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

Can't Believe I Loved It

If anyone had told me I would love a crime novel with ghosts, wizards, water sprites, and other mythical creatures, all living in modern-day London, I would have said they were crazy. But love it I did. It is a mix of murder, fantasy, and social commentary, with many laugh out loud moments to soften the graphic violence. I will caution listeners to be willing to suspend reality from the very beginning. At first I was puzzled when Peter Grant, a new constable with desk job, so readily accepts the existence of magic and other worldly creatures existing in modern times. He doesn't question an appointment as an apprentice wizard to Superintendent Nightingale. But so does Scotland Yard, so why shouldn't Peter Grant. A rash of gruesome murders transpire and the final solution is a bit of a ghostly soap opera, but everything works.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is a great reader. Even though his voices are great and his characters are distinct, I gave him four stars because of the too casual, almost dismissive, reading at times. His reading of the second volume of the series is tighter and I found it easier to listen to. I think he has a great future in audio books.

I wanted to give the book 5 stars overall but held back because the viciousness of the murders and several senseless killings and maimings disturbed me. But the secondary story of the territorial dispute between Mama Thames and Papa Thames is a hoot and helped break the tension.

Pratchett meets Rowling in modern London.

If you could sum up Midnight Riot in three words, what would they be?

What a Hoot!

What did you like best about this story?

The digs at English entertainment, literature, politics and wizardry in general was such a refreshing look at urban fantasy in real world time. It was well written, sublte where it needed to be, the prose was excellent.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were several. When Peter meets Goddess Thames. Some interesting dialogue and visuals.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Your not in Hogwarts Anymore!

Any additional comments?

The narrator did an excellent job of bringing Peter to life. I can't imagine anyone else doing him now. While the stroy was dark in some places, the commentary on mondern england and its culture was wonderful. Peter is a somewhat "distracted", open and on-target character. I look forward to more!

Fantastic job

I highly recommend this book to lovers of urban fantasy - if you loved the early Dresden Files - you'll love this! It's witty and a fun read. It is wonderful to have a POC as a main character.

The narration is delightful

The reader was perfect.

And the book was clever. I enjoyed it and I will definitely listen to it again.

Really enjoyed this series!

What did you love best about Midnight Riot?

The main character is charming and an endearing smart-aleck --love him.

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

It took me awhile to get used to his accent. After a few chapters, I didn't have to concentrate as much and by the second book, listening to his voice was quite soothing.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this series and hope there is a fourth book coming out sometime soon. The only somewhat disappointing aspect is the supporting cast of characters are not as well developed as the main character.

Great Book with a Wonderful Narrator

I loved the story and the characters; there was humor and a good plot. The narrator is the best and really gives the story depth. AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

great! would recommend!

Great book, with some unexpected twists and turns. It's obvious that a fair bit of dedication went into the world building and development. Narration was pretty great; in the entire book, there was only one time I got a bit confused as to what character was speaking. Would have liked a bit more of a pause between chapter sections, but that aside, it was a great work to listen to.

With every listen, I fall in love all over again.

If you love the Discworld and Neil Gaiman, you need this series. Best narration ever.

Witty with unexpected twists.

Reminescent of the Harry Dresden series, but is original in its story line. The characters are very down to earth. I plan to continue with this series.

loved it!

Love this book. only gains on rereading and the narrator brings it to life in the most amazing way.