The Masquerades of Spring

Rivers of London, Book 4

De: Ben Aaronovitch

Narrado por: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

New York City, New York.

Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young—fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad—as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.

That is, until his old friend Thomas Nightingale arrives, pursuing a rather mysterious affair concerning an old saxophone—which will take Gussie from his warm bed, to the cold shores of Long Island, and down to the jazz clubs where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows . . .

©2024 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2024 Tantor

Delightful!

I loved it all. I have loved all the Rivers of London series, but this added a whole other element. As a young teenager, I discovered, and loved, P. G. Wodehouse, and in so many ways this reminded me of his stuff. Gussie was distinctly reminiscent of Bertie Wooster, but with added heroic elements. Jeeves was distributed across a couple of characters, and there were a couple of grace notes from other Wodehouse books as well, while the whole was pure Aaronovitch. If he has more young Nightingale stories in him, bring them on! And if they happen to include Gussie, that would definitely be all right with me! And as always, Kobna Holbrook-Smith’s narration was superb. His American accents aren’t quite perfect, but are much better than most British narrators’, and way better than most American narrators’ British accents.

20% magic mystery, 80% race/queer struggles

“When a man is tired of Harlem, he is tired of life.”
This was just oozing old school jazz and Harlem atmosphere.

“You know how it is: if you got it, you got to let it out.”
There was a magic mystery surrounding a saxophone, and there were some scenes involving magical creatures and spells.

“I am a practitioner of the love that dare not speak its name.”
However, this was more of a character driven story featuring Augustus (Gussy), his friend Lucy and their black/queer/jazz experiences in 1920s NY. While I would have liked more magic, Nightingale and action,
I have to say Gussy’s POV was stylishly entertaining, especially with the sumptuous narration of Kobna Holbrook-Smith.

More!

I am addicted to this story, more please, Mr. Aaronovich! Kobner-Smith is stellar, as always, and one of my favorite narrators.

Excellent

I was worried this would lack the charm of Rivers of London, but it was similarly excellent. The voices are spot on, the characters engaging and endearing, and the plot tight.

Engaging tale & excellent performance

Magical romp through 1920s Harlem & Long Island. Gussie & crew are a welcome addition to the Rivers of London world. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith at his finest.

Fun listen

This book like all the Rivers of London books does not disappoint. Fun cast of characters. Excellent narration.

Wonderful, magical. intense. perfect narration,

The story is set in Manhattan New York City. Main character who assists Nightingale is silly, sweet, loyal and surprises himself with both bravery and honor. The author takes a stock English character of youth, wealth, silliness and explores his depth. He also is a trained magician, is gay, and in love with a wonderful African American writer. They both love jazz, which as we know is magical in its own way in the Rivers of London stories. Magical musical instruments with deep sorrow and upset turn up and Nightingale must trace them down. Enjoy!

love that we can hear B.A.s stories again

The venerable Kolbner HoldbrookSmith's narration is always a pleasure to listen to. if you enjoyed the Rivers of London series, you'll like this. it took a short while yo adjust to Gussie's voice, but once acclimated, it was a fun romp.

Great to have a Rivers story set in NYC!

Great story and amazing narration as always. It’s one of my favorite series and I cannot wait for the next entry. A definite must-read!

Like a magical PG Wodehouse.

I love all of the books in this series and would’ve read it regardless, but I did think it was funny that this one is written in the style of Jeeves and Wooster.