Book Review: The Tea Master and the Detective (The Universe of Xuya) by Aliette de Bodard
(Four Stars)
“I’m a consulting detective.”
Well, we know who the detective is, despite the camouflage, but who–or what–is the tea master? You know, but you don’t know. Discovery is half the fun.
“You haven’t told me what you need to find in deep spaces.” “A corpse.”
Excellent story, if not tight enough. Used “Watson” as the point of view narrator, of course. Good character development, though we fell we known them already.
“You’re completely traumatised, but showing no other sign of damage.” “I. Am. Not. Traumatised.”
(2019 Hugo Award Novella finalist. Published March 31st 2018 by Subterranean Press)
“I don’t understand why you bother,” The Shadow’s Child said. “No one is going to pay you anything for this.” This time Long Chau did smile, and it seemed to illuminate her entire face. “Why? Because I can.”
As a Matter of Fancy 