I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab. Therefore, the version I read is just a proof and not the final version, so I won’t quote directly and will keep my comments general.

In this second installment in the series, Cassidy and Jacob find themselves in Paris to film the second episode of Cass’ parents tv show. There, while exploring the Catacombs beneath the city, Cass accidentally awakens a powerful poltergeist. It starts wreaking havoc on the city, and so Cass and Jacob, with help from some familiar and unfamiliar faces, have to stop it before it causes real destruction—all while keeping their mission secret from Cass’ parents.

This book follows basically the same plot structure as the first; however, the stakes seem even higher this time—less personal, as Cass’ life doesn’t so obviously hang in the balance, but more perilous in that the poltergeist can affect more people. And being in Paris gives the hauntings a different tone than in the first book’s Edinburgh. I really enjoyed seeing how spirits and haunted sites behave here, especially since I’m less familiar with Paris. Getting to sight-see via Cass was great fun! (Though I do wish we could have gone to a few more locations and get some more real life ghost stories.)

I also liked watching Cass’ powers and confidence grow. She feels more comfortable in her role as a ghost hunter now, and though she doesn’t always know what the situation she faces will be, she believes in what she is doing and dives in. Her relationship with Jacob is evolving too, and Schwab writes his fear and uncertainty surrounding his death well. I am glad we might get to explore his past more, as well as see what will become of him. Both of these are such fun characters, as are Cass’ parents and Lara, who returns via the phone to consult. Eventually, I can see them having posse of paranormal people at hand to help, which I think would be awesome.

In the end, Tunnel of Bones is an excellent continuation of Cass and Jacob’s adventures. We learn more about the ghost world, see new haunted sites in a beautiful city, discover new things about Jacob, and are carried on a fast-paced, intense French mission. Once again, this is another perfectly spooky read for autumn. What’s not to like?

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Tunnel of Bones is set to be published September 3, 2019!