What: A murder mystery in space! Lovebirds Tesla Crane and Shal Steward are celebrating their honeymoon on an interplanetary cruise ship. Tesla’s notoriety has them traveling incognito and all is going well until Shal finds a woman who has been stabbed in the corridor. When the woman dies shortly thereafter, he is accused of murder. Tesla and Shal work to solve the murder, clear his name, and try to have a honeymoon!
Who: Tesla Crane is a ridiculously rich heiress and retired roboticist. Living with chronic pain and PTSD due an accident, Tesla has the assistance of a service dog, the most adorable White West Highland Terrier (Westie), Gimlet. Shal Steward is a mildly famous, retired private detective. Not on the same fame scale as Tesla but with his own fans. Unfortunately, they are surrounded by a bevy of suspects, acquaintances of the victim and members of the crew with access. As well as security members who want to take the easy route by charging Shal and not do a thorough investigation.
Where: The Lindgren is on a twelve day voyage between Earth and Mars. It has three rings of gravity to accommodate Lunar, Martian, and Terran passengers.
When: In the distant future where humans are living on the Moon and Mars.
Why: Who wanted the victim dead and why pin the murder on Shal? Can Tesla and Shal solve the mystery before the Lindgren reaches Mars? Will they ever be able to go back to being blissful newly weds celebrating their honeymoon?
Things I liked: Each chapter opens with a cocktail or mocktail which ads a fun element to the book. I share Shal’s opinion on liquor.
Gin, please. Bourbon or single malt. But vodka? I think not.”
Kowal understands how people remember dog names but not their owners’ names.
Annie? Come, here is Gimlet’s parent – Pardon, my dear, I have now realized that I know the name of your precious dog but failed to note yours.”
I enjoyed the dynamic between Tesla and Shal, they sparkle together with their wit, banter, and romance. I thought Tesla’s portrayal of chronic pain and PTSD were sensitively done and perhaps provide insight to those unfamiliar with those conditions. I liked how Kowal addressed gender. Everyone uses the gender neutral Mx. and people introduce themselves by name and gender pronouns. I enjoyed the mystery and was continually kept guessing, turning the pages quickly to discover how things are going to turn out.
Things I didn’t like: In the final act of mysteries I always wonder how everyone soldiers on without sleep or at least periodic rest as things charge to the conclusion. That felt particularly pertinent as Tesla is continually pushed to the limits physically and mentally. I kept thinking, just sit down and take a breather. And for the love of a higher power go get some sleep!
Note: Hendrick’s is one of my favorite gin makers. Flora Adora is particularly good in a gin and tonic with a wedge of lemon.