Where to start Rivers of London
Start Rivers of London with the first novel (US: Midnight Riot). Do not start with comics, novellas, or the 1920s Nightingale prequel.
Short answer
Rivers of London — US: Midnight Riot
It is the first published novel and the first time Peter Grant notices that a ghost can give a statement. Midnight Riot is the same book. Do not start with The Masquerades of Spring.
The Peter Grant novels are the door
Publication order for the numbered novels, from Rivers of London through Stone and Sky. Midnight Riot is the US title of book one, not a different series.
Do not start with a novella. Do not start with the comics. The series is still growing; extras confuse first-timers more than the novels do.
Chronology is a map, not a syllabus
Aaronovitch’s chronology page interleaves novels, novellas, shorts, and comics. Useful for when stories sit. Wrong as book one through thirty-eight.
The Masquerades of Spring is a 1920s jazz-age Nightingale side story. It will not teach you the Folly as a modern police job. The October Man is Tobias Winter in Germany — a different desk. Tales from the Folly is a cleanup volume after you already like the voice. Comics are optional; starting with Body Work starts in the middle of Peter’s job.
The full Folly map
The novel table, novella flags, and comics note live on the Rivers of London reading-order guide. If you want another copper who learns that the city is the case, where to start Discworld (Watch). If you want the investigator without river gods, Reacher: publication or chronological.
FAQ
Is Midnight Riot a different series?
No. Same first novel, US title.
Should I start with the Nightingale prequel?
No. The Masquerades of Spring is earlier in his life and later on the shelf.
Do I need the comics?
No. A first-time reader who only does the novels will not be lost.
Full maps
