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A review by jdhacker
The Vulcan Academy Murders by Jean Lorrah
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
These TOS novels from the 60s, 70s, and early 80s are really peak Trek in writing. Maybe that's because we were still in a space where the writers, while professionals, had largely entered into the franchise via the fandom that had been starved for content for so long. The TOS novels of this era in particular really preserve the spirit of old trek while still treading new ground, and in the better cases retaining the voice of beloved characters brought to life by beloved actors.
Vulcan Academy Murders is no exception. While ostensibly a whodunit murder mystery, though the actual culprit is pretty painfully obvious early on, its heart and ultimate triumph lies in its exploration of Vulcan emotions, family structures, and traditions. Most of the TOS regulars are absent, with the focus staying on our core trio of Spock, Kirk, and McCoy, back on Vulcan. Their individual characterizations, as we as the much loved interplay and camaraderie between the three of them is well preserved here.
I had previously read some of Lorrah's work in the Gen/Sim world, and her own Savage Empire work, and was not overly impressed. However, she handles her beloved Star Trek with aplomb, and I can easily see the influence of her interest in Vulcans having influenced those two other bodies of work.
Vulcan Academy Murders is no exception. While ostensibly a whodunit murder mystery, though the actual culprit is pretty painfully obvious early on, its heart and ultimate triumph lies in its exploration of Vulcan emotions, family structures, and traditions. Most of the TOS regulars are absent, with the focus staying on our core trio of Spock, Kirk, and McCoy, back on Vulcan. Their individual characterizations, as we as the much loved interplay and camaraderie between the three of them is well preserved here.
I had previously read some of Lorrah's work in the Gen/Sim world, and her own Savage Empire work, and was not overly impressed. However, she handles her beloved Star Trek with aplomb, and I can easily see the influence of her interest in Vulcans having influenced those two other bodies of work.