The Hanging Tree cover art

The Hanging Tree

Rivers of London, Book 6

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About this listen

Suspicious deaths are not usually the concern of PC Peter Grant or the Folly, even when they happen at an exclusive party in one of the most expensive apartment blocks in London. But Lady Ty's daughter was there, and Peter owes Lady Ty a favour.

Plunged into the alien world of the super-rich, where the basements are bigger than the house and dangerous, arcane items are bought and sold on the open market, a sensible young copper would keep his head down and his nose clean. But this is Peter Grant we're talking about.

He's been given an unparalleled opportunity to alienate old friends and create new enemies at the point where the world of magic and that of privilege intersect. Assuming he survives the week....

Read by Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

Features an audio-exclusive interview with Ben Aaronovitch and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

©2016 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2016 Orion Publishing Group Classics Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Funny Suspense Paranormal England

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What made the experience of listening to The Hanging Tree the most enjoyable?

The narrator is particularly suited to this series and the wide range of accents that he has really lends authenticity to the story.

Any additional comments?

Peter is back and so is the faceless man. Set deep in the mysteries of London, the Hanging Tree is both the name of a pub and a relic of bygone criminal action. It seems only fitting that an officer of the law should look there for clues. Peter once again risks his life and several blocks of prime real estate to neutralise the bad guys and as always, he does it with style.
Peter is one of my all-time favourite characters and I always look forward to Aaronovitch’s unique London style. The characters are well built and are particularly expressive when it comes to British wit. The mix of ancient London architecture, history, and myths and legends make the books really come alive, not to mention the lively natural element that the rivers bring. Nightingale enables the reader to get an understanding of the immense scale of the world that Aaronovitch has created, giving the story a depth in time.
If you get the chance to listen to the audio version, which I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed. The narrator has a distinctive style and really embodies Peter’s character.

Steeped in the mystical

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Thank you, Ben. Well worth waiting for. Kobna excellent as usual. Can't wait for next one.

Brilliant!

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brilliant loved the book and narration brings it alive, thanks Ben and kobna

brilliant again

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Loved this, Ben's writing is great as usual and Kobna could talk to me for hours, in fact he just has.

I may just need to continue with this addiction and start back at the beginning (again) and read right through them all. (ETA In fact I did just this, and have continued to reread each time a new book comes out so they flow together.)

Do I recommend these books, I sure do, so go start with book 1.

Flowing on through, following the the rivers paths

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Another powerful story brilliantly narrated with wonderful subplots characters & red herrings more please

The Hanging Tree

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Whilst the wait between books gets longer and longer, the results get better and better. Excellent story, excellent characters and an enjoyable voyage from beginning to end. Kobna brings the text to life so easily and now we just have to wait for the next one...

Better and better

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IMO the previous book 'Foxglove Summer' was an unnecessary diversion from the momentum developed in 'Broken Homes' so, it was great to have Peter and Nightingale back on the trail of 'The Faceless Man' and Lesley.

A good story, with some new and returning characters. Once again, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is excellent as the narrator. Also, the brief interview with Holdbrook-Smith and the author was a pleasant addition.

Now, onto Book 7!

Back on track!

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Loved it. Although we have the hard back copy I couldn't resist the audio book as Kobna reads it so well and will forever be the voice of Peter. Some good twists and turns and further insight into the lives of the rivers and the history and future of the folly. It leaves you sad that you have to wait for the next one.

Excellent yet again

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Loved the whole Rivers of London series, which I read in ebook format. Thought I'd go for audiobook on this next adventure and honestly, I'd rather I hadn't. It's been ruined by the reader who sounds like he's continually just got out of bed. There's relaxed and there's relaxed. This is just irritating. Which is a shame.

That voice though..

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This is an excellent example of how an audiobook can brilliantly bring to life an average book.

Between the previous books and this one I recommended the series to my sister to read and she now will never take a recommendation from me again. I was initially dismayed, but listening to this book and paying more attention to the language written, rather than the story performed. I can see what she meant. The writing is repetitive and cliched. The performance,however brings it to life excellently.

Why audiobooks work

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