Read Ben Aaronovitch Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Ben Aaronovitch is a British author who has carved out a unique space in the world of urban fantasy with his series Rivers of London. Mixing elements of police procedurals, supernatural phenomena, and dry humor, Aaronovitch’s books transport readers into a world where magic lurks just beneath the surface of modern London. If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries, quirky characters, and an exploration of urban myths and legends, then Aaronovitch’s work is likely to captivate you. But for newcomers, a deep dive into this world might leave you wondering how to approach the series-whether there’s a specific reading order and what elements of the world-building and plot should be followed carefully.

In this piece, we’ll explore the world of Rivers of London, break down the correct reading order, discuss what makes the books so appealing, and address whether or not you should read them in order. So if you’re thinking about picking up your first Ben Aaronovitch book-or if you’re looking to explore the series in greater depth-this guide will serve as your roadmap.

List Of Ben Aaronovitch Books In Order

Rivers of London (2011)	Details
Moon Over Soho (2011)	Details
Whispers Under Ground (2012)	Details
Rivers of London: The Graphic Novel (2012)	Details
Broken Homes (2013)	Details
Foxglove Summer (2014)	Details
The Hanging Tree (2016)	Details
Lies Sleeping (2018)	Details
The October Man (2019)	Details
False Value (2020)	Details
What Abigail Did That Summer (2021)	Details
Amongst Our Weapons (2022)	Details

More On Ben Aaronovitch Books In Chronological Order

1. Rivers of London (2011)

So this is where it all starts! In *Rivers of London*, we meet Peter Grant, a rookie cop in London who stumbles upon the world of magic when he accidentally overhears a ghost talking to him. Naturally, this sends his life spiraling into a realm he never thought possible, where magical creatures, ancient gods, and dark forces are the new normal. It’s a brilliant mix of police procedural and urban fantasy, set against the gritty backdrop of London’s streets and rivers, with plenty of wit and humor to keep you entertained.

2. Moon Over Soho (2011)

In *Moon Over Soho*, Peter’s life as a rookie wizard cop gets even more complicated. This time, he’s investigating a series of magical murders tied to the world of jazz music, and it’s just as fun and chaotic as it sounds. We see Peter trying to balance his life as a wizard with his responsibilities as a cop, all while dealing with ghosts, magic, and a few personal problems. There’s a fantastic vibe to this book, blending magical crime with smooth jazz, all set in the misty, moody streets of Soho.

3. Whispers Under Ground (2012)

Things get a little darker in *Whispers Under Ground*. Peter’s growing magical skills are put to the test when he’s called in to investigate a murder in the tunnels of the London Underground. This one dives deeper into the world of ancient magic, and Peter starts to get more involved in the political side of wizardry. There’s still plenty of humor and charm, but the stakes are higher, and you can feel that shift toward something bigger brewing in the magical world.

4. Rivers of London: The Graphic Novel (2012)

Here’s something fun-*Rivers of London* as a graphic novel! It takes the first book and brings it to life with stunning artwork, offering a visual feast to go along with the story you already know and love. If you’re a fan of the original book or just a sucker for cool illustrations, this is a must-read. Plus, it adds some extra depth and flair to Peter’s magical world.

5. Broken Homes (2013)

In *Broken Homes*, Peter is back with a more intense case, this time getting involved in a mysterious housing estate that has a weirdly magical vibe to it. As Peter investigates, he starts uncovering secrets about a larger conspiracy involving the world of magic, leading to some shocking discoveries. This book really kicks the plot up a notch, deepening the magical world and bringing in a mix of real-world issues with mystical intrigue. It’s a brilliant blend of urban fantasy and conspiracy thriller.

6. Foxglove Summer (2014)

Peter heads out of London for the first time in *Foxglove Summer*, and it’s a refreshing change of pace. He’s off in the countryside investigating the disappearance of two young girls, and it feels like a bit of a breather from the usual madness of London’s magic scene. That said, it’s still full of the same sharp wit and engaging magic, just with a different atmosphere. The contrast between the rural setting and the magical chaos Peter faces adds a unique twist to the series.

7. The Hanging Tree (2016)

Now we’re getting into some seriously intense territory with *The Hanging Tree*. Peter is dealing with a powerful magical family, a dangerous investigation involving a mysterious hanging, and his own personal issues. It’s a much darker, more serious entry into the series, and you can feel the weight of the magical politics at play. Peter’s personal growth is also evident here, as he begins to come to terms with the complexities of his magical abilities and his role in the supernatural world.

8. Lies Sleeping (2018)

Things really heat up in *Lies Sleeping*. The stakes are higher than ever as Peter and his colleagues find themselves in the midst of a brewing war between powerful magical forces. There are betrayals, hidden agendas, and some seriously epic confrontations. You get the sense that everything Peter’s been working toward is coming to a head, and the tension is palpable throughout. If you’re invested in the characters and the magical world, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat!

9. The October Man (2019)

Not exactly a direct continuation, but more of a spin-off, *The October Man* focuses on Tobias Winter, a German wizard who is sent to investigate a magical murder in the city of Trier. It’s set in the same world as Peter’s adventures but with a whole new vibe. The tone here is a bit different, as Tobias is more of a no-nonsense character, but you still get the same intricate world-building, fascinating magical elements, and witty dialogue that you expect from Aaronovitch.

10. False Value (2020)

*False Value* takes us into the world of corporate magic, with Peter investigating a tech company that’s hiding some seriously shady dealings tied to magic. It’s a clever, thought-provoking read that tackles themes of power, corruption, and technology, all while staying true to the series’ signature humor and magical intrigue. Peter’s witty banter and his ever-growing magical abilities make for a great balance of light and dark moments.

11. What Abigail Did That Summer (2021)

This one’s a bit of a detour, focusing on Abigail, a young witch who’s still learning to control her powers. *What Abigail Did That Summer* is a novella that’s fun, lighthearted, and a bit of a breather from the heavier stuff in the series. It’s charming and shows another side of the magical world, one that’s less about police investigations and more about youthful discovery and fun magical adventures.

12. Amongst Our Weapons (2022)

Peter Grant is back in *Amongst Our Weapons*, and things are getting wild again. This time, he’s tackling a case that involves powerful magical weapons, bringing in even more danger, intrigue, and high stakes. The plot is fast-paced, and the magical world is ever-expanding, with new threats and characters that make things more complicated than ever. If you’re still loving Peter’s journey, this one’s a must-read.

Background On Ben Aaronovitch Books

Ben Aaronovitch is a seasoned author and screenwriter, known for his work on Doctor Who as well as the Rivers of London series. His first novel in the series, Rivers of London (also known as Midnight Riot in the U.S.), was published in 2011. The series is set in contemporary London, where the protagonist, Peter Grant, a young police constable, gets pulled into a world of magic, myth, and supernatural occurrences. It’s often compared to Harry Potter meets CSI due to its blend of detective fiction and magical elements.

The books follow Peter Grant, who initially works as a regular police officer before discovering his latent magical abilities. This revelation opens the door to a world of ancient gods, spirits, and supernatural entities tied to the rivers of London, as well as the arcane underbelly of the city. What sets Aaronovitch’s work apart from other urban fantasy novels is the rich world-building-where magic isn’t just a whimsical force, but an integral part of the world’s history, economy, and mythology.

In addition to the main Rivers of London series, Aaronovitch has expanded the universe with novellas, short stories, and spin-offs. These works allow for further exploration of side characters and broader lore. Fans of the series are often delighted by Aaronovitch’s ability to blend real history, folklore, and the everyday with fantastical elements in a way that feels fresh, engaging, and accessible.

Reading Order Explained

The Rivers of London series is a mix of full-length novels and shorter novellas, and it’s important to approach them in a way that maximizes the experience. While the main narrative is contained in the novels, the novellas and spin-offs expand upon side stories, provide backstories for secondary characters, and flesh out elements of the world that might be mentioned only briefly in the main books.

Main Novels In The Rivers Of London Series

1. Rivers of London (Midnight Riot) (2011)

   The beginning of it all. Peter Grant, a constable with the Metropolitan Police, encounters his first ghost while on duty and subsequently meets Thomas Nightingale, a mysterious figure who trains him in the magical arts. This novel sets the tone for the series, introducing magic, the hidden world of London’s river gods, and the police procedural format.

2. Moon Over Soho (2011)

   In the sequel, Peter is thrust into a case involving a jazz musician’s mysterious death, which seems to be linked to supernatural forces. Here, Aaronovitch builds upon the world of magic and introduces more depth to the lore.

3. Whispers Under Ground (2012)

   A murder investigation leads Peter to uncover dark secrets lurking beneath London’s streets. This novel continues the theme of blending real-world mysteries with magical intrigue.

4. Broken Homes (2013)

   This book delves deeper into the conflict between magical factions, introducing the sinister figure of the Faceless Man. The stakes rise as Peter faces increasingly complex challenges.

5. Foxglove Summer (2014)

   A departure from the urban setting of London, Peter is called to a rural area to investigate the disappearance of two young girls. This novel stands out for its rural setting and the personal growth of Peter as a character.

6. The Hanging Tree (2016)

   Peter is once again drawn into a case that touches on both the magical and the mundane. The stakes are higher, and Peter is forced to confront some of his own vulnerabilities.

7. Lies Sleeping (2018)

   A game-changing installment that brings many of the series’ long-running plot threads to a head. The Faceless Man’s schemes come to fruition, and Peter is forced to face the consequences.

8. The October Man (2019)

   A novella set in the same universe but featuring a different protagonist, Tobias Winter. Set in Germany, it explores magical elements outside of London.

9. False Value (2020)

   Another gripping novel that sees Peter investigating a high-tech company suspected of using magic for corporate gain.

10. Amongst Our Weapons (2022)

    This latest novel continues Peter’s adventures and is filled with both political intrigue and supernatural mystery. It builds on the conflicts introduced in earlier books.

Novellas And Short Stories

• The Furthest Station (2017)

  This novella is set between Whispers Under Ground and Broken Homes. It sees Peter and his mentor, Nightingale, dealing with a series of mysterious disappearances.

• The Drop (2017)

  A novella that expands on the world of magic and introduces new characters, while also giving more insight into Peter’s growing role in the magical community.

Additional Resources

There are also graphic novels and collections that further flesh out the universe of Rivers of London, such as Rivers of London: Night Witch and Rivers of London: Body Work, which provide different perspectives on the magical world Peter inhabits.

What I Like About The Series?

Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series blends several elements I enjoy in a book: detective fiction, complex characters, humor, and an immersive world. The way the novels tackle urban myths and local legends, particularly about London, makes the city feel alive with possibility. London isn’t just the setting-it’s a character in itself. Aaronovitch is skilled at weaving real-world history into the fabric of his fantasy, which grounds the magical elements in a way that feels both familiar and fantastical.

Peter Grant is another highlight. He’s not your typical magical detective. He’s awkward, endearing, and often in over his head, making him relatable in ways that many protagonists aren’t. The dynamic between him and his mentor, Nightingale, is one of the series’ strongest features, with their contrasting personalities creating a delightful tension and sense of camaraderie.

The humor in the series is also worth mentioning. It’s dry, self-deprecating, and often sharp, which adds a layer of charm to what could otherwise be a heavy, dark fantasy series. Aaronovitch knows how to balance tension with levity, making the stakes feel real while never losing sight of the fun.

Finally, the exploration of magic in everyday life is a huge draw. The way Aaronovitch integrates magical systems into mundane aspects of life-such as bureaucracy, politics, and law enforcement-gives the books an authenticity that keeps readers engaged and eager to see how the world will evolve.

Should You Read Ben Aaronovitch Books In Order?

Absolutely. While the Rivers of London series can be enjoyed as individual books, the narrative thread that runs through the series is crucial for fully appreciating the character development, world-building, and overarching plot. Each book builds on the previous one, both in terms of Peter’s personal growth and the deepening mystery surrounding the Faceless Man and other magical elements.

The novellas and short stories often expand on subplots or minor characters, but they’re not essential to understanding the main series. However, they do add depth, so if you want the full experience, they’re worth reading after the main novels.