When American exchange student James Gallagher is found stabbed to death on the tracks at Baker Street station of London's subway line, something seems unnatural. It appears magic may have been involved. That's why PC Peter Grant, a wizard's apprentice, is called in on the case. Peter is learning magic as fast as he can as a member of the Met's Economic and Specialist Crime Unit 9, aka The Folly, a department that doesn't officially exist.

It doesn't help matters any when James Gallagher's politically powerful family send over FBI agent Kimberley Reynolds to assist in the case. The strongly religious agent has absolutely no idea what she's dealing with when it comes to Peter and all the mystical information he's discovering.

Peter's investigation eventually leads to a rogue magician called "The Faceless Man" who's wreaking supernatural havoc in the underground subway system. With the help of his superior, Inspector Nightingale, England's last registered wizard, Peter uncovers more than he ever imagined possible.

In WHISPERS UNDER GROUND, "Doctor Who" screenwriter Ben Aaronovitch has written an entertaining third addition to his Rivers of London paranormal crime series, which also includes MIDNIGHT RIOT and MOON OVER SOHO. With witty one- liners and an amusing cast of characters, he gives readers an enlightening and unique take on quite a different type of London. I think reading the first two books in the series will help readers understand more about this novel's characters and how their backstory affects current events.

Book Summary

A WHOLE NEW REASON TO MIND THE GAP

It begins with a dead body at the far end of Baker Street tube station, all that remains of American exchange student James Gallagher — and the victim’s wealthy, politically powerful family is understandably eager to get to the bottom of the gruesome murder. The trouble is, the bottom — if it exists at all — is deeper and more unnatural than anyone suspects . . . except, that is, for London constable and sorcerer’s apprentice Peter Grant.

With Inspector Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, tied up in the hunt for the rogue magician known as “the Faceless Man,” it’s up to Peter to plumb the Haunted depths of the oldest, largest, and — as of now — deadliest subway system in the world.

At least he won’t be alone. No, the FBI has sent over a crack agent to help. She’s young, ambitious, beautiful . . . and a born-again Christian apt to view any magic as the work of the devil. Oh yeah — that’s going to go well.