Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones

Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones is the third book in Derek Landy's fantasy series for young adults. The Irish playwright released it in April 2009, following Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire. The plot centres on sorcerer-detectives Valkyrie Cain and Skulduggery Pleasant, who, with various magic-wielding allies, must stop Batu and the Diablerie from using the Grotesquery's remains and the last living teleporter to bring the Faceless Ones back. The novel came out in the US and Canada in 2010. HarperCollins Audio also produces unabridged CD sets of the series, narrated by Rupert Degas.

Key characters include Valkyrie Cain and Skulduggery Pleasant. Batu is the mysterious figure driving the plan to free the Faceless Ones. Fletcher Renn is a 17-year-old from London, the last teleporter, whose smug, annoying, and arrogant personality makes him a target for the Diablerie—and a source of frustration for Valkyrie. Kenspeckle Grouse is a cranky old doctor who treats Skulduggery and Valkyrie's injuries while constantly criticising Skulduggery's decision to train her, though he secretly cares for Valkyrie. The Diablerie, Mevolent's most ruthless group, is devoted to returning the Faceless Ones; its three remaining active members join forces with Batu.

The book received largely positive reviews. Kirkus Reviews praised its hardboiled dialogue and frightening villains, noting that readers, especially Artemis Fowl fans, will be hooked. Sarah Webb of The Independent highlighted the brilliantly named, larger-than-life characters and Landy's authentic, witty dialogue. Fergus Gunn of The Guardian recommended it to anyone who enjoys battles of magic and humour.