Moon Over Soho—Evil Magicians and Jazz Vampires

Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch

Moon Over Soho is the second book in the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. This time out Constable Peter Grant is investigating the strange deaths of jazz musicians, as well as some deaths by vagina dentata—and yes, the deaths are as gruesome as they sound.

1—Busy Busy

DCI Nightingale, Peter’s superior and the wizard who’s training him, is still suffering the deleterious effects of having been shot in the last book, leaving Peter to do most of the work in the one. Besides looking for several killers, Peter also has to hide the true nature of his investigations from civilians and policemen alike.

Peter is also trying to make time for the new love in his life, as well as his father’s renewed foray into jazz. And still dealing with the gods of the River Thames and its tributaries. With all that, and his continued apprentice studies, it’s no wonder a few things slip through the cracks of Peter’s attention.

2—The Faceless Wizard

I believe we have a series villain. I highly trained and experienced wizard is going around killing people and creating chimera—unnatural human hybrids/magical mutations. Peter discovers but does not defeat him in this book. Indeed, Nightingale is impressed that Peter survived that confrontation.

Conclusion

I loved Moon Over Soho despite the romance—Peter falls in love during one of his investigations. I’m glad Leslie, from Midnight Riot, hasn’t been forgotten. And we find out a bit more about Molly. I will definitely be picking up the next book, Whispers Under Ground.