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Can AI be Trusted?: Velocity Weapon and The Last Murder at the End of the World

4 Dec

Velocity Weapon
by Megan E. O’Keefe
Our book pick for our September Science Fiction and Fantasy book discussion, Velocity Weapon by Megan E. O’Keefe, includes an AI ship who feels abandoned by its crew and is looking for friendship; but is Bero hiding something? The thrilling Space Opera also features two siblings, one of whom is an injured space pilot, and another, who has had a chip implanted into his brain in order to keep his society’s blue prints to a space gate protected. I liked the story especially since often families are shown as fractured in fiction, but the bond between the siblings and their two dads were strong ones and it was an interesting spin to see sibling dynamics rather than a romantic relationship at the heart of a story. It was also nice to see strong representation for someone with a disability who doesn’t let the loss of the limb keep her from her heroic actions. There are so many twists and turns throughout the plot. I highly recommend checking out this novel, the first in the Protectorate series.

The Last Murder at the End of the World
by Stuart Turton
In November, the Sci-fi/Fantasy group joined with the mystery book group to read a post-apocalyptic mystery, The Last Murder at the End of the World, featuring an AI who is connected into most of the characters minds mimicking if not just their conscious but also at times seeming like an all knowing god, but is this AI intentions truly as benevolent as she seems and with whom do her loyalties lie? A small group of survivors has been living on a an island surrounded by a pestilence; when a murder occurs it starts to dissolve the island’s protective shields. The book had a mixed reception with readers feeling the mystery being stronger than some of the science fiction elements. The story looks at what it means to truly be human. You can read about another of Turton’s books, The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, here.

We hope to have a combined mystery and scifi/fantasy discussion again in the future, but you can always check out the individual group discussions till then. On December 16 at 6:30 PM we will be discussing The Eight Reindeer of the Apocalypses by Tom Holt-for this holiday discussion, participants are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday cookies to share.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Marvelous Mysteries: We Three Queens and Guilt and Ginataan

20 Nov

We Three Queens
Rhys Bowen
We Three Queens is the latest novel (the 18th) in the Royal Spyness Mystery series about Georgie, a cousin of the King of the England, who despite being part of the royal family has had to struggle financially over the years. Things seem to be going mostly well now with a new sweet baby and a loving husband and use of her godfather’s house which she is due to inherit. However, first she is asked to house the King’s fiance, an American divorcee hiding from the media. Then a movie crew decides the house would be the perfect location to film at. Add to that a kidnapping and a murder. I liked how they balanced Georgie wanting to mother in a more modern way with the antiquated view of upper class of her time period that believed children were to be kept separate from their parents. This one was a real page turner with mystery after mystery to be solved. As usual the cast of characters surrounding Georgie including her cockney former police officer granddad, actress mum, comical maid and know-it-all sister-in-law provide humor to the tale. Even if you have not read the others in the series this novel should be an enjoyable medley.

Guilt and Ginataan
by Mia P. Manasala
Another of my favorite series is Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mysteries which is now on volume 5, Guilt and Ginataan. The series revolves around Lila Macapagal, a Filipino American living in Shady Palms a small midwestern town. Her aunt owns the Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, but Lila is now co-owner of a café with two of her friends, Adeena and Elena which provides a fusion of their Filipino, Mexican, and Pakistani heritage. Living in an area with a large number of immigrants from the Phillipines, I’ve been lucky enough to have tried several of the dishes discussed in the novel, which are delicious! The ginataan in the title refers to a variety of dishes served with coconut milk including a popular rice ball dessert. This is not a novel to be read on an empty stomach. The novel also provides a younger voice and perspective than often I find in cozy mysteries and many novels touch on contemporary social issues. As much as Lila’s family can be a source of interesting drama, I really enjoyed the latest novel which focuses on a crime pinned on one of Lila’s friends since I find the dynamic between them is always a highlight for me. This novel provides both a unique self-contained mystery while also driving the larger story of Lila’s life in Shady Palms.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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