Constable and Toop by Gareth P. Jones

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I have to admit, the cover of Constable and Toop has intrigued me ever since we added it to the collection.  I'm glad I finally decided to give it a read - I LOVED it!!

Part Victorian ghost-story, part mystery, part adventure, Constable and Toop tells the story of London in crisis.  Something is happening to the haunted houses: their ghosts are disappearing!  If it keeps up, soon all the ghosts of England will be gone.

The story is told from many view-points.  Lapsewood is a ghost who works an office job in "The Bureau" (rather hilariously, the ghost-world is run by a huge, bloated bureaucracy).  When he is transferred to another department AND sent to the living world to investigate, he knows he's in over his head.  But when he discovers the truth behind what's plaguing London's ghosts - and the dire consequences implied - he finds help from a young "rogue ghost" with street smarts and a fondness for dogs.

Meanwhile, Sam Toop is the son of an undertaker who has "the Gift:" he is able to talk to ghosts.  Usually, they approach him to help with unfinished business - relaying a final message to a loved one, delivering a last will and testament - but it isn't long before he gets involved in the mystery.

Constable and Toop is at times hilarious, at other times spine-tingling.  The twists and turns - not to mention the dizzying array of ghost characters - will keep you on the edge of your seat.  But be warned: in true Victorian fashion, the author doesn't shy away from the blood and guts and gore.  But if you can handle it, you won't regret unearthing what's plaguing the ghosts of London.

Such a fun read!