Late last year I came across a series of novels about a London police detective and modern day Wizard in training called Peter Grant and absolutely loved the first book. After the heaviness that was reading Shantaram for three months, I decided it was time to go back to Peter and try out his second adventure.
Moon Over Soho picks up where Rivers of London left off. Peter remains at The Folly continuing his training with Nightingale. This time they’re facing a series of sudden deaths of jazz musicians as well as what seems like a magical assassin with vagina dentate… yes really.
Peter is grateful for the distraction because it means he doesn’t have to think too hard about his former partner and sort of love interest Leslie’s devastating injuries at the hands of the spirit of Pulcinello. He’s even further distracted by the affections of Simone, a former lover of one of the late musicians and an even bigger lover of cake and late night adventures.
As the plot thickens, Peter realises his two different cases might be connected and that he could be facing a powerful force for evil that could challenge even Nightingale.
I loved being back with Peter for this latest outing. His head space is a lot of fun to be in. He’s funny and self deprecating but also tough, brave and not afraid to face challenges head on. I also really enjoy his sardonic take on the city of London having lived there myself for twelve years and continuing to work in the city. The little delve into Nightingale’s past and the introduction of what must be a future “big bad” in the arrival of the Faceless One are exciting additions and open the way for the series’ future outings.
It’s possibly not quite as exciting as Rivers of London and in many ways Moon Over Soho does feel a bit like a precursor to something bigger, rather than a self-contained adventure. I still had a blast with it and I can’t wait to get stuck into the next one.
4/5