Moon Over Soho

Peter Grant, Book 2

By: Ben Aaronovitch

Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

Body and soul. The song. That's what London constable and sorcerer's apprentice Peter Grant first notices when he examines the corpse of Cyrus Wilkins, part-time jazz drummer and full-time accountant, who dropped dead of a heart attack while playing a gig at Soho's 606 Club. The notes of the old jazz standard are rising from the body - a sure sign that something about the man's death was not at all natural but instead supernatural.

Body and soul - they're also what Peter will risk as he investigates a pattern of similar deaths in and around Soho. With the help of his superior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, and the assistance of beautiful jazz aficionado Simone Fitzwilliam, Peter will uncover a deadly magical menace - one that leads right to his own doorstep and to the squandered promise of a young jazz musician: a talented trumpet player named Richard "Lord" Grant - otherwise known as Peter's dear old dad.

©2011 Ben Aaronvitch (P)2012 Tantor

Soho is fun!

Peter our Brit cop that is still learning about the X-files and his own magic, continues to try to solve crime and keep up with his new crazy world! Narrator is spot on. Story is funny and intense. On to the next one!

So I am hooked...

The first in the series was better in terms of storyline, this book seemed to be a bit unclear which of the competing story lines was the ‘main’ one, and I have to admit I found the ending a bit abrupt. All that said I have listened to this book twice so it is gripping. I have already bought book three and am off to listen to it. I read some negative reviews of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith in regards to the first book but I have to say I thoroughly enjoy his narration.

Moonlight Magic more than Amusing

Book 2 in Peter Grant's career progression is both poignant and funny. The light touch on heavy issues makes them paletteable. I'll be on to book 3 soon.

So glad I found this!

Great job Ben Aaronovitch!! Super fun, fantastical series! I am enjoying every minute! From the great narration (thank you Kobna Holdbrook-Smith!) To the fun story line- a wonderful mash-up of fantasy, mystery and police procedural, all set in London ( which is the icing on my cake)!!!! I've got a lot to catch up on!! Keep them coming!

A riot of a good time

Have you listened to any of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith knocks these Peter Grant books out of the park. I love the sound of his voice, and his characters make the story come alive. He just sounds like London. I loved listening to the first book- Midnight Riot- and this book too. The story is good, but in the hands of a lesser performer it would not have come roaring of the page the way it does. Highly recommend.

Great follow up to Rivers of London or...

What ever the American title was absolutely love the ending time to dive into book 3.

Hooked on Aaronovitch and Holdbrook-Smith

What did you love best about Moon Over Soho?

It's clever, intelligent, smart, well written...did I mention clever? The underlying "magic or other things uncanny" theme is handled on such a high brow level that you don't feel condescended to at all. There is much to learn here, too: history of London, history of magic, other history in general. Also love learning more British slang. I thought a punter was someone who poled a boat.

Someone is killing jazz men in London and has been for some years. Same person/people?

Who was your favorite character and why?

Peter and Thomas are a toss up, but Peter may edge out a little just because he is in this one more.

Which scene was your favorite?

So many to choose from. Each small piece is a large building block. Can't choose. The scenes with Lesley are heart rending. I am looking forward to more of Lesley.

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

Laughed a lot. Squirmed a bit, too.

I am addicted to this series

A friend had me listed to book one on a road trip and well, here I am, slowly devouring the entire series.

A distinguished 2nd book in this series. Pulling DCI Nightingale to the sidelines and letting Peter both shine and flounder seemingly on his own was a hold move for the sophomore book and it paid off.
I enjoyed seeing Lesley after her encounters in book one and seeing how she is dealing with the aftereffects. Showing the price for magic as a substantial cost that lingers reminds the readers that Peter and Nightingale aren't infallible.
The connecting storylines were intriguing and engaging. The twist at the end leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read book three.

Very Entertaining

Although I did not enjoy Moon over Soho quite as much as Midnight Riot, I did find it quite entertaining and worth a credit. It certainly makes me hope that Audible will keep bringing us the audio versions as the author continues to add to the adventures of Peter Grant.

After the tragic events at the end of Book 1, Lesley May is indisposed throughout Book 2 and I think that's part of the reason I did not like this book as much. Peter needs the considered advice and more careful approach of Lesley to offset his inclinations to dive into trouble; without her, he does simply dive into trouble and I found his lack of sense a little aggravating. There are some semi-explicit sex scenes in this book that were not in Book 1 that I didn't really like - mostly I just wasn't as taken with the romantic interest as Peter and the author clearly were. (Although, without giving away anything, I will say I LOVED the scene where girl meets mother!) All said, I just wasn't as taken with Peter or the plotlines of Moon Over Soho as with Midnight Riot. But the back story for what happened to Peter's father was pretty great, Holdbrook-Smith is still nice to listen to (and easier to follow now), the book was still entertaining, and the ending gave me high hopes to see more of Lesley again. So, overall, a credit well spent and I'm going for Book 3.

Loved this Book - Total Imersion

Would you consider the audio edition of Moon Over Soho to be better than the print version?

Well - I haven't read the hard copy but I do love that Jazz is used throughout the book - it adds so much to the performance and the "Soul" of the story.

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

The accents were spot on - love everything about the performance. If they changed readers - I may not listen.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved the "coming to consciousness" to the bigger and infinite world of Magic. I am also kinda geeky in that I loved the basis of the Magic in this book is based on Newton.

Any additional comments?

WARNING: Once you start book 1 -- before you know it -- you are on an addicted path!