by K.R. Richardson
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
This science fiction police procedural pairs an idealistic rookie with an officer who uses cybernetic implants to process forensics; in solving a mass murder, they will uncover a vast conspiracy.
Eric Matheson, an idealistic rookie cop trying to break from his powerful family, is plunged into the investigation of a brutal crime in his first weeks on the job in Angra Dastrelas, the corrupt capital city of the corporate-owned planet Gattis. A newcomer to the planet, Matheson is unaware of the danger he's courting when he's promoted in the field to assist the controversial Chief Investigating Forensic Officer, Inspector J. P. Dillal, the planet's first cybernetically enhanced investigator. Coming from a despised ethnic underclass, the brilliant and secretive Dillal seems determined to unravel the crime regardless of the consequences. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous the investigation becomes. But in a system where the cops enforce corporate will, instead of the law, the solution could expose Gattis's most shocking secrets and cost thousands of lives--including Matheson's and Dillal's.
Blood Orbit by K.R. Richardson delivered a vibrant, off-planet science-fiction police procedural novel. A cyber Forensic Officer and a rookie cop team up to solve a mass-murder mystery that quickly places them in danger. Failure is not an option. Political agendas and suspense await you in this riveting novel.
K.R. Richardson is an alias for Kat Richardson author of the urban fantasy series, Greywalker. I absolutely loved the series and was exciting to dive into this new world. The story that unfolds was impressive from its worldbuilding to its characters. At its heart, it is a police procedural novel, but Richardson set it off planet introducing new races, class divide and cybernetic forensics. Richardson fed my inner nerd and held me captive in this intriguing whodunit.
Reasons to Grab Blood Orbit
- The story takes place in Angra Dastrelas, the capital city of the corporate-owned planet Gattis. Richardson did a splendid job of brings this city to life. Sadly, even off-planet the world is still filled with corruption in the name of profit. Here the corporation influences even the law. Social classes, racial divide, and corruption run amuck on every level of this planet. When a mass-murder takes place in the lower class burbs, it may just give the corporation a much-needed excuse to eliminate a pesky problem.
- Eric Matheson is relatively new to Gattis. Eric turned his back on his life of privilege to become an officer. When we first meet him, he is doing patrols with his partner. They stumble on a mass-murder which if not solved could cause political unrest. Eric soon finds himself working for Chief Investigating Forensic Officer, Inspector J. P. Dillal. Dillal is the first cybernetically enhanced investigator. He hasn’t even fully recovered when he is assigned to the case. I was impressed and at times grossed out by the cyber aspects of Dillal, but I liked this Sherlock, style detective. His unusual ethnicity and upbringing created this brilliant, tenacious man who is driven to uncover the truth.
- The law, much like the corporation is viewed as the enemy in the ghetto sectors of Angra Dastrelas. Interview witnesses, crossing language barriers and navigating the tombs place Matheson and Dillal in danger. The plot was well paced, and I enjoyed tagging along as they chipped away at the evidence and pieced clues, testimonies, and dots together.
- Richardson placed plenty of twists and obstacles in the detectives’ way. The worldbuilding was solid, and the story felt realistic. A lot of the political and racial divide felt relevant.
- The science fiction aspects, from living off planet to cybernetics were geektastic, and while not overly detailed, Richardson provided great descriptions that made me feel as if I were there. I enjoyed the interaction between Dillal and the Doctor responsible for his new gear. Dillal was a bit of a McGuyver, fixing things on the go and overriding processes.
- The murder-mystery wrapped up, but an overall arc and hints of the future have me hoping a second book is in the works.
Blood Orbit is perfect for fans of science-fiction, police procedural novels, and off-planet fantasy. I adore Richardson’s Greywalker series and thought she outdid herself.
#scifi Blood Orbit by K.R. Richardson delivered a vibrant, off-planet, science-fiction police procedural novel that left me hoping it becomes a series. #NewRelease #mustread Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
MarthaE
I have been eyeing this title – included on Books That Caught Our Eye this week.
I’m glad you liked it . Thanks for sharing.
Kimberly
I hope you decide to try it, Martha!
Melanie Simmons
Hmmmm… This looks really good. I’m going to have to check this out. I’ve not read this author before, but you have intrigued.
Kimberly
I am surprised you haven’t read her Greywalker series. I think you would love it.
Dani
Sounds like a great new series by Ms. Richardson. The sci-fi aspect with a cyber Forensics Officer is something I just love! A new and interesting twist. I read her Greywalker series when it first came out. Thanks for an update on a favorite author.
Kimberly
I loved her Greywalker series and yes this had so many elements I love.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I love that this is an off planet murder-mystery. This must have been a great read. I like that the author made this a police procedural with it being off planet. This one is a must read!
Kimberly
Enjoy Mary. I love this author.
Nadene
It is the first I am hearing about this one before. I am not a big sci-fi fan, but I love police procedurals so I may consider giving it a chance. : ) It does sound good though.
Kimberly
This might be a good one to dip your toes in since despite being off-planet the police procedure and case ground it in a reality that is easy to slip into.
Ailyn Koay
sounds like a typical asian drama in theme, but I am intrigued because it does sound kinda my type of book
PS: finally read Hounded, Atticus is really funny
Kimberly
Interesting. Maybe I should check out some Asian drama. Yes. So happy to hear you liked Hounded.
Ailyn Koay
if i see anything that might interest you i might send it your way then. =d
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence
This sounds like a wonderful varied book, I love the blend of the sci-fi and police procedural theme. Lovely review Kimba!
Kimberly
Thanks, Jeann. I am really hoping we get more in this world.
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight
I think I saw this somewhere recently and was kind of interested? Glad you liked it! The characters sound interesting, and the mystery/world-building/police procedural stuff sounds like it makes for a gripping, well-paced read.
Kimberly
It really was. Richardson has this way of pulling you in.
Bookworm Brandee
Can you guess what I’m gonna say before I even type it? Yep. I haven’t read Richardson but I own her books. *sigh* I don’t read many police procedurals but I enjoyed Diana Rowland’s Kara Gillian’s series so I think I’d enjoy this one. I’ll have to check her out!
Kimberly
Her Greywalker series is urban fantasy and absolutely fantastic!
Debbie Haupt
First shocker is I expected Richardson to be a guy cool that a woman penned a sci-fi you liked Kim. It looks interesting and its going on the list. hmmm maybe I was better off without more time on my hands LOL
Kimberly
I am sure you know Kat Richardson, she was a regular dropping in @ B&N forums.
sjhigbee
Ooo… I LOVE the sound of this one, Kimberly. I’m a sucker for sci fi crime – to the extent that I’m having a go at writing one later this year… And this sounds so cool:). Thank you for an excellent review.
Kimberly
Ooo exciting. I do hope you grab this 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh sweet! I still need to finish the Graywalker series but I may have to pick this one up as well. Sounds brilliant!
Kimberly
Glad to hear you have read Richardson Melissa.
Lorna
How do I not know about the Graywalker series? Now you have me wanting to look those up. And this new series sounds like it would make a good movie. Intrigued for sure!
Kimberly
I loved that series. I hope you read them 🙂
Teresa Mary Rose
This is such a cool concept and it sounds like a good one. Great review!
Kimberly
Thanks, Teresa, it fed my inner nerd and shared a great mystery.
Sophia Rose
This is so cool and I definitely want it. Sci-fi and police investigating. I love the pairing and it looks like it was a really strong story and good characters, too.
Kimberly
Yes. She is quite talented and I am excited. I really hope we get more.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds really good. I may have to pick this one up.
Kimberly
Yay. That makes me happy Mary.
Nick
Probably a bit too sci-fi for me, but glad you had fun reading it! Sherlock style detective definitely is intriguing!
Kimberly
It happens, but thanks for checking out my review 🙂
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Oh you sold me, Kim! This sounds really good! I love Sci-fi, but feel like I don’t read enough of it 🙂
Kimberly
I feel the same way Lexxie!
verushka
I am all for a police procedural, though I haven’t been into sci-fi for awhile now. But dammit, you’ve made this sound so interesting!
Kimberly
It was a neat twist. I hope you grab it 🙂
Cindy
Sounds intense but very good. Great review and thanks for introducing me to yet another fab author!
Kimberly
You are very welcome Cindy!
blodeuedd
I always wanted to try her other series, and fiiiiinallly got book 1 so will check her style first 🙂
Kimberly
This is very different, but I loved the Greywalker series.