaps George and prepares to use him in a ritual to unlock the mirror's secrets. The team's trust is shattered, and Lucy and Lockwood must race against time to save George and prevent the mirror from claiming more victims. The skull's cryptic warnings and the team's own failings come to a head.

Obsession and Betrayal

In the catacombs beneath Kensal Green, Joplin recreates Bickerstaff's original experiment, forcing George to look into the bone glass. The mirror's power nearly kills George, but he survives by a trick—he's lost his glasses and can't see the glass clearly. Lucy, with the help of the skull, intervenes, smashing the mirror and freeing the spirits trapped within. Joplin is killed by Bickerstaff's ghost, and the team barely escapes with their lives. The episode exposes the dangers of obsession and the corrupting influence of forbidden knowledge.

Catacombs of Madness

The destruction of the bone glass brings an end to Bickerstaff's legacy, but not before the team faces the full horror of the catacombs and the ghosts within. The battle with Bickerstaff's Spectre is fierce, and Lucy's growing Talent is crucial to their survival. The team's unity is tested, but they emerge stronger, having faced not just external threats but their own weaknesses and secrets. The catacombs become a symbol of the buried dangers of the past and the need to confront them directly.

The Mirror's True Power

The aftermath of the case reveals the true nature of the bone glass: it was never a window to enlightenment, but a trap that lured the curious to their doom. Bickerstaff's quest for knowledge led only to madness and death, and those who followed in his footsteps—Joplin, the relic-men, even George—were nearly destroyed. The mirror's destruction frees the spirits it imprisoned, but the scars it leaves on the living are deep. The team reflects on the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the importance of trust and restraint.

Ghosts Set Free

With the case closed, Lockwood & Co. are hailed as heroes, and their rivalry with Kipps's team is resolved—at least for now. The team's reputation grows, but so do the mysteries surrounding Lockwood's past and the skull's true identity. The skull, now silent, remains in their possession, a reminder of the dangers and possibilities that lie ahead. The team's bonds are tested but ultimately strengthened, and they look to the future with a mix of hope and apprehension.

The Price of Curiosity

The story ends with the team reflecting on the events and the lessons learned. The dangers of obsession, the corrupting power of secrets, and the need for trust and honesty are underscored. Lockwood, in a gesture of trust, finally opens the forbidden room in his house to Lucy and George, revealing a personal secret and deepening their bond. The case of the Whispering Skull and the bone glass becomes a turning point for the agency, marking both an end and a new beginning.

Truths and Revelations

The final chapter brings closure to the case but leaves open questions about the Problem, the nature of ghosts, and the future of Lockwood & Co. The team's victory is tempered by the knowledge that the supernatural world remains full of dangers and enigmas. The skull's silence is both a relief and a challenge, as Lucy's Talent continues to grow. The story ends with the team united, but aware that greater mysteries—and greater threats—await them.

Characters

Anthony Lockwood

Lockwood is the founder and driving force behind Lockwood & Co., known for his charm, confidence, and unflappable demeanor. He is a natural leader, inspiring loyalty in his team, but his refusal to share details of his past creates an air of mystery and occasional distance. Lockwood's rivalry with Kipps is both personal and professional, fueling his determination to prove himself. Psychologically, Lockwood is driven by a need for control and a desire to protect those he cares about, but his secrecy can be a barrier to deeper connection. Over the course of the story, he learns the value of trust and openness, culminating in his decision to share his personal secret with his team.

Lucy Carlyle

Lucy is the narrator and emotional core of the team, gifted with the rare ability to hear and sometimes communicate with ghosts. Her connection to the Whispering Skull sets her apart, making her both a valuable asset and a source of unease. Lucy is brave, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal, but she struggles with self-doubt and the burden of her Talent. Her relationship with Lockwood is complex, marked by admiration, frustration, and a growing sense of trust. Lucy's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to harness her abilities, confront her fears, and assert her place within the team.

George Cubbins

George is the agency's researcher and skeptic, whose untidy appearance and blunt manner mask a deep intelligence and curiosity. He is fascinated by the mechanics of the supernatural, often to the point of recklessness. George's obsession with the skull and the bone glass nearly leads to disaster, as he becomes ensnared by the very forces he seeks to understand. His relationship with Lockwood and Lucy is marked by bickering and affection, and his vulnerability is revealed when he is manipulated by Joplin and the mirror. George's arc is one of humility and redemption, as he confronts the limits of his curiosity and the importance of trust.

The Whispering Skull

The skull is a rare and dangerous ghost, capable of full communication with Lucy. It is sarcastic, cunning, and delights in sowing discord among the team. The skull's true identity is never fully revealed, but its connection to Bickerstaff and the bone glass is central to the plot. Psychologically, the skull represents the allure and danger of forbidden knowledge, as well as the loneliness and fear that drive both the living and the dead. Its relationship with Lucy is antagonistic but symbiotic, and its presence forces the team to confront the ethical and existential questions at the heart of their work.

Quill Kipps

Kipps leads the Fittes team and is Lockwood's chief rival. He is competent and driven, but his insecurity and need for validation often lead to petty antagonism. Kipps's rivalry with Lockwood is both professional and personal, rooted in past slights and a desire to prove himself. Over the course of the story, Kipps's character is deepened, revealing vulnerability and a capacity for courage and cooperation. His eventual truce with Lockwood marks a turning point in both their careers.

Kat Godwin

Kat is Kipps's right-hand operative, known for her psychic abilities and cool demeanor. She is ambitious and competitive, often clashing with Lucy. Kat's sharpness and lack of humor mask a deep commitment to her team and a desire to excel in a male-dominated field. Her interactions with Lucy highlight the challenges faced by women in the agency world, as well as the potential for solidarity and respect.

Albert Joplin

Joplin is a cemetery archivist whose fascination with Bickerstaff and the supernatural leads him to madness and murder. Initially mild-mannered and helpful, Joplin is gradually revealed as the story's true antagonist, manipulated by Bickerstaff's ghost and his own obsessions. Psychologically, Joplin embodies the dangers of unchecked curiosity and the corrupting influence of forbidden knowledge. His descent into madness and ultimate demise serve as a cautionary tale for the team.

Flo Bones

Flo is a relic-woman who operates on the fringes of society, scavenging haunted objects from the river and graveyards. She is tough, independent, and deeply knowledgeable about the supernatural underworld. Flo's alliance with Lockwood & Co. is pragmatic but genuine, and her perspective offers a counterpoint to the agency world. Psychologically, Flo represents resilience and adaptability, as well as the moral ambiguities of survival in a haunted world.

Julius Winkman

Winkman is the mastermind behind the black market in haunted relics. He is charming, brutal, and utterly amoral, willing to kill to protect his interests. Winkman's auction of the bone glass brings together the story's various threads, and his pursuit of the team adds a layer of mortal danger to the supernatural threats they face. Psychologically, Winkman is a predator, exploiting the fears and desires of others for profit.

Edmund Bickerstaff

Bickerstaff is the Victorian doctor whose experiments with the bone glass set the story's events in motion. In life, he was a charismatic and ruthless leader, manipulating his followers in pursuit of forbidden knowledge. In death, his ghost is a powerful and malevolent force, seeking to ensnare others in his obsession. Bickerstaff's legacy is one of destruction, and his story serves as a warning about the costs of hubris and the pursuit of power.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure and Rivalry

The novel employs a dual narrative structure, alternating between Lockwood & Co.'s perspective and the parallel efforts of Kipps's Fittes team. This rivalry is both a plot engine and a thematic device, driving the characters to outdo each other and exposing their strengths and weaknesses. The wager between Lockwood and Kipps adds urgency and personal stakes, while their eventual cooperation underscores the necessity of unity in the face of greater threats.

The Haunted Object as MacGuffin

The bone glass (mirror) is the central MacGuffin, its origins, powers, and dangers propelling the narrative. Its allure is both literal and metaphorical, representing the dangers of forbidden knowledge and the human desire to see beyond the veil of death. The mirror's influence on characters like George and Joplin illustrates the corrupting power of obsession, while its ultimate destruction is both a plot resolution and a thematic statement.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The skull's cryptic warnings, the iron coffin's inscription, and the recurring motif of secrets and locked doors all foreshadow the dangers to come. The use of iron, silver, and lavender as protective symbols reinforces the world's rules and the characters' vulnerability. The forbidden room in Lockwood's house is both a literal and symbolic barrier, its eventual opening marking a moment of trust and growth.

Psychological Manipulation and Ghostly Influence

The story explores the psychological effects of ghostly influence, particularly through George's obsession and Joplin's descent into madness. The ghosts' ability to manipulate emotions and desires blurs the line between the supernatural and the psychological, raising questions about free will, responsibility, and the nature of evil. The skull's manipulations and Bickerstaff's hypnotic voice are both supernatural threats and metaphors for the

Last updated: May 9, 2025