Wowzas! I can't remember a book that started out so delightful and deteriorated into such a mess of Imperialist racism and misogeny. The trouble starts when humans start appearing in the stories. Before that, the stylistic elements and amusing tales are wonderful.

I wasn't expecting a story about King Solomon the Wise.

The animal stories are delightful; the stone-age people stories not so much.

This was such an interesting mix of fantasy, horror and mystery. So good. 
The main characters reminded me other famous trios from other authors (Lindgren, Riordan, Rowling) and their relationships with each other made me laugh a lot. I adored George and loved Lucy, but Lockwood was too much of a daredevil for my taste and his annoying habit to keep things from his partners made me angry.
The story was too creepy to be a middle grade book. Hello, the mansion was a horrifying experience and all these other ghosts (and the skull in the jar) ... eerie and amazing at the same time. Of course I couldn't help myself and bought the second book right away.

Much that was predictable, several surprises, anyway, room for more if Stroud ever wants to write it. Much better for getting on with the over-arching story line. Perfect for my mood.