The Masquerades of Spring Audiobook By Ben Aaronovitch cover art

The Masquerades of Spring

Rivers of London, Book 4

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The Masquerades of Spring

By: Ben Aaronovitch
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
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New York City, New York.

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 . . .

©2024 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2024 Tantor Fantasy Historical Paranormal & Urban Urban New York

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Historical Setting • Character Development • Engaging Storyline • Jazz Era Atmosphere • Diverse Representation
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I loved it all. I have loved all the Rivers of London series, but this added a whole other element. As a young teenager, I discovered, and loved, P. G. Wodehouse, and in so many ways this reminded me of his stuff. Gussie was distinctly reminiscent of Bertie Wooster, but with added heroic elements. Jeeves was distributed across a couple of characters, and there were a couple of grace notes from other Wodehouse books as well, while the whole was pure Aaronovitch. If he has more young Nightingale stories in him, bring them on! And if they happen to include Gussie, that would definitely be all right with me! And as always, Kobna Holbrook-Smith’s narration was superb. His American accents aren’t quite perfect, but are much better than most British narrators’, and way better than most American narrators’ British accents.

Delightful!

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“When a man is tired of Harlem, he is tired of life.”
This was just oozing old school jazz and Harlem atmosphere.

“You know how it is: if you got it, you got to let it out.”
There was a magic mystery surrounding a saxophone, and there were some scenes involving magical creatures and spells.

“I am a practitioner of the love that dare not speak its name.”
However, this was more of a character driven story featuring Augustus (Gussy), his friend Lucy and their black/queer/jazz experiences in 1920s NY. While I would have liked more magic, Nightingale and action,
I have to say Gussy’s POV was stylishly entertaining, especially with the sumptuous narration of Kobna Holbrook-Smith.

20% magic mystery, 80% race/queer struggles

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I am addicted to this story, more please, Mr. Aaronovich! Kobner-Smith is stellar, as always, and one of my favorite narrators.

More!

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I was worried this would lack the charm of Rivers of London, but it was similarly excellent. The voices are spot on, the characters engaging and endearing, and the plot tight.

Excellent

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Magical romp through 1920s Harlem & Long Island. Gussie & crew are a welcome addition to the Rivers of London world. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith at his finest.

Engaging tale & excellent performance

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I was looking forward to this book, but it was just not I had hoped for. I applaud Ben for his attempt at discussing racism and sexuality issues in the 20’s in America, but the story itself just fell a little flat for me. I’m sorry.

I love Rivers of London, but I was a bit disappointed in this one.

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This is a prequel to the Peter Grant series. It’s a great story- funny and touching, and a really good story.

Fresh perspective and characters

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A really fun listen (or read). Politics and prejudices are the same today as they were in the 1920’s. Ben Aaronovitch and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith are a great duo.

Amazing

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Loved hearing about younger Nightengale, and hope to have more stories with "Gussie" (who is a great new character) and the Jazz Era !!! Kobna reads brilliantly as always!!!

Nightengale in Jazz Age New York!!

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OK, Gussie, the narrator, is a Bertie Wooster pastiche, but he's not a complete cipher. He's our bemused guide thru NYC during the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age, and he's got an awesome boyfriend. Nightingale is Nightingale but slightly sharper in tone as is befitting. It's fun and droll and slips in some modest social commentary as we expect. Don't think too much and you'll be glad you were along for the ride.

Enjoy the ride

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