Midnight Riot    by Ben Aaronovitch Order:  USA  Can Del Rey, 2011 (2011) Paperback, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Peter Grant, constable-in-training, is about to be assigned to records, the last place he wants to be. His dream is to become a detective in London's Metropolitan Police. Unfortunately, his curiosity frequently distracts him from the crime being investigated so it's unlikely he'll ever be assigned there. On the night before he must report to his new assignment in records, Peter is called with other new constables to secure the scene of the murder of a headless man. He is approached by Nicholas Wallpenny, an eyewitness, to the murder. His information seems reliable, but the man claims to be a ghost. Peter takes his statement but doesn't know how he can use it or who would believe he spoke to a ghost. The next night he goes back to the scene of the crime to ask Wallpenny more questions. While waiting for the ghost, he is approached by Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale. Not realizing the man is a detective, Peter tells him he's waiting for a ghost. He later realizes that Nightingale is not only a Detective Chief Inspector but that he is a well-kept secret to most of London. Nightingale investigates all crimes involving the strange, abnormal, or unusual. In short, he chooses his own investigations based on the possibility that magic was used. Chief Inspector Nightingale is the last registered wizard in England. Peter's curiosity and willingness to believe the unexplained suddenly becomes an asset. He becomes Nightingale's apprentice. As dangerous as the magical world that exists under London's surface is, Peter believes his assignment is even better than being a detective on the Metropolitan Police. Getting to know this particularly appealing new detective and his mentor promises to be a mind-blowing experience. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews