Situational irony
Lucy’s ability to communicate with the dead is extraordinary and contradicts readers’ expectations. Readers know that the dead cannot speak or listen to the living. However, Lucy says, "I talk with the living and the dead, and it sometimes gets so I can't tell the difference anymore." In other words, Lucy tells readers that she is a member of the dead, which is ironic. Lucy’s stories about ghosts paint a picture of a phantom, not a human being.
The irony of the skull
Throughout the novel, readers see that Lucy relies on the skull for complex information involving ghosts' investigations. Over the years, Lucy and the skull have trusted each other. Ironically, one day when the skull shares his views with Lucy about Marisa Fittes, she doubts him. Lucy tells the skull that she must verify what he says to ascertain the truth. The skull feels disappointed because he never thought Lucy could doubt him. According to the Skull, Lucy has started discriminating against him because of his shape and status.
The Irony of physic investigators
The physic investigators, including Lucy, have physical eyeballs but cannot locate the trap door. Ironically, they rely on the skull, which does not have eyeballs, to help them locate the door. The skull says, "I saw it straight off, and I don't have an eyeball off to call my own." The irony is significant because it shows readers that ghosts have a stronger sense of sight than humans do. Even without physical eyeballs, ghosts can see things a human cannot.
