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In a city run by a powerful mobster, nobody wants to play the hero. Private investigator Charlie Madison just wants to pay the rent.
When a little girl goes missing and no ransom demand is made, Madison takes the case. Time isn't on his side. After 48 hours, it's unlikely an abducted child will be found in one piece. But Madison's a champion of lost causes, and he'll be damned before he gives up on her—even if it means putting his own life on the line.
As the mystery unfolds, Madison learns a bizarre secret that seems too impossible to believe. But it could explain why the girl was kidnapped—and why she might still be alive.
When a little girl goes missing and no ransom demand is made, Madison takes the case. Time isn't on his side. After 48 hours, it's unlikely an abducted child will be found in one piece. But Madison's a champion of lost causes, and he'll be damned before he gives up on her—even if it means putting his own life on the line.
As the mystery unfolds, Madison learns a bizarre secret that seems too impossible to believe. But it could explain why the girl was kidnapped—and why she might still be alive.
My review:
I enjoy the occasional crime noir tale, but what I love is science fiction. So, when I read a review mentioning this novelette had a cyber-noir, alternate history theme, I was intrigued enough to read Girl of Great Price. I was thoroughly rewarded.
Fowler has taken classic noir and given it a fresh, new setting - a sort of Big Trouble in Little China meets Bladerunner, only without the replicants. His PI Charlie Madison is a tough guy who knows his job and his city. Even though he's down on his luck, he also cares about his city and the people in it, and this makes him a likeable character. I was rooting for him and the girl in question from the beginning.
While this is a short read, moving at a lightning pace, I really felt like I'd lived in the alternate world Fowler has created. I'm always in awe of writers who can convey so much world building in so few words. I've already downloaded its sequel, Immaterial Evidence, which tells you how much I enjoyed this novelette.
I highly recommend Girl of Great Price to both crime noir and sci-fi fans, and anyone wishing to try something a little different than their usual read. After reading Girl of Great Price, I promise you you'll be reaching for Immaterial Evidence.
Fowler has taken classic noir and given it a fresh, new setting - a sort of Big Trouble in Little China meets Bladerunner, only without the replicants. His PI Charlie Madison is a tough guy who knows his job and his city. Even though he's down on his luck, he also cares about his city and the people in it, and this makes him a likeable character. I was rooting for him and the girl in question from the beginning.
While this is a short read, moving at a lightning pace, I really felt like I'd lived in the alternate world Fowler has created. I'm always in awe of writers who can convey so much world building in so few words. I've already downloaded its sequel, Immaterial Evidence, which tells you how much I enjoyed this novelette.
I highly recommend Girl of Great Price to both crime noir and sci-fi fans, and anyone wishing to try something a little different than their usual read. After reading Girl of Great Price, I promise you you'll be reaching for Immaterial Evidence.
Author Link: Website
Thank you. It sounds right up my (very broad) reading street.
ReplyDeleteMilo's stories are absolutely fantastic. I particularly enjoyed this one. I've got his newest sitting on my Kindle waiting for me!
ReplyDeleteI really need to read this.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this novelette by Milo. Have you read his Immaterial Evidence yet? I loved it and still need to read Yakuza Territory.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like a great novel. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteMilo is an incredibly gifted writer, and this is one of his best!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the glowing review, Ellie -- and the kind comments, everybody! You've made my day.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. I think I'll look it up.
ReplyDelete