At the same time Peter is disturbed by a number of deaths of amateur and semi-professional jazz musicians that occurred shortly after they performed.

[5] The novel was well received, with reviewers praising the novel's humour and sense of place; the main detractor being the incomplete plot when taken as a self-contained novel as much of the story is left unresolved.

[2][6][7] In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Peter Ingham praised the novel's "laconic humour" and stated "It is a rich formula with a bittersweet ending.

"[2] Writer Sam Downing was also positive in his review, calling the protagonist a "fresh, likeable hero", the plot "messy and ridiculous and fun as it sounds."

Ben Aaronovitch continues the successful formula of Rivers of London in bringing to the surface the endearing minutae of a city that he clearly adores."