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Tight, suspenseful Sci-Fi Detective Fiction. Empathetic characters on both sides.

Synopsis

Detective Nick Schneider, the only synthetic human in the New DC Police Department, is despised by his colleagues, especially his new partner Franco, a tough ex-powerlifter with a grudge. When the pair tackles a bizarre murder case involving a pair of synthetic arms grafted onto a senator’s daughter, they uncover a violent conspiracy that ignites public outrage and political chaos. As Schneider and Franco delve deeper, their fragile partnership is pushed to its limits, unearthing the city’s darkest secrets and forcing them to confront the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human?

This novel is dressed up as Science Fiction, but its roots are in the good old-fashioned detective tale. Except for his lack of skin, Schneider is the epitome of underdog detectives, looked down upon by his workmates, reviled by the public, watched with suspicion by his superiors and viewed with frustration by those who try to befriend him. His independent attitude doesn’t help.


In his society, robots have come a long way from Daneel Olivaw, but humans haven’t made the same progress. Thematically, this is a thinly disguised repeat of the struggles of blacks, women, gays, and other minorities to take their rightful place in society.


This is an impressive book because it is all so neatly put together. It’s a complicated plot with a surprisingly small number of characters, much more closely interwoven than at first appears. So, as the reader gets closer to the end the “Oh, so that’s why…” responses increase as everything becomes clear, and it all fits together like a jeweler’s jigsaw puzzle.


The main benefit of this tight mix is that there are few minor characters. Everybody gets enough page time for us to get to know them, and in the end, everybody counts. We like most of them, we sympathize with all of them, and finally, we have to make up our minds who to cheer for.


The multiple points of view are handled cleanly, and the reader is able to keep the character map clearly in mind. Except in a few cases, all of which lead to the biggest “Oh, that’s why…” in the story.


This is an original plotline, complicated but handled beautifully. The world building is kept to a minimum of essential qualities, and the sci-fi tech stuff doesn’t interfere with the action or the story. The writing style is clean, simple, and unobtrusive.


Highly recommended for Sci-Fi and real-time fans of good detective fiction.

Reviewed by

Brought up in a logging camp with no electricity, Gordon Long learned his storytelling in the traditional way: at his father’s knee. He now spends his time editing, publishing, travelling, blogging and writing Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Social Commentary, although sometimes the boundaries blur.

Synopsis

Detective Nick Schneider, the only synthetic human in the New DC Police Department, is despised by his colleagues, especially his new partner Franco, a tough ex-powerlifter with a grudge. When the pair tackles a bizarre murder case involving a pair of synthetic arms grafted onto a senator’s daughter, they uncover a violent conspiracy that ignites public outrage and political chaos. As Schneider and Franco delve deeper, their fragile partnership is pushed to its limits, unearthing the city’s darkest secrets and forcing them to confront the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human?

The lights in the diner gleamed off the exposed metal on Schneider’s face, cheekbones like razor blades. He was unique even among synthetics, the only one in New DC who wasn’t trying to pass. He’d climbed out of the uncanny valley and gone right back in.

Schneider sniffed the air—frying bacon and hot coffee—and strode across the checkerboard floor. He moved smooth and easy, cutting an elegant figure in old-fashioned wingtips, a trim black suit, and wool fedora. Like a jazz musician from the 50s.

He scanned the restaurant, taking in everything and giving back nothing. His eyes were on the dark side, a few clicks to the left of the dial for warmth. He chose a stool four spaces down from the diner’s only other customers, a pair of bikers.

One of the bikers, a giant of a man ready to explode out of his leathers, more fat than muscle, glanced over. A double take at the metal showing on Schneider’s face. “Fucking synth,” he muttered.

The waitress shot the biker a look of warning and turned back to Schneider. She filled his cup with coffee. “The usual, hon?” 

Schneider nodded. “And a chocolate malted, Bev. I’m celebrating.”

She arched an eyebrow. “What’s the occasion?” 

“My birthday.” 

Bev rewarded him with a laugh. She wrote the ticket and put it on the wheel for the cook. Two eggs over medium, rye toast, hash browns, and a milkshake. 

“Hey, freak show.” The giant pointed a meaty finger. “Synths don’t have birthdays.”

Schneider sipped his coffee, his expression unreadable. “Aren’t you a wealth of information?” 

Bev picked up her carafe and topped off the bikers’ mugs. “Don’t start trouble, you two.”

“Just stating facts.” The smaller one was a half-head shorter and almost as fat. “People have birthdays. Synths aren’t people.”

Schneider could feel their eyes on him, waiting for a reaction. He remained impassive, watching the cook work the grill with the long edge of his spatula. On the upstroke, he spread a ribbon of oil and cracked Schneider’s eggs, two over medium. 

The bikers got bored and shifted their attention to Bev. “What time do you get off? We’ll give you a ride home.”

“I’ll pass, thanks.”

Schneider watched her wipe the already-clean counter. In the background, the cook plated his food and slid it across a stainless window slot. “Order up.”

“Come on,” the giant said. “It’ll be fun.”

“You can ride on the back of my hog,” the smaller one added. “It vibrates a lot.”

Bev had had enough. She started to move away, but the giant grabbed with his bear paw of a hand. “We’re not done talking.”

Bev jerked back. A sluice of coffee escaped the carafe and splattered the wall. 

Schneider glanced at his eggs and hash browns, knowing he’d never get to eat them. He stood and addressed the bikers. “It’s time for you to leave.”

The giant straightened to his full height—six-six in his Chippewa boots. His buddy flanked him. “Try and make me. Synth.”

Schneider sighed. “You two are walking fucking cliches, do you know that?” 

They searched each other’s eyes for a brief confused moment, and then anger took over. The smaller one reached inside his leather jacket for a coil of motorcycle chain. He let it unwind and swung it back and forth. “Enough talk, synth.”

Bev started to speak, but Schneider put up his hand. “It’s alright.” He turned on his heels and strode to the door.

“Smart move,” said the one with the chain. 

When Schneider made it to the door, the giant said, “keep walking.” Instead, he flipped the cardboard sign from “open” to “closed” and secured the bolt with a decisive click. 

“Schneider,” Bev said. “Don’t.”

He removed his fedora and hung it on a hook. “I want you assholes to know that I respect your choice to do this the hard way. I’ll do my best not to rupture any of your organs.” 

The giant advanced followed by the smaller one, who was swinging his chain more vigorously now, increasing its arc.

Schneider shook out his limbs and settled into a fighting stance, wingtips shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly in front of the other. “Okay. Let’s do this.”


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4 Comments

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Matt GuzmanThis sounds like a great read! I grew up on Isaac Asimov's robot stories, and Daneel Olivaw has always been my favorite character. I will check this out!
0 likes Reply
3 months ago
Shawn GoodmanThanks, Matt! Asimov is one of my writing heroes. I read that he worked on novels and science textbooks at the same time, two big IBM typewriters in the same room. Who does that?
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3 months ago
Romak RahamanA very intriguing mix of classic detective fiction and futuristic science fiction, this is the story of Detective Rob-71, a robot programmed to solve crimes in a large, technologically advanced city. In a world where AI plays an ever-increasing role in society, this one is unique: programmed not only to analyze evidence but also to understand human emotions and motivations. As he tracks a series of mysterious murders, Rob-71 has to penetrate into a world where human bias against robots and ethics on the autonomy of AI come to the front. The novel is a reflection on the nature of consciousness and morality. As Rob-71 delves deeper into his investigations, he begins to question his own programming, developing a kind of self-awareness that challenges both himself and the people around him. This journey provokes interesting questions: Can a robot really learn to be empathetic? Where is the dividing line between the machine and human consciousness? These questions about identity and free will make the book interesting and timely in light of AI and ethics. The writing style of the author is one of its key strengths: fast-paced detective storytelling intertwined with introspective moments, which add depth to Rob-71's character. The scenes are vivid, and the city's gritty, futuristic ambiance is well-crafted, drawing readers into a world both familiar and unsettling. Still, some readers might feel that the plot's heavy reliance on technical jargon and futuristic details often drags the pacing at moments that veer into heavy explanation of robotics and AI theory. On a personal level, the challenge from Robot Detective makes me question what it truly means to be human and think critically of our increasingly AI-driven world. The journey of Rob-71 toward understanding and self-doubt brings a surprisingly human touch to the story and encourages reflection on how we might one day coexist with AI entities that may think and feel differently from us. I would suggest Robot Detective for the science-fiction fan who insists on depth or for fans of offbeat detective stories. Robot Detective is an interesting study on AI potential; although it is at times complex, the issues in the book make the book memorable and applicable for anyone interested in this future aspect of human and AI relationships.
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3 months ago
Aditya AgrawalRobot Detective by Shawn Goodman is a fun book that mixes technology and mystery. The story is set in a world where robots are detectives. The main character is a robot detective who is smart, logical, and made to solve crimes. But the case it has to solve is much harder than it looks. As the story goes on, the robot detective has to think carefully about everything it knows. There are many interesting characters, both human and robot, which makes the investigation even more exciting. The book is full of action, suspense, and moments that make you think. What I liked most about the book was how it made me think about technology in our lives. Even though robots are very smart, they can still feel confused or unsure, just like humans. The book is easy to read and keeps you interested from the beginning to the end. The story also explores deeper ideas, like identity and trust. The robot detective learns not only about the case, but also about itself and the people it meets. This adds a personal touch to the story and helps you connect with the character. Overall, Robot Detective is a fun and interesting read. It’s perfect for fans of science fiction and mystery, and it will leave you thinking even after you finish the book.
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about 2 months ago
About the author

Shawn Goodman is an award-winning novelist and nonfiction writer who draws from his work as a psychologist to craft stories that challenge our understanding of humanity and the future. He lives in upstate NY with his wife and daughters. view profile

Published on July 04, 2024

90000 words

Contains mild explicit content ⚠️

Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆

Genre:Science Fiction

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