The Spare Man Mary Robinette Kowal

I've really enjoyed Kowal's books in the past and, upon hearing that this was like a sci-fi version of The Thin Man, immediately reserved the book from my local library. And this is like the movie (the book didn't have as much comedy) in that you have now "retired" detective who has married an heiress. In this book, we get more from the wife since the book is told from her point of view.

Tesla and her new husband are on a planetary cruise when a murder occurs. Though she is recognizable to the point of creating a horde, she has been able to fly under the radar to this point. The ship's security is less than stellar and, not knowing who she is, immediately pin their gaze on her husband as the guilty party. Tesla is less than impressed and decides (against her attorney's direct orders) to investigate herself. How else is her husband supposed to be freed?

This book is good but it is very much the first in a series and there is a lot of world-building. I do hope there are more in the series though as I have enjoyed Kowal's characters in the past and I think this book will improve when there are more books in the series.

Three and a half stars

This book came out October 22, 2023

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

Jane Ellsworth knows that she's plain, with an overlong nose and a gorgeous sister, and she is, indeed, a spinster but she still has quiet hopes about their neighbor who seems to be impressed by her talents with glamour, the magic that Kowal has introduced into this Austen-era England parallel universe. Unfortunately, it seems like the neighbor might be more interested in her sister. And, being a good Austen-era heroine, Jane is ready to step aside if she needs to, for the sake of her sister. 

But the big news in the neighborhood is that the glamural artist, David Vincent is in town. And Jane is delighted to have the chance to learn more about his craft, but manages to offend him almost immediately. 

I wish we had seen a little bit more of the love story but this book was a fantastic look about how world-building can be done right.

Four stars

This book came out August 3rd, 2010

Followed by Glamour in Glass

Borrowed as hard copy from the library

Opinions are my own

Reread September 2022 as audiobook from Libby