Skulduggery Pleasant - A Small Matter of Impending Catastrophe Derek Landy 9780008776664

The book version of the thrilling and innovative second Skulduggery Pleasant podcast

In 1962, three sorcerers converged to do battle in a hidden chamber near a disused platform in the London Underground. Prophecy foretold that the victor would hold the very fate of humanity in their hands. Since then... nothing.

Now, the people who are trying to find out exactly what happened all those years ago are being murdered - there is a killer coming after them, a killer with a plan - and their only hope for survival lies with Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain.

Because when the end of the world comes knocking, our first line of defence must always be sarcasm.

Unstoppable, withering sarcasm.

Derek Landy lives near Dublin. Before writing his children's story about a sharply-dressed skeleton detective, he wrote the screenplays for a zombie movie and a murderous horror film. "I think my career-guidance teacher is spinning in her grave," he says, "or she would be if she were dead."

Praise for the Skulduggery Pleasant series:

'A writer at the height of his powers ... Whatever your age, read them and enjoy the ride' Irish Independent

'Fast and funny' The Times

'Skulduggery Pleasant serves up a thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure' Rick Riordan

'Landy's witty style will win him fans of all ages' Irish Mail on Sunday

'Hugely enjoyable - a thrill-a-minute adventure' Jonathan Stroud

'A fast evolving plot and a great mix of scariness and humour' Sunday Express

'Exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun' Philip Ardagh, Guardian

'Gripping' Observer

'A remarkably accomplished debut with wonderful dialogue' Irish Times

'A rip-roaring adventure' Irish Sunday Independent