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alba_marie 's review for:

Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch
4.0
adventurous dark funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

As usual, I enjoyed this audiobook in the Rivers of London series. I admit that this one was not my favourite so far. In Broken Homes, there are no ghosts in this one, and the river spirits and Quiet People only make a couple of “guest” appearances, though we are introduced to some tree spirits.

Instead, Broken Homes focuses largely on the ongoing battle between Peter & the Folly and the nefarious doings of the Faceless Man. Much of it centres in a strangely designed housing estate block/tower where something shadier than usual is going on, and Peter & Leslie have to go undercover. 

As usual, it is full of dry British humour. Some British writers, including Ben Aaronovitch, just have a way with words that makes the mundane murderously hilarious. I do think the first half was funnier than the second half, as I found myself laughing out loud with headphones on (not awkward at all!) at lot more at the start, whereas past the halfway/two-thirds point, the humour felt more sparse. 

The ending was frustrating, and clearly setting up a lot for the next book. I admit, I was sad when
Leslie betrayed Peter and tasered him, revealing that she was an agent of the Faceless Man, though I was intrigued when it was hinted that there were perhaps others working with him (or even above him?) too. I understand it if he promised her a new face, but STILL. Gah! I hope more is revealed in the next book.
 

This series may have a dark undertone, but it is a great option if you need a reason to laugh. Dark British comedy at its best!