This series has been described as "what if Harry Potter grew up and joined the Fuzz," but with each new work it becomes clearer that it's a distant cousin to J.K. Rowling's world. Ben Aaronovitch has both style and content that are far more realistic, and his setting will be familiar to anyone with experience of life in a major British city. In particular the urban sprawl of modern London. As might be expected, the frame of reference is also distinctly English, with many cultural idiosyncrasies to amuse and delight. Broken Homes supporting cast includes established favourites such as PC Lesley May, Dr. Walid, the Faceless Man, and Grant's immediate superior, Nightingale. At long last we get to see just what the experienced older wizard is capable of when pushed. We're also treated to developments concerning Lesley May, and a significant appearance by arch nemesis the Faceless Man. Throughout, the author delivers a story that feels comfy as a pair of old slippers, yet decidedly fresher. Helping to keep the series moving forward is the welcome addition of magical newcomer Varvara Sidorovna, who seems destined to play an ongoing supporting role. Strangely, it is the lead character who seems to make the least progress here, either magically or in terms of character development. Its not that he's boring or overshadowed too much, it's more a case of treading water. For example, his unwillingness to begin a relationship with Beverley Brook, and his less than spectacular progress as a magical practitioner. The author is clearly keen to keep his characters as real as possible, given that they inhabit a London where magic is a fact of life, and this is no bad thing. But sometimes I felt the story could have done with a little less mundanity and a little more of the tension and zap found in later chapters.

All in all, Broken Homes continues a winning formula, and builds well on events which took place in the previous three titles. The one issue that continues to frustrate me as a reader, is that Nightingale is such an enigma, and I always want to know more than is revealed. In the same way that Gandalf and Dumbledore outshine their respective protégés, Nightingale and his mysterious past casts a giant shadow over PC Grant. Perhaps Ben Aaronovitch should write a spin-off retrospective novel?