The great and dangerous by Chris Westwood

Frances Lincoln Children's Book, 2012. ISBN 978-1-84780-249-1.
Highly recommended. What a page turner! I just couldn't put this book down. I was entranced from the very first glimpse of the eerie cover to the last page.
This novel, set in present day London, is the second in this series. I hadn't read book number one but was given enough information to work out the back story.
Ben Harvester works for 'The Ministry of Pandemonium' and he can see 'dead people'. His job is to help the souls of the newly dead find safe passage to the afterlife. Ben, with his team, work for the ministry and receive notice of the soon to be dead by a typed list that gives names, places and how death will occur. No one is allowed to interfere with the fate of the people listed, just to make sure their souls are not captured by the enemy, the Lords of Snowdon.
Ben and his friend Becky are in danger themselves. Ben is being watched and his mother is also at risk. The Dark Lords have a score to settle with Ben and want to cause him as much pain and grief as possible.
The plot is well written with Ben telling the story himself, taking the reader with him on his fast paced adventures into the darker side of London.
This is a great read for upper primary and older. It's a book that can be scary and exciting but not terrifying. Readers of Skulduggery Pleasant would enjoy this stand out series.
A book trailer is available .
Jane Moore