He’s dead. She’s deadly. The bad guys don’t stand a chance. The ninth book in the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant series. Following the loss of Valkyrie Cain, Skulduggery Pleasant must track down Darquesse before she turns the world into a charred, lifeless cinder – and so he draws together a team of soldiers, monster hunters, criminals and Valkyrie’s now murderous reflection. Not everyone gets out of this alive. ‘A thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure’ Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series Praise for The Dying of the Light : ‘With plot twists that had me gasping at Landy’s audacity, whip-smart dialogue, and enough clever popular culture references to impress even the most jaded teenager, this is a world class book not to be missed’ Irish Independent ‘This is a series that has not only maintained incredible entertainment value throughout, but has managed to consistently exceed steadily rising expectations book after book’ The Bookbag Praise for Skulduggery Pleasant: ‘A thoroughly satisfying blend of humour, magic and adventure’ Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson series ‘Thrill-a-minute adventure’ Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood & Co. series ‘It's exciting, pacy, nicely handled and fun’ Philip Ardagh, Guardian ‘Whatever your age, read and enjoy the ride’ Irish Independent ‘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 ‘A rip-roaring adventure’ Irish Sunday Independent ‘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 The Sunday Times bestselling dark fantasy adventure for children aged 11+ 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."