The Hanging Tree, Audio Edition

The Hanging Tree, Audio Edition (2017) Ben Aaronovitch narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Now I’m all caught up on Peter Grant and ready to read the newest book.

One of Lady Ty’s daughters has gotten into trouble, and she has called Peter to ask for his help in solving a problem.

“Peter,” said Lady Ty, “Nightingale is not to know about this— is that clear?”

“Crystal,” I said.

As soon as she hung up, I called the Folly.

“I rather think I’d have to have taken an interest in any case,” said Nightingale once I’d briefed him. “Still, I shall endeavor to adopt a façade of ignorance until such time as you need me.” He paused and then said: “And you will let me know when that moment arrives.” It was not a question.

I love that Peter is eminently sensible when it comes to Lady Ty and people telling him to keep things secret.

Though it probably has something to do with the amount of destruction that tends to surround him.

I think what I love best about these books are that Peter remains himself throughout. A total geek.

Just around the corner from where Holst composed The Planets— I know this because there’s a blue plaque on the house and Bev once made me wait half an hour while she checked on some nearby trolls.

“Sir,” I said, because Stephanopoulos wanted me to encourage him but not too much.

“I know it’s hard, Peter,” she’d said. “But if you could contain your erudition and ready wit for just a little while we’d be most grateful.”

“Am I allowed to be cheeky?” I’d asked.

“No you’re fucking not,” said Seawoll.

You always have to be careful around legal aid solicitors because not only do they spend more time in police interview rooms than you do, they’re also usually in a really bad mood because their clients are idiots and because the government is always cutting the legal aid budget.

Also, we get to spend more time with Gulees, who I also adore.

“And they were a bit odd, if you know what I mean?”

“Scientology odd?” asked Guleed. “Or My Little Pony odd?”

“Our kind of odd,” said Wanda making a little swirling gesture with her hand that took in all three of us.

Guleed frowned at that and gave me an accusing look.

And then, a LOT of stuff happens.

Publisher: Penguin Audio
Rating: 8.5/10

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