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.

In 'Made to Kill,' Raymond Electromatic, the last robot in the world, works as a private detective in 1960s LA, taking on the role of a hitman to make ends meet. The story combines elements of hardboiled detective fiction with science fiction, presenting a unique twist on the classic noir genre. The novel pays homage to Raymond Chandler's style and tone, offering a gritty narrative set in an alternate Studio System Hollywood where robot labor has come and gone.

The plot unfolds through classic Hollywood locations, Communist plots, missing persons cases, and murder mysteries, all narrated by Raymond Electromatic himself. The writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, and charming, with a mix of humor and absurdity that keeps the mystery engaging until the very last chapter. The book blends familiar elements of sci-fi and mysteries in a new and inventive way, offering readers a fresh take on traditional genres.

'Titanium Noir' by Nick Harkaway is a fast-paced noir science fiction novel that follows the story of Cal Sounder, a private investigator, as he delves into a murder case involving Titans, superhumans who have undergone extreme gene therapy. The book seamlessly blends classic noir elements with a gritty sci-fi world, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked. The writing style is described as snappy and enjoyable, with intriguing characters and a complex plot that unfolds through dramatic fight scenes and twisty challenges.

Cal Sounder is portrayed as a disillusioned yet humane protagonist who navigates the dark underbelly of a society divided between the ultra-rich Titans and the sub-super humans. As the investigation progresses, the collision of these two worlds poses delicate problems and ethical dilemmas, adding layers of depth to the story. The novel explores themes of power, wealth, immortality, and the redefinition of humanity in a near-future setting where gene therapy blurs the lines between superhumans and baseline humans.

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.

'Identity Theft' is a collection of science fiction and fantasy stories that explores themes of mind transfer and artificial bodies. The titular story revolves around a detective hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a mind transfer, set against the backdrop of a Martian colony. The collection includes a variety of narratives that address philosophical questions about humanity, morality, and the implications of technological advancements, all woven together with Sawyer's characteristic speculative fiction style.

The writing style is described as thought-provoking and versatile, showcasing Robert J. Sawyer's ability to traverse different genres and themes. While some stories are praised for their complexity and depth, others have been criticized for being predictable or lacking a strong punchline. This juxtaposition of engaging narratives alongside more simplistic tales reflects Sawyer's journey as a writer, indicating both a maturation in his craft and the varying reception of his short stories.

Architects of Emortality is a murder mystery set in a future where genetic engineering and nanotechnology have extended human lifespan drastically. The novel follows detectives investigating mysterious murders of scientists, with a backdrop of a complex and detailed world created by Stableford. The characters are intriguing, especially the enigmatic Oscar Wilde, who serves as a link to 20th-century culture and literature and adds depth to the narrative.

The plot revolves around the detectives trying to solve the murders, which leads them on a wild chase involving experts in various fields and a prime suspect who is a genetic engineer. The story explores themes of longevity, bioengineering, and the implications of extended lifespans, raising philosophical questions about humanity's future in a world where death is no longer a certainty.

'Fossil Hunter' in the series 'Quintaglio Ascension' by Robert J. Sawyer follows the journey of the Quintaglio species as they face challenges that test their beliefs and society. The characters, including Afsan and his son Toroca, explore themes of evolution, leadership, acceptance of new ideas, and the psychological effects of traditions in a society facing destruction. The plot includes elements of mystery, science fiction, and theological speculation as the Quintaglio race navigates conflicts with religious and political powers while uncovering the truth about their origins.

'Elysium Fire' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction novel that delves into a mysterious outbreak of fatal neural implant malfunctions in the Yellowstone system, threatening the Glitter Band. Senior Prefect Dreyfus, along with the law enforcement agency Panoply, must unravel the complex puzzle behind these deaths before chaos ensues. The plot weaves together a gripping tale of intrigue, suspense, and surprising reversals, set against a backdrop of advanced technology and futuristic society, reminiscent of a space opera psychological thriller crime procedural.

The narrative of 'Elysium Fire' unfolds through multiple points of view and different time periods, gradually revealing the intricate layers of a crime and its origins. Reynolds combines elements of hard science fiction, detective mystery, and character-driven storytelling to create a compelling journey of discovery, where the characters must navigate through bureaucratic bickering, mysterious family secrets, and ethical dilemmas to uncover the truth behind the deadly contagion.

The novel 'Halting State' by Charles Stross is a thrilling near-future story set in an independent Scotland, where a robbery in a virtual cybergame world leads to complex ramifications in the real world. The plot is intricately woven from multiple perspectives, focusing on the intertwining of virtual reality and the real world. The writing style, in the second person singular, presents a unique challenge with unfamiliar slang terms and acronyms, creating a suspenseful and engaging narrative.