Ben Aaronovitch’s “A Nightingale in New York” Delivers Jazz-Age Magic
Ben Aaronovitch returns to the world of Rivers of London with A Nightingale in New York, a novella plunging readers into 1920s Harlem during the Prohibition era. The story follows Nightingale, a British wizard, dispatched to New York on a clandestine mission involving enchanted musical instruments. Published by dtv in October 2025,the book offers fans a thrilling prequel exploring the origins of a magical mystery and the challenges of policing the supernatural in a drastically different cultural landscape.
Set before the events of the main rivers of London series, A Nightingale in New York presents a standalone adventure that expands the established universe. Nightingale arrives in New York and seeks refuge with his former schoolmate, Augustus Berrycloth-Young, utilizing Augustus’s musical connections to locate a mysterious saxophone. The narrative deftly weaves together the vibrant jazz scene,the dangers of prohibition-era New York,and the complexities of navigating a corrupt,non-magical police force-all while investigating the source and potential proliferation of these enchanted instruments.
The novella highlights the stark contrasts between British and American magical practices, as Nightingale contends with a city where societal norms and legal boundaries are markedly different. Issues of prohibition, disguised prostitution, and the persecution of same-sex relationships create a perilous backdrop for Nightingale’s inquiry. Despite its relatively short length, the story delivers a compelling narrative filled with unexpected twists and challenges, promising to resonate with existing fans and potentially draw in new readers to Aaronovitch’s unique blend of urban fantasy and police procedural.
