Review: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch

Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch (Peter Grant #3)

library copy

Synopsis from Goodreads
A WHOLE NEW REASON TO MIND THE GAP

It begins with a dead body at the far end of Baker Street tube station, all that remains of American exchange student James Gallagher—and the victim’s wealthy, politically powerful family is understandably eager to get to the bottom of the gruesome murder. The trouble is, the bottom—if it exists at all—is deeper and more unnatural than anyone suspects . . . except, that is, for London constable and sorcerer’s apprentice Peter Grant. With Inspector Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, tied up in the hunt for the rogue magician known as “the Faceless Man,” it’s up to Peter to plumb the haunted depths of the oldest, largest, and—as of now—deadliest subway system in the world.

At least he won’t be alone. No, the FBI has sent over a crack agent to help. She’s young, ambitious, beautiful . . . and a born-again Christian apt to view any magic as the work of the devil. Oh yeah—that’s going to go well.

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9/10

* * *

 I love, love, love this series! Peter's narrative just keeps getting better and better. He  is salty, snarky, gritty and self-deprecating. A London cop at his finest with the procedures and sarcastic banter between all the departments.

This is the dry British wit I love so much, and that's why even if the plot is somewhat one-dimensional in Whispers Under Ground, the quality of the writing doesn't suffer at all.



Most of the plot is concentrating in the Underground tunnels and the sewers of London, but the book is still full of character and gives you interesting tidbits of information about the city.

Nightingale is disappointingly absent most of the time, but Leslie is as ballsy and sarcastic as ever, and she flaunts her disfigured face. A clever, brilliant girl, whom I can't help but admire.

There is an FBI agent who helps and at the same time hinders Peter, but she comes around in the end. There are also new magical creatures, artistic jealousy and unknown magic wielders from foreign lands.

Vague? Yep. But exciting! I'm keeping my mouth shut about the particulars of the plot, because you really need to read the whole series yourself to appreciate this little gem. Highly recommended!

Rivers of London - 9.5/10
Moon Over Soho - 8.5/10

* * *

Обожаю Бена Аароновича с его обаятельным главным героем Питером Грантом! Шикарная серия, которую я рекомендую всем англофилам. Сухой британский юмор, сарказм полицейского, так и бьющий через край, и очень интересные факты о самом Лондоне. Неповторимый колорит.

По самому сюжету мало что происходит, так как Питер проводит большую часть книги в туннелях метро и канализации города, пытаясь расследовать магического убийство американского артиста.

Найтингейла в книге практически нет, зато есть восхитительная дерзкая и прямолинейная Лесли и хитрющий фэ-полукровка, агент ФБР, новый вид магических существ и волшебники-иностранцы.

Сюжет пересказывать бесполезно, но всю серию настоятельно рекомендую прочитать! Ибо вкусно.