'Moon Over Soho' is the second book in the 'Rivers of London' series by Ben Aaronovitch, following the adventures of Peter Grant, an occult policeman in London. The book delves into the magical community in London, where Grant investigates the mysterious deaths of jazz musicians while dealing with a sinister killer targeting patrons of jazz clubs. The writing style is described as a mix of funny, smart, and grim, with a good pacing that keeps readers engaged in the madcap adventures of Grant.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include references to death, violence related to magic, and themes of sexual relationships.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance involving Peter and his girlfriend, amidst the mysteries he is solving.
From The Publisher:
BODY AND SOUL
The song. That's what London constable and sorcerer's apprentice Peter Grant first notices when he examines the corpse of Cyrus Wilkins, part-time jazz drummer and full-time accountant, who dropped dead of a heart attack while playing a gig at Soho's 606 Club. The notes of the old jazz standard are rising from the body-a sure sign that something about the man's death was not at all natural but instead supernatural.
Body and soul-they're also what Peter will risk as he investigates a pattern of similar deaths in and around Soho. With the help of his superior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, and the assistance of beautiful jazz aficionado Simone Fitzwilliam, Peter will uncover a deadly magical menace-one that leads right to his own doorstep and to the squandered promise of a young jazz musician: a talented trumpet player named Richard "Lord" Grant-otherwise known as Peter's dear old dad.
Ratings (28)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (14) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (6) |
Reader Stats (39):
Read It (29) | |
Want To Read (5) | |
Not Interested (5) |
4 comment(s)
(Listened to audiobook w/hubby)
Definitely my new favorite series and the narrator on audible is absolutely fantastic!
“Moon Over Soho” is the 2nd book in the Peter Grant series, a urban fantasy series that follows the adventures of a London police constable and apprentice wizard. In this book, Peter Grant investigates two cases in Soho, both apparently involving the supernatural: a series of mysterious deaths of jazz musicians, and a string of gruesome murders by a woman with a deadly bite.
The book is a fast-paced and witty blend of crime, magic, and humor, with a dash of romance and horror. The author, Ben Aaronovitch, creates a vivid and realistic depiction of London, with its diverse cultures, history, and landmarks. He also explores the themes of identity, family, and music, as Peter struggles to balance his dual roles as a cop and a magician, reconnects with his estranged father, and discovers the secrets of the jazz scene.
The narrator, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, does a superb job of bringing the characters and the story to life. He has a distinctive and expressive voice, with a range of accents and tones that suit the different personalities and moods of the characters. He also captures the humor and the suspense of the book, making it an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
“Moon Over Soho” is a highly entertaining and original book, with a compelling plot, a likable protagonist, and a rich and imaginative setting. It is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy, mystery, and comedy, and a great addition to the Peter Grant series.
I read the first book in this series few years ago and enjoyed it enough to read the second book. I quite liked it, though it wasn't spectacular.
Jazz musicians are found dead shortly after giving concerts. It turns out that the practice lasts few decades. In the meantime someone is biting off male penises. Since Nightingale is still recovering from the injures from the previous book, Peter has to deal with these cases, mostly alone or with a help of the 'regular' police.
I think the best thing about this book are the secondary characters, and I don't mean Simone and her sisters or Nightingale. I really liked Stephanopoulos, the lesbian policewoman and Peter's parents. The whole story is quite interesting but it could be better.
It's hard not to compare this book with the Dresden files and I'm afraid I prefer Harry. Still I will probably read another book in this series one day. I'm rating this one 3.5
What can you read after
Moon Over Soho?
About the Author:
Ben Aaronovitch was born in London in 1964 and had the kind of dull routine childhood that drives a man either to drink or to science fiction. He is a screenwriter, with early notable success on BBC's legendary Doctor Who, for which…
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