Moon over Soho Summary
Moon Over Soho is the second book in the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. The audiobook version is narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, who also narrated the first book in the series. Published in 2011, the book continues the story of Peter Grant, a police constable and apprentice wizard in London's Metropolitan Police Service.
The book starts with the aftermath of the first book, where Peter Grant and his mentor, Inspector Nightingale, have just solved a supernatural murder case in London. However, things take a turn when Peter discovers that jazz musician Cyrus Wilkinson has died of a suspected heart attack, which Peter believes to be connected to the supernatural. As he investigates, he discovers that several other musicians have died in a similar manner, and that there is a pattern to the deaths that can only be explained by magic.
As Peter delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the jazz musicians were not only talented performers but also powerful magicians who were unknowingly harnessing magic in their music. However, this magic comes at a cost, as it can be used to manipulate and drain the life force of both the performers and their audience. Peter soon realizes that the supernatural world of jazz music is far more dangerous than he ever could have imagined, and that he must use all of his magical abilities to stop the killer before they strike again.
Throughout the book, Aaronovitch does an excellent job of blending the supernatural with the mundane. He creates a world where magic exists alongside the everyday, and the characters are believable and relatable. The plot moves at a steady pace, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The author also uses humor to great effect, providing a welcome relief from the tension of the story.
One of the strengths of Moon Over Soho is the character development. Peter Grant is a flawed but likable protagonist who grows and changes throughout the book. He is supported by a cast of well-rounded characters, including his love interest, Simone, and his musician friend, Toby. The relationships between the characters are complex and realistic, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The audiobook version of Moon Over Soho is superbly narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. His delivery is smooth and engaging, bringing the characters and story to life. Holdbrook-Smith's performance is particularly impressive when it comes to the accents and dialects used by the characters, which are numerous and diverse. He manages to give each character a unique voice that adds to their personality and backstory.
Overall, Moon Over Soho is an excellent audiobook that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy, detective fiction, and supernatural thrillers. Ben Aaronovitch has created a compelling world and an engaging cast of characters, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith brings them to life in a way that is both entertaining and immersive. Whether you are a fan of the Rivers of London series or are just looking for a new audiobook to listen to, Moon Over Soho is definitely worth checking out.
