Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young—fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad—as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.

That is, until his old friend Thomas Nightingale arrives, pursuing a rather mysterious affair concerning an old saxophone—which will take Gussie from his warm bed, to the cold shores of Long Island, and down to the jazz clubs where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows...

Augustus-Berrycloth-Young is a wealthy young Englishman happily ensconced in 1920s New York City enjoying jazz and forbidden love. When his old school friend, Thomas Nightingale, arrives in search of the origins of an unusual old saxophone, Gussie is thrust into the midst of an investigation and the rescue of a magical being when all he wants to do is enjoy the jazz clubs and the company of his lover.

Set in the 1920s this is, I believe, the earliest time frame of any of the Rivers of London series, certainly the only familiar character involved is Thomas Nightingale. While familiarity with the series is a plus this can be read as a stand-alone since the necessary background information is imparted seamlessly in the context of the narrative.  If you are familiar with the series this is an interesting glimpse into Nightingale’s somewhat mysterious past. 

As a novella this is a quick read, the action moves along steadily and reaches a good conclusion. Along the way we become interested in Gussie and his lover Lucy as well as the jazz culture and the realities of corrupt police during Prohibition.  The story is very much based in the culture of Harlem jazz and the queer community so if gay love bothers you then this is an entry in the series you might want to skip.  Personally I’d enjoy a few more entries in the series focusing on Gussie and how, as a rich, white, English practitioner of magic, he fits in with both the black jazz community as well as the hints that maybe some of Lucy’s friends may not be as ignorant of magic as they should be. The entry as well as the whole series are highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

For more titles by Ben Aaronovitch click here