Station Eternity

June 27, 2022
Lafferty (Six Wakes) tries to amalgamate a near-future sci-fi setting and a murder mystery plot into a breathless space adventure, but it never quite takes off. Brash college dropout Mallory Viridian used to think her frequent proximity to people found murdered was simply unlucky. But as time passed, more bodies piled up, and Mallory, now a private investigator, worries that the pattern is more than a coincidence. While authorities grudgingly respect her ability to find the killers and readers enjoy the novels she builds out of her gory experiences, Mallory decides to exile herself to the sentient Station Eternity, an outpost of star-hopping aliens who recently arrived in Earth’s orbit as galactic tourists, for the safety of those around her. Then, of course, someone is murdered on the station. Together with secretive ex-soldier Xan, Mallory sets out investigating. A plethora of quirky alien and human characters inveigled into many subplots muddle through this middling tale, which is often interrupted by disjointed flashbacks. Sci-fi fans will enjoy the hip conversations of Lafferty’s aliens, who are connected in symbiotic two-race pairs, but mystery buffs will see the murder’s solution coming from a light year away. Only Lafferty’s diehard fans need apply. Agent: Seth Fishman, Gernert Co.

Starred review from August 1, 2022

Mallory Viridian has found herself involved in murder cases throughout her life. Being surrounded by death has made her a suspect and an outcast, so when she receives the opportunity to take sanctuary on the sentient space station Eternity, she takes it. However, the station then agrees to allow more humans aboard, and Mallory knows her time is up. After the Earth shuttle arrives, humans and aliens begin to die, and the station itself is in jeopardy. Mallory must yet again solve the murders before others perish, but maybe this time she can finally figure out why she has been the nexus for so much death. Mallory's loneliness and desire for peace make her an interesting protagonist as she looks for connections and answers. The time jumps in the story add interest as well and slowly unwrap the truths until the final reveals. The aliens are well-developed and lend both complexity and humor to this thrilling puzzle. VERDICT Lafferty (Hugo-nominated for Six Wakes) creates a clever and suspenseful sci-fi mystery, with intriguing characters and attentive worldbuilding.--Kristi Chadwick

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2022
Mallory Viridian has an instinct for deadly coincidences. She has been affiliated with--but not committed--eighteen murders and solved all but two. She can tell when conditions are ripe for another murder, but like Cassandra of ancient mythology, no one ever believes her. Mallory blames herself for these mishaps and always runs away from any close human contact. Her most recent means to escape possible future human homicides involves moving off the planet. She now resides on Eternity, a sentient space station, alongside numerous non-human species. As there are only two other humans on board (whom Mallory avoids assiduously), everything is fine until she learns a shuttle is arriving from Earth. When someone is killed, Eternity is thrown into distress, threatening the lives of everyone, alien and human, on board. Station security asks Mallory to investigate but she is unaware that the results of her investigation could lead to severe consequences for the people of Earth. The Midsolar Murders series starter offers fascinating world building, a complex mystery, a devious espionage plot, and delightful interactions with a multitude of alien species that fans of science fiction and compelling mysteries will savor while they anticipate the next installment.

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