Midnight Riot

Rivers of London, Book 1

By: Ben Aaronovitch

Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 Ben Aaronvitch (P)2012 Tantor

A solid book and performance

It is a solid book and performance. My book discussion group wanted to read it as an example of urban fantasy.

All around I say nicely done. Great story idea. Two London cops at the end of their two year probation period are going to get assigned to their units. The hero is assigned to the boring paperwork unit. His friend is going to the desirable murder unit.

And then the thing happens that sends our hero on an adventure that gets him attached to an unknown unit that deals with supernatural beings and he is tracking down a murdered, among other things.

Warning for those that care. The F-word is peppered throughout the book. Though to my surprise sex is mentioned but not discribed or a big deal.

The best narration ever

The content of this story might not be my favourite genre (magic/fantasy) but this narration was so exceptional, I have become a total fan. And I love learning about the rivers of London

Unique storyline

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, as long as you like ghosts!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It was interesting.

What about Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s performance did you like?

I liked his accent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh a few times.

Any additional comments?

My only complaint was that the author used too many London slang words, which made it difficult for us Americans to understand. Sometimes they were explained, but more often than not, they weren't. I was frustrated by this at times, and wished I understood more of them!

Really good story, got lost a few times.

I thought this is a really good idea. Storyline itself was sound, but somewhere along the way it became a bit muddled for me. I would've liked to seen a little bit less detail I suppose for this type of story. Are we action or are we drama or we magic? Overall very good.

What a nice surprise!

For lovers of repartee, this listen is pure fun. The plot is enough to keep you engaged, but the pitch-perfect dialogue is the real clincher.

Simply Amazing!

A combo police procedural and urban fantasy with the perfect narrator and a very likable characters. I learned a lot about modern London and the different neighborhoods. And that's besides the engrossing story of murder and magic. But it's magic that's more physics and science based with a little of the divine thrown in! And that a few people in the government and police seem to be in the ''know.''

And a lot of little things caught my attention in this book as well. I loved the fact that the Thames and it's tributaries have it's own demi-gods/goddesses attached to them. That each chapter starts with a small jazz melody. In fact, I learned some new things about jazz!

Not as good as I expected

Any additional comments?

I find myself unable to pinpoint exactly why I didn’t love this book, I usually love paranormal detective type stories, but something just didn’t work for me here. The pace of the book was a little off, the characters were interesting but not very rounded, and as a whole the storyline just didn’t come together for me. I found myself at some parts struggling to keep listening while other parts were very entertaining and funny.

a very fun story! great narration:)

I really enjoyed this book. great characters, wonderful dialogue, my only critique in a negative way is that I could do without the Music at the beginning of each chapter

Fantastic narrator.

Audio books aren't my favorite but this narrator is exceptionally good. Will listen to more.

Terrific!

Wonderfully written and narrated. Clever,witty and delightfully full of surprises. This is my second read of entire series and I want more please.