Books and Mortar

What happens when a London police constable discovers that ghosts are real, magic is alive and the city’s rivers have gods of their own? In this episode, I chat about Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London, a murder mystery tangled up with magic, history and a deeply supernatural London. We talk about the endlessly curious Peter Grant, his mysterious mentor Thomas Nightingale, and a city that may just be the book’s most important character. Clever, funny and exceedingly London, but was it enough to make me continue the series?

In this episode, we explore a fragmented, emotionally dense portrait of a complicated mother, a wounded childhood, and the making of one of literature's most fearless voices. We dig into inheritance, language, love that arrives in the wrong shape, and what it means to turn damage into meaning. A book that doesn't let you go easily — and an episode that tries to do it justice.

SPOILERS

In this episode, I dive into The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson, a fantasy filled with murder, political intrigue, sacred animal monasteries, and ancient prophecy. We follow Neema Kraa as she investigates the murder of a tournament contender while the empire of Orrun edges closer to catastrophe. Along the way, I talk about the tragedy of Ruko Valit, why Cain completely stole my heart, and the twist that genuinely broke my brain. Beneath all the chaos and mythology, this is also a story about guilt, belonging, and the fragile connections people cling to in order to remain human.

SPOILERS: What happens when a criminal mastermind meets the world of fairies? In this episode, I unpack Artemis Fowl and why it’s an exciting, accessible read for younger audiences. With adventure, wit, and a touch of magic, it’s a brilliant introduction to fantasy. Especially for kids just discovering the joy of books.

A throwback favourite until my next episode