So you would think that a slim book which has its pages subdivided even further is not good thing.

This book however rather is a series of shorter stories which apart from a few threads have very little in common. Let me explain - the series of graphic novels so far have been stand alone stories which have been contained and completed within that edition. This book however is not as strong I think at least as the others - I think really though it maybe a plan by the writers. Okay so what to say about the next in the Rivers of London graphic novel series? Well for starters as the series of books increases there is finally an nice and simply reading sequence which shows where the various novels and graphics fit in with each other and to be honest as simply as it appears its a great help especially when I am encouraging my friends (those I have yet to scare off that is) in to reading this series and not getting them overwhelmed with the books. Okay I will apologise in that this is a little bit late but I think the cold I have just shifted had something to say about that. Call it three and a half, rounding down because it's an effing graphic instead of a book. In the history of the graphic novels, I'd say it's one of the top two. I like actual words and all that around a story, so can't we just get a short story where Peter thinks about these things while chasing ghosts?įour stars for the narrative/ plot, a weak three for the structure. This one also includes a brief history of the Metropolitian Police, which was interesting. As usual, the end pages have a cover compilation. There's a lot of acronyms, which is only fair, as the entire premise is one of inter-department discussion, but the additional asterisks of explanation are a bit distracting. The graphic continues the structure of setting apart Peter's sarcastic/informative inner voice with actual dialogue. There's one that involves a ghost and a seance that was really well done, and gave the artists a chance to play with their 50s-60s styles.Īcting as intermission are a couple one-page stories (I hesitate to use that word, as they are more like 'setting, thing, action, consequence' than stories) that are less successful. Structured around Peter's application for an advanced position as Detective Constable, he reviews four cases with Detective Chopra, including a couple from when he and Leslie were partners.

Detective Stories is one of the more satisfying novels to date, at least in terms of story complexity and Ben's voice. But eventually, I miss the world of the Folly and turn to the graphic novels. I try not to complain, because at least his books are dense enough that they tolerate re-reads and re-listens.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch