R3: The Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch

Released: Between 2011 and 2017 (Published by Gollancz in the UK)

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Number of Pages: 2,336 (All books)

Books (In order of appearance): Rivers of London, Moon over Soho, Whispers Underground, Broken Homes, Foxglove Summer and The Hanging Tree

Gaining some recognition by critics and The Sunday Times, the Peter Grant series has become Ben Aaronovitch’s biggest contribution to the literature scene, alongside a few ventures into the Doctor Who series. Seeing the first book, Rivers of London, featured in a bookstore I picked it up and got reading.

The series follows the investigations of Peter Grant, a London Metropolitan Police Officer who finds himself drawn into a secret world of magic upon encountering a ghost. Taken on as an apprentice by the last remaining English wizard Deputy Constable Thomas Nightingale, Grant stumbles across a set of crimes that are far more complicated than regular police work. These also put him into contact with numerous mythical creatures from River Gods to Fairies and suspicious individuals who hide behind masks.

Taking place entirely in the first person, the reader is open to Grant’s inner thoughts; Aaronovitch relays the action but there’s also many moments where the protagonist will go off to the side and quickly explain something to us, be it police protocol or a nugget of humorous sarcasm that mixes up the traditional action. The intrigue comes through as the investigations expand and each book is imbued with just the right amount of variation to give them a unique hook. The second book, Moon over Soho, homes in on the London Jazz scene, using Peter’s music-playing father as an anchor point. Things get bloody as well with more than a few moments of dismemberment sure to create some winces and in general each of the six novels is very adult in its framing.

While Harry Potter featured an entire wizarding world hidden behind some recognisable landmarks, the Peter Grant series is a lot more grounded, layering magic elements in and around the city rather than developing a full eco-system and lore. This is shown through Nightingale’s own history, having made use of his magical prowess alongside other practitioners in World War Two and other past events. Each book reveals a little more about the fantastical creatures living out of sight, often introducing them in a defined setting such as the London Underground or some of the rougher neighbourhoods around the outskirts of the city. By the time you reach the sixth book, the series has covered just about every social avenue of the UK capital and some parts just outside the bounds.

Taking on a grounded approach does come with a few shortcomings though; you shouldn’t go in expecting character arcs that come full circle or many shocking twists or turns. Despite all the shenanigans involving magical creatures and the wreaking of various spots around London, it aims to form a realistic picture of police investigation, bringing all the slower paperwork and back-and-forth conversations that come with the job. It was Broken Homes that ended up having the biggest surprise for me and by the end of The Hanging Tree, things felt rather inconclusive. The series attempts to be more true-to-life but the encounters with the eventually-revealed antagonist can land with a dull thud at several points across the six books, particularly with the way things wrap up.

Recommended?

For a set of stories that take place in a modern London laced with all sorts of wit and cultural references, the Peter Grant series is worth a look, being more of interest to those of us who read Harry Potter at school. Each book is compact, never going beyond 500 words, which also makes it easily digestible for the travellers and commuters. Much of Peter’s perspective also ties in with the current work-driven lives we have and by taking place from his perspective, there’s some relatability to be found here. Peter’s private thoughts about his boss, opinions about the women in his life, and connections to his friends are all characteristics to hook onto. Though I ended up rooting for Nightingale a lot more thanks to his smooth manner and intelligent demeanour. This relatable side plus a dose of sarcasm does enough to make up for the somewhat disappointing narrative arc.

Book six, “The Hanging Tree” came out just under a year ago in the UK. A new story titled The Furthest Station (which takes place in-between Foxglove Summer and The Hanging Tree is set to release on September 28^th, 2017 and there was also talk of a TV series going around several years ago. But a seventh chapter in the magic police officer’s story is still a long way off. I’m hoping we can see a full conclusion at some point in the future.