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bronzeageholly's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
“The scope of your ignorance Peter is truly frightening”
This book is the funniest in the series so far. Peter seems to have decided to take a step back in terms of his weird internal monologue (though can’t refrain from a few sexist and ableist remarks) and it’s very clear that everyone around him regards him as a bit of an oddball and not the most with-it police officer. Despite that, he’s always stuck into the action and has a great deal of interesting adventures across London. Just enough excitement to wake me up on a morning commute.
Content warning for claustrophobia:he gets enclosed in a very small space underground
This book is the funniest in the series so far. Peter seems to have decided to take a step back in terms of his weird internal monologue (though can’t refrain from a few sexist and ableist remarks) and it’s very clear that everyone around him regards him as a bit of an oddball and not the most with-it police officer. Despite that, he’s always stuck into the action and has a great deal of interesting adventures across London. Just enough excitement to wake me up on a morning commute.
Content warning for claustrophobia:
Graphic: Racial slurs and Murder
Moderate: Death, Violence, Sexism, Excrement, Ableism, and Gun violence
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Whenever I read a Rivers of London Book, I can't help feeling like I'm being slightly penalised for not being able to remember much of the previous book. I know I enjoy them all, and I tend to pick up more reminders as I read on, but I always feel a little confused and that doesn't entirely go away.
That said, Whispers Under Ground ends with an interesting new potential character and an exciting message leading into the next book, which I'm very excited by! If I can remember them by the time I read Broken Homes it'll be even better.
The story itself in this book is brilliant, as always. A secret world under London, a murder mystery and just the right level of humour and peril, often woven together. I love the way Nightingale and Grant interact and there wasn't as much of that in this installment, but I'm thrilled that Lesley is a major player who is here to stay.
I still love this series, but perhaps I need to start reading recaps before I read each of the next books.
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs
livcashmere's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Honestly am I the only person who thought this book had no plot compared to the previous two?!? Obviously Aaronovitch is building up to some greater storyline later in the series but I just found this book extremely lacking. If the plot is missing then I would expect some intense character development, but that didn’t appear either.
The only redeeming quality of this book is the introduction of some new characters, I.e. Abigail and my personal favourite, Zac. And the greater role Lesley played in the story. I just love her. But I hate the way Peter talks about her, particularly her face. We get it, she’s been disfigured by magic and requires ongoing surgery… STOP TALKING ABOUT HOW HIDEOUS SHE IS !!! The other new character, the FBI agent Reynolds is pretty average. I don’t think adding the FBI did anything for the the plot. The whole magic of this series for me is the clear love of London and Aaronovitch’s ability to capture it so magnificently. Adding an American just destroys the illusion.
Overall my least favourite book in the series so far.
The only redeeming quality of this book is the introduction of some new characters, I.e. Abigail and my personal favourite, Zac. And the greater role Lesley played in the story. I just love her. But I hate the way Peter talks about her, particularly her face. We get it, she’s been disfigured by magic and requires ongoing surgery… STOP TALKING ABOUT HOW HIDEOUS SHE IS !!! The other new character, the FBI agent Reynolds is pretty average. I don’t think adding the FBI did anything for the the plot. The whole magic of this series for me is the clear love of London and Aaronovitch’s ability to capture it so magnificently. Adding an American just destroys the illusion.
Overall my least favourite book in the series so far.
Graphic: Murder and Ableism
catalyst226's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Breezed through this one because it was quite a bit faster pace than previous novels in the series. It takes place over a few days during the Christmas season and has the audiobook narrator attempt some American accents to varying success. It's nice to have a long series to work through so the world feels fully fleshed out - despite the fact that it's basically still modern London.
Moderate: Murder and Medical content
Minor: Racial slurs
madmilliner's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the first of the "River's" series that passes the Bechdel test, which it does in the first few pages, and through the story with great aplomb. I have enjoyed this the most so far, and, am greatly looking forward to my next copies arrival.
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Terminal illness, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Antisemitism, Colonisation, and Excrement
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