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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
I have a feeling this book might go up to a five star next time I read it. I had just enough second-hand anxiety from some of the situations that the first time through was a bit more stressful than I anticipated from Nick & Nora In Spaaaace
Would I recommend this book over the Lady Austronaut series? Hell no. But I can't fault an author for setting a high bar. This was a fun read. I believe everything is wrapped up in a neat little package, which is a good trait in a murder mystery. Dog doesn't die. All the chapter titles being cocktail recipes was a nice touch. It has lush vibes. Set on a luxury cruise space ship in the future allowed for some futuristic worldbuilding that is quickly normalized among the luxury (murders notwithstanding). Cute book tbh
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A futuristic murder mystery a la The Thin Man, complete with recipes for cocktails on each chapter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Murder
Moderate: Violence, Medical trauma
Minor: Ableism, Police brutality, Kidnapping
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved, loved this book. I love a good mystery novel, and by that what I mean is, I love books with likeable leads who are sleuths. It's very specific! It's about the detectives!! Because if I were here for just a mystery, there's a bit of deus ex machina in the final killer, which I generally am not not into - it adds extra to a story way too close to the ending, and makes you feel like the author's trying to one-up you instead of allowing you to keep guessing.
But okay. On the other hand, I HAD A BLAST with this book. Tesla is a wonderful lead, good backstory and incredible moxie. Shal is the dreamiest detective romance hero, exactly what I want in all my mysteries. Watching them work through the crime and their various injuries and love for each other was wonderful, especially as I do LOVE an established and unquestionably adoring couple.
The scene-setting is fantastic - great, vibrant characters overall, all on a spaceship in a galaxy far away. Despite how much we had to learn about everything at once, I didn't feel overwhelmed, and loved being able to understand the universe at my own pace. Also, much like Becky Chambers' space stuff, I really loved this version of the future: inclusive and inquisitive, full of really fun science and even time quirks.
I would read a hundred more Shal and Tesla books. I adored the time I spent in this one.
But okay. On the other hand, I HAD A BLAST with this book. Tesla is a wonderful lead, good backstory and incredible moxie. Shal is the dreamiest detective romance hero, exactly what I want in all my mysteries. Watching them work through the crime and their various injuries and love for each other was wonderful, especially as I do LOVE an established and unquestionably adoring couple.
The scene-setting is fantastic - great, vibrant characters overall, all on a spaceship in a galaxy far away. Despite how much we had to learn about everything at once, I didn't feel overwhelmed, and loved being able to understand the universe at my own pace. Also, much like Becky Chambers' space stuff, I really loved this version of the future: inclusive and inquisitive, full of really fun science and even time quirks.
I would read a hundred more Shal and Tesla books. I adored the time I spent in this one.
Content Warnings
The lead character has PTSD and needs pain management drugs/devices, but that's managed and addressed really tactfully.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No