Even More Peter Grant

Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch

I am happy to report that I am all caught up in the Peter Grant series. The next book comes out in November and I can hardly wait. I have really been enjoying this series. So far I have read all of the novels, short stories and novellas. I have read one of the graphic novels, and I liked it, but I’m not sure I will pursue those, graphic novels just aren’t my thing. But never say never. I have yet to get tired of these stories, so I hope there are many more to come.

Here are some mini reviews of the last three books I read.

The Hanging Tree (2016)

“Boss,’ I said into my Airwave. ‘It’s getting needlessly metaphysical out here.”

This is book six in the series and a very important one. In this one we see a lot of loose ends from storylines in the previous books being tied up, or at least more sorted out. There seemed to be a lot more magical action sequences than in previous books which was so much fun. We are beginning to see why so many people are afraid of Nightingale. Of course along with that is Peter being behind in the destruction of more urban buildings.

We get a lot more info on what is up with Leslie and the Faceless Man, as Peter and the rest of the police are closing in on them. Peter and Beverley continue with the romance, which becomes complicated when Lady Tyburn asks for a favor. And of course Peter’s never ending witty commentary on police procedurals, London architect, and just life in general are just my favorite part of this series.

Lies Sleeping (2018)

“Most archaeology in London these days is rescue archaeology – projects designed to preserve as much as possible from the relentless cash-driven redevelopment. It’s not a new problem. Ask a medievalist about Victorian cellars or an Iron Age specialist about medieval ploughing – but take snacks, because you’re going to be there for a while.”

This is a continuation of the last book, in that many of the plots that have been woven throughout the other books are coming together and ending. The Faceless Man is on the run once again and causing much mayhem. Many of the characters we saw early in the stories are making appearances and motives are being uncovered.

We are also given more information on Molly, and who she might really be. Loved that storyline. It was so sweet. I have been wondering about Molly since the first book, and I hope that we get even more glimpses into her past.

I loved all of the archaeology stuff as well. And the sort of time travel that Peter does. He did this once before in a previous book. It isn’t really time travel, but I’m not sure what else to call it. Makes for a very interesting story. I also liked all of the information about the gods and goddesses, I can never get enough of the mythology.

The ending is a bit of a shocker, in some ways good, but not so good in others. But it was perfect. Can’t wait to see where the story is going to go from as there are big changes coming for Peter.

The October Man (2019)

“I ended up learning magic because you can’t trust the British to keep to an agreement over the long term.”

This is a novella, and while it is set in the same world as the rest of the books, we now are in Germany with new characters. It was a bit of a shocker, as I wasn’t aware that Peter and company weren’t in this one, but it was still good and I enjoyed it.

The overall plot of this one was similar to the other stories, with a supernatural event being investigated. But with less magical fighting, which was ok. I liked Tobias, although he was slightly less humorous than Peter, but still had some interesting commentary on supernatural policing.

We also get to see how what it going on in London is affecting other countries in how they are dealing with magic. Peter and Nightingales adventures have been the talk of the the magical world, and sometimes not in a good way.

Not sure if we will be seeing more of Tobias and Germany in future books, but it was a nice side story.

I am really looking forward to the next book. I’ve heard rumors of a TV or movie deal being made, which if it comes about I will be super excited to watch it.