Title: Red Planet Blues
Author: Robert J. Sawyer
First published March 1, 2013
353 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670065776 (ISBN10: 0670065773)
Rating: 3.51
Overview
In Robert J. Sawyer’s Red Planet Blues, life on Mars is cheap and everything is cheaper.
As a private investigator working the streets of New Klondike, a domed city that boomed with the discovery of ancient Martian fossils, I’ve seen it all. The failed prospectors, corrupt cops, and transfers who upload their consciousness into android bodies have made for a dishonest world, but nothing compares to the motherlode of all cold cases that just landed in my lap.
Decades-old murders of the fossil hunters who started it all, Simon Weingarten and Denny O’Reilly, have resurfaced and it’s up to me to uncover the truth. Join me as I navigate the dark corners of this Martian underworld and discover the dangerous secrets that lie beneath the surface.
About the Author
Robert J. Sawyer is an accomplished science fiction author from Canada.
He has earned the distinction of being the only Canadian writer, and one of just seven writers worldwide, to have won the three most prestigious international awards for science fiction. Sawyer was raised in Toronto by two university professors and developed his love for science fiction by watching shows like Search and Star Trek as a child.
He was fascinated by space and keenly followed the televised Apollo missions. He started writing science fiction as part of a high school club called NASFA, which he co-founded.
Sawyer studied Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University and later worked as an instructor there. He published his first book, Golden Fleece, in 1989 which won the Aurora Award for the best Canadian science-fiction novel in English.
He went on to publish various other works, including the popular Quintaglio Ascension trilogy and the Neanderthal Parallax trilogy. Sawyer’s writing style is praised for its concise prose, which is often compared to that of the legendary Isaac Asimov.
Sawyer’s works often explore philosophical themes, and his Neanderthal Parallax trilogy, in particular, delves into the moral and ethical implications of scientific advancements. He also teaches creative writing and enjoys advocating for his genre in the media.
Sawyer prefers to be called a “philosophical fiction” writer, and his goal is to blend the human experience with grand cosmic ideas. He believes that science fiction provides an excellent platform for exploring complex ideas.
Editoral Review
Robert J. Sawyer’s “Red Planet Blues” is a thrilling science-fiction novel that takes readers on a wild adventure to Mars.
Published on March 1, 2013, Sawyer’s book is a breakthrough in the sci-fi genre, blending together classic detective stories and space travel into a unique and impressive narrative. Sawyer is an award-winning author who has written over 20 science-fiction novels, and his experience and creativity shine through in “Red Planet Blues.”
The story is set in the distant future, where humanity has established a bustling civilization on the red planet.
Alex Lomax, the main protagonist and private detective on Mars, finds himself in the middle of a mystery involving a missing person and a mysterious relic with religious significance. The plot is full of clever twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end, and the vivid descriptions of the Martian landscape make the story come to life.
Sawyer’s character development is superb, and he creates a cast of characters that are both relatable and intriguing. Alex Lomax is a complex and flawed hero, struggling with his own demons as he tries to solve the case.
The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with each character adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing is superb, with Sawyer keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.
The plot structure is well-constructed, with not a single loose end left untied. One of the book’s most impressive qualities is how it deals with timely issues like religion, politics, and environmentalism.
Sawyer manages to tackle these issues in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, making “Red Planet Blues” a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary discussions about the human condition. The only drawback to this novel is that Sawyer’s writing style can sometimes be excessively detailed, slowing down the story’s momentum.
Additionally, some readers may not appreciate the way that Sawyer balances multiple storylines and viewpoints in the book, although those familiar with the sci-fi genre will likely enjoy this aspect of the novel. Overall, “Red Planet Blues” is an exceptional book that blends classic mystery and science-fiction in a unique and engaging way.
For sci-fi fans, it’s a must-read, and even those with only a casual interest in the genre will find a lot to enjoy. It deserves a rating of four out of five stars for its creativity, character development, and timely themes.
