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The Masquerades of Spring

By: Ben Aaronovitch
Narrated by: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
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Publisher's summary

New York City, New York.

Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young—fop, flaneur, and Englishman abroad—as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.

That is, until his old friend Thomas Nightingale arrives, pursuing a rather mysterious affair concerning an old saxophone—which will take Gussie from his warm bed, to the cold shores of Long Island, and down to the jazz clubs where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows . . .

©2024 Ben Aaronovitch (P)2024 Tantor
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What listeners say about The Masquerades of Spring

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    4 out of 5 stars

I love Rivers of London, but I was a bit disappointed in this one.

I was looking forward to this book, but it was just not I had hoped for. I applaud Ben for his attempt at discussing racism and sexuality issues in the 20’s in America, but the story itself just fell a little flat for me. I’m sorry.

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3 people found this helpful

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Amazing

A really fun listen (or read). Politics and prejudices are the same today as they were in the 1920’s. Ben Aaronovitch and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith are a great duo.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Let’s hear more about Gussy!

What a great idea and what a great location/time for a setting. It may be unlikely but I would love to hear more about Gussy ( and Coco and Luci).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

loved

this series never fails everyone is a perfect followup for the one that came before Ben can not write them fast enough and Kobna is amazing at narrator

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Yay A new book

I really enjoyed this book. The characters and the story - great the narrator - perfect as always. I really liked being able to have a little bit more about Nightingale in the story. My only complaint is that it was too short, but it’s not one of the regular book novels so I understand. Can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoy the ride

OK, Gussie, the narrator, is a Bertie Wooster pastiche, but he's not a complete cipher. He's our bemused guide thru NYC during the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age, and he's got an awesome boyfriend. Nightingale is Nightingale but slightly sharper in tone as is befitting. It's fun and droll and slips in some modest social commentary as we expect. Don't think too much and you'll be glad you were along for the ride.

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Delightful!

I loved it all. I have loved all the Rivers of London series, but this added a whole other element. As a young teenager, I discovered, and loved, P. G. Wodehouse, and in so many ways this reminded me of his stuff. Gussie was distinctly reminiscent of Bertie Wooster, but with added heroic elements. Jeeves was distributed across a couple of characters, and there were a couple of grace notes from other Wodehouse books as well, while the whole was pure Aaronovitch. If he has more young Nightingale stories in him, bring them on! And if they happen to include Gussie, that would definitely be all right with me! And as always, Kobna Holbrook-Smith’s narration was superb. His American accents aren’t quite perfect, but are much better than most British narrators’, and way better than most American narrators’ British accents.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Engaging tale & excellent performance

Magical romp through 1920s Harlem & Long Island. Gussie & crew are a welcome addition to the Rivers of London world. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith at his finest.

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More!

I am addicted to this story, more please, Mr. Aaronovich! Kobner-Smith is stellar, as always, and one of my favorite narrators.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful, magical. intense. perfect narration,

The story is set in Manhattan New York City. Main character who assists Nightingale is silly, sweet, loyal and surprises himself with both bravery and honor. The author takes a stock English character of youth, wealth, silliness and explores his depth. He also is a trained magician, is gay, and in love with a wonderful African American writer. They both love jazz, which as we know is magical in its own way in the Rivers of London stories. Magical musical instruments with deep sorrow and upset turn up and Nightingale must trace them down. Enjoy!

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