Martha Wells' Murderbot series has been a delight since I first spotted it on the bookstore shelf all those years ago, so imagine my delight when I saw Fugitive Telemetry on the list of coming attractions from Tor.

In this latest installment, Murderbot finds its peace again broken by murder and intrigue in a space station mystery that will keep you turning every page. When a body turns up on Preservation Station, Murderbot's expertise - if not its social skills (or lack thereof) - become a vital resource for station securities. But will there be time enough to find the killer and watch its TV shows?

Fugitive Telemetry delivers on the promise readers have come to expect from Wells' Murderbot series while finding a swift, fresh plot to keep newcomers interested. I can only hope it to see more adventures in the series (and more shenanigans with Murderbot and its AI ship friend Art) in the future.

I received a galley of this book via NetGalley.

I love me some Murderbot. Every single entry in the series has been fantastic, and this one maintains the trend--indeed, I liked it even better than the previous novel-length adventure. Maybe it's because I came to know Murderbot through the novella length, and so that sort of punchy, fast-paced story feels more natural.

In this one, Murderbot grudgingly assists with the investigation of a murdered human on a space station. There are plenty of twists and turns--really, this is a scifi kind of whodunnit. I didn't predict the murderer, either, though it made perfect sense in hindsight. That's good and proper mystery-writing for you.

Murderbot is back!

Martha Wells has crafted another spectacular novella in the Murderbot Diaries series. Taking place between the events of Exit Strategy and Network Effect, Fugitive Telemetry is another solid adventure for everyone’s favorite misanthropic SecUnit.

While trying to settle in aboard Preservation Station as Dr. Mensah’s bodyguard, Murderbot is having a difficult time adjusting. It’s not that it isn’t relatively happy to be somewhere outside of the Corporation Rim. It’s that Station Security isn’t pleased with the idea of a rogue SecUnit wandering around. With the various agreements in place to allow Murderbot to keep its freedom, it has almost no access to the security systems that it would normally rely on to do its job. No hacking of the station SecSystem, only a handful of drones to be able to deploy…

All of these things aren’t a real problem, as Dr. Mensah is fairly safe from Corporate assassination attempts on Preservation Station. This far from their territory, real action against her is unlikely. However, everything gets turned upside down when a dead body is found on board. There’s been a murder on the station, and Station Security needs Murderbot’s help to solve the mystery of who killed our victim and why. No witnesses, no camera footage, no DNA evidence. With only limited resources at its disposal, Murderbot must find a killer who might be a true rival in covering their tracks.

I love the Murderbot Diaries, y’all. I’ve read every one of these books since I first heard about All Systems Red back in 2017 and I have never been disappointed. Fugitive Telemetry is available on April 27th. If you’re a sci-fi fan, or just love mysteries, check it out.

My utmost thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for a fair review.

Murderbot is back in Fugitive Telemetry, the sixth book in The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. After the previous book, I assumed the life of the rogue SecUnit would take a new turn, but instead the latest book steps back in time and takes place between Exit Strategy and Network Effect.

Murderbot has settled—sort of—on Preservation space station, a safe haven for all refuges from the Corporate Rim, even for security constructs (part organic, part cyborg) and bots. It fills its days trying to prevent its favourite human, Dr Mensah, the leader of Preservation from being killed by GrayCris Corporation, watching its shows, and getting annoyed by humans who fear it for being a SecUnit. When a murdered body is found, Murderbot is convinced GrayCris is responsible and gets involved in the investigation.

Fugitive Telemetry is a surprisingly traditional whodunit. Murderbot follows the clues, in its own way, which leads it to a different mystery entirely than it had assumed. But since it’s taken to solve the mystery, it’ll see it through, even though it doesn’t have anything to do with Dr Mensah. There aren’t nearly as much explosions, hacking on-the-fly, and fight scenes than in these books usually, but the mystery is interesting and the identity of the culprit surprising. And Murderbot manages to make new friendlies (not friends—never friends) in the process too.

If you haven’t read Network Effect yet, it’s perfectly possible to read this one first. It’s maybe even better if you do. It’s a good book, but I do hope the next one will pick up where Network Effect left Murderbot. Maybe in another full-length book even.

Fugitive Telemetry is the latest instalment in Martha Wells' excellent Murderbot series. A novella, chronologically it sits between Exit Strategy and Network Effect, and is a stand alone story. That being said, I do think readers would need to have read at least the first four novellas to really get the most enjoyment from this book, as there is not a lot of recap for new readers. These books are always a fun, fast read and this latest is no exception. Once again the sarcastic humour is present in full force, and the inner workings of Murderbot's mind make for really fun reading. The plot is stremlined,as befits the novella format. but still entertaining.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

FUGITIVE TELEMETRY is another faultless addition to the Murderbot Diaries. After reading Network Effect, I was happy to go back to Preservation and learn more about Murderbot’s time there. I enjoyed the plot line and seeing Murderbot stretch its wings in a different way, and I loved getting to see my favorite misanthrope making more friends and earning respect where once was fear.

Martha Wells’ remarkable world building is almost as fantastic as her character building, but that would be nearly impossible to achieve, given Murderbot is one of my favorite characters of all time. Its voice leaps off the page. Seeing the world through its eyes, exploring the Corporation Rim, learning more about Preservation Society, and meeting new people, is an utter joy.

Although I have enjoyed previous novellas in the series more, FUGITIVE TELEMETRY more than earns the five stars I’ve given it.

Can't wait for the next installment of the Murderbot Diaries.

If you like Martha Wells, this is a no-brainer. It's no surprise that this is well-written, highly rated and popular. There are hundreds of reviews and ratings that will provide more details about the book. I'll just recommend it to sci-fi fans.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

Fugitive Telemetry is another winner in the Murderbot series. Important point- it takes place before The Network Effect- which I did not know and so was slightly confused at first. Murderbot felt even more snarky in this one to me- loved it! Martha Wells’ world building is amazing. I feel like I am on the station. I also love all her other boys and their interactions with Murderbot.
I tell all my sci fi customers: “If you haven’t read Murderbot, you are missing out!”

My thanks to NetGalley and TorDotComPub for an advance of this novel.

I hope I'm never too elitist or too stogy to not break out in a smile when hearing the word "Murderbot". The word is just a perfect encapsulation of sci-fi fun. The perfect killing machine, who wants only to watch soap opera-like stories and be left alone, who always seems to come across humans who needs its particular set of skills to stay alive.

Martha Wells in the 6th book in the series, Fugitive Telemetry has now added another skill. Amateur detective. A body has been found on Preservation Station, and Murderbot must investigate to find out if this murder augurs a threat to some of the people she has come to care for, of if it's just humans being human.

The world of Murderbot is interesting and well developed. The tech melds well with the story and doesn't overload the fine character work. I would suggest starting with the early books, since it is a great series, but also as their is not much explanation for who the characters are or how Murderbot came to be where it is. That's just a small whine, for a book that really is a lot of fun.

Brilliant, simply brilliant!

This series just continues to get better and stronger, Murderbot is growing so much in character and it's a joy to watch it happening.

4.5 / 5 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2021/04/23/fugitive-telemetry-by-martha-wells-review/

Fresh off Murderbot’s first full-length novel, Fugitive Telemetry returns to the novella format which takes place prior to the events of Network Effect, but after those of Exit Strategy. So just forget about all the things you’ve probably forgot about already and let’s get started.

When a dead human is left in the middle of one of the main corridors of Preservation, it’s up to Murderbot to find the culprit before they kill again. Or, you know, before more humans whine to it.

The first question: did Murderbot kill the human?

No, it didn’t. And if it did, it wouldn’t leave the dead human out in the open.

But—in a shocking twist—since Murderbot has the most experience with dead humans, it is tasked with helping the port authorities discover the real killer before they kill again.

I’d forgotten how much I missed this. It’s really hard to remember just what the first couple novellas really excelled at (as they both presented a likable, antisocial non-human, yet oh-so human lead) when there’s been no letdown. All the novellas were good, as was the feature-length novel. But Fugitive Telemetry exceeds all expectations. Here is a Murderbot in its native habitat—solving a mystery with some would-be allies who don’t trust it, stalking a shadowy killer before they strike again.

It gives the same vibe as All Systems Red or Artificial Condition—the first few novellas, back when it was still a Rogue SecUnit surrounded by enemies—but with more pert and polish to the writing, the story. For who could be the murderer? It could be anyone: GrayCris, come to finish the job; another rogue SecUnit, come to meet the legend; random humans, serial killers, aliens—it could literally be anyone. Except Murderbot. At least… it doesn’t THINK it did it, but how would it know? It’s named MURDERbot, after all. And if its human “allies” were to learn this, they’d probably suspect it to. And so it has to find the killer so it can go back to watching media in peace, without being interrupted for every dead human that turns up.

The last thing that I’m going to mention is Murderbot’s character arc. It went on quite the progression through the original four diary entries. From a nameless, faceless AI soldier to a rogue and killer. Then to a would-be savior, a freedom fighter, a mercenary, a consultant, then finally a trusted friend. Network Effect rather missed out on adding to this arc. Now, there’s some progression there, sure, but there’s almost as much regression. Fugitive Telemetry—set before the events of Network Effect—continues the original character arc, presenting a character more reminiscent of what appears in the later novel. And, as much as I’d like to know what happens after the events of the novel itself, I think Murderbot still has a bit more to tell before we come to that.

And yet, there’s an problem. I have one problem with Fugitive Telemetry. ONE. The price is ridiculous. $12 ebook, $18 physical for a 170 page novella is just stupid, no matter how good it is. Ebook prices being what they are… it’s not the time or place to get into this. Sufficient to say that $12 is too much for an ebook, a novella—even one as outstanding as this.

Yes! More Murderbot! I have to admit that The Murderbot Dairies has easily become one of my favorite series. Don't believe me? I've been listening to the audiobooks (on loop) for the past few weeks Who would have thought that Murderbot could help me with my anxiety?.

Fugitive Telemetry is the sixth novella in this amazing series written by Martha Wells. And if you haven't read/heard of this series before now, you really need to check it out. It features a sarcastic SecUnit (think part bot/part human guard) and all of the graphic trouble they have to get their humans out of.

The unthinkable has happened. A dead body has been found on Preservation Station. Okay, that's really only unthinkable for the humans on the station – Murderbot expected violence to happen at some point.

The station is woefully unequipped to deal with a murder investigation, so Murderbot is forced to join in and help solve the case. Yes, that does mean they have to interact with humans. No, they're not exactly thrilled about it.

“No, I didn't kill the dead human. If I had, I wouldn't dump the body in the station mall, for fuck's sake.”

I'm going to be upfront here: I read Fugitive Telemetry, sat there for a minute, and then immediately picked it back up and read it again. I love it that much. This is a fantastic addition to The Murderbot Diaries, and it made me want more (I know, I'm so greedy).

This novella has everything that fans (myself included) have come to expect: murder, combat, sarcastic SecUnits, concerned humans, the works. Throw in the fact that Murderbot has to work with humans (as opposed to merely protecting them), and it really adds a lot to the narrative.

I'd like to think it's also helping Murderbot grow, both as a person and a character. I'm starting to see how life on Preservation Station could work for them. At least, I really hope that it would work out the way I think it is.

“Hey, I don't want me either, but I'm stuck with me.”

What really got me (on top of all the other details I loved) had to be the bot interactions in this novella. Finally! A chance to see what a free bot looks like on Preservation Station (I'm not counting Murderbot, because I don't think it would either). This was not only really interesting, but it set up for the conclusion of the novella. I'm certain that that is the reason why the ending gave me chills. It was brilliantly done.

Once again, I am blown away by Martha Wells' writing. I love the world and characters that she has created here, and I sincerely cannot wait to see what comes next. Yes, I know that will be a little ways off. I can deal.

On a related note, I'm currently working my way through the audiobook series (again), and I think once I'm done with Network Effect, I'm going to be happily purchasing Fugitive Telemetry to give that a go. If you're a fan of the series and haven't checked out the audiobooks, you totally should. The narrator (Kevin R. Free) does an amazing job bringing Murderbot's voice to life.

When Murderbot discovers a dead body on Preservation Station I knew it was going to be an interesting ride. I was right. Murderbot is the same as ever, very snarky but having to hold it in this time as working with humans who were not enemies lead to a external change. Loved the action and the supporting characters. Loved returning to meet Murderbot again.

The ongoing quality of this series is remarkable. In this episode of the Murderbot Diaries, Murderbot finds themself in a locked room mystery, utilising their significant capabilities to find a murderer on the station. Like the other novellas in the series, this is a tidy, tightly-written story replete with social complexities and humour. Murderbot is a fascinating character who is developing in their new life and learning more about themself with each new adventure. I loved seeing Murderbot in a situation outside its comfort zone (so, not Sanctuary Moon or killing stuff) where it gets to use some of its more subtle skills. The resolution was satisfying - this is a fully realised murder mystery. I continue to be impressed with the way Martha Wells plays with genre, putting her bot in space into different situations and types of stories. I love love love Murderbot and eagerly await new installations. It's probably time to reread the whole series.... it's always a good time to reread this series.

Another exciting installment in the Murderbot saga. This time, the action packed space adventure takes a bit of a back seat to a locked room type murder mystery. An excellent continuation of a favorite series.

Ok, but can we talk about how much I love Murderbot?? This sarcastic introverted bot is my favorite character ever.

I enjoyed reading Fugitive Telemetry, Murderbot was such a mood! This novella is probably my second favorite in the series and it was so refreshing to read it. I love how Murderbot grows so much more in every new novella.

I can't wait to read whatever comes next!

* Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Fugitive Telemetry, you've made my year! *

Fugitive Telemetry is the sixth (sixth!) story in Martha Wells’ Murderbot series, and the second full length novel. If I’m honest, I went into this one with high hopes. I have, as I’ve said before, a lot of time for Murderbot. As a construct, Murderbot was artificially shackled with a kill-switch, given the capacity to kill along with the tools and augmentations to do so very efficiently, and then forced to guard humans who, frankly, probably shouldn’t have been allowed out of doors on their own. All Murderbot really seems to want to do is be left alone to watch its soaps.

Or at least, so it claims. Murderbot is a free agent now, inhabiting a world which sits outside the control of the mega corporations. But it’s still looking after humans who probably shouldn’t be allowed to tie their shoes without help. Now, though, it’s doing so because it wants to, and that makes all the difference. The voice of Murderbot, the throughline which gives us its thoughts in between bursts of explosive, adrenaline-surge action, has changed. It’s still wry, dry, and oh so tired of everyone else’s nonsense. But it has found a hidden space for a candle of warmth that it can hold, askance, within itself. That voice is something special, something which speaks to everyone who has found themselves out from under the thumb of power, everyone who has, or is struggling to define themselves, and everyone looking at the people they’ve fallen amongst, the friends they would die for, the ones who always have your back. It speaks to something human in us, this voice of a construct which defines itself as something different, whilst having so much in common.


While I’m here: Fugitive Telemetry lets Murderbot expand, grow as an individual. It’s always trying to define what it is. And it’s always trying to do so from its own expectations, its own needs, and without leaning on the expectations of others. And that is a joy. Murderbot is so relatable, even while being an artificially constructed killing machine.


So yeah, this is the sixth story. If you’re here fresh, you can probably read this without the context of the previous five stories. It hangs together very well, the narrative is tightly constructed and compelling, and it’ll keep your attention. But the context, the history that has helped shape Murderbot, is in those other stories, and I urge you to go and read those first. If you’re an old hand, know that the Murderbot is on fine form today. The internal dialogue remains whip-smart, wry and world-weary, but it has a passion and an openness to it, an honesty that feels like the armour shifting, just a crack, to let both us and Murderbot explore who they want to be, under what they have been. It’s paired with the no-bullshit attitude I’ve always adored, and the sort of tense, intimate, precision crafted plotting that leaves you with questions and answers in equal measure, and with revelations that make you (or at least me) go “Oooooh” as they land.


After the explosive adventures of Network Effect, this story feels more intimate, a murder mystery, an exploration of the self that comes with bladed sarcasm, gunfire, and a body or two. It’s fair, as well. The audience has the same information as our eyes and ears in Murderbot; we can try and work out what’s going on alongside our interlocutor. We can be as baffled as they are, share the “Aha!” moments, and try and puzzle over the puzzles that murder leaves behind. Whodunit? Well, we’ll see. But I’ll say this: every step of the way, I was unable to put it down.


In short, this is a jewel of a story. Every part of it is necessary. Every part of it works. All the parts fit together, all the parts build something beautiful, build a narrative that will keep you up until far too late at night. Build something raw and painful and loving and warm, something where the action is kinetically explosive, and the characters are given the depth and life that makes them feel real. And it does all this while exploring issues of autonomy and power and humanity. Of friendship and family and understanding. Of ethics and truth. And it does all that while telling a damn good story.


So yeah. This, this is a damn good story. And that’s as high a praise as I can think to give.

Murderbot strikes again and as always, knocks it out of the park! Murderbot's antisocial cranky attitude is the perfect mirror for 2020/2021 and is a breath of relief. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A murder is discovered on the normally utopian Preservation Station, leaving its citizens unprepared for such a dark plot. Dr. Mensah asks Murderbot to lends its paranoid, passive-aggressive services to Station Security to make sure GreyCris is not involved. The reluctant Murderbot does as bid, but is wary of all human authority figures, but especially the head of Station Security, who has expressed doubts about the resident rogue SecUnit.

Martha Wells has done it again. I simply cannot get enough of Murderbot and it's adventures! Every single installment I wish were twice as long and this was no exception.

I love Murderbot forever and ever. This book is a murder mystery, which is a fun twist on what Murderbot is usually up to, and has the trademark asides that make me love Murderbot forever. I think how much I love a given Murderbot book is reliant on having some other really great characters for Murderbot to bounce off of, and this one, while still very enjoyable, wasn't as great as the best in the series.