Launched in 2007 as a new publishing phenomenon, the darkly comic Skulduggery Pleasant series has exceeded all expectations. 15 books, two series and a clutch of additional publications later, Skulduggery Pleasant continues to entertain, enthrall and petrify his faithful fans. 

A hugely original and funny fantasy, the skeleton magician Skulduggery is urbane, sophisticated, well dressed and, as you might guess, dead. The first book in the series sees Skulduggery and his sidekick, 12 year old Stephanie, join forces to solve the mystery surrounding the sudden death of Stephanie's uncle Gordon, a writer of horror fiction - a fiction that seems to have seeped into real life.

Our Kids Reader Review have been following the series since day one, and this is what Hugh (then aged 11) said of the very first book - "One of the best novels I have read. With the witty catchphrases and punchy action scenes, it had me glued to every page. My favourite part was when they rescue Skulduggery and he says ‘well it’s going rather fabulously so far’. It reminded me of my friend, saying completely the wrong thing for that time. You discover so much about all of their characters: Stephanie tries to be brave but she is really scared of all the magic, Skulduggery just wants revenge on Serpine for what he did to him in life. You become such close friends and they are inside your head all day and you in theirs.

I am really looking forward to the sequel and finding out about Stephanie’s new powers. It was a brilliant read and I loved every minute of it. "

Here is a full list of the books in the series, with praise from our Kids Reader Review Panel for these riotiously inventive page-turners. 

First series

1 Skulduggery Pleasant

'This book is filled with action every page you turn. At one point I was unable to put this book down. I can not wait until the next books in the Skulduggery Pleasant series are released.' Raj Bunet, age 12

2 Playing with Fire

'It's a brilliant follow-on to the first book and it picks up the story straight away. It ties up many loose ends from the first book but it also leaves many questions and it has set up a brilliant cliff-hanger for the third book to begin.' Hugh, age 13

3 The Faceless Ones

'This is a funny book. It was very enjoyable, fast paced and exciting.' Harvey Jones, age 12

4 Dark Days

'It was a very good book that I didn't want to put down. 10/10'  Tom Greenan, age 8

5 Mortal Coil

'I really enjoyed this book by Derek Landy, he is a brilliant author and this story was a great read.'  Thomas Heaney, age 15

6 Death Bringer

'You don't know what happens next. So that's good. I would reccomend it to everybody. It was great.' Tom Corbett, age 10

7 Kingdom of the Wicked

'Skulduggery Pleasant is a really good book.  I am so glad I have discovered it as there are plenty more in the series to read and I’m off to buy them as soon as I can.'  Alina Wraith, age 9

8 Last Stand of Dead Men

'One word, brilliant! This is a book with great mystery and action. Excitement fills the whole book from page 1 to page 604!' Oliver Blease, age 10 

9 The Dying of the Light

'I loved Skulduggery Pleasant; The Dying Of The Light It was hilariously funny, terrifyingly exciting, and excitingly terrifying! Every moment was an adventure, and every second a joy!' Poppy, age 15

Second series

10 Resurrection

'I can’t wait until the next book comes out as this one was brilliant, exciting and a very satisfying read.' Micheal Cartin, age 13 

11 Midnight

'I thought that the Skulduggery's couldn't get better but I was proven wrong when I read this book.' Sorcha Crumlish, age 11

12 Bedlam

'With dark twists around every corner I’m starting to wonder who to trust, will the vision come true? Death and betrayal, blood and gore - I think it might be my favourite book so far.' Callum Broomfield, age 10 

13 Seasons of War

'Landy has an uncanny way of making it seem like the series is going to  end and everyone will die. But then, at the last minute there’s room for another book!' James Harrison, age 10 

14 Dead or Alive

'I love Skulduggery’s wit and humour, he is sooo cooool!!!! And he keeps us guessing as the plot is full of twists and turns.' Callum Donnelly, age 13 

15 Until the End - and the second cycle of the internationally bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series comes to a thrilling end!

In addition to the series, Derek Landy has written several accompanying novellas and short stories that include;

Tanith Low in....The Maleficent Seven - a brilliant, hilarious one-off novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant universe.

Armageddon Outta Here - for the first time, every Skulduggery Pleasant short story – plus The End of the World, the World Book Day novelette – is collected into one magnificent volume.

The Skulduggery Pleasant Grimoire  - a thrilling recap of the books so far, a reference guide to characters, and a treasure-trove of bonus content.

The waiting is over! Read our review of Until the End  - the 15th thrilling book and the final in the second series. 

The Faceless Ones have returned to our universe. The bad guys have won. With the end of everything just days away – and no longer able to rely on Valkyrie Cain – Skulduggery must make allies of enemies if he's going to stand any chance of saving what's left of the world. And just when things are looking their bleakest, they manage to get even worse, with Omen Darkly suddenly having to step up when his brother, the Chosen One, falls.   There's a lot going on. Most of it is bad. Sorry about that.

***Derek Landy joined the LitFest in a special 15th anniversary celebration of Skulduggery Pleasant where he was interviewed by two mega fans of the series! Watch this space! ***

Visit skulduggerypleasant.co.uk for competition giveaways, downloads and lots more information on the series.

And follow on social media:

@DerekLandy

@OfficialSkulduggeryPleasant

And join the Until the End UK Tour, meet Derek and get your books signed by the author himself, with dates around the country from 14 April until the 7 May 2022. Find out more.