PROJECT HAIL MARY

 

PROJECT HAIL MARY

By Andy Weir

Ballantine Books

478 pgs

 

While still in high school, we learned the various sub-genres of science fiction. Most fell under one of two umbrellas: hard science or science fantasy. In the latter camp you had the space sagas of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Leigh Brackett and Edmond Hamiling. What fans often labeled space operas. In the other camp, writers with authentic science backgrounds were Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and many others. As a teenager we had no problems enjoying both. As we matured, we began to favor the fantasy stuff. Why? Because most of the current hard science novels we read were poorly written. The writers knew their science but fell short of using it in compelling tales with characters and plots that we could warm to. 

Along comes Andy Weir, a software engineer who knows both real science and how to tell a damn good story. “Project Hail Mary” concerns a discovered threat to our sun. Something is weakening its power and if it continues, all life on earth is in danger of complete extinction within a few short decades. As the world’s leading scientists and astronomer wrestle with the problem, they learn other stars in our universe are suffering the same malady. All but one, the sun of the Tau Ceti system. 

All this comes about because of a brilliant young scientist turned high school teacher named Rayland Grace. It is Grace who ultimately learns of the cosmic infestation that is negatively impacting stars. But why isn’t this happening to Tau Ceti? Is there something about that particular star making it immune to the cosmic infestation? Quickly the governing bodies of Earth realize mankind’s only hope of survival is to send a team of astronauts on a suicide mission to Tau Ceti to learn the secret of its immunity and get that information back to Earth. The plot is suspenseful, our hero believable and then comes Weir’s biggest surprise, the alien Grace encounters when arriving at Tau Ceti.  

How two different intelligent lifeforms meet, learn to communicate and then being to work together to save their respective home worlds is fantastic. “Project Hail Mary” is one of the best science fiction adventures we’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Page after page, Weir took us on a journey of wonder set against the backdrop of an endless space we’ve only just begun to explore. This book is an inspiration to all those young men and women who’ll one day look to the stars and dream. We loved it.

THE WHITE MOUNTAIN

 

THE WHITE MOUNTAIN

A Nero Wolfe Mystery

By Robert Goldsborough

Mysterious Press.Com

171 pgs

 

At the offset let us confess that we have been a staunch fan of this series ever since writer Goldsborough gifted the mystery loving world with resurrecting one of its most endearing characters, Nero Wolfe. “The White Mountain” is his eighteen entry into the world created by the late Rex Stout and perhaps one of the most charming. Any devoted Wolfe buff knows half the joy of his mysteries, aside from his brilliantly solving convoluted puzzles, are the colorful supporting cast inhabiting that Manhattan brownstone with him. One of these is Master Chef Fritz Brenner. We’d argue, primarily due to his girth, Nero Wolfe could easily be considered a “foody.” 

Therein lies the heart of this tale. Fritz informs Wolfe that his cousin back in Switzerland has disappeared and he is worried about his fate. After inquiries are made, including hiring a British private investigator to go to Geneva and look into the matter, these efforts prove fruitless. Fritz then declares he wishes to go and personally look for his lost relative. Wolfe acquiesces provided Fritz maintain regular telephone contact once there. Brenner agrees and off he goes. After a few such check-ins, the talented chef, like his kin, then mysteriously vanishes. 

In the entire Stout canon, the fat detective had only ever left the country once and that was to solve the murder of a friend in “The Black Mountain.” Now, once again faced with a problem he cannot remedy from behind his desk, Nero Wolfe accepts the reality that he must venture out into the world. The entire adventure from this point on is a testament to Wolfe’s inherent loyalty to that small circle of friends he cherishes as family. Watching how poor Archie must deal with his boss’ phobias and foibles to navigate a foreign setting and take on another convoluted mystery was a joy to this reader. 

Goldsborough’s affection for Wolfe is obvious on every page of this book. He deftly explores that depth of character allowing us to see a side of Wolfe generally kept hidden. He’s never been more human than in “The White Mountain.”

WHISPERS BEYOND THE VEIL

 

WHISPERS BEYOND THE VEIL

By Jessica Estevao

Berkeley Prime Crime

338 pgs

 

Found this quaint mystery novel in a New Hampshire bookstore many years ago. On the back cover blurb, it reported the tale took place in 1898 in the seaside town of Old Orchard, Maine. Then we realized the cover depicted the book’s heroine, Ruby Proux standing on the beach gazing at the famous pier that jutted out into the Atlantic. Having spent many happy summer days in that town during our youth, purchasing the book was never a question. 

The book opens in Canada, with a young Ruby Proulx is traveling the carnival circuit with her father, a selfish snake-oil-salesman who, after her mother’s passing, brought her up to be his assistant in his many flim-flam schemes. When one of his outlandish plans results in the death of a carnival worker, the two have no recourse but to flee. Which leads to Ruby’s second shock. Her father directs her to take the train south into America and find succor at her aunt’s hotel in Old Orchard, Maine. Honoria Belden is her late mother’s older sister whom she has never met. In fact, Ruby knows absolutely nothing about her mother’s past, other than a few names uttered by her father over the years. 

Once in the quaint little seaside town, Ruby discovers a world of both charm and mystery. Honoria is a larger-than-life figure who immediately embraces her arrival, showering her with affection and kindness; qualities Ruby is totally unfamiliar with. She soon learns that her aunt’s hotel is a gathering place for spiritualists of all types. From card readers to gazers of crystal balls, their presence is the primary attraction of summer guests. When an expected medium fails to show up, Ruby offers to assume her duties, falling back on her confidence tricks taught to her by her father. 

At first all goes smoothy, but when a hotel guest, there to investigate the legitimacy of the various spiritualists is murdered, Ruby finds herself caught up in complicated mystery that not only threatens her beloved aunt, but also to expose her own criminal background. “Whispers Beyond the Veil,” is unlike most “cozy” mysteries due to a heroine who’s own character is not altogether decent and watching Ruby’s conscience evolve throughout is affair is captivating. Ruby Proulx is one heroine you will not soon forget.