Tunnel of Bones by VE Schwab

Overview

This is the second book in the Cassidy Blake series by VE Schwab, so read my last post before you continue because there are spoilers ahead if you haven't read the first book! 

Plot

Cassidy and her parents have left cold, dreary Edinburgh for Paris in search of the ghosts of the Catacombs. Cassidy quickly realises she has again awoken a ghostly spirit and will need help to put the spirit at ease and stop all of the disastrous happenings that have plagued Cassidy and her parents since their arrival in Paris. 

Characters

Cassidy and her ghostly friend Jacob enlist the help of Lara, back in Edinburgh, to help them solve the mystery of the ghost causing such a ruckus. The banter between Cassidy and Jacob, offset by the seriousness of Lara's character is really delightful to read. I grew quite fond of the characters over the course of reading the two published books in this series and cannot wait to read more. 

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of this second book is vastly creepier than the first book, with the ghostly problem at the centre of this novel being a poltergeist with a thirst for causing mayhem that even those who can't see ghosts can clearly see. There are numerous life threatening incidents where Cassidy and her parents come within inches of serious harm, as well as car accidents and other mayhem that affects innocent bystanders. The creepy atmosphere in this one was really ratcheted up and I felt it and loved it. 

Writing

Again, VE Schwab is such a skilled writer that there's not much to say except she's done it again. The second book eclipsed the first in tone and plot and I loved it. It is middle grade so it's not exactly shakespearean language but it's quick, easy to read and most of all really fun. 

What I loved

I usually include a section about what I didn't like, before I go into what I loved but Tunnel of Bones by VE Schwab was delightful in all the ways that count. I was entertained, intrigued, felt a bit of a shiver up my spine at all the appropriate scary moments and loved the characters even more than I did the first time around. 

Final thoughts 

Buy this book for the middle grader reader in your life. It's great, it's spooky and it's just fun.