London Falling
Four London coppers form a special task force when the linchpin of their undercover operation—a preternaturally successful Mob boss—explodes in a shower of blood before betraying any useful information. The investigation into his death becomes a quagmire of occult crimes, especially once the team discovers an artifact that allows them to see more of London’s dark side than they ever wanted. With their new Sight, they connect the murder to a powerful witch in the service of the “smiling man,” who may be trying to bring hell to London. Cornell’s noir-tinged London has a deep, devilish occult mythology, though the particulars of this case, involving Anne Boleyn, the history of the West Ham football team, and child sacrifice, can be difficult to follow. The narrative switches frequently among the four officers, and they occasionally become indistinguishable, but each has a compelling stake in the investigation. Although less funny, this “Old Bill versus Old Nick” story will appeal to readers of Ben Aaronovitch’s paranormal police procedural series, Rivers of London. --Krista Hutley