This novel was a mix of genres and types. A bit police/detective procedural, a bit sci-fi, a bit fantasy. Add in a touch of whimsy/comedy from the dog's perspective bits and you have a fine first novel. Fans of the Iron Druid series (especially those written in the voice of Oberon, the druid's dog) will love it. Even though reminiscent of other stories out there, it still manages to be a fresh voice on somewhat tired, noir tropes. I quite liked it and would highly recommend it. One star off for a few timing issues. I personally think with a bit more editing for pace this author's next novel could be a 5 star.

Absolutely FANTASTIC!! I've been an avid fan of John Varley since his first book TITAN (hint John, hint, can we return to Gaea please?) and this is NO disappointment! As a lifelong fan, this is right up there with the best of his work! THANK you!!

Writing: 4 Characters: 4 Plot: 4

A nice fast-paced, action-oriented, noir-mystery in a futuristic setting from Sci-Fi master John Varley.

Chris Bach is a PI wannabe offering his services on Luna many years after the alien invasion of Earth (which basically depopulated the planet — see previous books in the Eight Worlds Universe for more details on this, but it’s not important for this story). He sets off to solve the case of a woman who has been given leprosy against her will (hard to believe anyone would willingly contract leprosy but in this world of acceptable and reversible extreme body modifications, disfiguring diseases can be a source of amusement for some — hmmm). “The Case of the Leprous Dame of Irontown” — trust me when I tell you that the case does not go where you think it will.

Chris is aided by his sidekick, Sherlock. Sherlock is a CEC — a Cybernetically Enhanced Canine. The tale is told through their alternating voices — Sherlock’s via the aid of a canine interpreter named Penelope Cornflower (β-Penny in Sherlock parlance). The book is worth reading for Sherlock’s story alone — if you’re at all a dog person you’ll enjoy (and crack up at) his interpretation of the world and events. Other cool characters include Chris’ not-very-maternal mother (retired police chief and now prehistoric-reptile rancher), and some pretty nasty soldiers from Charon, a once prison-planet turned … not-so-nice but now fully acceptable part of the Eight Worlds.

Great world building and descriptions of future life, both technologically and culturally enhanced. Surprising plot and interesting characters. Plenty of fun references to our favorite detectives both current and past (Elvis Cole and Marlowe are mentioned a lot as is Hildy Johnson. Heinlein gets a whole subculture.) Threads on libertarian ideals, body modification, creative habitats, and slightly insane AIs, run liberally through the story.

Hugo-and-Nebula-Award-Winner John Varley has been writing since shortly after I began reading, and I’ve read most of his work. His short story collection, The Persistence of Vision, is possibly my number one favorite SF short story collection (which is saying quite a lot). I confess I had lost track of him for the past few years and haven’t read his last couple of novels — but I’ll remedy that shortly.