Tales from the Folly (Rivers of London #1.5, 1.6, 4.6, 5.65, 6.5)

First of all let me say I LOVE this series. Each of the full length books is a delight in its own way. (I might add, though it is better to read them in order, if any newcomers happen to read this.). I was sooooooo excited to see that Tales of the Folly was finally out. I bought it immediately without reading any reviews. The Good things: The introduction before each entry in Tales is very helpful and puts the entry in the chronological order. 2). For the most part, the entries are about the characters/world that River people have come to know and love. The VERY BAD: These entries, for the most part, read like editing out takes from the full length books. or 2) The entries were idea drafts for other books that didn”t go. This is not to say that they are badly written, its just that the story just. . . stops abruptly when you KNOW there should be more!

This is not a short story collection, its a collection of teases. The author starts what seems like it would be the beginning of something interesting and then just stops! Annoying. Dont waste your money.

I was heartened by author Ben Aaronovitchs closing note on page 135, whichduring this horrible pandemic in the StatesI greatly appreciate. See below.
Until then, good luck, stay safe and keep the faith. Ben Aaronovitch June 2020
Thank you, Ben A! I wish you the same.

I love having the Peter Grant stories together, especially the Kindle version of A Rare Book of Cunning Device, which was an Audible special. I enjoyed the stories about the Rivers of Londons secondary characters. Theres toddler god Luggs introduction to Dominic, Victor, and the three Teme goddesses. There are many good stories, but also a few I skimmed, including A Dedicated Follower of Fashion. It features disreputable people called the Deplorables, a name with a different and yet a similar sorta flavor here in the States. On the lighter side, this fashion story introduces Wanda, a baby genius locorum of the River Wandle, a tributary of the River Thames.

I skimmed The Moments, which are very short, short stories. Im looking forward to hearing Kobna Holbrook-Smith narrate this audiobook. Im re-reading Ben As introductions to the storiesand his hints of books, novellas, etc. to come.

Tales from the Folly is the best kind of short story collection. It collects, all under one cover, stories which had appeared elsewhere and now the rights have apparently reverted to the author.

So I get to read stories such as those included exclusively in the Waterstones (major British bookstore chain) edition of the Rivers of London novels.

Of course, I was delighted with the opening Peter Grant stories section. Being a retired librarian myself, not too surprisingly my favorite tale of all was A Rare Book of Cunning Device.

The rest of the book included short stories featuring other characters, in particular Abigail’s story Favourite Uncle.

This entire collection is highly recommended for urban fantasy fans and especially Rivers of London series fans!!

I read this collection in one go and thoroughly enjoyed Aaronovitch’s introduction of new characters and locations. Am really looking forward to the extension of his numinous London into new areas involving these fascinating characters and concepts.

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