Jonathan Stroud is one of the few authors I know who can write an excellent, enjoyable book despite (or perhaps because of) the main character being an obnoxious, jealous bitch for most of it. It takes true talent, and I knew he could do it. After all, Nathaniel from the Bartimaeus Trilogy was truly repulsive in The Golem's Eye but I loved that book to bits anyway. 
 The Hollow Boy is admittedly a more difficult read than the previous books, but it's more rewarding because of it. The ghost cases remain in the background as the story explores Lucy's character. I've always found her bad-tempered and quick to judge, but I loved her because of it. I love that she turns vindictive and jealous, her negative traits amplified both by her very obvious crush on Lockwood and the sense of isolation her Talent. It's ugly and unpleasant, but it's also morbidly funny to see her lose her mind over Holly Munro, the new assistant. 
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 I love the addition of Holly. She's the anti-Lucy: neat and poised, and perfectly efficient. I'd love to seem them become friends (although we'll have to see Lucy return to Lockwood and Co. for that to happen). She's the kind of person I think I'd be annoyed with in real life (I have a thing against people cleaning my room without my knowledge), but I love her here. I love that while Lucy's antagonism gets to her, she doesn't let it defeat her. I'm eager to see more of her in the coming books. 
 Lockwood is the best team dad to ever team dad, period. He's simultaneously the hero, the cheerleader, and the butt monkey for the team. I lovelovelove that we get to see his flaws despite Lucy's painfully transparent infatuation. Stroud has a talent for flawed, charismatic heroes. I just hope he doesn't kill this one off. 
 As to the ending, I felt it made sense given Lucy's dark turn throughout the story. Besides protecting Lockwood and the team, I felt that she needed to get out of there to get a grip on herself and on her Talent. I'd love to see her do a bit of independent ghost-hunting before inevitably rejoining the team. 
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 Basically, the only thing I don't like upon finishing the book is that I'll have to wait at least a year for the next one. This book is an interesting character study on an inherently flawed heroine. I enjoyed the ride. 
 P.S. Why is Kat Godwin Kate Godwin now? Is it a typo?