On a remote, gas-wreathed outpost of a human colony on Jupiter, a man goes missing. The enigmatic Investigator Mossa follows his trail to Valdegeld, home to the colony's erudite university -- and Mossa's former girlfriend, a scholar of Earth's pre-collapse ecosystems.
Pleiti has dedicated her research and her career to aiding the larger effort towards a possible return to Earth. When Mossa unexpectedly arrives and requests Pleiti's assistance in her latest investigation, the two of them embark on a twisting path in which the future of life on Earth is at stake -- and, perhaps, their futures, together.
By Iris
At this point, I feel like we all know that I can never resist a sci-fi novella. This one is no exception (I mean, just look at that beautiful cover!). The story is set on Jupiter – or rather, the complex network of rings, rails and stations built around the gas giant to support human life. Main character Mossa is an investigator sent to look into a disappearance and it just so happens that this particular investigation leads her to reunite with Pleiti, a former college friend… who may have been a little bit more than that.
The case quickly turns into something much more complicated than Mossa anticipated, and she finds herself drawn into this mystery together with Pleiti. The steampunk-y feel of the Jupiter settlements, the cozy academia vibes, and the absolutely perfect dynamic between Mossa and Pleiti all make this a delightful read for a rainy evening. Grab yourself a pot of tea and some treats, and dive in.
(If you like this book, goods news: the sequel, The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles, is also great – and there are three more coming in the series!)
