Ben Aaronovitch

When his ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates paranormal crimes, Probationary Constable Peter Grant is drawn into a world where an ancient evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of murder and dark magic. Original.

Midnight Riot

“Midnight Riot is what would happen if Harry Potter grew up and joined the Fuzz. It is a hilarious, keenly imagined caper.”—Diana Gabaldon Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic. “Filled with detail and imagination . . . Aaronovitch is a name to watch.”—Peter F. Hamilton “Fresh, original, and a wonderful read . . . I loved it.”—Charlaine Harris

raven baker

Aine Meehan

Ashley McFarland

Almost gave up on this one. A little slow to start, but worth sticking it out!

Gillian Rose

3.75 stars

It was a very quick and fun read. I thought the magic system was interesting and overall had a good time reading it. I picked up on Dresden File vibes as well as Wellington Paranormal which sounds weird, but it works, I swear!

Becky A

Really fun! I'd say the voice worked about 90% of the time; the other 10% it felt a little detached. But I really enjoyed this and will definitely pick up the rest of the series.

Janice Hopper

Re-read for SFF book club. I still like it. The audio version is really very good too.
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First book I've read by this author. I quite liked it.

Anastaciya

Kerri McDonald

The first book in the Rivers of London series was a great starter. I loved getting to know Peter Grant, our sarcastic main character who is a PC for the Metropolitan in London that discovers that magic is very real. Not only is magic real, but there’s an entire division of the Met that is dedicated to taking care of “the weird stuff”. I mean… there was only one person assigned to the unit before Peter, but it still exists! The build up of this world that is very like and unlike our own was wonderful and definitely got me invested in the series.

Though there is a lot of set up in this book, it still has a gripping plot that completely sucked me into the book. I also loved the characters though I will admit that I found Peter a tad frustrating in this first story. Not to the point where I thought he was annoying or anything. No, I was just worried about his reckless self, lol. Peter’s tone of voice makes this story such a fun and engaging read. And the magical elements gave it an ominous feel that I love!

As first books in a series go, this one was pretty stellar.

Midnight Riot

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