Book Review: Moon Over SoHo by Ben Aaronovitch

Moon Over SoHo is the second book in Aaronovitch’s PC Peter Grant series.

This second novel picks up after the first book, exploring the consequences of what happened and also starting on a new mystery after the death of a jazz musician. At first glance, everything seems all above board but when Peter starts digging under the surface, the death takes on a distinctly magical (as well as musical feel), leading Peter deep into the shady world of SoHo after dark.

This book does not suffer (too much!) from the flagging and dip in quality that is often experienced in second book. Instead, it explores more of the world that Aaronovitch has created and continues with the quality of wit and humour found in the first book. In addition to this, Aaronovitch continues his high quality writing when it comes to research.

Now, in my first review of Rivers of London, I discussed the level of research done and I wanted to discuss it here again.

In this, the second, it was about the historical context for the novel (both through history from the Second World War to more recent history of crime and police corruption), the discussion of jazz music and the organisation of thee musicians guild in London and the area the novel takes place in. There would also have been some medical research again.

It is Aaronovitch’s attention to detail that I particularly like about his work and enjoy.