Tomorrow, the paperback edition of THE HANGING TREE is out in France! Published by J’ai Lu as L’ARBRE DES PENDUS, it is the sixth novel in Ben Aaronovitch‘s Peter Grant series. Here’s the synopsis…
À l’emplacement actuel de Marble Arch, à Londres, se dressait jadis la tristement célèbre potence de Tyburn, surnommée l’arbre des pendus, où l’on exécutait les criminels les plus notoires du royaume. Or, de nos jours, les riches demeures d’Oxford Street et de Mayfair – situées là où les condamnés faisaient autrefois leurs derniers pas – sont le théâtre d’événements pour le moins étranges et inquiétants. Peter Grant, agent de la Police métropolitaine de Londres et dernier apprenti sorcier du royaume, mène une nouvelle fois l’enquête…
The novel is published in the UK by Gollancz, and in North America by DAW Books. Here’s the English-language synopsis…
Suspicious deaths are not usually the concern of PC Peter Grant or the Folly, even when they happen at an exclusive party in one of the most expensive apartment blocks in London. But Lady Ty’s daughter was there, and Peter owes Lady Ty a favour.
Plunged into the alien world of the super-rich, where the basements are bigger than the house and dangerous, arcane items are bought and sold on the open market, a sensible young copper would keep his head down and his nose clean. But this is Peter Grant we’re talking about.
He’s been given an unparalleled opportunity to alienate old friends and create new enemies at the point where the world of magic and that of privilege intersect. Assuming he survives the week…
‘Fans of Ben Aaronovitch’s Peter Grant series will be delighted to discover that this latest instalment is just as good a the previous five. Those new to the books (and who for some reason decide to jump in at this point) will also be pleased to learn that this clean and well thought out novel doesn’t require prior knowledge to be fun… The pace is constant, strong and relentless throughout. Ben Aaronovitch is a master of metropolitan magical mayhem and the action is delightful. This is a tight thriller which is compelling and buckets of fun. If you already know the series, it’s high time you got re-acquainted.’ — Starburst
‘THE HANGING TREE is definitely one of the best in the Grant/Aaronovitch pantheon. There again, so have most of the previous books in the series and the odds are the next one probably will be too.’ — The Bookbag
‘Aaronovitch deftly balances urban fantasy with the police procedural. As for Grant, he’s a wonderful blend of laconic copper and, methodically researching how magic works, full-on nerd.’ — Crime Scene
‘The opening mystery, however, is a new one and twists in interesting ways. Aaronovitch makes channeling Grant look easy – and the result never feels overwrought even when it gets serious.’ — Locus
‘[H]ijinks, explosions, property destruction on the million-pound scale, a rival tradition of British wizardry (or rather witchery) that isn’t too happy with Nightingale’s old boys’ club tradition, and interfering American military contractors. And yes, the Faceless Man. Narrated with Aaronovitch’s trademark blend of wit, sarcasm, and police acronyms, THE HANGING TREE is a breeze of a supernatural detective thriller.’ — Tor.com
‘Very much worth the wait… If you’ve been following along all this time, then this book is definitely not to be missed, especially in light of the significant revelations dropped on us in the latter half of the story… a real game-changer. While it did end rather abruptly, it’s clear that Peter and the gang will have to tread even more carefully going forward, and the next book should be very interesting indeed. Now if I can only survive the wait…’ — Bibliosanctum
