Stone & sky

Aaronovitch successfully mixes things up for Det. Sgt. Peter Grant in the entertaining 10th Rivers of London urban fantasy (after 2023's Amongst Our Weapons), set in an alternate contemporary Britain where magic is real. Peter, who is also a wizard, heads on vacation to Scotland with his wife, Beverley, a river goddess; their twin toddler daughters; and his parents, who insist on joining them. Naturally, the trip turns into a business holiday; Peter is drawn into a whodunit by his friend, Dr. Abdul Walid, who recruits him to make sense of the murder of a man who, Abdul was shocked to discover, has gills. The killing may be related to a recent series of attacks on sheep in the area by something that leaves bite marks resembling those of a large cat. Aaronovitch's trademark humor is in evidence through Peter's witty narration as he connects these two quirky cases. Series fans will not be disappointed. (July)