Peter Grant was just a probationary constable in the Metropolitan Police Service when one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, he tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluble, thus bringing him to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.
Now Peter is a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years and his world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, digging up graves in Covent Garden and there's something festering at the heart of London, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair. The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city and it falls to Peter to bring order out of chaos - or die trying.
Love at first sight!
I have been a Doctor Who fan for years and Rivers of London's author, Ben Aaronovitch, wrote a few stories for the show.
For years I heard about his other work, especially the series, which he has been very prolific with writing. I picked up the first was got lost in this fast-paced story, filled with laughs, fights, and sinister twists.
The story feels real, with Peter Grant showing you his normal life before it takes turn for the mysterious and magical. I often felt like I was on the streets of London with our main characters.
Well worth a read.
Rhys, 20/11/2019
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I'm not usually a reader of fantasy but something about this Peter Grant series has grabbed me! A mix of magic for grown-ups, crime, history and modern life. Light-hearted, witty & clever, these are worth a read. - Susan (QBD)
Guest, 21/03/2019
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I was recommended this book by a customer who described this book as “Harry Potter for Grown- ups”. Intrigued by this statement, I gave it a go, and it did not disappoint, but I found it more like Harry Potter meets Law and Order.
The Rivers of London is not quite a fantasy book, nor a crime novel. What you find is a compelling novel, from the way London is described, to the dry witty British humour. I particularly liked the Punch and Judy theme introduced bringing you into the heart and history of Covent Garden London.
If your looking for a fun, witty, and original novel, do yourself a favour, go out and buy this book today! - Courtney (QBD)
Guest, 01/02/2018
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You are introduced to Peter Grant, a London beat cop going about his ordinary day. Then he meets a wizard.
Rivers of London is unlike anything you've ever read before. It is pretty much Harry Potter with crime/investigation and creative cursing. If you aren't sold already, you will be, with Peter Grant's dry sarcasm.
Read it. You will not be disappointed. - Maddie (QBD)
Guest, 27/04/2017
Entertaining cross-genre London fantasy
A police procedural/urban fantasy cross with Harry Potter jokes? Yes, please! I tend to struggle with crime fiction, but got a real kick out of this: mostly because of the fantasy elements, partially because of the humour, also because of the London setting. Peter’s mentor, Inspector Nightingale, is by far my favourite character, closely followed by Molly, Nightingale’s eerily effective housekeeper. Peter’s magical education is hugely entertaining, as are his run-ins with police bureaucracy. Did I mention the serial killer taking cues from Punch and Judy? Fast-paced, and a lot of fun.
Reviewed by 33as
QBD, 13/11/2014
Entertaining cross-genre London fantasy
A police procedural/urban fantasy cross with Harry Potter jokes? Yes, please! I tend to struggle with crime fiction, but got a real kick out of this: mostly because of the fantasy elements, partially because of the humour, also because of the London setting. Peter’s mentor, Inspector Nightingale, is by far my favourite character, closely followed by Molly, Nightingale’s eerily effective housekeeper. Peter’s magical education is hugely entertaining, as are his run-ins with police bureaucracy. Did I mention the serial killer taking cues from Punch and Judy? Fast-paced, and a lot of fun.
Amy, 09/11/2014
