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Skulduggery Pleasant

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About this listen

Get ready for the biggest NEW publishing phenomena of 2007!

“So you won't keep anything from me again?"
He put his hand to his chest. "Cross my heart and hope to die."
"Okay then. Though you don't actually have a heart," she said.
"I know."
"And technically, you've already died."
"I know that too."
"Just so we're clear."

Stephanie's uncle Gordon is a writer of horror fiction. But when he dies and leaves her his estate, Stephanie learns that while he may have written horror, it certainly wasn't fiction.

Pursued by evil forces intent on recovering a mysterious key, Stephanie finds help from an unusual source – the wisecracking skeleton of a dead wizard.

When all hell breaks loose, it's lucky for Skulduggery that he's already dead. Though he's about to discover that being a skeleton doesn't stop you from being tortured, if the torturer is determined enough. And if there's anything Skulduggery hates, it's torture… Will evil win the day? Will Stephanie and Skulduggery stop bickering long enough to stop it? One thing's for sure: evil won't know what's hit it.

©2007 Derek Landy Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Ghosts Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Mysteries Mystery & Suspense Scary Stories Science Fiction & Fantasy Scary Comedy Funny Witty Magic Users

Critic reviews

Praise for Derek Landy:

‘Landy [has the] ability to craft an engaging story from start to finish.’ Inis

‘Derek Landy has been something of a publishing phenomenon.’ Irish Post

Praise for Skulduggery:

'A gripping debut.' Phil Hogan, Observer

‘Landy's witty style will win him fans of all ages … It's a good job Harry's [Potter] resigning before he's forcibly retired.’ Irish Mail on Sunday

'Hugely enjoyable – a thrill-a-minute adventure.' Jonathan Stroud, author of the BARTIMAEUS TRILOGY

'It's exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun. I sincerely hope Landy revisits these characters.' Philip Ardagh, Guardian

'Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure. Once you've met Stephanie and Skullduggery, you'll be clamouring for a sequel.' Rick Riordan, author of the PERCY JACKSON series

‘A remarkably accomplished debut with wonderful dialogue.’ Robert Dunbar, Irish Times

‘A rip-roaring adventure.’ Irish Sunday Independent
All stars
Most relevant
Masterfully read and excellent entertainment. I picked this book in the hope that it really would work for all ages, because I wanted an interesting but cheering listen with nothing too horrible. It is exactly that and I can't wait for my next credit to get the next in the series. Rupert Degas is one of the best narrators I have ever heard.

Savour every moment

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Most series start off with one strong book and have the tendency to dwindle in later books. That is not the case when it comes to the Skulduggery Pleasant series, which only gets better. I enjoyed this book although it is not as good as the later ones. However, the characters must be introduced and that required some scene setting.



The narrator does a very good job and brings the book to life. I highly recommend it and strongly advise to download the later books as well.

A suitable beginning to a great series

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Awsome book, I've already read it myself as a child. But it's so nice listening to it. Kudos to the narrator as his Irish accent gave me a sence of realism and really Brough the characters to life.

Fantastic reading from a fantastic voice.

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Absolutely lovely book, I dont read much but this was a great enterance to the series, I started reading the book when I was going now I have read it and listened to it.

My favourite series

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A fantastic story with action throughout. An essential for any child’s audiobookshelf with the brilliant narration from Rupert.

Book Wyrms’ Book Nook Review

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