Scholar Pleiti investigates a series of escalating threats and sabotage against a promising academic at a rival Jovian university, navigating academic rivalries, prejudice, and personal danger while Mossa, her partner, struggles with depression and initially refuses to help. The story blends a Holmesian mystery with rich world-building, linguistic diversity, and a nuanced exploration of mental health and the evolving relationship between its two sapphic leads.

Reader Review Summary

Set on the floating platforms of Jupiter, the third installment in the Mossa and Pleiti series follows academic Pleiti as she investigates a case of escalating academic sabotage at a rival university. The story begins with Pleiti being approached by her former classmate Petanj, whose cousin Villette is facing accusations of plagiarism and targeted threats just as she is up for a prestigious academic position. With Mossa, Pleiti’s partner and an Investigator, withdrawn due to a depressive episode, Pleiti must conduct the investigation largely on her own, navigating the complex social and academic dynamics of a new university environment. The narrative explores themes of academic rivalry, mental health, and the challenges of maintaining relationships, all within a society that has resettled on Jupiter after Earth’s ecological collapse. The world-building incorporates a blend of languages and cultures, reflecting the diasporic nature of the colony, and the plot is structured as a science fiction mystery with clear nods to classic detective fiction, particularly The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Readers praised the book for its detailed and immersive world-building, especially the depiction of Jupiter’s academic society and the integration of multiple languages and cultural references. Many found the exploration of academic politics, inter-university rivalries, and the Classicist versus Modernist academic divide to be insightful and engaging. The relationship between Pleiti and Mossa was frequently highlighted as a strong point, with readers appreciating the nuanced portrayal of their emotional struggles, communication issues, and mental health challenges. The book’s homage to Sherlock Holmes, particularly in its structure and character dynamics, was noted positively, as was the increased focus on Pleiti’s character development and the introduction of new and returning side characters. Several reviewers also enjoyed the compassionate treatment of depression and the continued expansion of the series’ setting and supporting cast.

Some readers expressed difficulty with the book’s language, citing the frequent use of obscure, academic, or invented words, as well as the heavy incorporation of loanwords from various languages, which at times disrupted the reading flow or felt jarring compared to previous installments. A number of reviewers felt that the mystery element was less compelling or took a backseat to the interpersonal drama, with the resolution of the case described as underwhelming or lacking emotional impact. The absence of Mossa for a significant portion of the narrative was noted as a drawback by those who preferred the dynamic between the two leads. Additionally, some found the pacing slow at the start and questioned whether the increased length of this installment added meaningful depth to the story.

The book is generally considered best read as part of the series, as much of the world-building and character development builds on earlier volumes. The narrative includes content related to mental health struggles, violence, and academic sabotage, with some reviewers recommending checking the author’s website for a full list of content warnings. The series is described as a blend of science fiction, mystery, and queer romance, with a focus on women in STEM and academic settings. The book has received a positive average rating from readers and is available in both print and audiobook formats, with further installments in the series planned.