The main thrust of the story concerns a revenant of a dead actor, who taking the role of Mr. Punch, forces random individuals to act out what are ultimately murderous scenes in a warped version of a classic play occurring mostly in his head. Those individuals who fall under his control -- unfortunately becoming murderers by proxy -- eventually suffer the severe misfortune of having their faces fall off. Secondary to this thread, and more relevant to the title, is an ongoing dispute between two powerful supernatural entities, who are the author's unique take on river gods. One male, one female, both concerned with territorial disputes along the mighty River Thames. But the real gem is the style of writing linking all of the above into an immersive world. Ben Aaronovitch writes with a subtle, laid-back yet nicely acerbic wit, lobbing in observations on life in modern London which make it all seem easily and sometimes sleazily real. It is no great step to accept that magic exists as an energy accessible to few -- and via living incarnations -- that are known to the authorities. Issues which are managed by the police like any other, albeit on the quiet. Peter Grant soon finds himself seconded to 'The Folly' a department that has no official existence, and contains only one superior office. There, he begins to learn the basics of magic, and the world of the hidden. The supporting cast are also nicely drawn, especially Grant's mentor, Nightingale, and Beverley Brook, the sexy incarnation of a Thames tributary.

Occasionally the story meandered a little, though never enough to detract from the overall quality of what was on offer. There was a distinctive, original and deeply refreshing feel about this title. I have no hesitation in recommending it to fans of magic-tinged murder mystery, and especially those who want the pleasure of being able to say that they were in at the start of something a bit special.