(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

In the galaxy-spanning future, Major Bhaajan is a tough female P.I. who works the dangerous streets of Undercity.
Major Bhaajan, a former military officer with Imperial Space Command, is now a hard-bitten P.I. with a load of baggage to deal with, and clients with woes sometimes personal, sometimes galaxy-shattering, and sometimes both. Bhaajan must sift through the shadows of dark and dangerous Undercity—the enormous capital of a vast star empire—to find answers.

This is the first book in a new detective series set in the world of the author's Skolian Empire universe. And, judging from this first book, there should be many more to follow.

For a really good mystery to work - especially one in a created world - it has to tick a few boxes for me:

* Quality characters
* Intriguing plot
* Excellent world-building
* A finale that both closes the story but also gives the opportunity for more stories to follow...

And this book ticks all of those boxes. Easily.

The only thing that I thought was a bit much was the hint of romance. I kinda see where it was coming from (and Asaro has a history of romantic tendencies in her sci-fi) but I think it weakened the overall story a touch, hence on 4 stars instead of all five!

Can't wait to get on to book 2 - praise enough indeed!


Paul
ARH

When I see a new multi-volume series begin, I'm reminded of the kind of confidence you need to publicize the "First Annual" anything. "Major Baahjan #1" is the same kind of thing. But I think it could work.

I kind of flashed back to Dune, reading this. I liked the main character, The Baaj. I imagined the Dust Knights playing the role of the Freemen, scouring the galaxy.

The Nobles were interesting, and the juxtaposition of gender roles from what we see here on Earth forced me to think about things.

Often, the tech in the future seems too locked into the past for me, but in this book I found that it worked well for me.

I like strong female characters, and this book has no shortage of them. I recommend it.