Tag: Rivers Of London

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS #2 out tomorrow!

Posted on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019

The second issue in Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s latest Rivers of London comic series is out tomorrow! Published by Titan Comics, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS is available in print and digital editions. Here’s the synopsis…

The award-winning urban fantasy series Rivers of London continues a tale of fast cars and fairy queens, from series creator Ben Aaronovitch! Deep undercover in the street racing big leagues, can wizarding cop Peter Grant keep up with the competition in his clapped-out car – or does he need an upgrade? A canonical story, set after bestselling novel Lies Sleeping!

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS is the eighth comic story-arc featuring these characters, and all previous (widely acclaimed) series are now available in collected editions (print and digital), published by Titan Comics in English, with a growing number of translated editions also available.

As you can see from the synopsis, the story is set after the events of LIES SLEEPING, the seventh novel in Ben’s Peter Grant series. The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, in the US by Del Rey and DAW Books, and widely in translation.

The next novel in the series, FALSE VALUE, is due to be published in February 2020 by Orion and DAW Books.

Issue 2 of THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS Rushes into Stores Next Week!

Posted on Wednesday, December 4th, 2019

Next week, the second issue in Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s latest Rivers of London comic series will arrive in stores! THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS is published by Titan Comics, in print and digital editions. Here’s the synopsis…

The award-winning urban fantasy series Rivers of London continues a tale of fast cars and fairy queens, from series creator Ben Aaronovitch! Deep undercover in the street racing big leagues, can wizarding cop Peter Grant keep up with the competition in his clapped-out car – or does he need an upgrade? A canonical story, set after bestselling novel Lies Sleeping!

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS is the eighth comic series featuring these characters, and all previous seven series are now available in collected editions (print and digital), published by Titan Comics in English, with a growing number of translated editions also available.

As you can see from the synopsis, the story is set after the events of LIES SLEEPING, the seventh novel in Ben’s Peter Grant series. The series is published in the UK by Gollancz, in the US by Del Rey and DAW Books, and widely in translation.

The next novel in the series, FALSE VALUE, is due to be published in February 2020 by Orion and DAW Books.

Ben Aaronovitch Announces RIVERS OF LONDON RPG with Chaosium!

Posted on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

This past Saturday, Ben Aaronovitch announced a new RPG based on the world of his acclaimed, best-selling Peter Grant novels! Revealed at Dragonmeet, the game is in development with Chaosium, and they will be working in close concert with Ben to develop a fantastic game. We can’t wait to play!

‘I’ve been an RPG player since the original D&D,’ said Ben, ‘so I’m terribly excited and honoured to have Rivers of London turned into a proper roleplaying game and especially because it’s with Chaosium, who produced Pendragon and Call of Cthulhu and such brilliant adaptations as Elric!’

Here’s what Lynne Hardy, associate line editor for Call of Cthulhu and Rivers project lead, said about the upcoming RPG…

‘I started reading Peter Grant’s adventures a few years ago and knew right away that the Folly would make a marvelous setting for an investigatory fantasy game. Ben was intrigued about the potential for a Rivers of London RPG when I broached the idea at a book signing late last year. After a meeting in London in April, we entered negotiations to secure the license.’

We’ll be sure to share any bits of news about the game’s development as and when we can.

Ben’s Peter Grant novels are published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Del Rey and DAW Books, and are also available widely in translation. (See Ben’s page for more information about international editions.)

In case you have yet to read any of Ben’s novels (or the comics that are also based on his characters), here’s the synopsis for the first novel, RIVERS OF LONDON…

My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (and as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit – we do paperwork so real coppers don’t have to – and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May. Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluble, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.

Now I’m a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden… and there’s something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair.

The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it’s falling to me to bring order out of chaos – or die trying.

(N.B.: The first novel is published in North America as MIDNIGHT RIOT.)

The next novel in the series, FALSE VALUE, is due to be published in February 2020 by Orion (UK) and DAW Books (North America).

Ben Aaronovitch’s DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL and DER OKTOBERMANN are up for a Leserpreis 2019!

Posted on Monday, November 25th, 2019

Further to the news on Friday that Ben Aaronovitch‘s WHISPERS UNDER GROUND has been adapted into a full-cast audio drama, we are very happy to share more news out of Germany: two of Ben’s critically-acclaimed, best-selling books have been nominated for Der Leserpreis 2019!

To be awarded tomorrow by LovelyBooks, Germany’s premier online book community, both DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL and DER OKTOBERMANN are nominated in the Fantasy & Science Fiction category!

Both are published in Germany by DTV, and are of course available now. Read on for more details…

DIE GLOCKE VON WHITECHAPEL is published in English as LIES SLEEPING by Gollancz in the UK and DAW Books in North America. Here’s the German synopsis…

Constable und Zauberlehrling Peter Grant steht vor seiner größten Herausforderung: Das Schicksal Londons steht auf dem Spiel. Der gesichtslose Magier, verantwortlich für grauenvolle übernatürliche Verbrechen, ist zwar endlich demaskiert und auf der Flucht. Doch er verfolgt einen perfiden Plan, der ganz London in den Abgrund stürzen könnte. Um den Gesichtslosen zu stoppen, muss Peter all seine magischen Kräfte aufbieten – und einen bösen alten Bekannten kontaktieren: Mr. Punch, den mörderischen Geist des Aufruhrs und der Rebellion.

… and the English synopsis…

A deadly history.
A dangerous mystery.
And a dark plan coming to light.

IN LONDON, THE PAST IS NEVER DEAD.
IT ONLY… LIES SLEEPING

Martin Chorley – aka the Faceless Man – wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run. Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring Chorley to justice.

But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that Chorley, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long term plan. A plan that has its roots in London’s two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.

To save his beloved city Peter’s going to need help from his former best friend and colleague – Lesley May – who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch…

DER OKTOBERMANN is THE OCTOBER MAN, a novella introducing a new protagonist — Tobias Winter — published by Gollancz in the UK and Subterranean Press in North America. Here’s the German synopsis…

›Die Flüsse von London‹ fließen nach Deutschland …

… denn auch hierzulande gibt es magische Vorkommnisse! Das deutsche Pendant zu Peter Grant heißt Tobi Winter und arbeitet beim BKA (Abteilung für komplexe und diffuse Angelegenheiten, sprich: Magie). Tobi bekommt es mit seltsamen Bräuchen in den Weinbergen rund um Trier zu tun – und mit einem übernatürlichen Rätsel, das schon Hunderte von Jahren alt ist. Selbstverständlich hat in dieser Gegend auch die Mosel ein Wörtchen mitzureden, wenn es magisch wird.

… and the English-language synopsis…

Trier is famous for wine, Romans and for being Germany’s oldest city. So when a man is found dead with, his body impossibly covered in a fungal rot, the local authorities know they are out of their depth.

Fortunately this is Germany, where there are procedures for everything.

Enter Investigator Tobias Winter, whose aim is to get in, deal with the problem, and get out with the minimum of fuss, personal danger and paperwork. With the help of frighteningly enthusiastic local cop, Vanessa Sommer, he’s quick to link the first victim to a group of ordinary middle aged men – and to realise they may have accidentally reawakened a bloody conflict from a previous century. But the rot is still spreading, literally and with the suspect list extending to people born before Frederick the Great solving the case may mean unearthing the city’s secret magical history.

. . . so long as that history doesn’t kill them first.

Ben Aaronovitch’s LONDRA NEHİRLERİ is out now!

Posted on Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

The first book in Ben Aaronovitch‘s acclaimed, best-selling Peter Grant series, RIVERS OF LONDON is now available in a Turkish edition! LONDRA NEHİRLERİ is out now, published by Epsilon Yayınları…

Stajyer polis memuru Peter Grant’in tek bir hayali vardır: Bir gün Londra Metropolitan Polis Teşkilatı’nda dedektif olmak. Ne yazık ki teşkilattaki üstleri onunla aynı fikirde değildir. Peter karşılaşacağı en büyük tehlikenin kâğıt kesiğinden öteye geçmeyeceği Vaka Takip Birimi’nde görevlendirilir. Artık bu sıkıcı ve pek de arzu etmediği vazifeyi sürdürmek zorundadır, ta ki tüm hayatını değiştirecek o karmaşık cinayete kadar… Peter, hayalet olan görgü tanığından cinayetle ilgili çok özel bilgiler edinmeyi başarır ve bu becerisi onun teşkilattaki konumunun tekrar gözden geçirilmesini sağlar. Aramızdan ayrılamamış ölülerle iletişim kurabilmesi, onu büyü ve tekinsizlerin diğer tezahürleriyle alakalı suçların soruşturmalarını yürüten Başmüfettiş Thomas Nightingale’in ilgi odağı haline getirir. Londra çok zor günler geçirmektedir. Acımasız ve tuhaf cinayetler dört bir yanı sarmış; uzun süredir gizlenen bir karanlık, artan büyü dalgasıyla yeniden harekete geçmiştir. Tanrıların ve tanrıçaların ölümlülerle iç içe yaşadığı bu gizemli ve karanlık dünyada Peter kendi yolunu bulmak zorundadır.

RIVERS OF LONDON is published in the UK by Gollancz (who also publish Ben’s other novels in the UK), and in North America by Del Rey — as MIDNIGHT RIOT. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (and as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit – we do paperwork so real coppers don’t have to – and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May. Then one night, in pursuance of a murder inquiry, I tried to take a witness statement from someone who was dead but disturbingly voluble, and that brought me to the attention of Inspector Nightingale, the last wizard in England.

Now I’m a Detective Constable and a trainee wizard, the first apprentice in fifty years, and my world has become somewhat more complicated: nests of vampires in Purley, negotiating a truce between the warring god and goddess of the Thames, and digging up graves in Covent Garden … and there’s something festering at the heart of the city I love, a malicious vengeful spirit that takes ordinary Londoners and twists them into grotesque mannequins to act out its drama of violence and despair.

The spirit of riot and rebellion has awakened in the city, and it’s falling to me to bring order out of chaos – or die trying.

The Peter Grant series is now up to seven novels, with the eighth due to be published in February 2020: FALSE VALUE, due to be published by Orion (UK) and DAW Books (North America).

Here are just a few of the reviews the novel has received since it was first published in 2011…

‘In this fast-paced paranormal police procedural, Aaronovitch introduces Peter Grant, a rookie cop who can see ghosts. This unusual talent saves him from a potential life of office work when Chief Insp. Thomas Nightingale sends him for wizard training. Britain’s police force has long known of the supernatural, and Grant is to assist Nightingale in solving many of London’s magical problems—most notably, the mysterious string of violent attacks that tend to end with the perpetrator’s face falling off. As the brutal epidemic spreads, Grant must race to finish his magic lessons and solve an ages-long dispute between the rivers of Britain. Though the novel sometimes feels just a little too jam-packed with plot points and adventures, it’s witty, fun, and full of vivid characters, and the plot twists will keep even seasoned mystery fans guessing.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘… thoroughly entertaining… An engaging (if occasionally violent) mix of magic and police procedural, this is a great kick-off to a very promising series, as well as the most satisfying fantasy thriller to hit bookshelves in quite some time.’ — SFX

‘… sweet relief for readers allergic to cliché.’ — Locus

‘RIVERS OF LONDON is a classic British police procedural blended with a unique twist of urban fantasy in so far as it replaces the expected testosterone with intelligence and the angst with wit… Deep down, amidst the murder and the mayhem, the anarchy and the supernatural, Aaronovitch has written a love letter to the wonder of London, reminding us of the magic that lives there, all the while warning us to keep an eye out for its nasty side.’ — Fantasy Faction

‘Highly recommended… Very nicely done. The books are police procedurals set in a London where magical creatures exist and are known to the police but hidden from the public, with a wisecracking, apprentice magician police officer as the hero. But, of course, the trick in all these things is in the execution, and I found these to have been executed very well… I gave it a try, and I’m glad I did.’ — Washington Post (Prof. Eugene Volokh)

‘The quality of the prose is incredible and there is a very light, dry humour running throughout with makes the novel a joy to read, it’s delightfully clever and leaves the reader in a “feel good” mood, even in the darker moments of the story. The characters are also just spot on, from the enigmatic Nightingale to the imprudent Beverley everyone lives and breathes within the pages.’ — SF Book Reviews

Read all about Nightingale’s World War II ACTION in one Volume!

Posted on Monday, November 11th, 2019

Tomorrow, Titan Comics are due to publish the collected edition of Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s seventh Rivers of London story arc, ACTION AT A DISTANCE! Here’s the synopsis…

Uncover the secret World War II history of Peter Grant’s fan-favorite mentor, the mysterious Nightingale. When a serial killer with strange powers arrives on the streets of London, an old soldier remembers the man who mastered the occult at the height of World War II!

All of the Rivers of London comics to date have been published in English by Titan Comics. The latest story arc, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS began last week! (See below for the cover for that issue — shared again because, well, we think it’s rather striking…)

The comic series features characters from Ben Aaronovitch’s best-selling, critically-acclaimed Peter Grant urban fantasy series — the eighth novel in which, FALSE VALUE, is due out early in 2020. The series is published by Gollancz in the UK, Del Rey (1-3) and DAW Books (4-) in North America, and widely in translation.

Andrew Cartmel is also the author of the acclaimed Vinyl Detective mystery series, published in the UK and North America by Titan Books. The fourth novel, FLIP BACK, was published recently. (Book 5 is on the way next year!)

Peter Grant grapples with THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS in new Comic Story-Arc

Posted on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

Peter Grant returns today, in the first issue of THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS! Published by Titan Comics, this is the eighth Rivers of London comics story-arc, written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel. Here’s the synopsis…

The award-winning urban fantasy series Rivers of London begins a new story of fast cars and fairy queens, from series creator Ben Aaronovitch!

When an English racecar washes up in the Netherlands, wizarding cop Peter Grant is called in to investigate its unusual cargo. Fresh from suspension, Peter infiltrates the street racing big leagues — but can he find the finish line when he’s sucked into a real-life fairyland?

A canonical story, set after bestselling novel Lies Sleeping!

The previous seven Rivers of London story-arcs are also published by Titan Comics: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD, DETECTIVE STORIES, CRY FOX, WATER WEED, and ACTION AT A DISTANCE.

As you can see from the synopsis above, this story arc is set between the novels LIES SLEEPING and FALSE VALUE (due to be published in February 2020).

Ben’s Peter Grant novels are published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Del Rey (1-3) and DAW Books (4-), and widely in translation.

Andrew is also the author of the Vinyl Detective novels, published in the UK and North America by Titan Books.

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS #1 will also be available with a variant cover…

If you have yet to try the Rivers of London comics… you are in luck! Announced on Twitter, Titan Comics are giving away a digital copy of issue #1 to anyone who signs up to their newsletter. All you have to do is sign up before November 30th.

Coming Soon: ACTION AT A DISTANCE, in One Volume!

Posted on Friday, November 1st, 2019

On November 13th, Titan Comics are due to publish the collected edition of ACTION AT A DISTANCE, Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s seventh story arc in the popular and acclaimed Rivers of London comic series. The cover is above, and here’s the synopsis…

Uncover the secret World War II history of Peter Grant’s fan-favorite mentor, the mysterious Nightingale. When a serial killer with strange powers arrives on the streets of London, an old soldier remembers the man who mastered the occult at the height of World War II!

Titan Comics has published all of the Rivers of London comics to date. The latest story arc, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS begins next week!

The comic series features characters from Ben Aaronovitch’s best-selling, critically-acclaimed Peter Grant urban fantasy series — the eighth novel in which, FALSE VALUE, is due out early in 2020. The series is published by Gollancz in the UK, Del Rey (1-3) and DAW Books (4-) in North America, and widely in translation.

Andrew Cartmel is also the author of the acclaimed Vinyl Detective mystery series, published in the UK and North America by Titan Books. The fourth novel, FLIP BACK, was published recently. (Book 5 is on the way next year!)

Next Month, Peter Grant et al return in RIVERS OF LONDON: THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS #1

Posted on Friday, October 18th, 2019

In just a couple of weeks, Titan Comics are due to publish the first issue in Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel‘s latest Rivers of London comic series, THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS!

The award-winning urban fantasy series Rivers of London begins a new story of fast cars and fairy queens, from series creator Ben Aaronovitch!

When an English racecar washes up in the Netherlands, wizarding cop Peter Grant is called in to investigate its unusual cargo. Fresh from suspension, Peter infiltrates the street racing big leagues — but can he find the finish line when he’s sucked into a real-life fairyland?

A canonical story, set after bestselling novel Lies Sleeping!

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS is the eighth story-arc in the Rivers of London comic series — all of the previous are also published by Titan Comics: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD, DETECTIVE STORIES, CRY FOX, WATER WEED, and ACTION AT A DISTANCE.

As you can see from the synopsis above, this story arc is set between the novels LIES SLEEPING and FALSE VALUE (due to be published in February 2020).

Ben’s Peter Grant novels are published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by Del Rey (1-3) and DAW Books (4-), and widely in translation.

Andrew is also the author of the Vinyl Detective novels, published in the UK and North America by Titan Books.

THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS #1 will also be available with a variant cover…

DER OKTOBERMANN is #3!

Posted on Saturday, September 28th, 2019

We’re delighted to report that Ben Aaronovitch‘s latest novella, DER OKTOBERMANN entered the book charts in Germany at #3! Published by DTV, here’s the synopsis…

›Die Flüsse von London‹ fließen nach Deutschland…

… denn auch hierzulande gibt es magische Vorkommnisse! Das deutsche Pendant zu Peter Grant heißt Tobi Winter und arbeitet beim BKA (Abteilung für komplexe und diffuse Angelegenheiten, sprich: Magie). Tobi bekommt es mit seltsamen Bräuchen in den Weinbergen rund um Trier zu tun – und mit einem übernatürlichen Rätsel, das schon Hunderte von Jahren alt ist. Selbstverständlich hat in dieser Gegend auch die Mosel ein Wörtchen mitzureden, wenn es magisch wird.

THE OCTOBER MAN is the first set in Germany, and introduces readers to Tobias Winter, a new protagonist in the author’s Rivers of London fantasy world. Published by Gollancz (UK) and Subterranean Press (North America), here’s the English-language synopsis…

Trier is famous for wine, Romans and for being Germany’s oldest city. So when a man is found dead with, his body impossibly covered in a fungal rot, the local authorities know they are out of their depth.

Fortunately this is Germany, where there are procedures for everything.

Enter Investigator Tobias Winter, whose aim is to get in, deal with the problem, and get out with the minimum of fuss, personal danger and paperwork. With the help of frighteningly enthusiastic local cop, Vanessa Sommer, he’s quick to link the first victim to a group of ordinary middle aged men – and to realise they may have accidentally reawakened a bloody conflict from a previous century. But the rot is still spreading, literally and with the suspect list extending to people born before Frederick the Great solving the case may mean unearthing the city’s secret magical history.

… so long as that history doesn’t kill them first.

Here are just a handful of the great reviews the novella has received so far…

‘In this enjoyable spin-off from the Rivers of London urban fantasy series, Aaronovitch successfully transfers his blend of the supernatural and humor from England to the Continent as he introduces Tobias Winter, a German police officer who practices magic… Supernatural mystery fans who enjoy more whimsical takes on the paranormal will hope for more of Winter and Sommer.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Winter’s stolidness is a feature rather than a bug. While there are moments of adventure and daring, the story of this crime is both a satisfying whodunit and a primer on how magic works in Deutschland. THE OCTOBER MAN would be an interesting place to enter the Rivers of London world. Rather than fae, a new reader would anticipate werewolves, perhaps — and still greatly enjoy Aaronovitch’s work. Those who know the Folly will appreciate this outsider’s view of Grant and Nightingale, as well as learn a bit about how the latter spent the war, while still greatly enjoying Aaronovitch’s work, even if it is set someplace new.’ — Locus (Adrienne Martini)

‘Sommer and Winter are an interesting team, the latter especially being a fascinating take of the “ordinary copper” style trope that these books do so well… THE OCTOBER MAN is a must for any fan of the series so far and, unusually, a good introduction to the series. It only marginally connects to the big plot of the main books, but does introduce all the core ideas and distinctive style. More please, and soon.’ — Starburst

‘Aaronovitch expands the universe of his Rivers of London series (Broken Homes, 2014) to include new characters operating in different countries with ties to supernatural crimes and detective work. THE OCTOBER MAN introduces Tobias Winter, a sanctioned magic practitioner who investigates the supernatural angles of crimes for the Abteilung KDA (which fans will recognize as the German extension of the British Folly)… Aaronovitch delivers yet another classic detective novel rich with the magical world building accomplished in his previous work.’ — Booklist

‘THE OCTOBER MAN is a very well-constructed detective story, simple enough to be told in the span of a novella (granted, at more than two hundred pages, this one’s on the longer side) while still containing plenty of complexity to hold the reader’s attention. In addition, its pacing allows for plenty of fast-paced action and police work, but moments of downtime also provide opportunities to get to know our characters better. Despite being in a new setting and following a new protagonist, I was delighted to feel all the familiar attributes and the fine balance of Ben Aaronovitch’s writing style… Aaronovitch has delivered another fun and captivating Rivers of London mystery… I loved getting to meet Tobias and Vanessa, and it would thrill me greatly to see this corner of the series expanded with more stories in the future.’ — Bibliosanctum

BLACK MOULD spreads in DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON

Posted on Tuesday, September 24th, 2019

Today, Panini publishes the German edition of BLACK MOULD, the third Rivers of London comic series! Written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, it is published in Germany as DIE FLÜSSE VON LONDON: SCHWARZSCHIMMEL. Here’s the synopsis…

KEIN FAULER ZAUBER!

Ben Aaronovitch, der Autor der Bestseller-Romanund Graphic-Novel-Reihe Die Flüsse von London erzählt eine neue Geschichte voller übernatürlicher Spannung und guter alter Londoner Polizeiarbeit!

Peter Grant ist Polizist und Teilzeit-Zauberer bei der Londoner Einheit für Übernatürliche Fälle und bekommt es mit allem zu tun, was nicht in den Bereich normaler strafrechtlicher Ermittlungen fällt – sondern eher mit Trollen unter Brücken, verfluchten Tatorten und den Geistern einstiger Monster zu tun haben.

Dabei hatte sich Peter nie bei der Schädlingsbekämpfung gesehen, doch genau dort landet er, als ein mörderischer, empfindungsfähiger Schimmelpilz auf einen Rachefeldzug geht und dabei die schlimmsten Ängste seiner Opfer gegen sie einsetzt!

Panini has also published the first two book in the series: AUTOWAHN and DIE NACHTHEXE (or BODY WORK and NIGHT WITCH, in English).

All of the Rivers of London comic series are published in English by Titan Comics: BODY WORK, NIGHT WITCH, BLACK MOULD, DETECTIVE STORIES, CRY FOX, WATER WEED, ACTION AT A DISTANCE, and the upcoming THE FEY AND THE FURIOUS. Here’s the English-language synopsis for BLACK MOULD…

Ben Aaronovitch’s DER OKTOBERMANN out now in Germany!

Posted on Friday, September 20th, 2019

Ben Aaronovitch‘s latest novella, THE OCTOBER MAN, is out now in Germany! Published by DTV in German as DER OKTOBERMANN, it is his first book set in Germany, and also stars a new protagonist: Tobias Winter. Here’s the synopsis…

Die Flüsse von London fließen nach Deutschland…

… denn auch hierzulande gibt es magische Vorkommnisse! Das deutsche Pendant zu Peter Grant heißt Tobi Winter und arbeitet beim BKA (Abteilung für komplexe und diffuse Angelegenheiten, sprich: Magie). Tobi bekommt es mit seltsamen Bräuchen in den Weinbergen rund um Trier zu tun – und mit einem übernatürlichen Rätsel, das schon Hunderte von Jahren alt ist. Selbstverständlich hat in dieser Gegend auch die Mosel ein Wörtchen mitzureden, wenn es magisch wird.

The novella is set in the same universe as Ben’s Rivers of London/Peter Grant books, many of which have been bestsellers in Germany. It is published in the UK by Gollancz and in North America by Subterranean Press. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Trier is famous for wine, Romans and for being Germany’s oldest city. So when a man is found dead with, his body impossibly covered in a fungal rot, the local authorities know they are out of their depth.

Fortunately this is Germany, where there are procedures for everything.

Enter Investigator Tobias Winter, whose aim is to get in, deal with the problem, and get out with the minimum of fuss, personal danger and paperwork. With the help of frighteningly enthusiastic local cop, Vanessa Sommer, he’s quick to link the first victim to a group of ordinary middle aged men – and to realise they may have accidentally reawakened a bloody conflict from a previous century. But the rot is still spreading, literally and with the suspect list extending to people born before Frederick the Great solving the case may mean unearthing the city’s secret magical history.

… so long as that history doesn’t kill them first.

Here are just a couple of the great reviews the novella has received so far…

‘In this enjoyable spin-off from the Rivers of London urban fantasy series, Aaronovitch successfully transfers his blend of the supernatural and humor from England to the Continent as he introduces Tobias Winter, a German police officer who practices magic… Supernatural mystery fans who enjoy more whimsical takes on the paranormal will hope for more of Winter and Sommer.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Aaronovitch expands the universe of his Rivers of London series (Broken Homes, 2014) to include new characters operating in different countries with ties to supernatural crimes and detective work. THE OCTOBER MAN introduces Tobias Winter, a sanctioned magic practitioner who investigates the supernatural angles of crimes for the Abteilung KDA (which fans will recognize as the German extension of the British Folly)… Aaronovitch delivers yet another classic detective novel rich with the magical world building accomplished in his previous work.’ — Booklist

‘Winter’s stolidness is a feature rather than a bug. While there are moments of adventure and daring, the story of this crime is both a satisfying whodunit and a primer on how magic works in Deutschland. THE OCTOBER MAN would be an interesting place to enter the Rivers of London world. Rather than fae, a new reader would anticipate werewolves, perhaps — and still greatly enjoy Aaronovitch’s work. Those who know the Folly will appreciate this outsider’s view of Grant and Nightingale, as well as learn a bit about how the latter spent the war, while still greatly enjoying Aaronovitch’s work, even if it is set someplace new.’ — Locus (Adrienne Martini)

DTV has published all of Ben’s books in Germany to date…

… the series is published by Gollancz in the UK…

… and in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas).

DER OKTOBERMANN kommt nach Deutschland

Posted on Friday, August 16th, 2019

Next month — September 20th, to be exact — DTV are due to publish Ben Aaronovitch‘s THE OCTOBER MAN in Germany! To be published in German as DER OKTOBERMANN, here’s the synopsis…

Die Flüsse von London fließen nach Deutschland…

… denn auch hierzulande gibt es magische Vorkommnisse! Das deutsche Pendant zu Peter Grant heißt Tobi Winter und arbeitet beim BKA (Abteilung für komplexe und diffuse Angelegenheiten, sprich: Magie). Tobi bekommt es mit seltsamen Bräuchen in den Weinbergen rund um Trier zu tun – und mit einem übernatürlichen Rätsel, das schon Hunderte von Jahren alt ist. Selbstverständlich hat in dieser Gegend auch die Mosel ein Wörtchen mitzureden, wenn es magisch wird.

The novella, set in the same universe as Ben’s Rivers of London/Peter Grant books, is the first set in Germany and starring Tobias Winter. It is published in the UK by Gollancz and in North America by Subterranean Press. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Trier is famous for wine, Romans and for being Germany’s oldest city. So when a man is found dead with, his body impossibly covered in a fungal rot, the local authorities know they are out of their depth.

Fortunately this is Germany, where there are procedures for everything.

Enter Investigator Tobias Winter, whose aim is to get in, deal with the problem, and get out with the minimum of fuss, personal danger and paperwork. With the help of frighteningly enthusiastic local cop, Vanessa Sommer, he’s quick to link the first victim to a group of ordinary middle aged men – and to realise they may have accidentally reawakened a bloody conflict from a previous century. But the rot is still spreading, literally and with the suspect list extending to people born before Frederick the Great solving the case may mean unearthing the city’s secret magical history.

… so long as that history doesn’t kill them first.

Here are just a couple of the great reviews the novella has received so far…

‘In this enjoyable spin-off from the Rivers of London urban fantasy series, Aaronovitch successfully transfers his blend of the supernatural and humor from England to the Continent as he introduces Tobias Winter, a German police officer who practices magic… Supernatural mystery fans who enjoy more whimsical takes on the paranormal will hope for more of Winter and Sommer.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘Aaronovitch expands the universe of his Rivers of London series (Broken Homes, 2014) to include new characters operating in different countries with ties to supernatural crimes and detective work. THE OCTOBER MAN introduces Tobias Winter, a sanctioned magic practitioner who investigates the supernatural angles of crimes for the Abteilung KDA (which fans will recognize as the German extension of the British Folly)… Aaronovitch delivers yet another classic detective novel rich with the magical world building accomplished in his previous work.’ — Booklist

‘Winter’s stolidness is a feature rather than a bug. While there are moments of adventure and daring, the story of this crime is both a satisfying whodunit and a primer on how magic works in Deutschland. THE OCTOBER MAN would be an interesting place to enter the Rivers of London world. Rather than fae, a new reader would anticipate werewolves, perhaps — and still greatly enjoy Aaronovitch’s work. Those who know the Folly will appreciate this outsider’s view of Grant and Nightingale, as well as learn a bit about how the latter spent the war, while still greatly enjoying Aaronovitch’s work, even if it is set someplace new.’ — Locus (Adrienne Martini)

DTV has published all of Ben’s books in Germany to date…

… the series is published by Gollancz in the UK…

… and in North America by Del Rey (1-3), DAW Books (4-) and Subterranean Press (novellas).

Ben Aaronovitch and Lavie Tidhar nominated for Dragon Awards!

Posted on Tuesday, August 13th, 2019

We’re delighted to report that Ben Aaronovitch and Lavie Tidhar are on the ballot for Dragon Awards! Due to be presented later this month at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia, read on for some more details of the nominated titles.

First up (and pictured above) is Ben’s LIES SLEEPING. Nominated for Best Fantasy Novel, it is the seventh novel in the author’s critically-acclaimed, best-selling Peter Grant/Rivers of London series. Published in the UK by Gollancz, in North America by DAW Books, and in a growing number of translated editions around the world, here’s the synopsis…

Martin Chorley, aka the Faceless Man, wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud and crimes against humanity, has been unmasked and is on the run.

Peter Grant, Detective Constable and apprentice wizard, now plays a key role in an unprecedented joint operation to bring Chorley to justice.

But even as the unwieldy might of the Metropolitan Police bears down on its foe, Peter uncovers clues that Chorley, far from being finished, is executing the final stages of a long term plan.

A plan that has its roots in London’s two thousand bloody years of history, and could literally bring the city to its knees.

To save his beloved city Peter’s going to need help from his former best friend and colleague – Lesley May – who brutally betrayed him and everything he thought she believed in. And, far worse, he might even have to come to terms with the malevolent supernatural killer and agent of chaos known as Mr Punch…

‘[F]unny… laugh-out-loud prose… fans will delight in this outing.’ — Publishers Weekly

‘[R]ecounted with deadpan British wit and irony… packed with fascinating historical detail… Lively and amusing and different.’ — Kirkus

‘Peter Grant’s London has depth, breadth, and a complex array of recurring characters, and every one of the novels can be relied on to start with a bang… Aaronovitch’s Peter Grant has a distinctive voice, one that makes even the bureaucracy of regular police work engaging and compelling… Aaronovitch writes a tense, compelling police procedural with magic. As usual, Grant’s voice is striking, and the action gripping and intense.’ — Tor.com

‘[S]till as fresh as ever… Aaronovitch melds the magical and mundane extremely well. There’s a good mix of ‘London practicality’ and ‘unimaginable terror’ here; this isn’t a world where everyone can take the idea that magic is a real thing in their stride. Fear of the unknown keeps things in the margins, which provides a backdrop for the main characters’ struggles… The plot dives straight into strands from the previous titles, tying up plots going all the way back to book one whilst fraying new threads to keep the intrigue going. The pace is solid and steady, the action is as thrilling as ever and the whole thing ticks along like an old yet exciting friend… A must for fans of the series so far and, as always, we can’t wait to read the next one.’ — Starburst

Lavie’s UNHOLY LAND also racks up another nomination, this time in the Best Alternate History Novel category. Published by Tachyon Publications, here’s the synopsis…

Lior Tirosh is a semi-successful author of pulp fiction, an inadvertent time traveler, and an ongoing source of disappointment to his father.

Tirosh has returned to his homeland in East Africa. But Palestina—a Jewish state founded in the early 20th century — has grown dangerous. The government is building a vast border wall to keep out African refugees. Unrest in Ararat City is growing. And Tirosh’s childhood friend, trying to deliver a warning, has turned up dead in his hotel room. A state security officer has identified Tirosh as a suspect in a string of murders, and a rogue agent is stalking Tirosh through transdimensional rifts — possible futures that can only be prevented by avoiding the mistakes of the past.

The novel is graced with another fantastic cover from award-winning artist Sarah Anne Langton.

‘Lavie Tidhar does it again. A jewelled little box of miracles. Magnificent.’ — Warren Ellis

‘World Fantasy Award winner Tidhar (Central Station) will leave readers’ heads spinning with this disorienting and gripping alternate history… ‘No matter what we do, human history always attempts to repeat itself,’ Tidhar writes, even as he explores the substantial differences in history that might arise from single but significant choices. Readers of all kinds, and particularly fans of detective stories and puzzles, will enjoy grappling with the numerous questions raised by this stellar work.’ — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

‘Shifting perspectives will keep readers trying to catch up with this fast-paced plot involving incredible twists on multiple realities and homecoming. This latest from Campbell and World Fantasy Award winner Tidhar (Central Station) is fascinating and powerful.’ — Library Journal (Starred Review)

‘Lavie Tidhar is a genius at conjuring realities that are just two steps to the left of our own… Gorgeous in its alienness…’ — NPR Books

‘Adventurous readers will appreciate this well-written and ambitious book. It should find a place at any library that offers high-quality literary fiction.’ — Booklist

Check out the awesome cover for Ben Aaronovitch’s FALSE VALUE!

Posted on Monday, July 29th, 2019

In case you missed the reveal at the end of last week, we wanted to take this opportunity to share the stunning cover for FALSE VALUE! The highly-anticipated upcoming, eighth novel in Ben Aaronovitch‘s Peter Grant series, FALSE VALUE is due to be published by Gollancz (UK) and DAW Books (North America) in mid-November 2019. Here’s the synopsis…

Peter Grant is facing fatherhood, and an uncertain future, with equal amounts of panic and enthusiasm. Rather than sit around, he takes a job with émigré Silicon Valley tech genius Terrence Skinner’s brand new London start up – the Serious Cybernetics Company.

Drawn into the orbit of Old Street’s famous ‘silicon roundabout’, Peter must learn how to blend in with people who are both civilians and geekier than he is. Compared to his last job, Peter thinks it should be a doddle. But magic is not finished with Mama Grant’s favourite son.

Because Terrence Skinner has a secret hidden in the bowels of the SCC. A technology that stretches back to Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage, and forward to the future of artificial intelligence. A secret that is just as magical as it technological – and just as dangerous.

Gollancz has published all of the Peter Grant books in the UK. The series is published in North America by Del Rey (1-3) and DAW Books (4-). The most recent book, THE OCTOBER MAN, is set in the same universe but has a new protagonist (Tobias Winter) and a new location (Germany) — it is published in the UK by Gollancz, and in North America by Subterranean Press.

Here’s a snazzy animated cover reveal that Gollancz has made for the book…

Here are just a few of the great reviews the series has received so far…

‘It is smart, funny and filled with oddness.’ — Terry Brooks on RIVERS OF LONDON

‘… witty, fun, and full of vivid characters, and the plot twists will keep even seasoned mystery fans guessing.’ — Publishers Weekly on RIVERS OF LONDON

‘… enormous storytelling gusto… exhilarating and emotionally affecting…’ — SF Reviews on MOON OVER SOHO

‘… a relentlessly entertaining, fast-moving and enjoyable urban fantasy with intriguing hints of greater depth waiting to be explored.’ — Wertzone on MOON OVER SOHO

‘One of the most refreshing things about former Doctor Who writer Aaronvitch’s Rivers of London series of magical procedurals is that they are blessedly free of manufactured rivalries… This fast, engrossing novel is enjoyable, cheerful, and accessible to new readers.’ — Publishers Weekly on WHISPERS UNDERGROUND

‘… the Peter Grant novels by Ben Aaronovitch are a great way to feel like you’re actually visiting the city by the Thames… Ben Aaronovitch writes some of the funniest prose in current fantasy. These books are extremely entertaining, mainly because narrator Peter Grant has a hilarious voice and a sly sense of humor… quirkily effective prose and dry humor, making it a pure pleasure to read… I’m usually not a big fan of urban fantasy, but this series is so much fun that I always look forward to the next installment. If you’re looking for a fast-moving, entertaining urban fantasy that’ll make you feel like you’re visiting London vicariously this summer, pick up series opener MIDNIGHT RIOT / RIVERS OF LONDON. And if you’ve already read the first two books, you’ll probably be glad to hear that the newest installment WHISPERS UNDER GROUND is just as good.’ — Tor.com

‘PC Peter Grant and his co-worker Lesley, two of the few policemen in London who can practice magic, are still working under Nightingale, who must be the oldest police officer in England… not that he looks it. A low-income housing tower gone awry, an old enemy with a bone to pick… and a shocker of an ending – BROKEN HOMES is a delight.’ — Charlaine Harris

‘Smart, edgy and dramatic, BROKEN HOMES is a fine addition to a fascinating series.’ — Locus

‘When it comes to the genre of urban fantasy, connoisseurs tend to rate Ben Aaronovitch’s RIVERS OF LONDON and its sequels quite highly. The adventures of Metropolitan policeman and apprentice wizard Peter Grant have thus far all been based around the city of London (it is, after all, where he works), and the author has drawn from the capital’s rich geography and occult history to create a profound and engaging world filled with the grit and stench of the city, though at the same time celebrating its warmth and wealth of choice.  The very setup of the books is both urban and fantastic… The main story functions as an interesting thriller, and the additional commentary on the way the UK handles major incidents like the disappearance of children is both thought-provoking and carefully handled… FOXGLOVE SUMMER is evocative, mysterious, engaging, and, mostly, enormous amounts of fun. Fans of the Peter Grant series will not be disappointed, and those new to the books should start with Rivers in London, safe in the knowledge that the sequels are just as good.’ — Starburst

‘Aaronvitch guarantees a thrilling read; his style and approach to world building are simply too tight and too accomplished not to. THE FURTHEST STATION is a strong example of compact and intense storytelling… We get some nice character development, especially via Peter’s cousin. She’s beginning to dabble in magic herself, which is a little like learning to juggle hand live hand grenades, and this provides a decent B-plot. THE FURTHEST STATION is short, but perfectly formed.’ — Starburst

‘[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

‘… recounted with deadpan British wit and irony… packed with fascinating historical detail… Lively and amusing and different.’ — Kirkus on LIES SLEEPING

‘In this enjoyable spin-off from the Rivers of London urban fantasy series, Aaronovitch successfully transfers his blend of the supernatural and humor from England to the Continent as he introduces Tobias Winter, a German police officer who practices magic… Supernatural mystery fans who enjoy more whimsical takes on the paranormal will hope for more of Winter and Sommer.’ — Publishers Weekly on THE OCTOBER MAN