It’s nice to spend more time with the familiar characters, and the story is readable, but overall I find this novel somewhat unappealing.

1. Peter Grant is sent into the Serious Cybernetics Corporation as an undercover agent to investigate what’s going on there. The SCC is a rather dreary place full of unfunny in-jokes about [b:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|386162|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #1)|Douglas Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559986152l/386162._SX50_SY75_.jpg|3078186]; I don’t enjoy reading about it.

2. The initial chapters are out of chronological order, which seems unnecessary and is somewhat confusing and annoying.

3. The new characters introduced in this story will probably never be seen again; even the author doesn’t seem much interested in them.

4. The story turns out to have not one but various different baddies of different levels of weirdness, acting at cross-purposes. It seems too complicated.

5. There’s something called a Mary Engine, which seems to be steampunk technology from the 19th century, but somehow functions as a generator of magical power—mixed up with various other diverse ingredients whose relevance is unclear and never really explained. I suppose the author wanted a generator of magical power for this story, and decided to cook one up using whatever ingredients first came into his head. I don’t think it was a good idea; I hope the Mary Engine won’t reappear in future books.

6. In the context of the series, it’s an uneventful story, in the sense that the regular characters experience little change of status.

7. Lesley has disappeared without trace, and is mentioned in passing only a couple of times.

It’s good enough to read, and reread occasionally; there’s nothing about it that I seriously dislike; but it’s lacking in positive attractions. ( )

The story definitely improved with Kobna's reading. It took me a long, long time to get to the audio version, having bounced so hard off the hardcover.

The narrative time shifts that make up the first third of the book remain challenging in audio, but having read the book previously, I was prepared and this time, they made more sense. Still, it is worth noting that I found myself consulting Audible's 'chapters' page more than ever before, double-checking the time period

In terms of audio quality, in parts Kobna's normally smooth voice sounded a little rough and gravely. I think the timing on this one happened right after he was on stage as Ike Turner, and I wonder if he was suffering from vocal strain. It didn't seem to impair his accent abilities, as I thought Reynold's American had notably improved, and a couple of brief appearances by the Irish were delightful. Ben seems to be getting a little annoying, however--at one point, he says something about a 'mid-Atlantic' accent. Ben, I live in the States, and even I'm not sure how you would tell that one. Stop fucking with Kobna.

Near the end of the book, I started to alternate again between book and audio. I can see again why the book was such a struggle: even in the ending chapters, there are long passages of description about computer rooms, or warehouse districts, and I find myself wondering, where's the dialogue? The actual battle is over in three, four pages. Where's the editing? Honestly, someone needs to keep Ben in check on description, because this story had a lot of false value. Still, utterly redeemed with Kobna.

[b:Whispers Underground|25865807|Whispers Underground|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436275376l/25865807._SY75_.jpg|14864236]= [b:The Hanging Tree|21479290|The Hanging Tree (Rivers of London, #6)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1480443659l/21479290._SY75_.jpg|40801856]) > [b:Broken Homes|16078584|Broken Homes (Rivers of London, #4)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403204872l/16078584._SY75_.jpg|21875874] > [b:Rivers of London|9317452|Rivers of London (Rivers of London, #1)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401385034l/9317452._SY75_.jpg|13552476] > [b:Lies Sleeping|36534574|Lies Sleeping (Rivers of London, #7)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517326409l/36534574._SY75_.jpg|58260751] > [b:False Value|45016688|False Value (Rivers of London, #8)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564222811l/45016688._SY75_.jpg|69684460] > [b:Foxglove Summer|20499240|Foxglove Summer (Rivers of London, #5)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1402338677l/20499240._SY75_.jpg|34142449] >> [b:Moon Over Soho|10381195|Moon Over Soho (Rivers of London, #2)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401386247l/10381195._SY75_.jpg|13552477] ( )

Delivered as advertised.

Oh yes; you heard right. The founder of Goodreads’ Folly Irregulars and long-time fan of the Peter Grant novels, has found one of the books to be over-rated and boring. I daresay even badly written. Hopefully, a second listen-through can redeem it, but there is no way that should be a thing for an Aaronovitch book.

Narrative is from Peter, but this feels like an older, even more serious Peter. There’s a few humorous observations along the way, and some waxing emotional over Bev, but for the most part, I found the tone straight-forward and serious. I’m looking to Kobna’s reading to redeem this for me, as my preferred form for this series has been listening. It makes sense; Aaronovitch tends to be light on descriptives, so a good actor can bring the character to life.

Still, most of the humor that I associate with the series seems to come from the tech-mogul’s conceit of naming his corporation and referencing all the roles within from Douglas Adams’ [b:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|11|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #1)|Douglas Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1531891848l/11._SY75_.jpg|3078186]. I will be first to say I love Hitchhiker’s in many forms (excepting the movie, really), but even I found this overkill. I can’t imagine what people who actively or indifferently responded will think. There were three or four lines that really stood out; otherwise I’d say it felt rather humorless, and much more like [b:The October Man|42389859|The October Man (Rivers of London, #7.5)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1543258560l/42389859._SY75_.jpg|66064112], with Tobias of the German police.

Bev felt like a baby-making adjunct this time. I did appreciate the explanation Peter gives at one point about how ‘magic’ might force he and Bev’s relationship into different places, but I think that one’s out of the barn, so to speak. I also felt like there was a lot of ret-conning about Bev’s Russian thug who is now her one (and only–parenthetical always added) acolyte. I think it pulls the teeth of the genus locii to say they don’t act with self-indulgence. I get it: it’s the eighth book in a series, but I’m seriously getting the feel that it’s getting out of Aaronovitch’s hands. I suggest he have more beta-readers who might read for series continuity. I did like the comment from his dad that the only time he doesn’t think about playing is when he’s playing.

What really killed it for me was the storyline, which was unnecessarily convoluted through a chopped-up timeline. When an author jumps back and forth in time, they risk losing both coherency and tension, and both end up suffering here. In a feeble effort to regain suspense, Aaronovitch frequently had Peter saying things like, “I was looking forward to enjoying my night at home with Bev. I should know better than to say things like that.” Once we reach page 200 or so (give or take; I can’t be bothered to review for accuracy), the timeline settles down and the story becomes more linear. But by then, I’m not sure it helps. It’s sort of a spy vs. spy vs. spy vs. McGuffin objective, and I just wasn’t sold anymore on the urgency.

Oh, and that ending! I’m of two minds. For how slow the build was, it’s a quick flash-bang. I won’t say any more for risk of spoilers, but I found myself annoyed and impressed in equal measures.

Two and a half stars, rounding up out of nostalgia.

Initial DNF update from page 113 Either Ben or I needs an intervention. Or his editor. I'm at page 113 and bored. Bored? you say. Yes, you read that right. Perhaps Kobna will save it, but I have my doubts. So far, Peter is working undercover security at a tech firm whose quirky founder has referenced Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in all his organizational roles and policies. He's run into a guy, which takes us back to an investigation a few months preceding. Details are sort of falling into place, but not well. I'm learning a little about two insignificant (probably) dudes at the tech firm than I am about any updates in our normal team. It's a snoozefest, besides the Hitchhiker jokes, which have actually gotten old at this point.

Characterization, absent. World-building, not branching out at all. Plot, slow and meandering.

Narrative, disjointed.

Update after listening to the audio:

([b:Whispers Underground|25865807|Whispers Underground|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436275376l/25865807._SY75_.jpg|14864236]= [b:The Hanging Tree|21479290|The Hanging Tree (Rivers of London, #6)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1480443659l/21479290._SY75_.jpg|40801856]) > [b:Broken Homes|16078584|Broken Homes (Rivers of London, #4)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403204872l/16078584._SY75_.jpg|21875874] > [b:Rivers of London|9317452|Rivers of London (Rivers of London, #1)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401385034l/9317452._SY75_.jpg|13552476] > [b:Lies Sleeping|36534574|Lies Sleeping (Rivers of London, #7)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517326409l/36534574._SY75_.jpg|58260751] > [b:False Value|45016688|False Value (Rivers of London, #8)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1564222811l/45016688._SY75_.jpg|69684460] > [b:Foxglove Summer|20499240|Foxglove Summer (Rivers of London, #5)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1402338677l/20499240._SY75_.jpg|34142449] >> [b:Moon Over Soho|10381195|Moon Over Soho (Rivers of London, #2)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401386247l/10381195._SY75_.jpg|13552477] ( )

I reserved 'False Value' at the library before it was published and watched sadly as its status remained In Transit for more than six months during the library closures. Having finally been able to retrieve it, I spent an enjoyable weekend in magical London following Peter Grant around. Mixing things up a bit, he's working at a tech firm that really overdoes the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy references. Of course, this does not mean he has left magic behind. An intriguing mystery unfolds, seemingly unrelated to the whole Faceless Man plot arc of previous installments. It's fun to see Peter in a new milieu, although it does mean a bit less time with the rest of the usual suspects. Nonetheless, I found the tech-based mystery plot involving and enjoyed the glimpses into magic overseas. In this case, a duo of American librarians representing a magical librarian secret society (very [b:The Magicians|6101718|The Magicians (The Magicians, #1)|Lev Grossman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1313772941l/6101718._SY75_.jpg|6278977]). The pace is sustained well, with a good combination of exciting drama and cosy domesticity. The Folly gets the builders in; Beverley makes new friends; a few more pieces of Nightingale's tragic backstory emerge. Peter has clearly benefited from therapy and manages not to endanger himself excessively despite encountering evil magic drones, angry ghosts, knife-wielding miscreants, and what appears to be a hellmouth. I liked the detail that Nightingale found him taking to undercover work unsettling. Peter's concern about Beverly's goddess powers was also handled well. Beverley takes it easy throughout the book, as she's busy being pregnant with twins. Guleed and Abigail have excellent cameo appearances. Molly bakes tiny cakes and Foxglove paints (magical?) portraits of anyone who will sit still for long enough.

While 'False Value' didn't delight me as much as [b:Lies Sleeping|36534574|Lies Sleeping (Rivers of London, #7)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517326409l/36534574._SY75_.jpg|58260751], it was still a really good time. I liked the skeptical angle on tech hype and juxtapositions of technology and magic. Peter's empirical approach to magic, as well as certain ingenious use of batteries, suggest the two can work together. The world-building of this series continues to develop in very interesting ways and the characters are endearing. The [b:Rivers of London|9317452|Rivers of London (Rivers of London, #1)|Ben Aaronovitch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401385034l/9317452._SY75_.jpg|13552476] series provides high quality escapism, which is particularly valuable at the moment. ( )

Fred read ( )