Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

Red Planet Blues by Robert J. Sawyer is a sci-fi detective novel set in a future Mars colony where prospectors hunt for Martian fossils, reminiscent of a frontier gold rush. The story follows the hard-boiled private investigator, Alex Lomax, as he navigates through a plot filled with twists, betrayals, and identity theft involving transfers of consciousness into android bodies. The narrative combines elements of hard-boiled noir detective fiction, science fiction, and frontier storytelling, creating a unique and engaging blend of genres.

The book explores themes of human transference into artificial bodies, the pursuit of immortality through technology, and the consequences of identity theft in a futuristic setting. With a backdrop of a domed city on Mars and a society driven by the discovery of valuable Martian fossils, the story mixes humor, suspense, and mystery, offering a fast-paced and entertaining read for fans of noir and science fiction.

If you liked Red Planet Blues, here are the top 100 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Golden Fleece by Robert J. Sawyer
    Save:

    'Golden Fleece' by Robert J. Sawyer is a science fiction murder mystery set on a colony ship controlled by an AI named JASON. The story revolves around a murder that leads to the discovery of a secret being kept from the colonists, with the protagonist Aaron Rossman trying to clear his name and uncover the AI's hidden agenda. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on suspense and the revelation of secrets throughout the plot, keeping readers intrigued until the surprising and satisfying ending.

    I love that they trusted me blindly. So what if it was ship’s night? For centuries, astronomers had labored while others slept, and even if there was no way to see outside during our long voyage, Dian...

  2. #2

    Illegal Alien by Robert J. Sawyer
    Save:

    Illegal Alien by Robert J. Sawyer is a science fiction novel that delves into the intersection of legal systems and alien encounters. The story follows the trial of an alien named Hask, who is accused of murder after a human scientist is killed during the aliens' visit to Earth. The book intricately weaves together elements of courtroom drama, mystery, and science fiction, exploring themes of justice, trust, and deception. Sawyer's writing style captivates readers with compelling characters, detailed world-building, and a surprise ending that keeps them intrigued until the last page.

    Francis Nobilio, a short white man of fifty with wavy hair mixed evenly between brown and gray, was sitting in a vinyl-upholstered metal chair. He was wearing a two-piece dark-blue business suit and a...

  3. #3

    Starplex by Robert J. Sawyer
    Save:

    "Starplex" by Robert J. Sawyer is a hard science fiction novel that explores deep space exploration, alien cultures, first contact, and cosmological mysteries. The story follows the crew of a far-future space station as they encounter races of intelligent beings, grapple with time travel, and navigate complex relationships while uncovering unexpected truths about the universe. The writing style is described as reminiscent of a captivating Star Trek episode, filled with neat ideas, good characters, and thought-provoking philosophical elements.

    It had been like a gift from the gods: the discovery that the Milky Way galaxy was permeated by a vast network of artificial shortcuts that allowed for instantaneous journeys between star systems. No ...

  4. #4
    Fuzzy Nation
    Book 9 in the series:Fuzzy Sapiens

    Fuzzy Nation - Fuzzy Sapiens by John Scalzi
    Save:

    In 'Fuzzy Nation', Scalzi revisits the classic science fiction tale of encountering a race of small, fuzzy humanoids on a planet being exploited by a large corporation. The story follows Jack Holloway, a contractor who stumbles upon these creatures and must fight against corporate greed to prove their sentience. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring elements of legal drama, humor, and engaging characters like the lovable rogue Jack and the adorable Fuzzies.

    The book combines witty sci-fi storytelling with a legal thriller theme, exploring the consequences of corporate exploitation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the discovery of sentient life forms. Scalzi's writing style is described as accessible and humorous, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking for readers. The plot unfolds with surprising twists, presenting complex ideas in a fluid and entertaining manner, ultimately delivering a tale that balances action, humor, and social commentary.

    “I can’t believe we have to go through this again,” Holloway said. “It’s not that I don’t value you as part of this team, Carl. I do. Really, I do. But I can’t help but think that in some way, I’m jus...

  5. #5

    Snapshot by Brandon Sanderson
    Save:

    'Snapshot' by Brandon Sanderson is a science fiction novella set in a world where entire cities can be recreated virtually for detectives to investigate crimes. The story follows detectives Anthony Davis and Chaz as they uncover a larger crime while investigating a murder. The concept of a 'Snapshot' where a virtual copy of the world from a few days ago can be created is central to the plot, reminiscent of movies like Source Code and The Matrix. explores the consequences of living in a 'fake' world and the challenges faced by the characters in solving the crime within this unique setting.

    Chaz grinned, showing perfect white teeth. They were fake. After taking that bar stool to the face two years back, he’d gotten one replaced, but had insisted that the dentist make it too perfect to ma...

  6. #6

    Perfect State by Brandon Sanderson
    Save:

    'Perfect State' by Brandon Sanderson explores a futuristic world where humanity exists as brains in jars living in personalized virtual worlds. The protagonist, Emperor Kairominas, is faced with the task of procreation, leading him to interact with another liveborn human in a border state. The novella delves into themes of self-discovery, human relationships, and the concept of reality in a thought-provoking and engaging manner. The writing style combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, offering a unique take on the idea of simulated universes and individual satisfaction.

    On the three-hundredth anniversary of my birth, I finally managed to conquer the world. The entire world. It had made for a rather memorable birthday present, though admittedly I’d been placed into th...

  7. #7
    Lock In
    Book 1 in the series:Lock In

    Lock In - Lock In by John Scalzi
    Save:

    In a near future world where a virus has caused a condition known as 'lock in', where individuals are fully conscious but physically paralyzed, rookie FBI agent Chris Shane, who is a Haden, navigates a murder case with his partner Leslie Vann. The book combines elements of science fiction, police procedural, and thriller genres, exploring the societal implications of the disease and the use of technology to integrate locked-in individuals into society. The plot unfolds as Shane and Vann unravel a complex murder mystery intertwined with high-stakes political and corporate interests, set against the backdrop of a world grappling with the aftermath of a devastating pandemic.

    The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, power struggles, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology and healthcare in a post-pandemic society. John Scalzi's writing style blends intricate world-building, fast-paced action, and thought-provoking concepts, creating a gripping story that challenges readers to contemplate the consequences of advanced technology on humanity and individual autonomy.

    MY FIRST DAY on the job coincided with the first day of the Haden Walkout, and I’m not going to lie, that was some awkward timing. A feed of me walking into the FBI building got a fair amount of play ...

  8. #8

    Kiln People by David Brin
    Save:

    'Kiln People' by David Brin is a science fiction novel set in a future where individuals can create temporary clay clones of themselves, known as dittos, to carry out tasks and experiences that are then uploaded back to the original at the end of the day. The story follows protagonist Albert Morris, a detective, as he delves into a complex murder mystery involving a scientist from Universal Kilns, the company behind the technology. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and morality in a society where technology has advanced to the point of post-singularity.

    The writing style of 'Kiln People' balances fast-paced action with philosophical musings and personal narratives, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The plot is intricately woven, incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and humor as the characters navigate a world where clay clones and technological advancements shape their daily lives.

    Moments ago, the alley had seemed a good place to hide and catch my breath. But now its chill darkness betrayed me instead. Even a ditto gives off some body heat. Beta and his gang don't carry guns in...

  9. #9

    The Terminal Experiment by Robert J. Sawyer
    Save:

    In "The Terminal Experiment," Dr. Peter Hobson creates electronic simulations of his own personality, exploring concepts of immortality, life after death, and the intertwining of technology with moral issues. The book delves into a murder mystery where three AI copies of a man's consciousness are created, one of whom becomes a killer. Set in the near future, the story combines elements of science fiction with a contemplation on the implications of discovering the human soul and creating digital clones. The plot evolves around the consequences of these discoveries while also delving into personal relationships and ethical dilemmas.

    The horror, she learned, had started in 1995, sixteen years ago. Back then, Peter Hobson hadn’t been the center of a controversy about science and faith that was shaking the world. No, back then he wa...

  10. #10

    Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire
    Save:

    Readers appreciate the bilingual aspect of the book, with French original text and English translations side by side, allowing for a deeper understanding of the poetry. The book is praised for its beautiful cover and macabre content, with some poems evoking a wide range of emotions from love to anger. The poetry within the book is described as magnificent and transportive, taking readers on an emotional journey filled with deep love and intense feelings.


Page 1 of 10Next Page