Murderbot is back, and while it isn’t one of the meatier entries in the series, this novella is still a lot of fun, because . . . Murderbot!

The plot is a proper murder mystery. Murderbot doesn’t do the murdering (this time); instead, it gets to play detective when a body is found on Preservation space station. Overall, it’s a pretty good whodunit. I thought I had an inkling of the direction the storyline was heading, but the actual culprit turned out to be a surprise.

An overarching theme of the series is Murderbot’s journey from being property to affirming its own personhood. Fugitive Telemetry touches on that aspect of the story very lightly, maybe in part because as a prequel to Network Effect, it’s more of a side story. Murderbot does face some discrimination from members of the station’s security service, though, and its willingness to more openly assert itself in the face of their prejudice shows its growth from the early novellas. That’s probably helped along by the way its favorite (shh, don’t tell them that) humans treat it as just another sentient being rather than an intelligent machine.

As always, Murderbot brings the snark with its exasperated disgust with the stupidity of human behavior. While most of its humor is still in internal asides, Murderbot airs more sarcastic comments this time around, I think, additional evidence of its growth. And Murderbot feeling free to share its thoughts with others can only make this series even funnier, really.

I just read that there will be at least three more installments in the Murderbot series, which—woot! I can’t wait for more of my favorite bot.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks Netgalley for the earc!

I LOVED THIS!! A Murderbot murder mystery???! YES PLEASE! This was a whole lot of fun! I’ve always enjoyed a good old-fashioned whodunit because it actually has me thinking. So yeah, I definitely need more novellas like this one!

Whenever I read a Murderbot novella, I feel like I just slip into Murderbot’s shoes and I am the one going on all the adventures. Murderbot is still the antisocial, comfort media binging SecUnit I immediately related to from book one. While it did start expressing itself more and acknowledging when people hurt its feelings, it still felt like Murderbot.

I did miss ART. A lot. I really hope it’s in the next novella!! And I can’t wait to find out!

I love Murderbot so much. Real life is stressing me out a little this week and when I saw my preorder of the audiobook had downloaded - I immediately had to listen. Murderbot kept me company through chores today and was the perfect distraction - I only wish the story had been a little longer!! Highly recommend and while you could start here, you’ll love it more if you read them in order!!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook. I also purchased the audiobook for myself because I love listening to these stories - the audio is excellent!!

As long as Murderbot continues to be a sarcastic, complicated badass; I will read these books. Murderbot forever!

I love Murderbot.

In Fugitive Telemetry, the sixth installment of The Murderbot Diaries, everyone’s favorite hilariously sarcastic misanthropic killing machine needs to figure out who made the aforementioned dead human dead *and* figure out how to work with the irritating alive humans it’s forced to deal with *and* find enough time to watch as much media as possible.

Let the snark commence.

If you haven’t read any of the Murderbot books — DO IT. NOW. They are so funny and are perfectly executed sci-fi. I love Murderbot so much (even though emotions are gross). Another 5-star from Martha Wells. ALSO: if someone does not turn Sanctuary Moon into a real tv show, I am going to be livid.

Thank you for the review arc — getting to read this early made my year.

This is one of my absolute favourite series, and while I did LOVE Network Effect, it was also a lot of fun being back in this novella format! The sort of one-adventure-at-a-time short episode style just so perfects fits this story!
While this is actually the sixth book, it takes place before the fifth and it was so fun being back in this world with these characters. The story was just as intense and action packed, while remaining chaotic and hilarious, as always. I love Murderbot and would suggest these books to basically anyone! They’re just so fun! (Bonus: the audiobook format works perfectly! Makes it feel like Murderbot is just briefing us, as readers, on events).

Fugitive Telemetry takes place after the events of book #4, before book #5 and is another novella. Murderbot is on Preservation Station with Dr. Mensah when a dead body is found in an isolated passageway, obviously murdered. Dr. Mensah convinces the Security Team (who neither likes nor trusts Murderbot) to have him along for the investigation where he could very probably help out, as he knows his way around security (and murder). ⁣
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Fugitive Telemetry is like the hilarious bastard child of a scifi novella and a cozy mystery. It did little to nothing to push the overall story arc forward, but it was delightful, fast paced, and laugh out loud funny. I will always think Muderbot’s inner (and sometimes outer) monologues are the best, and we got plenty in this installment. ⁣
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If you haven’t read the Murderbot Diaries yet I highly recommend picking up the first one and probably reading it all in one sitting. If you like snarky AI, dastardly futuristic corporations that probably rule the universe, and the occasional space battle, this series is definitely for you. ⁣4.5⭐️

Summary: This is another novella in the Murderbot Diaries series that has become so popular (for good reason). If you are unaware of this series, Murderbot is the name that a Sec-Unit has given himself as he has had to kill quite a few humans in his job being a security bot. To sum him up in human qualities, he is an introvert whose favorite activity is to stream media feed and binge watch a soap opera called Sanctuary Moon. He hates having to talk to humans, finds humans’ emotions to be “squishy” and just would rather not interact with humans.

In this newest novella, a murder victim is found on Preservation Station and Murderbot assists station security to find the murderer and determine whether his client is in any danger.

My thoughts: I loved it! Having said that, let me just say that I am not a big science fiction reader and and I find that I have to read sci-fi books slower and re-read certain sections in order to be able to visualize a spaceship scene and comprehend what is happening (no, I have never watched Star Trek or Star Wars). I do love this series and get such a kick out of the Murderbot character. Highly recommend this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor publishers for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.

I don't know how to adequately express my love for this whole series.

In this 6th book in the Murderbot Diaries, Murderbot is confronted with a mysterious death. Convinced that it has something to do with GrayCris, Murderbot has to convince station security that it needs to help solve the murder.

I've said it before, and I will say it again, Murderbot is my favorite character ever. It's such an amazing character and I've loved seeing its growth throughout the whole series. This book in the series was interesting. I found it fun that Murderbot was helping solve a murder. It was fun to see some of the original characters again along with meeting new ones. I had so much fun reading this one, and I do hope that there will be more to come!

Another excellent story featuring Murderbot and it's a mystery.
I had a lot of fun in reading it and it kept me hooked.
Murderbot is a great character and I loved this story.
I can't wait to read other stories in this series, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

As a character we have seen Murderbot change and adapt to their new situation with a disabled control module and more freedom. Whilst still sarcastic and putting out some fun one-liners, Murderbot is conforming more and more. This is to be expected and I have enjoyed seeing their evolution.

This is the first Murderbot Diaries book I am giving 4 stars to and whilst I enjoyed the book I think it is time for Murderbot to retire., because this book ends in a way I am satisfied to imagine Murderbot’s “happy-ever-after”.

This is the first Murderbot Diaries book I am giving 4 stars to and whilst I enjoyed the book, I think it is time for Murderbot to retire., because this book ends in a way I am satisfied to imagine Murderbot’s “happy-ever-after”.

The plot kept me engaged and it was definitely more of a detective, murder mystery. I wasn’t really impressed with the way the plot was tied up and that is why I went from a 5 to 4 star review.


Links to social media/Amazon closer to release date.

It's another Murderbot book, and it's a murder mystery! Of course it's going to be stellar, and OF COURSE you should pick up a copy. This entire serious has been a true delight, and this is another worthy addition. It doesn't cover substantial new ground into Murderbot's character development, but it is an opportunity to see Murderbot spend time on Preservation Station and to flesh out the setting more.

A quick note on timeline: this takes place before the novel Network Effect, and you should read novellas 1-4 first.

6.5/10 stars

My full review can be found on my blog (link attached).

The latest (and I mean the latest, its pub date is today!) installment in the Murderbot series returns to the tried and slightly tired format of a novella. Pity, I say, I preferred the novel length, but it looks like I’m in a minority 😉. Still, Murderbot is enjoyable in any format, and I’d happily read even a short story if there was one.

Fugitive Telemetry seemingly takes us back to pre-Network Effect times, when Murderbot was only beginning to realize the consequences of its previous actions – mainly, that its treated like a person by those closest to it, and expected to make decisions pertaining to its wellbeing. It means such cumbersome, boring and difficult things like finding a place to live, an occupation (and no, binge-watching ridiculous TV series doesn’t count), earning money, etc. Murderbot is not happy. Like any self-respecting rebellious teenager Murderbot is bent on proving to the whole world that giving it any responsibility was a big mistake… Well, at least in the beginning.

You see, the dead human found in the corridors of the Preservation station Murderbot tentatively calls its home might not be such an interesting thing in itself, as 1) he was not Murderbot’s client and 2) he will certainly stay dead, but the investigation into his death suddenly promises to be both diverting and educating. Firstly (and more importantly), Murderbot can try out all the vocabulary picked up in the soap operas it avidly consumes – and some of it even seems to work!, and secondly, there is a shadow of doubt if that killing is not somehow connected to GrayCris. Needless to say, Murderbot dons its deerstalker hat and follows the leads, engaging in some entertaining one-upmanship with the security forces of Preservation Station.

The murder mystery case quickly evolves into something bigger and meaner, with the ubiquitous megacorporations emerging once again as the worst galactic evil, dabbling in slavery, child labour and premeditated killing of those they consider their own property. Obviously, Murderbot is more than happy to put a wrench (or a well-chosen explosive) into their plans. It does it with a swagger and lots of f-words of the regular kind, but even it can be surprised at times.

[...]

I have been spoiled by Network Effect with its baroque, vaguely Star Trek-y feel and plot. The novel length gave the author more space for character development and worldbuilding, and she made good use of it. In this novella, we get back to short, snappy sentences punctuated by derisive comments and/or expletives, and while I enjoyed it as a whole, because it gave the novella a sense of urgency and sleekness, I couldn’t help feeling I was watching an episode in a long crossover series CSIxDr House. Quite like the Sanctuary Moon soap opera Murderbot is so fond of, I suspect.

All in all, Fugitive Telemetry is entertaining and funny. It’s a fast-paced, undemanding read, perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening. It’s not going to shatter your brain with any revelations; and by the sixth book in the series nobody in their right mind expects anything akin to revelation from Murderbot Diaries. Instead, we get a bit of homemade buttery popcorn. I preferred the pizza, but from time to time I can eat the popcorn too 😉.

I have received a copy of this book from the publisher Tor/Forge through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks.

I love this character and this series so much! I like reading them with my eyes and I adore listening to them on audio, too.

Please keep writing these, Martha Wells. I would like more of these, so many more. ❤️🥰

**I was provided with a copy of the book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

A brand new adventure with everyone’s favourite antisocial, media loving AI!

Fugitive Telemetry, taking place before Network Effect, has Murderbot donning a detective cap and helping Station Security on Preservation Station solve a murder. Both with moments of Murderbot hanging with good old Dr Mensah and Co as well as collaborating with a new group of pesky humans, who are still quite wary of a rogue SecUnit being free to wonder around the station, it is as wonderful and snarky as you would expect.

The murder mystery side of things was wholly entertaining and satisfying for the novella length and I loved that we got to explore a little more of Preservation Station.

I’m always down for more Murderbot stories so I eagerly await the next adventure!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars

I was not aware, when I picked up "Fugitive Telemetry," that it is not a novel, but a novella, and that it is set <i>before</i> "Network Effect." None of this lack of knowledge has affected my reading pleasure, however, indeed, it was joy from start to finish.

I don't know if there is much more that can be said about the Murderbot series that has not already been said. Murderbot is a perfect protagonist, in that it is completely relatable and thoroughly entertaining. The fact that it is a robot lends it a degree of objectivity when it comments on humans and human behavior (which it does <i>a lot</i>). Its snarky narration is what makes these stories <i>such</i> a joy, but the plots are actually entertaining, too. You truly cannot lose when you pick up a Murderbot story.

Being a prequel to the last novel, "Fugitive Telemetry" doesn't move the overall plot forward much at all, other than expanding on the Preservation station, its Security, and some of the characters (I'm sure all these elements will be significant in the future). The story is a murder mystery - when a body is found on an otherwise peaceful station, Murderbot gets involved, just in case GrayCris is somehow connected. It is limited in its awesome abilities at crime solving by the mistrust directed at it by the station's Security. While Dr. Mensah prevails on them to let Murderbot help, Murderbot itself has to promise not to go beyond certain parameters (for example - no hacking!) and it is truly entertaining to see it try to navigate those restrictions (motivated by nothing but its own honor!) and keep everyone safe at the same time (which is its core value and function).

I read this at one sitting and will reach for the next one in the series as quickly as I can get my hands on it!

I am a confirmed fan of Murderbot and am thrilled that the short story series has now produced it's second full-length novel. Set before the events of Network Effect, Fugitive Telemetry follows Murderbot on Preservation station, adjusting to life as a free bot while also solving a murder. A dead body with no trace evidence is found in the corridors of Preservation Station, drawing Murderbot from its media to assess the danger to its favorite humans. Funny, action filled, and enthralling. This one is not to be missed. Do yourself a favor and read it.

thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing me with the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

murderbot strikes again!

honestly not surprised i loved just like all the other novellas and the 1 full novel in the murderbot diaries series. absolutely incredible. the dryly sarcastic murderbot is one of my comfort characters now—i do not think i’ve loved any ai in stories more than i do this funny lump of metal with his flying drones and sassy narrative voice. the author is so talented with the ability to successfully funnel out this memorable vivid voice to the point where whatever story is being told (in this particular novella being a murder mystery) it’s enjoyable and entertaining while being dark and funny, all simultaneously.

i’ll never bore of the murderbot diaries and i implore martha wells to write a million other books because i’ll always, always want more!

Releases April 27 — Read this as an ARC from Netgalley!

First thing you need to know is that I love this series with all my biological components. Scifi doesn't have a lot of lighthearted fare and bot, is Murderbot a blast. Murderbot is a reflection on every socially awkward introvert who just wants to be left alone to enjoy their stories.

In this novella, Murderbot aka SecUnit, publically, insists on joining a murder investigation at their new home on Preservation Station. This station has a very low crime rate and a murder is basically unheard of. Murderbot, ahem, SecUnit, believes this could be a plot from the nefarious GrayCris corporation to get rid of their friend, Mensah. Murderbot could have this thing solved in .8 seconds, but they are restricted by Station Security and need to earn their trust.

Murderbot deserves a home after books 1-4 and frankly, you'll find yourself rooting for them (to just get it solved so they can watch Sanctuary Moon).

I do not recommend starting with this book. Go to the beginning. Enjoy all Murderbot has to say. Books 1-4 are novellas and 5 is a full length. -Ford

"Fugitive Telemetry" is the 6th in Martha Wells' brilliant "Murderbot Diaries", space opera laced with humor. The lead is a sentient machine (with organic neural tissue), a SecUnit programmed for destruction, who has gone rogue. Murderbot has a hilarious perspective on the humans he is now committed to protect.

This episode is also a murder mystery, in which Murderbot finds himself working with Security officers on Preservation Station. What follows is an intriguing murder investigation. What makes it a great read is Murderbot's dislike of interacting with humans.

Don't miss this marvelous series!