The Hanging Tree

Rivers of London, Book 6

By: Ben Aaronovitch

Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

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

Read in Order, whatever you do!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I wouldn't recommend this one directly, but the series? Most DEFINITELY. It's quirky, clever and has so many laugh out loud moments ,this is my most looked forward to series. This book HAS to be read in order. I hadn't caught up on the story before starting in on this one, and I was a little lost with the constant referring to past events. It's a good story regardless, but one of my least favourite of the series

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was a little lost with the referring to past books. There needed to be a little more context given to past events. Otherwise, it was a good book. The story felt a bit disjointed, and didn't have a clear engaging story line that caught me, but it wasn't bad or boring at all.

What does Kobna Holdbrook-Smith bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has an unreal talent to switch between characters and accents. He is probably my favourite narrator, along side Sebastian York - who has the sexiest voice ALIVE

Any additional comments?

This is such a fun quirky series. Start at the beginning, and listen to it. The narration brings it alive in a way you wouldn't believe. The only thing that set this back from 5 stars for me, was the storyline not being "bowl me over amazing" like the others I've read, but still, decent.

All the big names are back

My favourite so far. All the big names. I missed you Stephanopolous! Brilliant narration. Cool story. Cool history of London. Next one downloaded already.

Good story and praise to the auther

Good story, fun narrating with good use of London slang and dialects
Praise to the author for gathering threads from earlier books, but without closing them all.
He also did a good job of avoid powercreep, what have become stronger in this story is not the protagonist, but police organization behind him (it opens also up for new problems).

I am the most unlikely person to become such a fan

Up front I must confess anything (book, film, audio) with supernatural and/or magic theme has been dismissed by me as unsuitable adult fare. sure, take nephews or nieces to Harry Potter, but thats it. I'm more Nelson de Mille, Gerald Seymour, Barry Eisler - that kind of thing. I got a freebie short about a library and, stuck in Friday night traffic, gave it a go. well, I'm on book 6 or 7 or something now. I have to say the choice of voice actor is huge in this- his performance has made PC Grant feel real and someone youd crack a beer with and watch the rugby. The series have all been great; Ive enjoyed some others, but none have disappointed. Give them a go, but dont be surprised if you end up with all in the series. You have been warned

If you are a fan then you know

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hanging Tree to be better than the print version?

I love Kobna Holbrook-Smith and I think he embodies all of the series so I don't read the print version

What other book might you compare The Hanging Tree to and why?

Sort of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Have you listened to any of Kobna Holdbrook-Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is fantastic

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Loved it but I love the series

Any additional comments?

Get it read it listen to it and if you haven't started the series I'm envious I wish I hadn't read/listened to it because then I could do it again

Best Narration that I have heard for an Audiobook.

The Narrator’s voice and way of reading fit my picture of the main character perfectly. His reading of the story is so smooth, well paced, and well acted that I could completely fall into the story while listening.

Now I have to wait to hear what's next!

Always expect the best from Ben Aaronovitch and again... Not disappointed. Had me hanging on every word. Great suspense and action.

I adore this series!

I wish they came out every month rather than every year! They stories are great fun and Kobna Holbrook Smith brings them to life brilliantly.