Cozy Crime and Utopian Dreams: A Review of Murder by Memory (Dorothy Gentleman #1)
There’s something irresistibly captivating about the blend of mystery and science fiction, and when I stumbled upon Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite, I felt an almost magnetic pull towards its premise. A locked-room murder mystery set aboard a spaceship accommodating 10,000 people? Count me in! Thanks to Tor/Tordotcom and NetGalley for the free e-ARC, I dove into this fascinating world where memories can be transferred between bodies, and what I found was a delightful surprise that far exceeded my expectations.
From the very first pages, I was enchanted by the cozy ambiance of the HMS Fairweather. Waite expertly crafts a setting that feels as if it’s been dusted with warm, inviting lights rather than the cold sterility one might expect from outer space. As I explored the ship’s various locales—bars, libraries, and even a yarn store—I found myself wishing I could step through the pages and experience this utopian community firsthand. Here, wealth is not a towering skyscraper but rather a more egalitarian approach where intelligence and care elevate custodial roles to some of the most respected and lucrative positions. It’s a refreshing concept that feels like a hopeful antidote to the chaos of our own world.
One of the most intriguing elements is the book’s exploration of memory. What makes us who we are? Waite takes this philosophical question and spins it into a narrative that feels both achievable and profound: a technology that allows memories to be downloaded into books, and even transferred into new bodies. This concept of shared experiences through sensory cocktails, like the “Snowy Day,” where one can drink in the fresh scent of snow while also savoring the smoky warmth of a fire, is as immersive as it is poetic. It brought a new layer of richness to the story that was utterly enthralling.
And then there’s the mystery itself! Oh, how refreshing it is to encounter a plot that weaves together threads of the crime in a way that makes perfect sense—you can practically feel the satisfaction as each piece of the puzzle slots into place. Waite manages to craft a narrative that keeps you guessing while making it clear that every twist and turn has meaning tied to the characters and the world they inhabit.
Speaking of characters, Dorothy, our elderly detective, shines brightly. Her sharp wit and unexpected insights give the narrative a delightful edge. I found myself giggling alongside her as she grappled with newfound abilities in her youthful body, yet her perspective avoids the pitfalls of cynicism. Instead, she embodies competence and curiosity, making her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Although I appreciated the cheeky humor brought forth by the semi-drunk ship AI, it occasionally veered a tad too far into twee territory for my taste—yet, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise rich narrative.
Murder by Memory is a delightful read that captures the imagination and the heart. It’s the kind of book I’d recommend to fans of Howl’s Moving Castle, Mary Robinette Kowal, Travis Baldree, and Brenda Peynado—anyone eager to embrace a cozy mystery in a whimsical, utopian setting. For me, Waite has created not just a novel, but an entire world I yearn to revisit. As I closed the book, I felt a profound sense of joy, a feeling that every former memory might still live vividly within the confines of their new narratives. This is not just crime fiction; this is a heartfelt journey that asks us to reflect on who we are and where we’ve traveled. I can’t wait to share this treasure with others!
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