Whispers Under Ground

Whispers Under Ground (2012) Ben Aaronovitch

Peter Grant is slowly getting used to being a copper for the Folly. The addition of Lesley as a new apprentice both gives Peter someone to work with, and eases some of the loneliness of working for a man who is much much older than he looks.

I’m really enjoying Lesley’s continued presence. I was quite worried that after the first book she’d either disappear as damaged goods, or else be magically made better and everything would be okay. She didn’t and she wasn’t and I’m enjoying her journey as much as Peter’s.

Although journey doesn’t quite feel right for Peter. It’s more of a mad blundering with occasional flashes of insight and genius.

Plus, he’s hilarious.

Like young men from the dawn of time, I decided to choose the risk of death over certain humiliation.

and

…we police never like to use real words when we can use an incomprehensible bit of jargon instead.

Except I think that last bit is true across ALL professions.

And then there are bits like this:

I definitely heard rats scuttling out of y way as I entered each room. In one I found a long shelf on which ranks of saltcellars were lined up like an army of miniature Daleks…

Come on. How does that not speak directly to the geek in you?

The only bad thing about this book is that I’m now all caught up on what’s available in the US.

I hate waiting.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Del Rey

 
 

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