In a flooded, near-future Los Angeles where memories are currency, aging ex-spy Orr Vue is drawn into a labyrinthine murder investigation when his former lover is accused of killing a powerful executive. As Orr navigates a world of unreliable information, corporate intrigue, and AI conspiracies, the story explores the nature of truth, identity, and the lengths we go for love.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future Los Angeles that is largely underwater, the novel follows Orr Vue, an aging combat-drone veteran who survives by trading information in a society where memories and data have become the primary currency. The story begins when police arrive at Orr’s door seeking information about a murder he hasn’t heard of, and quickly escalates when his former boyfriend, Auggie Wolf, is implicated as the main suspect. Orr is drawn into a complex investigation involving militarized police, corporate heirs, emancipated AIs, and a cult, all while navigating a world where memories can be bought, sold, and erased. The narrative blends elements of noir, cyberpunk, and mystery, with a focus on the implications of a society built on the commodification of memory and information, and is told through Orr’s first-person, often sarcastic and unreliable, perspective.

Readers praised the book’s intricate world-building, particularly the concept of memories as currency and the resulting societal changes, such as people modifying their brains to process and trade information. Orr’s voice was frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with many noting his humor, sarcasm, and philosophical musings. The fast-paced, twist-filled plot and the blend of genres—cyberpunk, noir, and mystery—were also appreciated, as was the book’s willingness to explore questions of identity, truth, and the nature of memory. Several reviewers enjoyed the vivid descriptions, the action sequences, and the dynamic between Orr and Auggie, as well as the book’s comedic elements and thought-provoking themes.

Some readers found the book difficult to follow, citing a lack of exposition and minimal world-building that left them disoriented at the start. The complexity of the plot, the large cast of characters, and the rapid pace led to confusion for some, with a few noting that the story’s intricacy made it hard to keep track of events, especially toward the conclusion. Others mentioned that the narrative’s grim tone, abundance of twists, and occasional graphic content detracted from their enjoyment. A few reviewers did not connect with the protagonist’s voice or felt that the character development was insufficient, and some indicated that they did not finish the book due to these issues.

The book has received an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 40 readers, with 18 full reviews available. It is the debut novel of Cory O’Brien, who is known for his work on the Monster Prom and Monster Camp games. The novel is categorized under science fiction, mystery, cyberpunk, queer, LGBT, and fiction genres, and is scheduled for publication on March 4, 2025. The story’s structure and themes have drawn comparisons to works by William Gibson, Raymond Chandler, and other authors in the cyberpunk and noir traditions.