The third installment in Joe Hill’s Lock & Key graphic novels has just hit bookstores.  This series, about a set of keys that unlock paranormal abilities for the person who uses them, is a must-have for any serious reader of graphic novels or paranormal fiction.  The first book in the series, Lock & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, features a story-line that creatively intertwines the genres of fantasy, horror, mystery, and graphic novels in one beautifully illustrated hardcover book.  I have signed copies of the first two books in the series, and I can’t wait to get my copy of the newest release, Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows.

IDW Publishing is simultaneously releasing an additional comic as part of the series titled Locke & Key: Keys to the Kingdom.  It is designed as another independent starting point for the series and provides some background into the stories behind the keys.

In addition to the print books, individual keys are being designed straight from the pages of the Locke & Key series.  The keys are available for purchase at the Skelton Crew Studio website.

Joe Hill is also the author of the novels Heart-Shaped Box and Horns.

This article was first published as Locke & Key Unlocks New Mysteries on Blogcritics.