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plnodwyer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amysmithlinton's review against another edition
5.0
For the legions of Rivers of London fans, this Rivers-adjacent short novel will be a welcome return to the world where Thomas Nightingale, wizard for the Crown, is on his rounds, foiling evil.
The novel begins with Gussie Berrycloth-Young, a gadabout magic-worker who sensibly left the shores of England for Jazz-Age New York—the better to avoid getting caught for the kinds of trouble he often finds himself amidst. Augustus and his amour—a male African-American jazz critic named Lucy—are caught up in Nightingale's search for the source of some bewitched musical instruments.
Light-hearted, a romp, with nod to Wodehouse's Jeeves, this little story is a real delight. For those benighted souls who do not know Aaronovitch's work, well, here's a nice appetizer! And the rest of us will gobble it up as a snack until the next big Rivers comes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press (@SubPress) for the electronic ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
The novel begins with Gussie Berrycloth-Young, a gadabout magic-worker who sensibly left the shores of England for Jazz-Age New York—the better to avoid getting caught for the kinds of trouble he often finds himself amidst. Augustus and his amour—a male African-American jazz critic named Lucy—are caught up in Nightingale's search for the source of some bewitched musical instruments.
Light-hearted, a romp, with nod to Wodehouse's Jeeves, this little story is a real delight. For those benighted souls who do not know Aaronovitch's work, well, here's a nice appetizer! And the rest of us will gobble it up as a snack until the next big Rivers comes along.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press (@SubPress) for the electronic ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
justinsgilmore's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
caomhghin's review against another edition
2.0
A rather thin Rivers of London story partly because it is set in a weakly imagined Prohibition New York with a parody Woosterish lead character and a plotthat's a pale imitation of The Great Gatsby.
rach55's review against another edition
3.0
Well written, as always, maybe even better than others, but the ending was a bit...
sgrundy's review against another edition
5.0
I just loved this book from start to finish. In fact I was disappointed to reach the last page.
As with all of Ben Aaronovitch's characters the people is the book 'jump out'. In a few sentences or a turn of phrase I get a clear impression of the characters and what they are likely to do and feel. I particularly enjoy how minor characters have such a huge impact on the story and often leave me wanting to read books in which they star. I'm thinking of Cocoa and Beauregard.
Gussie and Lucy are two great additions to the list of 'Rivers Alumni'
I have read a review which compares the style of this book unfavourably with PG Wodehouse. I'm a big Wodehouse fan and honestly feel that while he borrows from the style Ben Aaronovitch does it well and with a bit of polish and class.
All in all I'll be reading this book again and eagerly anticipating the next books in this series.
As with all of Ben Aaronovitch's characters the people is the book 'jump out'. In a few sentences or a turn of phrase I get a clear impression of the characters and what they are likely to do and feel. I particularly enjoy how minor characters have such a huge impact on the story and often leave me wanting to read books in which they star. I'm thinking of Cocoa and Beauregard.
Gussie and Lucy are two great additions to the list of 'Rivers Alumni'
I have read a review which compares the style of this book unfavourably with PG Wodehouse. I'm a big Wodehouse fan and honestly feel that while he borrows from the style Ben Aaronovitch does it well and with a bit of polish and class.
All in all I'll be reading this book again and eagerly anticipating the next books in this series.
dogearedandfurry's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
15alex15's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ludowiki's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5