A review by kythera
The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal

5.0

Really needed this read, it’s incredibly indulgent throughout - a cosy mystery in space with pain management. Two icks. First - there’s a hero dog, and whilst even this avowed dog hater found their stony heart melting, there are references to it licking people on the face, smelling of dog and shedding hair. I really, really do not like dogs, especially their smell, so this was pretty grim. Secondly, if you are in recovery, be aware that each chapter starts with a cocktail recipe and wow, they sound great. BUT. The dog really really is very cute, and unlike the book I’ve just read where everyone was drinking absolutely vile sounding cocktails (olive brine martini, anyone?), there’s a very strong air of sophistication to these, only one person gets wasted (boo for them! - they are sort of a baddie), and some of the drinks are zero-proof - which is a great phrase. There’s also a very measured discussion of alcohol consumption at the end. But these are all minor to a very solid plot, an obvious villain and a really strong comfort read.