Moon Over Soho' is such a gem in Ben Aaronovitch's '
rivers of london' series! While it keeps the same witty,
urban fantasy vibe as
the first book, 'Midnight Riot,' it dives deeper into Peter Grant's growth as a
wizard and the
Jazz-infused underbelly of London. The tone feels darker,
more personal—like the stakes are higher. I loved how the music themes threaded through the mystery, giving it a rhythm all its own. Compared to later entries like '
Broken Homes,' which leans heavier into bureaucratic satire, 'Moon Over Soles' strikes this perfect balance between supernatural intrigue and emotional depth. The jazz club scenes practically hum with atmosphere, and the villain’s backstory hit harder than I expected. It’s not my absolute favorite (that’s still 'Whispers Under Ground'), but it’s
the one I reread for the vibes alone.
What really stands out is how Aaronovitch uses this book to expand the magic system. The introduction of jazz vampires (sort of) and the way music interacts with the supernatural feels fresh, even now. Later
books refine these ideas, but 'Moon Over Soho' has this raw, experimental energy—like a late-night jam session where everything just clicks. If you’re new to the series, it’s a great follow-up to the first book, but honestly, the whole series is worth savoring.