If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, police procedurals, or just love a good story steeped in the gritty, magical underbelly of London, Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series (also known as the Peter Grant series) is a must-read. This bestselling series blends supernatural intrigue with sharp humor and a richly detailed London setting, following Peter Grant, a young constable turned apprentice wizard, as he tackles magical crimes. With novels, novellas, short stories, and graphic novels, the series can feel like a labyrinth—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Below is the ultimate guide to reading the Rivers of London books in order, complete with tips to dive into this enchanting world.
Why Read the Rivers of London Series?
Before we jump into the reading order, let’s talk about why this series is so captivating. Imagine London, but with a twist: its rivers are gods, ghosts haunt the streets, and magic crackles beneath the city’s surface. Peter Grant, our witty and relatable protagonist, navigates this hidden world while solving crimes with the Metropolitan Police’s magical branch, the Folly. The series is a love letter to London, packed with historical tidbits, cultural quirks, and a diverse cast of characters—from river goddesses to rogue wizards. Whether you’re a fantasy buff or a mystery lover, the mix of humor, heart, and supernatural suspense will keep you hooked.
Ready to explore? Here’s the complete Rivers of London reading order, including main novels, novellas, short stories, and graphic novels, based on publication order for the best narrative flow. We’ve also included a brief description of each to help you navigate. Let’s dive in!
Rivers of London Series: Complete List in Release Date Order
Below is a comprehensive table listing all Rivers of London books, novellas, short stories, and graphic novels by Ben Aaronovitch in order of their release date, as of August 2025. This includes the main Peter Grant series and related works, perfect for fans and new readers alike.
| Title | Type | Release Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers of London (Midnight Riot in the US) | Novel | 2011 | Peter Grant, a constable, discovers magic and joins the Folly to solve supernatural crimes in London. |
| Moon Over Soho | Novel | 2011 | Peter investigates mysterious deaths in London’s jazz scene, uncovering dark magic. |
| Whispers Under Ground | Novel | 2012 | A murder in the London Underground leads Peter to magical secrets beneath the city. |
| Broken Homes | Novel | 2013 | A suspicious death at a housing estate reveals a dangerous magical conspiracy. |
| Foxglove Summer | Novel | 2014 | Peter heads to rural Herefordshire to investigate missing children and rural magic. |
| The Hanging Tree | Novel | 2015 | Peter navigates London’s elite and a deadly magical plot tied to the Faceless Man. |
| Body Work | Graphic Novel | 2016 | Peter investigates a series of haunted cars in this action-packed comic. |
| Night Witch | Graphic Novel | 2016 | A Russian oligarch’s daughter is kidnapped, pulling Peter into a magical conflict. |
| Black Mould | Graphic Novel | 2017 | Peter and the Folly tackle a dangerous magical fungus spreading in London. |
| The Furthest Station | Novella | 2017 | Ghostly sightings on the Underground spark a quirky supernatural investigation. |
| A Rare Book of Cunning Device | Short Story (Audiobook) | 2017 | Peter investigates a magical disturbance in the British Library. |
| Cry Fox | Graphic Novel | 2018 | Peter faces a magical fox hunt with ties to dangerous criminals. |
| Water Weed | Graphic Novel | 2018 | A magical drug ring in London’s waterways draws Peter into danger. |
| Lies Sleeping | Novel | 2018 | Peter confronts the Faceless Man in a high-stakes battle for London’s future. |
| Action at a Distance | Graphic Novel | 2019 | A historical tale set in 1957, exploring Nightingale’s past in the Folly. |
| The October Man | Novella | 2019 | Tobias Winter, Germany’s magical investigator, tackles a supernatural murder. |
| The Fey and the Furious | Graphic Novel | 2020 | Peter dives into the world of illegal street racing with a magical twist. |
| Tales from the Folly | Short Story Collection | 2020 | A collection of short stories featuring Peter, Nightingale, and other characters. |
| False Value | Novel | 2020 | Peter goes undercover at a tech startup, uncovering magical secrets. |
| What Abigail Did That Summer | Novella | 2021 | Abigail Kamara investigates teen disappearances in London during Foxglove Summer. |
| Monday, Monday | Graphic Novel | 2021 | Peter and the Folly tackle a series of bizarre magical crimes. |
| Amongst Our Weapons | Novel | 2022 | Peter faces a dangerous cult and magical artifacts while balancing personal milestones. |
| Deadly Ever After | Graphic Novel | 2022 | Peter investigates a magical wedding with deadly consequences. |
| Winter’s Gifts | Novella | 2023 | FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds investigates a supernatural storm in Wisconsin. |
| Here Be Dragons | Graphic Novel | 2023 | Peter confronts magical creatures and dangers in London’s skies. |
| The Masquerades of Spring | Novella | 2024 | A 1920s New York adventure featuring Augustus Berrycloth-Young in the Jazz Age. |
| Stone and Sky | Novel | 2025 | Peter’s latest case explores London’s tech scene and magical history. |
Notes:
- The table follows publication order, recommended for first-time readers to avoid spoilers and follow the narrative flow.
- Graphic novels, co-written with Andrew Cartmel and illustrated by Lee Sullivan, are best read after Lies Sleeping to avoid minor spoilers.
- Tales from the Folly is best read after False Value for context, as some stories reference earlier events.
Rivers of London Books in Order (Publication Order)
1. Rivers of London (2011)
Also published as Midnight Riot in the US
Peter Grant, a probationary constable, stumbles into the magical world after encountering a ghost during a murder investigation. Recruited by Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last wizard in Britain, Peter begins his journey as an apprentice wizard, tackling a supernatural killer wreaking havoc in London. This book sets the stage with its vibrant world-building and Peter’s dry humor. Perfect for new readers!
2. Moon Over Soho (2011)
Peter investigates a series of mysterious deaths in London’s jazz scene, uncovering dark magic and a dangerous seductress. This sequel dives deeper into the magical rules of the Folly and introduces more of London’s supernatural underbelly, with a sultry, music-infused vibe.
3. Whispers Under Ground (2012)
A murder in the London Underground pulls Peter into the city’s subterranean secrets. From magical tunnels to quirky characters, this book is a thrilling ride through London’s hidden depths, blending police work with supernatural chaos.
4. Broken Homes (2013)
A suspicious death at a high-end party leads Peter to a housing estate with a dark magical secret. This installment ramps up the stakes with betrayals and revelations, keeping you guessing about who to trust.
5. Foxglove Summer (2014)
Peter heads to rural Herefordshire to investigate missing children, trading London’s bustle for countryside mysteries. This refreshing change of setting explores new facets of magic while keeping the series’ signature wit.
6. The Furthest Station (2017) – Novella
Ghostly sightings on the London Underground spark a quirky investigation. This novella is a bite-sized adventure, perfect for fans craving more of Peter’s banter and supernatural sleuthing.
7. The Hanging Tree (2015)
Peter owes a favor to Lady Ty, goddess of the Tyburn river, which lands him in the world of London’s elite. A suspicious death at a posh party uncovers ties to a dangerous enemy. This book is a game-changer with major plot twists.
8. A Rare Book of Cunning Device (2017) – Short Story (Audiobook)
Peter investigates a magical disturbance in the British Library. This short audiobook is a fun, quick dive into the series’ world, ideal for fans wanting a brief but spooky tale.
9. Lies Sleeping (2018)
Peter faces off against the Faceless Man, a cunning villain with a plan to bring London to its knees. Packed with action and lore, this novel ties together threads from earlier books while setting up future conflicts.
10. The October Man (2019) – Novella
Set in Germany, this novella follows Tobias Winter, Peter’s German counterpart, as he investigates a supernatural murder. It’s a great side story that expands the series’ magical universe.
11. False Value (2020)
Peter goes undercover at a tech startup, uncovering magical secrets tied to computing pioneers Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage. This tech-meets-magic story is a fresh twist on the series’ formula.
12. What Abigail Did That Summer (2021) – Novella
Set during Foxglove Summer, this novella follows Abigail Kamara, Peter’s cousin, as she investigates mysterious teen disappearances in London. It’s a fun, youthful spin-off with plenty of charm.
13. Amongst Our Weapons (2022)
Peter tackles a case involving magical artifacts and a dangerous cult, all while juggling personal milestones. This novel balances humor, heart, and high-stakes action.
14. Winter’s Gifts (2023) – Novella
FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds takes the spotlight in this US-set novella, investigating a supernatural storm in Wisconsin. It’s a chilly, thrilling departure from London’s streets.
15. The Masquerades of Spring (2024) – Novella
Set in 1920s New York, this novella follows Augustus Berrycloth-Young, a new character, in a Jazz Age adventure. It’s a vibrant, standalone story that adds historical flair to the series.
16. Stone and Sky (2025)
Peter’s latest adventure dives into London’s tech scene and magical history, with new challenges and old enemies. Freshly released, this novel promises more of the series’ signature magic and wit.
Bonus: Tales from the Folly (2020) – Short Story Collection
This collection includes short stories like Nightingale: London 1966, The Home Crowd Advantage, and Cock of the Wall, offering glimpses into side characters and the series’ broader timeline. Read it after False Value for the best context, as some stories contain spoilers.
Graphic Novels
Co-written by Ben Aaronovitch and Andrew Cartmel, illustrated by Lee Sullivan, these comics are a fantastic addition to the series. They’re set between the novels and can be read after Lies Sleeping for minimal spoilers:
- Body Work (2016)
- Night Witch (2016)
- Black Mould (2017)
- Cry Fox (2018)
- Water Weed (2018)
- Action at a Distance (2019)
- The Fey and the Furious (2020)
- Monday, Monday (2021)
- Deadly Ever After (2022)
- Here Be Dragons (2023)
For the best experience, read the graphic novels in publication order after Lies Sleeping, as they reference events from earlier books.
Chronological vs. Publication Order: Which Should You Choose?
While publication order (listed above) is recommended for first-time readers to follow the story’s natural progression and avoid spoilers, some fans prefer chronological order based on the series’ internal timeline. For example, Action at a Distance (graphic novel) is set in 1957, and The Masquerades of Spring takes place in the 1920s. However, these flashbacks are richer with context from later novels. Ben Aaronovitch notes that some stories, like The Home Crowd Advantage, contain minor anachronisms, so publication order is the safest bet for a cohesive experience.
Tips for Enjoying the Rivers of London Series
- Savor the London Vibes: The series is a love letter to London, with rivers like the Thames and Tyburn personified as gods. Look up landmarks like Covent Garden or the Underground for extra immersion.
- Listen on Audible: The audiobooks, narrated by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, bring Peter’s wit and the series’ humor to life. Grab a free Audible trial to dive in
- Explore the Extras: The novellas and graphic novels add depth to side characters like Abigail and Nightingale. Don’t skip them if you want the full experience.
- Join the Fandom: Check out discussions on Reddit or fan sites like Monster Complex for theories and updates on new releases.
Why This Series Stands Out
What makes Rivers of London special is its seamless blend of magic and realism. Aaronovitch’s love for London shines through, turning the city into a character with its own secrets and personality. Peter’s scientific curiosity and humor make him a relatable guide, while the diverse cast—from Mama Thames to the enigmatic Nightingale—adds richness. Whether you’re into urban fantasy like The Dresden Files or police dramas with a magical twist, this series delivers.
FAQs About the Rivers of London Series
How many books are in the Rivers of London series?
As of 2025, there are 10 main novels, 4 novellas, 1 short story collection, 1 short audiobook, and 10 graphic novels, with more potentially on the way.
Do I need to read the novellas and graphic novels?
While the main novels form the core story, the novellas and graphic novels add depth to side characters and the magical world. They’re optional but highly recommended.
Is there a Rivers of London TV show?
A TV adaptation is in development with Pure Fiction Television, See-Saw Films, and Unnecessary Logo, with John Jackson as lead writer. No release date has been confirmed yet.
Start Your Magical Journey Today!
The Rivers of London series is a spellbinding ride through a magical London, packed with humor, mystery, and unforgettable characters. Start with Rivers of London (or Midnight Riot in the US) and follow Peter Grant’s journey as he uncovers the city’s supernatural secrets. Whether you’re reading, listening, or diving into the graphic novels, this series will leave you enchanted and eager for more.
Have you started the Rivers of London series yet? Which book is your favorite? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about Peter Grant’s magical adventures! For more book recommendations and reading orders, bookmark this blog or subscribe for updates. Happy reading!
