What Is The Correct Lockwood And Co Book Order To Read?

It's my first time reading Stroud's series, and some guides mention reading certain short stories between novels. I don't want to miss character developments or spoil big reveals!
2026-07-31 11:43:26
146
Share
ABO Personality Quiz
Take a quick quiz to find out whether you‘re Alpha, Beta, or Omega.
Scent
Personality
Ideal Love Pattern
Secret Desire
Your Dark Side
Start Test

5 Answers

AdamRoss
AdamRoss
Novel Fan Sales
From a collector's standpoint, the UK hardcover editions are gorgeous and have the numbers prominently displayed. The US paperbacks sometimes mix up the order in displays, which might cause confusion. Always go by the number or the publication date: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 respectively. If you're buying second-hand, just check the copyright page. The series is complete, so there's no reason to jump around. Acquire and read them as: one, two, three, four, five. It's a satisfyingly complete set to have on the shelf.
2026-08-02 02:18:02
3
IvanBlack
IvanBlack
Frequent Answerer Analyst
What about the short story 'The Dagger in the Desk'? It's set between books one and two. It's a fun, contained case. If you're a purist, read it after 'The Screaming Staircase'. But it's not required. The main arc is entirely in the five novels. My two cents: read the five main books in order first. If you finish and are desperate for more, then read the short stories. They're like deleted scenes— enjoyable, but not part of the essential plot. So, priority is 1-2-3-4-5.
2026-08-03 11:51:33
4
LeoPowell
LeoPowell
Sharp Observer Assistant
From a pure horror fan's view, the ghosts get progressively more terrifying and conceptually interesting. The Screaming Staircase itself is creepy, but the Raw-bones, the Mirrors, the Visitors in Chelsea... each book introduces new types of threats. The lore expands. Reading in order lets you appreciate the escalation and the creativity of the hauntings. You wouldn't want to see the most complex, plot-critical ghost first. Start with the basics and work your way up to the truly horrifying stuff in the later books.
2026-08-04 07:43:59
10
BrightRay
BrightRay
Insight Sharer Doctor
Some series you can dip into anywhere. This isn't one of them. The emotional through-line is too fragile. Lucy's first-person perspective is everything; her feelings about Lockwood, her loyalty to George, her guilt, her Talent—it all develops in real time. Jumping to 'The Creeping Shadow' would give you a cynical, lonely Lucy without understanding why, which ruins the tragedy of it. So, protect your reading experience. Go in blind and go in order. Let Stroud guide you through the scares and the heartaches at his intended pace.
2026-08-04 09:41:12
10
SoftPages
SoftPages
Frequent Answerer Chef
Honestly, just look at the covers. The first one has Lockwood, Lucy, and George looking cautiously adventurous. The last one has them battle-worn and determined, standing together. The cover art tells a story of progression. So, shelf order. Left to right. Volume one to volume five. Sometimes the simplest method is the best. Don't overthink it. Grab 'The Screaming Staircase' and get started. You'll know what to do next.
2026-08-06 11:38:51
4
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Related Questions

What Lockwood and Co reading order keeps all plot twists in sequence?

7 Answers2026-07-31 03:36:59
Why overcomplicate it? The series has a clear five-book arc. Read 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The twists are designed to hit you in that sequence—Lucy’s growing powers, Lockwood’s secret, the truth about the Problem. I’ve seen people suggest starting with later books for the action, but that’s like watching a movie from the middle. You’d ruin the slow reveal of the overarching conspiracy. Just go in order; it’s a masterclass in paced storytelling.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status