It is the summer of 2013 and Abigail Kamara has been left to her own devices. This might, by those who know her, be considered a mistake. While her cousin, police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant, is off in the sticks chasing unicorns Abigail is chasing her own mystery. Teenagers around Hampstead Heath have been going missing but before the police can get fully engaged the teens return home – unharmed but vague about where they’ve been.
Aided only by her new friend Simon, her knowledge that magic is real and a posse of talking foxes that think they’re spies, Abigail must venture into the wilds of Hampstead to discover who is luring the teenagers and more importantly – why?“

I loved this story told from Abigail‘s point of view, of course I missed Peter a bit but since Abigail is a recurring side character it was lovely to explore her character more through a book that accesses her mind and thinking !
It was a zany adventure that had me mapping out real locations in Hampstead Heath another aspect about Aaronovitch’s books I absolutely love is how much of the real London he brings into his books !
I think this book is more fun for readers of the series but it would work as a standalone since it has more of the feel of a real spinoff since many of the usual characters and places do not make an appearance so continuity is not as much an issue !

I have many of Ben Aaronovitch's books set in this world. I love this one because this one focuses on Abigail who is a character in the book - she is the cousin of Peter who is the main character. What a great book --
Abigail knows all about vestige the magic in the world. She uses it to track down and rescue kids in her own style.
A great companion book to the series. Highly recommended

Fun read that provided insight on Abigail's intelligence and abilities. It wasn't vital to the overall storyline. I enjoyed the wise foxes but missed Peter's sarcasm.

This was a fun novella set in the world of Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series. It was a quick adventure told from the perspective of Abigail, Peter's cousin. I enjoyed her fox sidekicks and the way she interacts with the magical world. The ending sets it up for more of Abigail's adventures and it will be interesting to see more of her stories.

This book deserves two reviews. The first as a standalone for those who haven't read any of the other "Rivers of London" books, and the second tie this book to Peter Grant and Inspector Nightingale. The main character, Abigail, is a thirteen year old black girl who wants to be a wizard/sorceress. She's hoping to prove to Peter that she should be taught by him and Nightingale.

During the summer break, Abigail notices that some of her friends have disappeared for a few days and then return home as if nothing happened. But when her friend Simon can't be found his mother asks Abigail to help look for him. With the help of some other friends, and a talking fox, they track down the last place the other kids had been seen before they went missing.

This leads Abigail to get involved with a lot of the local magical creatures that live in and around Hempstead Heath. It's and enjoyable book, though you may question whether it's really a YA stoty.

I haven't read a Rivers of London book since the first few were published, so it took me a few chapters to get up to speed on Abigail and how she figures into the Rivers of London universe. This appears to be aimed at the teen audience, but is adult-friendly with explanations of slang (which I fear may be outdated by the time it gets published). It's a good way of establishing another level of magical presence in the Rivers of London law enforcement hierarchy. I enjoyed reading about Abigail as a character; she's a teenager smart beyond her years, fully aware of her limitations but also well-versed on how she can work around them. I still don't understand the talking foxes completely, but I love them. I'm looking forward to seeing more books from Abigail's point of view.

Long novella/short novel, a side story to the Rivers of London contemporary fantasy series. What did Peter's cousin, the precocious teenager Abigail do the summer he was away? Get into trouble. Also make a new friend, solve a puzzle, encounter some ghosts, and talk to foxes. You know, the usual.

Told in first person, and mostly present tense. I had a little trouble with Abigail's voice, but that's on me.

Worth reading.

The review of What Abigail Did That Summer by Ben Aaronovitch is in the March 2021 issue of SFRevu and is exclusive to them until April 1st, 2021. It will be available on SFRevu after that date.

<http://sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=19315>

★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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THRE ARE A FEW, UH, PROVISOS, A, A COUPLE OF QUID PRO QUOS
I almost feel like I need to go back and do a lot of re-reading before writing much about this book. I'd have thought that Abigail's involvement with the Folly and Peter wasn't this developed until later in the series.

Also, I know there's a connection between Abigail and the talking foxes, but I don't remember exactly when it comes about and how much of this book is Aaronovich filling in the backstory that he just breezes past in one of the novels.

I didn't feel at a loss for context while reading the book, but I tell you what, I'm feeling it as I try to talk about the novella. So, I guess I'm saying, be nice and forgive any lapses in what's to come:

WHAT'S WHAT ABIGAIL DID THAT SUMMER ABOUT?
This novella is set during the events of Foxglove Summer and Peter's not in London. But never fear, Abigail does talk to Nightingale a couple of times.

Abigail has a strange interaction with someone she used to know and sees someone else acting slightly strangely. She starts, not really investigating, but taking a close look around at everything. Then when the police start asking questions of kids in the park, showing pictures of those same people, she knows something's up.

Not that she tells the police that, because they're not going to believe her. She's told that these children (and others) have gone missing, but then reappear at home, with fuzzy memories of the last couple of days. If Abigail, she thinks, with the help of some of the local talking foxes, can figure out what's going on, she can point Nightingale in the right direction—which might help convince him that she's ready for training.

But mostly, Abigail's curious about what's happening and has to figure it out.

POSTMARTIN'S CONTRIBUTION
Abigail's first-person account is littered with footnotes by the Folly's archivist, Harold Postmartin. Largely, these footnotes are to explain some of the more slang-y terms Abigail uses (although sometimes it's a more technical note). He seems to go to great lengths to make sure that American readers can get what she's saying. I halfway wonder if in UK editions those notes have differences.

I think I could've worked out the terms I wasn't already familiar with, but the footnotes were entertaining enough that it doesn't matter if I could've. This was a better way to deal with it.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHAT ABIGAIL DID THAT SUMMER?
This is absolutely a Folly-story, one that belongs in this series, but there's no way that Peter Grant was the right character to use for this story, Aaronovich needed to use someone like Abigail to tell this, conveniently enough, there she was. She has a different way of thinking than Peter—and while there's humor to her narration, it's not the same as Peter's (even if it's occasionally similar). Seeing things from her perspective, it's a great way to see how she's similar to her cousin, while very much being her own person.

Frequently, with novellas, I walk away wondering why couldn't we get a full novel out of it? This isn't one of those times—the story is as long as it needs to be—it's complex and satisfying. Also, we get a lot of development out of Abigail and get a better degree of understanding of her than we've had before.

That said, there are just so many things I want to know more about, but just making this novel-length wouldn't take care of it. For example, we learn right off the bat that there's something...different...about Simon's mom—and Aaronovich teases us with a couple of more things. I want more of this. I want to know just what it is that Abigail's doing for her. I want more adventures with Abigail and the foxes.

I've always wanted to see more Abigail in the novels—this underscores that for me.

In short, this was a fun story—a strange one at times, but fun—that makes me more curious about a character I already enjoyed, but now I want more of her—both on her own (like this) or in the main novels. I had a similar reaction to the novella The October Man, too. Although that probably is my reaction to anything in this universe (at least so far)—"I enjoyed that, can I have more like it?"

This would be an interesting jumping-on point for the whole series—I'm not sure I'd recommend it, but it might be enough to convince you to dive into the rest.

What Abigail Did That Summer
(Rivers of London)
by Ben Aaronovitch
Subterranean Press @SubPress
March 18, 2021 publishing date
Abigail is the cousin to constable and wizard Peter Grant. This is really about all the background we find out about Abigail, that and her parents are often gone. So the beginning is slightly confusing.
Most of the story is told by Abigail giving an account of what happened to the missing teens and her new friend by explaining to a Fed officer and to the friend's mom. The story is wild and crazy! The world is strange! I have read a few of Peter Grant's books but this was different.
There are gods, talking military foxes, a hidden dimension!
Very exciting but not as easy to follow as others. I can't wait to read more of this series!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book!

I love love love this series - whether it's being narrated by Peter or Abigail or a seemingly random German dude, it's absolutely fabulous! Aaronovitch's ability to shift point of view like he's taking a hat on and off is astonishing to me. He writes each character's voice in such a distinctive and clear manner - there must be 75 people living inside that man's head, and each one is captivating and compelling and has tales to tell... This time 'round, we focus on Abigail - and she's a delight. She's spunky and sassy and not afraid of anything. And when you pair her with her talking foxes, the result is brilliant.

I really loved the story here. It started a little slow for me, taking me a minute to fall into Abigail's cadences. Once I did, we were off to the races... There are missing kids - who aren't always missing; brief glimpses of the Rivers; and Nightingale, although no Peter (he's off on a mysterious unexplained mission, which tells me we'll see a book about him this year too, hooray!). The mystery was, as always, a wonderful blend of magic, myth, surprise, and history. The storytelling and pacing were spot on (again, as always).

I enjoyed the footnotes in the first half/two-thirds of the book - Abigail's argot is not my own, and it helped to get a simultaneous translation. Frankly, I wish Aaronovitch did this for Peter sometimes also, as I don't always catch the references to hipster lingo or London trends/food. It seemed like these stopped though, and there were a few spots in the last bits where I really wish I'd had that sneak-peek behind the language.

I really hope this indicates a new parallel track for the series, with novels in both Abigail AND Peter's voices, as both are unique and exquisitely presented. With the ending on this one, and Abigail's new "job" (can't say more, spoiler), it certainly seems that way - which is wonderful! I'd be tickled pink to see twice as many Rivers books!!

Book 9 in the Rivers of London series is only the second told from the perspective of a character other than Peter Grant (although I supposed The October Man was technically book 7.5...I'm not sure if this will end up officially 9, or as 8.5). In this case, our narrator/main character is Abigail, Peter's teenaged cousin with a not terribly happy home life, sometime sort-of apprentice at The Folly, and beloved of London's Talking Foxes. While Peter is out of town on a not-yet known case, Abigail takes on the mysterious disappearances of some local teenagers on her own (or, at least, without much human help - the Foxes are on the case). The result is a bit of a different feel than the books narrated in Peter's voice, for obvious reasons. I do enjoy the Peter books the most so far, but this was an interesting look at the world through another set of eyes, and the Foxes really are the best, I would really like to see a crossover between these Foxes and Seanan McGuire's Aeslin Mice, but I fear it could go poorly for the mice, and we can't have that...

An enjoyable spinoff from RIvers of London series, this book follows Abigail one summer. Abigail is a great character and I really liked seeing some of Abigail's takes on police procedures from a more 'outside' POV. The little 'notes' on some of Abigail's slang words were well done (so as to make them seem part of the stoy). And that's not even mentioning the talking foxes! The only downside IMO is that there was not quite enough back story on Abigail. Although some of the things 'left out' could also be taken as due to Abigail's very private nature about certain subjects, still it made certain parts of the story a little confusing.

A rousing journey into the world of Abigail Kamara, the younger cousin of police constable and apprentice wizard Peter Grant. Abigail hopes one day to be allowed entry into the hallowed world of magic. Which she certainly knows is real. She is perceived as a ghost hunter, fox whisperer and a veritable troublemaker.
This long novella concerns Abigail's investigation into a rash of "temporary" missing schoolmates. They turn up soon after the police become involved, however unaware where they've been. Abigail handles herself with aplomb, while maintaining a somewhat snarky attitude and demeanor , but yet, remains endearing.
The supernatural element and magic abounds, with talking foxes and an abandoned "House" who only responds to children and not adults. Abigail enlists the aid of a cadre of talking foxes to act as a surveillance force around the perimeter of the "House", which proves to be the nexus of the mystery. Abigail also summons the Summer Court of the River Fleet to seek guidance.
Aaronovich continues his usual excellent world building skills and characterizations to propel the narrative to a satisfying denouement. His voice consistently acknowledges that magic is real!. Enough backstory is supplied to allow anyone to thoroughly enjoy this tale as a standalone. Thanks to NetGaley and Subterranean Press for supplying an Uncorrected Proof of this delightful excursion in exchange for an honest Review.
(at readersremains.com)

Ben Aarronovitch has finally dedicated a book to the fabulous Abigail!  Tensions are heightened  when children start disappearing in London. Abigail's investigations into the disappearances soon entangles her in a haunted house, with a twist.  Aaronovitch positions Abigail as a spunky, intelligent heroine.  It's nice to learn about her outside the confines of the Folly, and her intelligent fox friends provide their own brand of bizarre comic relief.  This is an excellent addition to the Rivers of London series.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3848218910?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

This is an utterly wonderful new addition to the Rivers of London series, featuring Abigail, Peter Grant's talented and determined cousin. Armed with enough knowledge of magic to be dangerous, she takes on a haunted house trapping teens inside--all with a little help from talking foxes and her friend Simon. I loved every minute, and can't wait to learn more about the foxes and their intelligence network in future books in the series. Abigail is a great narrator: smart and knowing and likable. I want more of her, too.

This novella about Peter's precocious, caring, frustrated young cousin Abigail and large talking foxes is exactly as engaging as you'd wish. Add in that she solves the problem and saves the people without any particular magic beyond a willingness to listen and look (and take great personal risks).

Love the myth/origin story that Indigo tells ⅔ of the way through: "dreadful intelligence unencumbered by wisdom." [*looks around, gestures at...everything* yep, that sounds about right.]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC

I have not read a book from this series in a while, but was glad to get back to this world. This story focused on Peter Grant’s young cousin, Abigail. She is aware of the magical world and wants to learn more about it.
Abigail is drawn into a mystery when several young people in her neighborhood disappear and some of them reappear. Abigail, along with her new friend, Simon, and a group of magical talking foxes, work to figure out what is going on. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Honestly, how can you not love the talking foxes! Thanks, NetGalley!

I was intrigued when I saw this title listed as I always enjoy a new Rivers of London novel and I had not heard that this novella was in the offing featuring a starring role for Abby, a somewhat minor character in the series otherwise. However the execution for me fell far short of expectations with what I found as somewhat repetitious scenes of the dreamlike stories/lives the children experience while in the house, and I found myself skimming over these as they failed to hold my interest and didn't seem to really add anything to the story other than to lengthen it. Personally I feel the book would have been more effective and enjoyable if it had been shorter without the multiple dreamlike scenes in the house. Not nearly as good as the other series novella The October Man, However I did like the expansion and backstory regarding the foxes and their world. Definitely only for fans of the series, newcomers would likely be lost.

Really fun new entry into the Rivers of London series, this time focusing on Abigail Kamara (the cousin of the usual protagonist, Peter Grant). This work deals with a lot of time shifts which can be somewhat confusing (particularly on the eARC, which also included a number of strange fonts and color depths that appeared to be randomly applied) but ultimately pays off in the end. It appears that this may be the start of a new series in its own right, which is exciting. Abigail is a compelling protagonist and her relationships with both the talking foxes of London and the very intriguing Summer Court of the River Fleet left me eager to read the next in the series. We even get a few insights into Nightingale while left me curious to learn more. Note: While less bloody then some of the previous Rivers of London text and despite featuring a child protagonist, I don't think I would classify this as YA. It would also be somewhat confusing to read if one was wholly unfamiliar with the Rivers of London series even despite efforts to explain core world building concepts. Mild to moderate familiarity, however, would suffice.