Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite

This delightful science fiction mystery novella is set on the Fairweather, a colony ship. We never go to the bridge, engineering, or anywhere else featuring technology of the future, except for the library. We also never learn where the Fairweather is headed, only that there are 10,000 colonists aboard and their journey is expected to last 1,000 years. The ship left Old Earth 307 years ago.

The ship sounds appealing, with flats, small shops and cafés, a hydroponic garden with trees and a lawn made of moss. Detective Dorothy Gentleman visits her nephew Rutherford, and meets his new partner John, a memory artist who crafts the most amazing cocktails. She communicates with Ferry, the Fairweather’s ship mind. During her latest investigation, Dorothy also visits a yarn shop, a bank, and the previously mentioned library, the scene of a most unusual crime. At only 112 pages, this is a quick yet immersive read.

Brenda