The Case of the Dreaming Dragon

After a much too long gap (2 years!), Lawrence’s Elemental Detectives Mystery trilogy comes to its conclusion. Working perfectly well as a standalone, there’s also plenty here for existing fans of this Georgian-London set fantasy series, starring detective pas de deux, Marisee Blackwell and Robert Strong. Alongside the four elements, all characters in their own right, are the return of the keeper of Hyde park’s ghosts, Mistress Angry, the polygot Fleet Ditch Boar and the Red Guard Gang, street children who are nimble-footed and quick-witted. This last case for Robert and Marisee thrills every bit as much as its predecessors. They’ve saved London twice before. Now, summoned by the dreaming dragon of St Mary-Le-Bow Church, they must face the power-hungry master of the Guild of Goldsmiths, a villain who has got hold of the ‘cauldron of coalescence’ and therefore the means to stir up the most odious magic…

Teachers will appreciate the rich historical referencing from the slave trade and abolitionist movement through to the Great Plague and Great Fire of London. There is also Lawrence’s trademark embrace of the belly and soul of ancient London which animates key historical landmarks. Witness a living, breathing typography of underground channels, bottomless wells, medieval churches, towering edifices and looming statues which seem curiously…awake. A generous middle grade read, with multiple plot strands which loop back seamlessly in to a perfectly satisfying conclusion to the series.