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

Strongly Recommended (if you know England)

Would you listen to Midnight Riot again? Why?

Lots of delightful passing references to literature and cinema - easily missed the first time, making a second listen worthwhile.

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

Superb and appropriate use of dialects and accents

Interesting And Different

Loved the story line as it was different from anything else I have read. will likely read more from this author.

Definite must for urban fantasy fans

If you're a fan of urban fantasy a la Harry Dresden then this needs to go on your read pile. Funnier, lol funny in fact, and smarter, I think. A little colloquial but that makes it more interesting and fun to me. Weirder too. I'd love to know if Aaronovitch created this mythos or where he found it. In all, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

If you're looking for a fantastic series...

Meet Mr. Grant - the is a wonderful series. The writing is funny, rich and exciting with characters that you will want to know more about. The story is compelling, and the author's use of London as a key character is beautifully executed.

very enjoyable

I this position is enjoyable as listening to the Dresden files, although different it is in the same bent.

Great writing plus great acting

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

I have recommended this book and its sequels to a number of friends. It is so great to read really good writing and the actor does an excellent job of voicing the characters. This is the first audio book where I would actually back up to avoid missing a single word.

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

I kept thinking I knew where things were heading only to be surprised when we took a turn in another direction. In addition, I kept learning about London and its environs. I found I wanted more (hence my marathon with the 2 sequels).

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

His voice is rich, the accents intriguing, and the characterizations so distinct, the plot just raced along. I could listen to him for hours. I particularly liked how his women characters came across. Often men reading women's voices do funny vocal gymnastics - Kobna simply makes each character distinct.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

The writing alone would make this worth owning. Add in a masterful job of narration and this is the best audio book I have "read" in ages.

A Surprisingly Enjoyable Read for a chance buy!

I am normally a Fantasy or Sci-fi reader, with a little others mixed in. This book reminded me slightly of #dresdenfiles which I am a big fan of. It had the right amount of realism mixed with the right kind of magic. I listened to it in just over 24 hours... which tells you how much I didn't want to put it down! I was pleased with the writing... which I didn't notice but once or twice (which might have been the narrator's fault). which tells me he's got a great style. I will definitely add this author's work to my list of 'happy to read'!

Short listen to pass the time

Nothing to make you go "Oh wow" but if you're looking for a short audible book it will fill the bill. The narrator always sounded like he had just run into the room, very breathy and spoke too fast. I'll probably give the second in the series a try.

My favorite

I have listen to this book around a dozen times and the rest rest of the series nearly as much

hooked on series after the first paragraph

sought out this book after my husband, a librarian, mentioned a conversation he overheard about the narrator's voice and performance. I was immediately drawn in and MUST finish the series. great story that takes a well done concept and breathes it full of new life and an unpredictable journey. kept me hooked on every word even on the way home from a double shift and 36 hours of no sleep