In The Mimicking of Known Successes, Mossa is stuck going five hours by rail to investigate a likely suicide at a remote stop. The case is strange, and it calls on Mossa to somewhat reluctantly seek out Professor Pleiti, her one-time friend from their student days, for assistance. Now Pleiti works at that same university they once called home, and it seems one of her colleagues (a not particularly well-liked one) is the subject of Mossa's investigation. Both Pleiti and the man in question work/ed in the Classics department, which in this context is the study of natural life on Earth, a distant memory to the people on Giant. Since Earth was destroyed by human habitation, destruction, etc., humanity must now live on the rings of Jupiter (Giant) on platforms connected by railway. Classics professors have the important job of figuring out how life could someday repopulate Earth, a tricky project of paramount importance that relies on an army of specialists to research and theorize. The story has necessarily prominent academia vibes, and it was all the more fun and clever to see that aesthetic in the context of science fiction rather than the more common historical or fantastical bent.

Of equal importance to the mystery at hand is the second chance sapphic romance between Mossa and Pleiti. You can expect enjoyable moments where they fret over each other, re: danger and harm. I've also decided after this read that curing someone's hanger with scones is one of the cutest love languages. The method of storytelling makes the romance plot even more interesting. Only the prologue is from Mossa's point of view. Otherwise, we hear from Pleiti as she tries to process having Mossa back in her life and what it means. We only learn about the past details of their relationship in bits, and time and nostalgia on Pleiti's part make the consideration of what once went wrong between them a matter of reflection rather than angst. We're largely left to wonder how Mossa's dealing with it all since she's not a very emotive person. It puts us in the same boat as Pleiti, trying to untangle everything with little encouragement.

The plot is fast-paced, suiting the short length of the story. It's good news because I hate to see things drawn out unnecessarily so they defeat their own purpose. On the other hand, the trade-off is that I'm not quite committed to Mossa and Pleiti yet-- but in a way that's open to more convincing. I do like the two as an investigative team. While Pleiti casts herself as a bit of a Watson, Mossa sees her for the intelligent, valuable creature she is, so it doesn't have the same power imbalance that can be stifling.

The book ends on an intriguing note regarding what's next for the world at large, and I would like to understand more of it. Thanks to Tor for my copy to read and review!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! It was a relatively quick detective mystery story, with a super cool setting on a futuristic colony built around Jupiter and with queer women main characters.

I was expecting it to be more hard sci-fi or thriller vibes, which is actually why I put it off for so long and specifically chose to read it in October, lol. However, it was actually really cozy to read and I got completely wrapped up in the setting! It gave me even some academia vibes due to the involvement of the university Pleiti works at, so it was perfect for fall. The mystery was interesting and kept me hooked but it was definitely not a fast-paced thriller, which was perfect for me!

I also really liked the dynamics between Mossa and Pleiti as they worked together to solve the mystery and also navigated coming back into each others' lives. Their romance was not the main focus of this story, which I also appreciated as I am not a huge fan of pure romance novels.

Overall this was a quick and cozy mystery with interesting queer characters and cozy vibes, so if that sounds like your style then give it a try! I would definitely pick up the next books from this author in this series!

I love the premise of this novella: a murder mystery set on a colony circling Jupiter, the last remnants of human civilization after the collapse of Earth’s ecology. Against the backdrop of the storm-wracked gas giant, linked platforms grow crops, house communities, and provide nooks of academic research aimed at devising the perfect ecology once it is safe to re-seed Earth with life. Cool, huh?

When a man goes missing and it’s feared he has either jumped or been pushed off a platform, to fall endlessly in Jupiter’s atmosphere, the case falls to Investigator Mossa. This leads her to her old lover, Pleiti, a scholar of Earth’s pre-collapse ecosystems. The two of them are on the chase while exploring the resurrection of their old relationship. There are lots of plot twists and revelations along the way.

Despite the wildly exotic setting, I struggled to connect with the characters and their motivations. Mossa is enigmatic and aloof, emotionally opaque; that’s supposed to be part of her character. The contrast with Pleiti, who is highly emotional, shows how their different strengths combine to solve the mystery. However, Mossa’s distant, intellectual approach is not limited to her own viewpoint and work. It’s hard to imagine her as having feelings about anything. This bleeds into the crux of Pleiti’s work, indeed the decision the entire Jovian colony must make: what is the best way to design a rejuvenated Earth ecology? Put together known species, available in platform zoos, and let adaptation create new species and relationships, taking the risk that the combinations will fail? This approach would save enormous amounts of time, hastening the return to Earth. Or meticulously craft a system that replicates what thrived on Earth (“the mimicking of known successes” in the title), even though you can never be certain you got it right? And that it would take far longer, risking the extinction of preserved samples?

It’s a fascinating question, and the division of opinions drives the murder plot. Or ought to, because it’s presented as a distant, academic discussion, as dry and dusty as the university chambers. Therein lies my issue with this book. There’s too much relative emotional weight on the will-they-won’t-they relationship and almost none on the question upon which rests the fate of a future return to Earth. Nevertheless, the setting is fresh and original, the prose is clear, and the plot moves right along.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery! Honestly, I'm kind of over the whole Holmes x Watson thing but that's only because I spent a LOT of my early 20's being far too invested in that ship, and I simply cannot go back. But lesbian Holmes x Watson on Jupiter? That's a decent twist on the whole thing.

My favourite part of this book was the setting. I was so intrigued by the concept of colonising Jupiter that I almost wish there was a full length book dedicated to that. I want to know more, and I am also super intrigued by the Earth's collapse.

The murder mystery was a fun read too, I guess.

Thank you NetGalley, Tordotcom, and Malka Older for my advanced copy of this book!

This is a cozy sci-fi mystery novel revolving around two former classmates, now investigating a missing persons case together. I loved that this was a quick read, and left open-ended for any future additions for a series as well. The author painted a great picture of our setting on Jupiter in the future, while still leaving the environment open to interpretation to the readers. The writing was easily consumable without losing the intellectual feel that usually comes with reading a sci-fi book. I'm looking forward to future installments in this universe, and anything else this author may have to offer!

Queer murder mystery on Jupiter? Sign me up! Unfortunately, for me, the concept was more satisfying than the execution. Slightly under two hundred pages of purple prose and two sapphic mains I wanted to want to root for. Balancing worldbuilding in a novella is always a tightrope, but I felt like I didn't know enough about the world or the emotional centers of our two leads to be truly invested. If breezy dark academia that will make good use of your Kindle thesaurus sounds like a charming afternoon, you're in for a treat with this one.

On the surface this seems like a book I'd love, as an avid fan of steampunk, sci-fi, and mysteries, but I found myself disliking the voice/demeanour of Pleiti so much that it was difficult for me to get through. The chapters from her perspective were excruciating, I wish that the book had been told solely from Mossa's perspective.

On another planet, terraformed as Earth was no longer viable, an investigator queries the suspicious murder of a man and his association with the Preservation Institute (an organization that researches how Earth's ecosystems formed and existed).

As short as this book was (less than 200 pgs), it was one of the few I've read that had decently progressive characters (with a burgeoning sapphic romance), an acceptable murder/mystery storyline, and a plot that summarized at the conclusion.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Mimicking of Known Successes is a short, but evocative story of a potential mystery in a strange new setting. Overall, I enjoyed this novella. The setting was unique, and the world-building Older used to explain how humans colonized a gas planet was interesting and thoughtful. I appreciated the descriptive nature of the writing, although at times it felt almost too formal. (Given the narrator's profession as an academic, I suppose that makes sense.) The plot was perfect for the length of the novella and the pacing was excellent. I find that sometimes novellas can feel rushed or unfinished due to their length, but that wasn't the case here. The characters were interesting and the existence of a previous relationship helped give them an unusual depth in a novella. I enjoyed my read of The Mimicking of Known Successes and look forward to picking up the sequel.

The world is incredible: humans have left Earth and moved to a ringed gas giant and have developed a society there while also studying the “classics.” But unfortunately, the writing trips over itself; it’s clunky without actually conveying very much information. Too much was left unexplained even after feeling I was trying to make my way through a textbook. The characters also had hints of an interesting backstory, but those hints weren’t fleshed out at all. Instead, I felt like I was told to care about these characters without it being earned.

I wasn't too sure about this going in but the book just clicked with me. It wasn't so much the plot or the characters but the setting this time, which is unusual for me. But there was something about the windswept, stark platforms with trains clattering through on rail systems that circled the planet (or a moon?) of Jupiter, the ease with which a scholar could order tea and scones delivered to their room, the gaslights always blazing to keep the rooms warm, the colored fogs that blow through streets, the care and attention given to animals, the whole aesthetic just struck me and made me want to read more.

I was hoping the queer romance would overcome my apathy towards mysteries, but the central storyline just wasn't compelling enough for me. Character development felt thin, and I found myself wishing the book hadn't bitten off more than it could chew for its novella length, and had spent more time building out the characters. The book was overall cozy, but I was hoping for something a little less anemic.

Humans have made it across the galaxy after we ruined Earth, but we still have time to go to college, commit crimes, fall in and out of love, and use public transportation. There is fun worldbuilding in this slim novel, but it never overwhelms the characterization or the plot.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

When I first started I had no idea there was a sci fi aspect in it so I was generally surprised when I showed up but I still enjoyed it.

I'm obsessed with Jupiter, but by Jove, I wouldn't want to live there!

Malka Older did an amazing job building out the setting in this scifi novella – showing what it would mean to live in orbit around the first and largest planet to form in our solar system. Jupiter is a gas giant, so there's no surface to stand on, only extreme wind and lightning storms, and intense atmospheric pressure that would crush a human body. Imagine standing on a platform above that chaotic death pit... That's where the story finds us. An eerie, stormy backdrop for this otherwise cozy Holmesian mystery and sapphic second chance romance.

I love the parallel themes that Malka has set up! The foggy setting of Jupiter mimics the foggy setting of Victorian England that Sherlock Holmes called home. The main Watsonian character's second chance at a romantic relationship parallels her work helping society get a second chance at living on Earth. So much packed into a novella to enjoy!

And I will continue to respectfully admire Jupiter's glorious extremes from afar (and fight like hell to keep the chance we've got on Earth right now).

Thank you to Tordotcom Publishing, Malka Older, and the B2Weird Book Club for the gifted copy. Can't wait to read the sequel – The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles – coming out February 2024!

Malka Older's "The Mimicking of Known Successes" is a thought-provoking journey into the realms of mystery and science fiction. Set against the backdrop of a remote, gas-wreathed outpost on Jupiter, the novel introduces readers to the enigmatic Investigator Mossa, whose quest to find a missing man leads to a captivating narrative filled with intrigue and unexpected twists.

The story unfolds in Valdegeld, the home of the colony's erudite university, where Mossa's former girlfriend, Pleiti, is deeply immersed in researching Earth's pre-collapse ecosystems. The narrative seamlessly weaves together Mossa's investigative prowess with Pleiti's dedication to aiding the larger effort for a possible return to Earth. The dynamic between the characters and their shared history adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the unfolding mystery.

One of the strengths of Older's writing is the vivid and immersive world-building. The gas-wreathed outpost on Jupiter and the erudite university in Valdegeld are intricately described, creating a rich backdrop for the unfolding events. The author skillfully combines elements of mystery with a touch of hard science fiction, engaging readers with a plausible and well-thought-out vision of the future.

The characters, particularly Investigator Mossa and Pleiti, are well-developed and relatable. Their motivations and the intricacies of their relationship add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a sci-fi mystery. The exploration of themes related to the future of life on Earth adds a layer of significance to the plot, elevating it beyond a mere investigative tale.

The pacing of the novel is well-managed, keeping the reader hooked with a twisting path of discoveries. The plot unfolds organically, revealing layers of complexity and raising questions about the consequences of humanity's actions. The stakes are high, not only for the characters but also for the future of Earth, creating a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.

While the novel excels in many aspects, there are moments when the complexity of the scientific concepts introduced might be challenging for some readers. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, leaves room for interpretation, which may be both a strength and a point of contention for different readers.

In conclusion, "The Mimicking of Known Successes" is a captivating blend of mystery and science fiction, masterfully crafted by Malka Older. With its well-drawn characters, intricate world-building, and a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's future, the novel stands out as a compelling and intellectually stimulating read. Fans of both mystery and science fiction genres will find this book to be a rewarding and enriching experience.

This cozy sci-fi mystery reunites two former flames, a detective and a scholar at Jupiter's elite university, when a man disappears from an isolated platform. Older throws you straight into the worldbuilding, which is jarring at first but soon becomes par for the course. I grew to love Mossa and Pleiti and can't wait to read more of their adventures.

An interesting world with a great couple at the centre and an interesting mystery. I'd be interested to pick up more books in this world.

A man has gone missing at a remote station on Jupiter where the human race has landed after ruining Earth for inhabitation. Did he step off into space or was he pushed? Investigator Mossa has been sent to find out what happened.

Mossa enlists the help of her former girlfriend, Pleiti. Pleiti has stayed at the university where the two met, now as a researcher into Earth's former ecosystems in the hope that one day humans can recreate the Earth as it was and return. There is still tension over their breakup but Pleiti agrees to help and soon is caught up in Mossa's work.

Someone doesn't want the answers found. Mossa is attacked at the planet's only zoo by a carnivore who has been set loose and it's obvious some of the people they are talking to are lying to them or at least not telling the entire truth. Can the two women find out what happened?

This is the first in Older's science fiction series. The two women are very different yet they have a strong attraction to each other and can almost read each other's minds. Humans have made a mess of things on Earth and are desperately trying to find a way to get back and reestablish life as it was. The book is reminiscent of Victorian mysteries and readers won't quickly figure out the mystery. This book is recommended for both science fiction and mystery readers.