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Lafferty's third Midsolar Murders mystery (after Chaos Terminal, 2023) begins with reluctant sleuth Mallory Viridian trying to get comfortable with Eternity's newly regenerated hivemind while she learns to bond with her energetic sentient baby spaceship, Mobius. She is also dreading the imminent arrival of a gigantic living spaceship carrying the first human mystery convention in space. Among the passengers is Mallory's agent, who says sales of her previous novels have slowed and she needs to write a different kind of book; apparently cozy mysteries are very popular right now. Mallory has two days to write a keynote speech, learn how to LARP, and figure out a new direction for her career. Adding to her apprehensiveness is an unexpected visit from her chaotic alien friend, the recently declared Queen of the planet Bezoar, who has a "surprise" to share with everyone. More humans on the station, living ships with unknown capabilities, and a more-than-likely bombshell revelation all add up to murder in Mallory's mind. Series fans will be delighted and eager for more mystery adventures in space with Mallory and friends.

Mallory Viridian has not seen a death or even an argument over the last few months. While she came to Station Eternity to avoid getting wrapped up in murder, she cannot deny that now she feels bored, even taking care of a tiny sentient spaceship. When her agent reaches out to discuss new books and a mystery convention in space, Mallory and her friends find out that the ship bringing them all (including Xan's brother Phineas) is also the home of the entire internet. Things don't stay quiet for long; Mallory's agent turns up murdered, and the list of suspects is only growing. Finding the killer is going to be tough enough, but dodging alien influencers, dealing with more Sundry hostilities, and keeping her toddler ship from getting in trouble might be too much for Mallory. Readers will be delighted to see familiar characters return, causing trouble in their helpful ways. VERDICT Mallory's third SF mystery outing (after Chaos Terminal) takes on murder and the future of the internet. The fast pace still leaves room for continuing character subplots and snappy dialogue.--Kristi Chadwick