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Quick answer: If you liked Rivers of London, read the sequel Moon Over Soho, then Storm Front, Neverwhere, Kraken and A Madness of Angels. All blend urban fantasy with humour, magic in modern cities and a sharp narrator.
Ben Aaronovitch's novel, published in the US as Midnight Riot, follows Peter Grant, a London constable who joins a secret police unit that handles magic. The series is loved for its mix of police procedure, wit and London history. The books below offer detective-led urban fantasy with funny, believable heroes.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moon Over Soho | Ben Aaronovitch | Adult | the sequel |
| Storm Front | Jim Butcher | Adult | wizard detectives |
| Neverwhere | Neil Gaiman | Adult | hidden cities |
| Kraken | China Mieville | Adult | weird London |
| A Madness of Angels | Kate Griffin | Adult | urban magic |
| Fated | Benedict Jacka | Adult | divination and danger |
| Rosemary and Rue | Seanan McGuire | Adult | fae detectives |
| The Rook | Daniel O'Malley | Adult | secret agencies |
| Good Omens | Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman | Adult | British comedy |
| The Eyre Affair | Jasper Fforde | Adult | bookish fun |
| Monster Hunter International | Larry Correia | Adult | action and monsters |
| Moon Called | Patricia Briggs | Adult | shapeshifter series |
| Magic Bites | Ilona Andrews | Adult | kick-butt heroines |
| The Invisible Library | Genevieve Cogman | Adult | librarian spies |
| Guards! Guards! | Terry Pratchett | Adult | comic fantasy |
1. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
Peter investigates deaths linked to jazz musicians in the second Rivers of London book. It deepens the world and has more of the same humour.
Best for: the sequel.
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden is a wizard private investigator in Chicago. The first Dresden Files novel mixes noir, magic and wisecracks.
Best for: wizard detectives.
3. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
A man falls into London Below, a hidden city under the streets. Quirky, atmospheric and perfect for London lovers.
Best for: hidden cities.
4. Kraken by China Mieville
A giant squid specimen vanishes from a London museum, setting off a weird investigation. Strange, funny and inventive.
Best for: weird London.
5. A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin
A sorcerer returns from the dead and finds his city has changed. Urban magic with a real sense of modern London.
Best for: urban magic.
6. Fated by Benedict Jacka
Alex Verus is a diviner who runs a magic shop in London. Fast, clever and full of action.
Best for: divination and danger.
7. Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
October Daye is a half-fae detective in San Francisco. Moody, funny and the start of a long series.
Best for: fae detectives.
8. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
A woman wakes up with no memory and discovers she works for a secret supernatural agency. Witty and clever.
Best for: secret agencies.
9. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
An angel and a demon try to stop the end of the world. British humour at its best.
Best for: British comedy.
10. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
A literary detective hunts a villain who steals characters from books. Playful, silly and clever.
Best for: bookish fun.
11. Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia
An accountant joins a company that hunts monsters. Action-packed with plenty of guns.
Best for: action and monsters.
12. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who can turn into a coyote, finds herself caught up in werewolf politics. Fast and fun.
Best for: shapeshifter series.
13. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
Kate Daniels is a mercenary in a post-magic Atlanta. Action, romance and a strong heroine.
Best for: kick-butt heroines.
14. The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Irene is a librarian-spy who steals books from alternate worlds. Fun and bookish adventure.
Best for: librarian spies.
15. Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
A dragon appears in a fantasy city and the city's ragged watch has to respond. A fun entry into Discworld.
Best for: comic fantasy.
How to Choose
If you want to stay with the same world, begin with Moon Over Soho and the rest of the series in order. For other police-style magic, pick Storm Front, Fated or Rosemary and Rue. For London atmosphere, choose Neverwhere, Kraken or A Madness of Angels. For something funnier and lighter, read Good Omens, The Eyre Affair or Guards! Guards!. If you love action, try Magic Bites or Monster Hunter International. New readers can start with the first novel and then follow the numbered order, as each case builds on the last. If you only want standalone adventures, Storm Front, The Rook and The Eyre Affair all work without prior knowledge of their worlds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rivers of London the same as Midnight Riot?
Yes, Midnight Riot is the title of the first book in the United States.
How many Rivers of London books are there?
There are more than ten novels plus novellas and graphic novels.
Do I need to read them in order?
Yes, it is best to read in publication order because the story develops.
Is there an audiobook?
Yes, and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith's narration is widely praised.
What is a good starter if I like police and magic?
The Dresden Files and Fated both fit.
Who is Peter Grant?
A young London constable who discovers magic and joins the Folly, a small police unit.
Is there a graphic novel version?
Yes, several comics continue and expand the stories.
Does it need much knowledge of London?
No, though readers who know the city will spot more references.
Are the audiobooks worth it?
Yes, many fans say the narration brings Peter's voice to life.
Does the series end?
It has continued for many books, with new releases adding to the story.