Step into the magical underbelly of London with the Peter Grant series, where a young police constable stumbles into a world of ghosts, wizards, and river gods! Written by Ben Aaronovitch, this bestselling urban fantasy saga blends gritty police procedurals with supernatural flair, following Peter Grant as he navigates supernatural crimes in a vividly reimagined modern London.
With its sharp wit, diverse cast, and a setting that pulses with history and magic, the series has captivated readers since its debut. Ready to explore a London where the mundane meets the mystical? Let’s dive into the world of Peter Grant!
How Peter Grant Began
Ben Aaronovitch, a former Doctor Who writer, crafted the Peter Grant series after shelving sci-fi books at Waterstones sparked a creative epiphany. Originally envisioned as a TV series called Magic Cops, Aaronovitch turned to prose, birthing Rivers of London in 2011. Inspired by London’s rich history and his love for blending genres, he created Peter Grant, a mixed-race constable who discovers his magical potential after encountering a ghost.
The series, also known as Rivers of London, grew from Aaronovitch’s desire to ground fantasy in real-world grit. His background in TV writing lent the books a cinematic pace, while his London roots infused the narrative with authentic detail, making the city a character in its own right.
The Heart of Peter Grant
The series kicks off with Rivers of London (aka Midnight Riot in the US), where Peter, a probationary constable, joins the Folly, a secret police unit led by wizard Thomas Nightingale. Tasked with solving a bizarre murder, Peter grapples with ghosts and river goddesses. Moon Over Soho follows, diving into jazz-infused supernatural deaths, while Foxglove Summer takes Peter to rural Herefordshire to investigate missing children with a magical twist. Amongst Our Weapons, a later entry, sees Peter tackling enchanted artifacts and personal challenges.
Themes of identity, community, and the clash between tradition and modernity weave through the series. Peter’s biracial heritage and working-class roots ground his perspective, while the magical system—based on Latin formae and Newtonian principles—adds intellectual depth. London’s rivers, personified as gods and goddesses like Beverley Brook, Peter’s love interest, bring folklore to life. Aaronovitch’s wry humor and meticulous police procedural details balance the fantastical, creating a unique tone that’s both thrilling and relatable.
The series spans novels, novellas, graphic novels, and short stories, with Aaronovitch and co-writer Andrew Cartmel expanding the universe through comics like Body Work. Fans love the blend of mystery, magic, and London’s multicultural vibrancy, making each book a fresh adventure.
Why Peter Grant Resonates
The Peter Grant series has carved a niche in urban fantasy, earning bestseller status and a devoted fanbase. Its inclusive cast and nuanced exploration of race and class resonate in today’s diverse world. The series’ TV adaptation, announced in 2022 with Pure Fiction Television and See-Saw Films, signals its growing cultural footprint, though it remains in pre-production.
Aaronovitch’s ability to blend real-world issues with fantastical elements keeps readers hooked. Peter’s growth from rookie to seasoned wizard, paired with London’s ever-evolving magical landscape, ensures the series’ lasting appeal. It’s a love letter to London and a testament to the power of genre-blending storytelling.
- First Book Published: 2011 (Rivers of London)
- Main Novels: 9, plus novellas and graphic novels
- Setting: Modern-day London with a magical twist
- Notable Praise: Sunday Times bestseller, Galaxy National Book Awards nominee
Grab Rivers of London and dive into Peter Grant’s spellbinding world of magic, mystery, and London’s hidden wonders!