I really enjoyed immersing myself in Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London (Peter Grant) series for another outing. Lies Sleeping, the seventh book in the series, featured Nightingale less than in previous books, and there were fewer humorous moments, but was still as entertaining and surprising as ever. At each twist and turn, as in previous books, I really felt as if I was traipsing all over London with Peter Grant, traversing the city - past and present - pursuing truth, justice, and Molly's cheese puffs.

Audible Summary: "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 2,000 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....

©2018 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group."

This book brings many of the previous threads together, once more playing out the age-old theme of 'good vs evil' but with Aaronovitch's candid understanding that people are seldom wholly one or the other. As always with this series I most enjoy following the investigations from Peter's often rather hapless perspective, often sharing his surprise at the schemes he manages to pull off. Ultimately his faith in people is his greatest strength and most reckless weakness, but his sincerity throughout mans that I always follow his adventures as a dedicated supporter of Team Folly. They are rather a rag-tag bunch, with battle-hardened police detectives and notorious thieves playing no more or less a part in the investigation than river deities, large talking foxes, and precocious teenage cousins. Yet everyone feels as though they have earned their place, and contributes to keeping the peace in the tumultuous City of London.

Wonderfully narrated, as ever, by the excellent Kobna Holdbrook Smith, this series is one of my favourite from recent years and I would recommend the audiobook to anyone who is a fan of crime drama or fantasy. If you're new to audiobooks then Kobna's engaging and immersive performance as Peter Grant is a great place to begin your adventure.

The next book in the series - a novella titled October Man - can be pre-ordered now ahead of its release later this year, and will explore The Folly's continental counterparts.