Prepare to meet your favorite antisocial android
All Systems Red by Martha Wells follows Murderbot, a self-aware but relatable robot that has hacked its own governing system to achieve independence from its corporate owner. It doesn’t go on a rampage, but instead just wants to be left alone.
Published in 2017, the novella is the first in The Murderbot Diaries. Martha Wells is a speculative fiction author who has been writing since the 1990s. The novella has won numerous awards for its strong character-driven plot. It offers a unique view into Murderbot’s internal conflicts while blending in a touch of humor.
While not a traditional murder mystery, the book does a good job of building tension and suspense from the beginning. Also, the setting is an integral part of the mystery. As the mystery unfolds, the clues mount, leading to confusion among the crew.
However, Murderbot turns out to be the most sensible investigator of all the crew members. The robot is an unusual detective because it investigates out of necessity instead of curiosity. The android works with humans to delve into the mystery and proves to be the best at sifting through evidence and reaching sound conclusions.
Even though All Systems Red doesn’t comply with a classic whodunit, it effectively applies mystery elements to create a compelling story. Some additional examples include suspects and motives, as well as a resolution. Given Wells’ very engaging writing style, fans of mystery and science fiction will love this mix of action, humor, and character driven storytelling.