Extremes

In this science fiction mystery set on the Moon, a dead body is discovered during a marathon race. Detective Noelle DeRicci investigates the victim, initially identified as Jane Zweig, a prominent figure in extraterrestrial extreme sports. Miles Flint, a Retrieval Artist specializing in finding people who have disappeared, receives an assignment to locate Frieda Tey - a woman who may have been living under Zweig's identity. The case leads both investigators through the complexities of lunar society and its connection to other human settlements across space. The story takes place in a future where humans have colonized multiple worlds and established treaties with alien races. These agreements allow for human extradition to face alien justice systems, leading many to become "Disappeared" - individuals who vanish to escape prosecution or their past. The novel explores themes of identity, justice across different species and cultures, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Through its lunar setting and interplanetary scope, the book examines how human nature adapts to the challenges of space colonization.

Readers found this entry in the Retrieval Artist series less compelling than previous books, citing slower pacing and limited action. Several noted it focuses more on political intrigue and legal procedures rather than the detective elements of prior novels. Positives: - Expands worldbuilding and lunar colony details - Develops key character relationships - Functions well as a bridge between story arcs Negatives: - Too much time spent on government meetings and protocols - Less mystery/detective work compared to other books - Side plots that don't advance the main story - Some character decisions feel forced One reader noted: "Heavy on the politics, light on the action that made previous books engaging." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.84/5 (489 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (41 ratings) Audible: 4.1/5 (37 ratings) The consensus suggests it's important for series continuity but not a standout installment. Most recommend reading it as part of the full series rather than standalone.

2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson Set in a complex solar system civilization, this novel shares similar themes of space colonization and investigation across multiple human settlements.

Luna: New Moon by Ian McDonald A crime investigation unfolds on a commercialized Moon where corporate families control resources, mirroring the lunar setting and political complexities.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers Features interspecies relations and treaties in space, focusing on cultural differences and justice systems across multiple species.

Blue Remembered Earth by Alastair Reynolds Chronicles a mystery investigation spanning Earth's colonies in the solar system, dealing with questions of identity and family secrets.

Artemis by Andy Weir Takes place in a lunar colony where a criminal investigation reveals the complex social and political structures of human settlements on the Moon.

🌘 The lunar marathon featured in the book is inspired by real extreme sports events, including the Marathon des Sables - a grueling six-day ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert. 🚀 Kristine Kathryn Rusch has won multiple awards for her science fiction work, including the Hugo Award and the Asimov's Readers' Choice Award. 👨‍🚀 The physics and environmental challenges of running on the Moon are accurately portrayed - lunar gravity is about 1/6 of Earth's, making movement distinctly different. 🔍 The character Miles Flint represents a unique profession in science fiction - a "Retrieval Artist" who specializes in finding people who have "disappeared" to escape alien justice systems. 🌌 The book is part of the larger Retrieval Artist series, which spans 15 novels and explores complex legal and ethical issues arising from human-alien interactions.