Whispers Under Ground (Rivers of London, #3) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jun 29, 2018 Dichotomy Girl rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british, audiobook, urban-fantasy, 2018, 2022, 2024

Original Review:

I can never tell if the books get better as the series goes on, or if I've just that much more attached to the characters. ...more

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Apr 15, 2012 The Flooze rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, vanquished_2013, mystery, owned

It’s early days yet for Peter Grant, as I realise with this book that the series only covers 12 months so far. But, oh, how much the DC has learned in that short span of time.

Peter is a remarkably relatable character. His tone is easy-going, but his inner monologue assures us he’s appropriately horrified at certain things he witnesses. He’s a very aware and accepting sort of person, using logic to prevent his mind from shutting out possibilities. He attributes much of this to his scientific ben It’s early days yet for Peter Grant, as I realise with this book that the series only covers 12 months so far. But, oh, how much the DC has learned in that short span of time.

Peter is a remarkably relatable character. His tone is easy-going, but his inner monologue assures us he’s appropriately horrified at certain things he witnesses. He’s a very aware and accepting sort of person, using logic to prevent his mind from shutting out possibilities. He attributes much of this to his scientific bent, stating that it’s no use denying what’s right in front of his face - even if that means integrating magic into his worldview. What’s more, he’s excited by new experiences and spurred on by healthy (or perilous, as the case may be) curiosity. He’s empathetic and quick-witted. He’s also got a good sense of humor, which helps him cope with the stranger aspects of his investigations. Overall, he’s very sound and someone I think I’d enjoy being friends with. All of these are great traits in a lead and keep me well invested in Peter’s magical progress and adventures.

Reading this back-to-back with the Dresden files also makes Peter stand out in other ways. I’ve noted Aaronovitch’s adept incorporation of diversity before, but directly comparing Harry’s Chicago with Peter’s London makes it all the more obvious. The latter is vibrant in its diversity, racial and cultural observations being mentioned with great frequency and creating a lush landscape of characters. Peter is mixed race and drops in anecdotes about his mother’s West African views set against his father’s cockney geezer ways. The family liaison officer he works with, DC Sahra Guleed, wears hijab and makes fun of the lads for lacking practicality. The representative from British Transport Police (BTP) is Jaget Kumar, whose urban explorer attitude and work in the tunnels leaves him accepting of the idea of strange phenomena. DI Stephanopoulos is a lesbian officer rising in the ranks, whose partner who reads Terry Pratchett books aloud at the breakfast table. You get the idea. This is a portrayal of a city by my definition - a place teeming with so many cultures, races, ethnicities, orientations that interaction between them is simply an inevitable, wonderful fact of life. Would that I could find a UF based in New York that handles that aspect with the same effortless yet completely aware strokes that Aaronovitch uses to paint his setting.

Whispers Under Ground also has Aaronovitch’s now-trademark habit of introducing London trivia into the text. Having come a long way from the first book, these little details about the growth of the city, the architecture throughout, the histories of wars and economy and trade, now serve as a nice addition to the tale rather than a meandering distraction. It strikes me that such knowledge will continue to serve Peter well in his line of work, since the “people” he encounters are often long-lived, with long memories to match. Anything that helps him get out of a sticky situation - and gives us an even better understanding of his world - is welcome. And all of it shows how much Peter is attached to his city. This is his home, and he’s well-versed in its wonders and its pitfalls.

The investigation in Whispers Under Ground is equally as intriguing. Aaronovitch makes this as much police procedural as urban fantasy, weaving in proper protocols alongside the subtler elements. To borrow Dresden again for comparative purposes, the London force is just as keen as Chicago’s to keep anything supernatural out of official reports. But unlike Chicago, magic is an open secret within the force, and Peter doesn’t have to go haring around in off-hours like Murph does. Instead he’s got the (albeit sometimes resentful) support of his superiors and he’s got more than adequate back-up when he needs it. The methodical tactics of policing - taking statements, collecting evidence, following leads - matched with the clear existence of team resources, helps ground these stories in our world. And offers ample fodder for conspiracy theorists.

The clues lead Peter to interesting places and suspicious persons - as clues are wont to do. The gathering of details is handled well, organically flowing and often steering us a little off course to keep us guessing. The action sequences are thrilling, sometimes horrid, and always laced with Peter’s innate humor. The resolution was tidy once the motivations and events were all laid out, but I never felt Peter was being obtuse on the journey. On the whole it was satisfying - a job well-done.

This being a series, there are overarching plot threads. Nightingale, Peter, and Lesley (I’m dead chuffed that her role is expanding) do spend some time following up on the Faceless Man of the previous volume. There are hints dropped of wider issues involving magic and the genii locorum of the city. There are new allies and understandings made that will prove useful in the future. And there’s the very good chance that the Folly may pick up a new student or two.

It all points to Aaronovitch having a lot more in store for Peter Grant and his associates. With his knack for relatable characters and inclusive world-building, his well-paced mysteries and expanding magic system, I will absolutely be along for the ride.
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