LV48 is a suspenseful continuation of ‘The Cassie Tam Files,’ which features even more twists and turns than the previous books. LV48 takes place shortly after the events of The Fox, The Dog, and The King and jumps right into the action.

What I love about ‘The Cassie Tam Files’ series is the feeling of the novels, you have these noir crime-mysteries taking place in this futuristic but still familiar world. I’ve always pictured these big cityscapes with steam obscuring the streets, dark danger filled alleys, and tech just running a muck throughout- for me it’s all very reminiscent of Blade Runner with it’s gritty glamour.

All of the books in the series really capture this feeling with their amazing and eye catching covers. I particularly love the one for LV48 because it gives a glimpse of the tech suits that have featured throughout the books. As Doyle’s books are so atmospheric and features some really imaginative tech, it is great to be able to see some of this tech. Don’t get me wrong, the descriptions of all manner of different tech paint really great pictures but its great getting to visualise some of the technology within New Hopeland City.

I will admit that mysteries and crime books aren’t usually my cup of tea, so it sometimes takes me a while to finish these stories, but all of the Cassie Tam books have been excellent examples of the genre and have kept me reading to the end. LV48 is ambitious as ever, with a the larger story slowly coming clear – I really enjoyed the story as at no point was I overwhelmed with detail, I was able top easily keep up with the mystery of the novel.

We’re also all in luck because a novella collection has been released by Nine Star Press. The new book is called Shadows of the Past and looks to be as interesting as ever!

If you’re looking for an immersive, atmospheric, and intricately told science-fiction crime story featuring a kick-arse, lesbian detective with relationship issues, the look no further than LV48 and ‘The Cassie Tam Files’ because they’re the books for you!

Please note: I received a copy of LV48 from NetGalley.

Part mystery, part sci-fi, part fantasy, and a little cyber punk, LV48 was a fantastic ride. I was a little worried that because I hadn't read any other books in this series I might not enjoy this installment as much, but that turned out to not be the case. It was well written and a quick, fun read full of mystery, solid character development and fantasy that was totally believable in this futuristic world. I'm also really wishing I had myself a Bert!

There was a lot going on with this one and it crossed several genres, but it wasn't too overwhelming. As someone who really hasn't gotten into the whole Vampire craze, I have to say I loved the "tech shifting" vampire at the centre of this compelling mystery. I probably would have enjoyed this more if I had read the previous books, but the author did a great job of making me feel immersed in the story. It doesn't hurt that it was full of action that kept me turning the pages late into the night. I'll definitely be reading the previous books in this series and any future ones. What a unique and fun series!

3.5 Stars. This is the third installment in the Cassie Tam Files. I have enjoyed this series and these books have all been a consistent 3.5 stars for me. The best way to describe these would be futuristic mysteries. As a guess, this takes place 20-40 years in the future. The tech is amped up but there are no flying cars or anything too fancy. The tech improvements are pretty believable for the time period. In this book Cassie talked a lot about what happened to her in previous cases. Because of that I recommend reading these books in order. If that is not doable I highly suggest at least reading book 2 The Fox, the Dog, and the King before this one. I think you would be scratching you head too much since book 2 and this book are so connected.

Cassie Tam is a private investigator in a city filled with crime. But it also happens to be a city where it’s hard to always tell who the good and bad guys are. After a date with her girlfriend Lori, Cassie is attacked by what she can only describe as a vampire. Since vampires don’t actually exist, Cassie is frightened. When the police give her an offer she can’t refuse, it looks like Cassie will be teaming up with the police to hunt the vampire down.

I think Doyle has a great imagination. All the tech they make up is just really impressive and it’s something new every book. It’s also really well explained so I never feel like my brain is on pause or something is flying over my head. What I also really enjoyed was all the action in this book. While the mystery might have been a little less than usual, the action made up for it. There were some really exciting scenes that kept me turning the pages.

My two slight complaints were I needed more of Bert and Lori. Bert is a pet/guard dog that happens to be a robot gargoyle. Yes he’s a robot, but you forget that and I love the parts of the book with him. Lori is Cassie’s girlfriend. Like Bert, Lori was in the book but it just wasn’t enough for me. I’m hoping both have a bigger role in the next book. And there should be a next. At least Doyle left things open for another; and if there is I would absolutely read it.

LV48, the third novel in the Cassie Tam Files series featuring intrepid private investigator (PI) Ms Tam, is another enjoyable addition to this queer sci-fi mystery series. Although it is the third book it works perfectly as a standalone, but if you wish to see Cassie evolve and grow it is worth picking up the previous two. Doyle's writing is easy to follow and he does a good job of immersing the reader in the story from the very beginning. There's a sense of foreboding and menace that runs throughout that comes as a result of not knowing exactly who you are hunting or what they could be capable of once you do collar them.

A quick, easy read and a post-apocalyptic/dystopian landscape that is developed well. I look forward to the next instalment in this futuristic saga.

Many thanks to Ninestar Press for an ARC.