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Star Trek: The Original Series #20
The Vulcan Academy Murders
Kirk and McCoy accompany Spock to the Vulcan Academy Hospital seeking experimental treatment for a badly wounded Enterprise crew member. Spock's mother is also a patient in the hospital, and Kirk soon becomes involved in the complex drama of Spock's family...
Suddenly, patients are dying, and Kirk suspects the unthinkable -- murder on Vulcan! But can he convince the Vulcans that something as illogical as murder is possible? Until the Killer is caught, everyone is in danger!
214 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1984
117 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Jean Lorrah
65 books65 followersJean Lorrah is a science fiction and fantasy author. She has produced several Star Trek novels and often collaborated with Jacqueline Lichtenberg. Her most recent work with Lichtenberg is on the Sime - Gen Universe. Her fantasy series The Savage Empire, from the 1980s, is mostly solo work. She is also a professor of English at Murray State University and received her PhD from Florida State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
April 5, 2021
3.5 stars. I didn't find the the story line, a murder mystery on Vulcan, particularly engaging. I'm not especially talented at fingering fictional murderers, but I have to admit I had this one pegged quite early on. Yet there were quite a few interesting bits - a maturing of the Sarek/Spock father/son relationship, including the revelation of a more sympathetic side to Sarek; some intriguing detail on the nature of Vulcan bonding and marriage customs, including backstory on Sarek and Amanda's relationship; some details on the history of pacifism and logic in the early Vulcan society, as well as Vulcans' innate psi/ESP abilities. Finally, the author does a good job depicting the relationships among the characters and tying in numerous threads to several TOS episodes, particularly those that featured Sarek.
December 19, 2017
Also a childhood favorite, heeeeee. I loved the romance (between original characters) and it may have been formative for me liking age difference ships.
The murderer is super obvious (I don't think that was true when I was a kid) and there are too many exclamation points!!!
But still super enjoyable.
The murderer is super obvious (I don't think that was true when I was a kid) and there are too many exclamation points!!!
But still super enjoyable.
May 30, 2010
[These notes were made in 1984:]. This is a real novel, and quite a good one. The main reason for that is simple: characterization. Lorrah has really got a handle on her Vulcans, and actually almost manages to divert us from the Enterprise characters, so interesting are the rest: Sarek, his colleagues Sorel and T'Zan; the disappointed suitor, Sendet; T'Mir (Sorel's daughter); and Corrigan (her Terran lover); and of course Eleyna, the twisted young Earthwoman who turns out to be the villainess. The solution of the mystery was pretty clear most of the way through, but the movement of our friends Kirk, Spock and McCoy (and it really is our friends) through the story is a real delight. Kirk, inevitably, gets involved with Eleyna, and there's a nice mind-meld between Spock and his parents for emotional climax.
March 4, 2019
Jean Lorrah’s Original Series novel The Vulcan Academy Murders promises a murder mystery, a family drama and a nuanced exploration of Vulcan society and culture, but fails to deliver on all fronts.
Kirk et al. land on Vulcan to seek out an experimental medical treatment for a wounded Ensign in critical condition. Spock’s mother Amanda also happens to be undergoing the same treatment and Kirk is quickly drawn into the complex web of Spock’s familial drama. Soon enough, patients start dying – the cause is written down to a catastrophic equipment failure, but Kirk suspects foul-play. With no official law-enforcement body on the virtually crimeless Vulcan, Kirk must take the investigation into his own hands and until the killer is caught, Amanda’s life is imperilled.
As others have said, the mystery itself is laughable. I was able to correctly guess the murderer and their motive within the first 20 pages. The remaining 250 pages are insulting not only to the reader but also to the characters, who are meant to represent Starfleet and The Vulcan Academy’s best and brightest and yet are too dense to figure out who the obvious culprit is. Kirk’s investigation is so inept, it’s almost embarrassing. “You work on the ‘how,’” he orders Spock and Sarek, “and I’ll work on the ‘who.’” This apparently absolves him of the need to collect forensic evidence, establish a timeline, chase up suspect’s alibis, or do any work at all really, except speculate wildly and make accusations based on nothing but his own personal grudges.
Given Kirk’s enthusiasm in playing parts in episodes such as A Piece of the Action, it seems a real missed opportunity to not have him lean in fully into the Private Eye role – I probably could have forgiven the weakly-constructed mystery had Lorrah thought to throw in a couple of pulpy Noir-isms. Philip Marlowe seems like the kind of figure that Kirk would admire – street smart, can hold his own in a fight, but still appreciates chess and poetry. And can’t you just imagine a Captain’s Log told in the style of a hardboiled detective monologue? Alas, despite the boast on the cover (Captain Kirk becomes an interplanetary homicide detective!) it feels all very half-hearted and in name only.
The family drama portion of the book has two components, the first being the relationship between Sarek and Spock after their 18 year-long estrangement. There are a few scenes where Sarek regretfully reflects on Spock’s upbringing and his many failings as a father. Throughout the book he endeavours in earnest to make amends and eventually comes to accept his son without judgement or pity, but pride. These scenes are genuinely very affecting and unfortunately far too few – Sarek and Spock’s reconciliation is eclipsed by the second family drama aspect of the book, the romance between the two original characters, Corrigan and T’Mir.
I’m surprised and a little concerned to read so many positive reactions to Corrigan and T’Mir’s relationship because to me it came off as utterly repulsive. One is a 73 year old human man, the other a Vulcan girl who has just reached “sexual maturity.” (Yuck) If that’s not bad enough, T’Mir is the daughter of Corrigan’s colleague and close friend, and he has apparently being lusting after her since her childhood! T’Mir says: “I have known since childhood why you turned down every opportunity for marriage: you were waiting for me to grow up.” It comes across less as May-December romance and far more as “creepy incestuous uncle.” I kept hoping that my initial prediction at the killer’s true identity was wrong, that perhaps T’Mir would turn out to be a femme fatale seducing this love-starved old man for some nefarious purpose but no! Truly stomach-turning stuff.
Corrigan and T’Mir’s relationship also serves as a window into the politics of Vulcan courtship and bonding, and more critically, the “Vulcan” understanding of gender and sexuality. I write “Vulcan” in quotations, because the views depicted are quite transparently the author’s own personal beliefs that read as bizarrely out of place in this futuristic alien society. Lorrah’s repeated comments about the inherent and immutable differences between men and women are exhausting, especially because they are almost always to the effect of “Women, am I right guys?” Sarek comments archly to Spock: “The differences your mother and I rejoice in have much more to do with being male and female than with being Vulcan and human.” Women: they’re practically another species!
Moreover, Lorrah’s worship of the perfect, inviolate sanctity of the heterosexual union is, frankly, nauseating. The bonding between Corrigan and T’Mir is described as a meeting between “the exquisite awareness of male and female, opposites drawn to one another deeply and strongly in the eternal plan of nature.” If I rolled my eyes any harder I’d be looking at my own grey matter.
I want to make it clear that I’m not particularly oversensitive towards this sort of thing. My tolerance for heterosexual bullshit is actually pretty high - but sentences like this happened every other page! I was constantly being battered with it. It almost felt like Lorrah was shoving her heterosexuality down my throat. (Ha!)
My personal objections to gender essentialism and heterosexism aside, it’s just lazy, uninspired, plain bad writing. I outright reject the notion that extra-terrestrials some hundreds of years in the future would uncritically subscribe to notions of gender and sexuality that were outdated and regressive on Earth even at the time of this book’s publication. Within the context of Vulcan, it makes zero sense. Surely a culture in which “Infinite diversity in infinite combinations” is a central philosophy would be able to conceive of innumerable gender expressions and sexual orientations?
TL;DR: this book is yucky, don’t read it.
March 9, 2011
Captain Kirk becomes an “interplanetary homicide detective” after two people at the Vulcan Academy are murdered and the next target is Spock’s mother.
The Enterprise is engaged in a fierce battle with a Klingon Bird-of-Prey. The Enterprise barely comes away the victor, but the young Ensign Remington (probably in a red shirt) is gravely injured. Although Doctor McCoy is able to stabilize the young officer, the nerve damage is too severe for Remington to recover. Spock informs McCoy and Kirk that there is a treatment on Vulcan in its experimental stage that might be able to help Remington—a treatment his own mother is undergoing. They quickly make their way to Vulcan.
Not long after they arrive on Vulcan, a terrible accident occurs. One of the neural regeneration fields has failed and killed one of the patients receiving treatment. It isn’t long before another catastrophic failure kills Ensign Remington. Mechanical and computer error have been ruled out, leaving only sabotage. Vulcan, a planet without crime, has a murderer on the loose. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy must find the killer before Spock’s mother becomes the next victim.
With the specter of a murderer in their midst, the tone is moderately dark. Nevertheless, subplots of lovers and the bonds between Vulcan spouses lighten the mood, juxtaposing moments of love and terror.
The murders and their investigation drive the plot. The love stories tend to slow down the plot, but not to the detriment of the story. Many mysteries have very convoluted threads to keep track of. This isn’t the case here. As for the murderer, it seemed obvious to me who it was. (I was right.)
This novel appealed to me with its setting on Vulcan. I have long been a fan of Spock and Vulcans in general. The book explored aspects of Vulcan life that are not well developed in the TV series, such as marriage, love, friendships, and family. The mystery is not artfully crafted like a Christie mystery; the simplicity of the case may not appeal to hard-core mystery junkies. I can see this novel appealing to Trekkies with an interest in mysteries.
Before reading this, I highly recommend watching TOS episodes “Journey to Babel” and “Amok Time.” They are referenced several times in the book. Less importantly, watch the Enterprise episodes “The Forge,” “Awakening,” and “Kir’shara.” for more background in Vulcan philosophy, Surak, and T’Pau. For a great murder mystery Star Trek episode, check out DS9’s “Field of Fire.”
The Enterprise is engaged in a fierce battle with a Klingon Bird-of-Prey. The Enterprise barely comes away the victor, but the young Ensign Remington (probably in a red shirt) is gravely injured. Although Doctor McCoy is able to stabilize the young officer, the nerve damage is too severe for Remington to recover. Spock informs McCoy and Kirk that there is a treatment on Vulcan in its experimental stage that might be able to help Remington—a treatment his own mother is undergoing. They quickly make their way to Vulcan.
Not long after they arrive on Vulcan, a terrible accident occurs. One of the neural regeneration fields has failed and killed one of the patients receiving treatment. It isn’t long before another catastrophic failure kills Ensign Remington. Mechanical and computer error have been ruled out, leaving only sabotage. Vulcan, a planet without crime, has a murderer on the loose. Kirk, Spock, and McCoy must find the killer before Spock’s mother becomes the next victim.
With the specter of a murderer in their midst, the tone is moderately dark. Nevertheless, subplots of lovers and the bonds between Vulcan spouses lighten the mood, juxtaposing moments of love and terror.
The murders and their investigation drive the plot. The love stories tend to slow down the plot, but not to the detriment of the story. Many mysteries have very convoluted threads to keep track of. This isn’t the case here. As for the murderer, it seemed obvious to me who it was. (I was right.)
This novel appealed to me with its setting on Vulcan. I have long been a fan of Spock and Vulcans in general. The book explored aspects of Vulcan life that are not well developed in the TV series, such as marriage, love, friendships, and family. The mystery is not artfully crafted like a Christie mystery; the simplicity of the case may not appeal to hard-core mystery junkies. I can see this novel appealing to Trekkies with an interest in mysteries.
Before reading this, I highly recommend watching TOS episodes “Journey to Babel” and “Amok Time.” They are referenced several times in the book. Less importantly, watch the Enterprise episodes “The Forge,” “Awakening,” and “Kir’shara.” for more background in Vulcan philosophy, Surak, and T’Pau. For a great murder mystery Star Trek episode, check out DS9’s “Field of Fire.”
March 9, 2015
This is one of the older ST's that (generally speaking) generates good reviews on goodreads & just about every where else you look. So it was on my "oldie but possibly a goodie" list to read & I'm glad it was. It was great fun & exceeded my expectations. The author had a great feel for the characters & a writing style that made the story flow smoothly through my mind. But, as said in other reviews, the murder mystery wasn't much of a mystery, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment of the story too much if any. The bonus was a good look at the Vulcan culture that actually supported & fit in nicely with Diane Duane's Spock's World. Highly recommend & this is a MUST read for Trek fans!
December 19, 2016
An interesting and exciting blend of mystery and space opera.
October 11, 2025
I really love Vulcans! It was nice to read a story set nearly all on Vulcan with Spock, Jim and Bones. I wish Amanda had been around more but the parts with Sarak towards the end were definitely worth it. I loved all the parts about vulcan bonding. I liked the murder mystery, though I had read this one several decades ago and almost immediately remembered who the murderer was. It was still lots of fun.
June 14, 2013
This book is pretty much all about Vulcans and Vulcan customs; especially Vulcan medicine and bonding rituals. So if you like Vulcans, this is definitely a book for you.
This is also a book about Sarek and his relations to Spock and Amanda - which I think is beautifully written.
There are original characters, but they're lovely (most of the time) and interesting, and there's a good balance between writing about these original characters and the Enterprise characters.
It's not perfect, but very, very good.
This is also a book about Sarek and his relations to Spock and Amanda - which I think is beautifully written.
There are original characters, but they're lovely (most of the time) and interesting, and there's a good balance between writing about these original characters and the Enterprise characters.
It's not perfect, but very, very good.
March 17, 2008
I was debating whether to include this on my list, but I thought I should for the historical record. Yes, I used to be a huge Trekker (and yes, that is the preferred term among real fans, not Trekkie.) Now stop looking at me like that.
June 11, 2017
Lots of fun! I really liked the Sarek/Amanda/Spock interactions, and the murder mystery was quite good (complete with Vulcans going "but... murder is illogical!"). I knew who it was WAY before Kirk, though. :-D
July 3, 2020
Like many science fiction and fantasy fans (including many so-called “Trekkies”), I enjoyed the 2009 alternate universe reboot in the newest Star Trek film. It captured the spirit of the older films and television series, while being “open enough” to draw in newer fans. I confess I have not had much to do with the sequels, for good or ill, since then. I do love the older various ST series, though. In fact, I have enjoyed Star Trek for many years, and still have a soft spot for the original adventures - from the late '60's onward - featuring the original crew of the Enterprise in the main universe.
There are many more adventures than just in the series and movies, however. Starting in the late 1970's, after the successful release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, new adventures began being published. Said adventures took place everywhere from years before the original series, during the original series, to years later in or around the films' events.
One such story, and one of my favorite Star Trek novels of all time, is The Vulcan Academy Murders, by Jean Lorrah. Lorrah, a prolific science fiction author, created an engaging story, and vivid characters of her own, along with getting the characters from the established canon right, if you will. Plus, in my opinion, she also “got” the concept of Vulcans and the planet Vulcan itself better than most other Star Trek authors of any medium have. Most authors are unable to do this, and assume Vulcans do not have even have emotions. That is patently untrue according to any Star Trek production. They hold their emotions in, as they are so vivid and destructive if unleashed. Vulcans are anything but unemotional.
The story begins in the last stages of a battle between the Enterprise and a Klingon vessel in the Federation side of the “Neutral Zone”. Kirk had tried to avoid battle, and convince the Klingons to stop attacking, but failed in his efforts at diplomacy. He saves some of them from dying within seconds of their ship's hull being permanently breached. However, he can not save everyone. There are numerous casualties on both sides, including tragic deaths. But there is also one young officer of Kirk's, Ensign Carl Remington, who is alive mentally, and “trapped” inside a destroyed body.
Horrified by the news, Kirk and Bones McCoy are trying to come to terms with the carnage of the day when Spock announces that a treatment that his mother, Amanda, is undergoing at the Vulcan Academy of Sciences for some rare wasting disease, stands a good chance of saving Mr. Remington's life. Jumping at the chance to save their man and to support Spock during his mother's crisis, Kirk and Bones join Spock in taking shore leave to Vulcan (where they escort Remington for treatment) while the Enterprise undergoes repairs for the damage suffered in the aforementioned battle.
Once on Vulcan everything appears to be going well, until another patient undergoing the same treatment as Amanda dies. Then more disasters keep happening, and Kirk, Bones, Spock, Sarek, and the human-Vulcan team treating Amanda realize that the unthinkable has occurred... homicide on Vulcan. Two questions are first and foremost on the characters' minds. Was Amanda or another patient the target? And if it is Amanda, can they find the killer in time to save her from being the next victim?
The mystery itself, to be honest, had promise, but fell somewhat flat. It's one of those stories where the villain purposely exposes themselves trying to take out the hero. It also is almost painfully clear who the killer is, from very early on. That said, I think the author realized this, and so she made the effort to divert the audience with a second potential character as the likely killer. Kirk even lampshades this in the book by noting how said character, and other characters, could just be “red herrings”. What would have been a thoroughly unsatisfying mystery was saved by Lorrah doing a pretty artful job with the red herring in question. Despite the killer being so likely, she did have just enough info available to paint the red herring in a negative light. Especially since they did have evil, even murderous intentions elsewhere.
The best elements of the story were the interpersonal aspects. Star Trek has never been so-called “hard” science fiction. It has always been about people, relationships, issues, ideas, hopes, and dreams among the stars, if you will. This story, while only a somewhat good mystery, was an incredibly enjoyable tale. The way the characters' inner thoughts and ideas were explored, and their relationships with each other, more than made up for any deficiencies in the storyline.
And the secondary plots, whether it be Spock's reconciliation with his father, or the sweet (and a joy to root for) romantic sub-plot between two of Lorrah's own original characters, were more than worth the read. As, of course, was the dynamic between the “big three” as they are sometimes called, of Kirk, Spock, and Bones. To see into their heads, and see laid out in their thoughts the incredible love and camaraderie apparent (despite their sometimes bickering) on both the big and small screens, is always great.
All in all, a fun read, and (I must suggest) a great place for someone new to Star Trek novels to jump in, and start reading of the adventures of the flagship crew of Starfleet.
Highly Recommended.
Rating: 5/5 Stars. As I said, a somewhat deficient mystery, but more than made up for by the other factors of the story.
There are many more adventures than just in the series and movies, however. Starting in the late 1970's, after the successful release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, new adventures began being published. Said adventures took place everywhere from years before the original series, during the original series, to years later in or around the films' events.
One such story, and one of my favorite Star Trek novels of all time, is The Vulcan Academy Murders, by Jean Lorrah. Lorrah, a prolific science fiction author, created an engaging story, and vivid characters of her own, along with getting the characters from the established canon right, if you will. Plus, in my opinion, she also “got” the concept of Vulcans and the planet Vulcan itself better than most other Star Trek authors of any medium have. Most authors are unable to do this, and assume Vulcans do not have even have emotions. That is patently untrue according to any Star Trek production. They hold their emotions in, as they are so vivid and destructive if unleashed. Vulcans are anything but unemotional.
The story begins in the last stages of a battle between the Enterprise and a Klingon vessel in the Federation side of the “Neutral Zone”. Kirk had tried to avoid battle, and convince the Klingons to stop attacking, but failed in his efforts at diplomacy. He saves some of them from dying within seconds of their ship's hull being permanently breached. However, he can not save everyone. There are numerous casualties on both sides, including tragic deaths. But there is also one young officer of Kirk's, Ensign Carl Remington, who is alive mentally, and “trapped” inside a destroyed body.
Horrified by the news, Kirk and Bones McCoy are trying to come to terms with the carnage of the day when Spock announces that a treatment that his mother, Amanda, is undergoing at the Vulcan Academy of Sciences for some rare wasting disease, stands a good chance of saving Mr. Remington's life. Jumping at the chance to save their man and to support Spock during his mother's crisis, Kirk and Bones join Spock in taking shore leave to Vulcan (where they escort Remington for treatment) while the Enterprise undergoes repairs for the damage suffered in the aforementioned battle.
Once on Vulcan everything appears to be going well, until another patient undergoing the same treatment as Amanda dies. Then more disasters keep happening, and Kirk, Bones, Spock, Sarek, and the human-Vulcan team treating Amanda realize that the unthinkable has occurred... homicide on Vulcan. Two questions are first and foremost on the characters' minds. Was Amanda or another patient the target? And if it is Amanda, can they find the killer in time to save her from being the next victim?
The mystery itself, to be honest, had promise, but fell somewhat flat. It's one of those stories where the villain purposely exposes themselves trying to take out the hero. It also is almost painfully clear who the killer is, from very early on. That said, I think the author realized this, and so she made the effort to divert the audience with a second potential character as the likely killer. Kirk even lampshades this in the book by noting how said character, and other characters, could just be “red herrings”. What would have been a thoroughly unsatisfying mystery was saved by Lorrah doing a pretty artful job with the red herring in question. Despite the killer being so likely, she did have just enough info available to paint the red herring in a negative light. Especially since they did have evil, even murderous intentions elsewhere.
The best elements of the story were the interpersonal aspects. Star Trek has never been so-called “hard” science fiction. It has always been about people, relationships, issues, ideas, hopes, and dreams among the stars, if you will. This story, while only a somewhat good mystery, was an incredibly enjoyable tale. The way the characters' inner thoughts and ideas were explored, and their relationships with each other, more than made up for any deficiencies in the storyline.
And the secondary plots, whether it be Spock's reconciliation with his father, or the sweet (and a joy to root for) romantic sub-plot between two of Lorrah's own original characters, were more than worth the read. As, of course, was the dynamic between the “big three” as they are sometimes called, of Kirk, Spock, and Bones. To see into their heads, and see laid out in their thoughts the incredible love and camaraderie apparent (despite their sometimes bickering) on both the big and small screens, is always great.
All in all, a fun read, and (I must suggest) a great place for someone new to Star Trek novels to jump in, and start reading of the adventures of the flagship crew of Starfleet.
Highly Recommended.
Rating: 5/5 Stars. As I said, a somewhat deficient mystery, but more than made up for by the other factors of the story.
December 23, 2023
Good read
Stayed true to the Star Trek traditions. There was enough drama and action to satisfy and learning more about Spock's family and learning more about his past was great. I would recommend this story to any reader that enjoys being immersed in the Star Trek Galaxy.
Stayed true to the Star Trek traditions. There was enough drama and action to satisfy and learning more about Spock's family and learning more about his past was great. I would recommend this story to any reader that enjoys being immersed in the Star Trek Galaxy.
July 31, 2023
I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. I bought it because I always thought the title and premise were kind of funny, but this author had me hooked from the beginning and this was a great read. I will keep an eye out for her other Star Trek novels.
April 13, 2018
[[Spock, Sarek, Amanda family dynamic]]
[[technology and the existence of a soul in Star Trek]]
[[painful obviousness of culprit from very early on]]
[[Why did T'Pau let Kirk touch a priceless scroll???!!!]]
[[Vulcan obsession with the gender binary and marriage. Un-nuanced exploration of differences between human concepts of family and Vulcan ones. How boring the theme of Vulcans are more like humans than they would admit is.]]
How futile a star rating system for Star Trek tie-in books! Can I say that I liked it or was it just ok? Like most of Star Trek, I take cores of good from everything and build a Federation and universe that suits my preference. I hold on to that cobbled-together goodness and call myself a fan. Simultaneously Star Trek is as flawed as the times it was created in. Sexism, racism, and un-nuanced approaches to topics are a reality that fans must deal with. Do we discard it? Do we let it poison our enjoyment of the rest? I generally choose to notice the problems and try not to let them prevent me from enjoying the goodness.
Vulcan Academy Murders is about 50/50 each good and bad. So that we can end on a positive note, we'll start with the bad.
I find the theme of "Vulcans are more human than they let on" to be boring. Combine that with Vulcan (and human) obsession with male vs female and the sanctity of marriage and I was done with all of these parts. First, the idea of being psychicly bonded with someone else is terrifying to me. Vulcan bonding/marriage is presented as this perfect union where no secrets are or could be kept from one's mate. The death of a mate can cause the death of the other from psychic pain unless family is present to psychically ease the surviving mate. This gives reproduction extra weight. Have kids or when your mate dies, you die! I want a book where this is presented as a terrible weakness rather than an ideal. The two humans who experience this bonding make it seem like the deepest, most wonderful experience. I love my partner immensely, but my mind is a complicated, messy place that I do not want anyone else in. I don't want into anyone else's mind either. I certainly don't want it to be a prerequisite for having children.
I want an exploration of how logic and emotional suppression are not just a response to the intrusive nature of psychic powers but also how they are a response to the terrifying imperitive of Vulcan mating and reproduction.
To talk to the plot itself, the resolution is frustrating in that I predicted the killer at 34% through the book. Of course it's the human who is, essentially, throwing a murderous hissy fit over her Vulcan crush. In some ways, in hindsight, the fact that interfering with a bonding is the highest crime on Vulcan makes sense. That bonding is literally life and death. But the fact that, earlier, the red herring suspect (who Kirk fixated on because of course the killer is male and of course the pretty blond couldn't be a real suspect) tried similar bonding interference is a problem. Why aren't unbonded Vulcans aware of the imperritive of the bonding? I'm torn. I find it fascinating that this imperritive has been shrouded and softend with tradition and ritual so much so that from a human perspective it seems applicable as an ideal to human marriage and relationships.
It still, somehow in the writing, comes off as a love letter to marriage and the deep soul bond that it provides to (specifically) one male and one female. Like most Star Trek things, it's only in my own examination and mental contortion that I can make the universe fit my idea of what it is.
[[to be continued]]
[[technology and the existence of a soul in Star Trek]]
[[painful obviousness of culprit from very early on]]
[[Why did T'Pau let Kirk touch a priceless scroll???!!!]]
[[Vulcan obsession with the gender binary and marriage. Un-nuanced exploration of differences between human concepts of family and Vulcan ones. How boring the theme of Vulcans are more like humans than they would admit is.]]
How futile a star rating system for Star Trek tie-in books! Can I say that I liked it or was it just ok? Like most of Star Trek, I take cores of good from everything and build a Federation and universe that suits my preference. I hold on to that cobbled-together goodness and call myself a fan. Simultaneously Star Trek is as flawed as the times it was created in. Sexism, racism, and un-nuanced approaches to topics are a reality that fans must deal with. Do we discard it? Do we let it poison our enjoyment of the rest? I generally choose to notice the problems and try not to let them prevent me from enjoying the goodness.
Vulcan Academy Murders is about 50/50 each good and bad. So that we can end on a positive note, we'll start with the bad.
I find the theme of "Vulcans are more human than they let on" to be boring. Combine that with Vulcan (and human) obsession with male vs female and the sanctity of marriage and I was done with all of these parts. First, the idea of being psychicly bonded with someone else is terrifying to me. Vulcan bonding/marriage is presented as this perfect union where no secrets are or could be kept from one's mate. The death of a mate can cause the death of the other from psychic pain unless family is present to psychically ease the surviving mate. This gives reproduction extra weight. Have kids or when your mate dies, you die! I want a book where this is presented as a terrible weakness rather than an ideal. The two humans who experience this bonding make it seem like the deepest, most wonderful experience. I love my partner immensely, but my mind is a complicated, messy place that I do not want anyone else in. I don't want into anyone else's mind either. I certainly don't want it to be a prerequisite for having children.
I want an exploration of how logic and emotional suppression are not just a response to the intrusive nature of psychic powers but also how they are a response to the terrifying imperitive of Vulcan mating and reproduction.
To talk to the plot itself, the resolution is frustrating in that I predicted the killer at 34% through the book. Of course it's the human who is, essentially, throwing a murderous hissy fit over her Vulcan crush. In some ways, in hindsight, the fact that interfering with a bonding is the highest crime on Vulcan makes sense. That bonding is literally life and death. But the fact that, earlier, the red herring suspect (who Kirk fixated on because of course the killer is male and of course the pretty blond couldn't be a real suspect) tried similar bonding interference is a problem. Why aren't unbonded Vulcans aware of the imperritive of the bonding? I'm torn. I find it fascinating that this imperritive has been shrouded and softend with tradition and ritual so much so that from a human perspective it seems applicable as an ideal to human marriage and relationships.
It still, somehow in the writing, comes off as a love letter to marriage and the deep soul bond that it provides to (specifically) one male and one female. Like most Star Trek things, it's only in my own examination and mental contortion that I can make the universe fit my idea of what it is.
[[to be continued]]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2014
Today, I'm reviewing The Vulcan Academy Murders by Jean Lorrah. It's a novel set in the universe of Star Trek: TOS, and involves the Enterprise's main trio (Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, in case you didn't know) getting involved in a murder investigation during shore leave on Vulcan. There is a lot of exploration of the Vulcan mindset, their history and culture, and their mental powers.
I give this book a solid 4/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 4/5. The trio are obviously themselves, and the characterization will ring true for any fan of the Original Series and/or the first Star Trek movies. The new characters brought in, a mixture of Vulcans and humans, are also very well done. My only quibbles come with the one-dimensionality of the antagonist character...but fear not! I shall not reveal his/her identity!
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. A murder mystery on Vulcan? Where they don't even have a police force? Sign me up! The story was engaging and compelling, keeping me turning pages until the end. I really enjoyed watching the interplay between Spock and Sarek as the latter tries to come to terms with the illogical decisions of his past regarding his son, and the relationship between Daniel Corrigan and T'Mir.
Flow: 5/5. Action packed, nary a dull moment, with just the right interspersing of downbeats to keep things fresh. From the time the heroes set foot in the midsummer Vulcan heat, they're up to their necks in insanity. A very nice, quick read.
Spelling/Grammar: 4.5/ 5. I don't have any specifics, but I seem to recall a comma splice or two and maybe a misspelled word. Still stellar work.
Overall: 4/5. Great fun for fans of TOS, and for fans of Vulcans in general. If you've ever wondered what it was like for Spock as a child, or for Sarek and Amanda as they started their strange, cross-species relationship, pick this up.
I give this book a solid 4/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 4/5. The trio are obviously themselves, and the characterization will ring true for any fan of the Original Series and/or the first Star Trek movies. The new characters brought in, a mixture of Vulcans and humans, are also very well done. My only quibbles come with the one-dimensionality of the antagonist character...but fear not! I shall not reveal his/her identity!
Plot/Storyline: 4.5/5. A murder mystery on Vulcan? Where they don't even have a police force? Sign me up! The story was engaging and compelling, keeping me turning pages until the end. I really enjoyed watching the interplay between Spock and Sarek as the latter tries to come to terms with the illogical decisions of his past regarding his son, and the relationship between Daniel Corrigan and T'Mir.
Flow: 5/5. Action packed, nary a dull moment, with just the right interspersing of downbeats to keep things fresh. From the time the heroes set foot in the midsummer Vulcan heat, they're up to their necks in insanity. A very nice, quick read.
Spelling/Grammar: 4.5/ 5. I don't have any specifics, but I seem to recall a comma splice or two and maybe a misspelled word. Still stellar work.
Overall: 4/5. Great fun for fans of TOS, and for fans of Vulcans in general. If you've ever wondered what it was like for Spock as a child, or for Sarek and Amanda as they started their strange, cross-species relationship, pick this up.
May 3, 2017
One of the best ST:TOS books out there. It all happens on Vulcan, so we get to learn more about the culture and some of Spock's past. It focuses pretty heavily on Sarek and Amanda's relationship (One of my top 10 OTPs: He calls her beloved at the end, and I just about LOST IT the first time I read this), and it adds another couple that's one of my non-canon favorites.
Anyone who loves ST:TOS needs to read this.
Recommended 13+ for murder, some language, and romance.
Anyone who loves ST:TOS needs to read this.
Recommended 13+ for murder, some language, and romance.
February 3, 2018
Who doesn’t love a science fiction mystery?
Ok, it was a bit predictable and Kirk was a bit “too Kirk,” but it did read like a true Startrek TOS episode... and for me, it was enjoyable. I would real another Trek adventure from this author.
Ok, it was a bit predictable and Kirk was a bit “too Kirk,” but it did read like a true Startrek TOS episode... and for me, it was enjoyable. I would real another Trek adventure from this author.
December 18, 2018
This gets three stars rather than two mostly because I'm too much of a sucker for Sarek and Amanda. It's otherwise just kinda okay, but the gender politics and the character reading the author has of Kirk are pretty tiresome. It's no Diane Duane novel, let's say that.
June 1, 2017
So. Much. Vulcan \o/
So. Much. Amanda & Sarek <3
(Also feat. my own facepalm at the characters during the last act because COME ON THE IDENTITY OF THE MURDERER WAS OBVIOUS)
So. Much. Amanda & Sarek <3
(Also feat. my own facepalm at the characters during the last act because COME ON THE IDENTITY OF THE MURDERER WAS OBVIOUS)
August 2, 2022
Something about the plot of this one intrigued me. Kirk, Bones & Spock are forced to visit Vulcan after a 'red shirt' crew member is injured and the Vulcan science academy has the only experimental cutting edge technology that can potentially save him. This gives Spock a chance to visit his father and welcome his mother back from stasis where she has been undergoing the same radical life-extention surgery. The chief human doctor's wife is the third patient - when she and our red shirt die, Kirk realises that he is dealing with a murderer and has the play detective.
While this didn't play out how I wanted, its not without merit. I was hoping for something like Sherlock Holmes on Vulcan with detective Spock. Insead we get Kirk investigating a rather humdrum crime of passion where the perpetrator is obvious to the reader early on. What I did like was the exploration of Vulcan customs and the back story of Spock's parents - while the Amanda/Sarek courtship isn't explored in full (there's so a novel in that, if there isn't one already!) there are some nice flashbacks. I also liked Kirk interating with T'Pau - the scene where he sort of half accuses her is gold.
It's not too badly written, my biggest annoyance is how may chapters begin with James T. Kirk - we don't need his full name repeated quite so often, we know who he is, and it feels a tad clunky. Otherwise its reasonably paced and a fun story. I missed Scotty's presence, I think he'd have had a field day with some of the tech. And I also feel Spock was far better suited to the role of detective, however this would have made Kirk somewhat superfluous, so I can see why the story unfolds the way it does. Terminology is all spot on and the characters are all in keeping, and this does allude to several past episodes. Not the best, but a decent TOS novel, with a smashing Boris Vallejo cover.
While this didn't play out how I wanted, its not without merit. I was hoping for something like Sherlock Holmes on Vulcan with detective Spock. Insead we get Kirk investigating a rather humdrum crime of passion where the perpetrator is obvious to the reader early on. What I did like was the exploration of Vulcan customs and the back story of Spock's parents - while the Amanda/Sarek courtship isn't explored in full (there's so a novel in that, if there isn't one already!) there are some nice flashbacks. I also liked Kirk interating with T'Pau - the scene where he sort of half accuses her is gold.
It's not too badly written, my biggest annoyance is how may chapters begin with James T. Kirk - we don't need his full name repeated quite so often, we know who he is, and it feels a tad clunky. Otherwise its reasonably paced and a fun story. I missed Scotty's presence, I think he'd have had a field day with some of the tech. And I also feel Spock was far better suited to the role of detective, however this would have made Kirk somewhat superfluous, so I can see why the story unfolds the way it does. Terminology is all spot on and the characters are all in keeping, and this does allude to several past episodes. Not the best, but a decent TOS novel, with a smashing Boris Vallejo cover.
November 16, 2022
This is supposed to be a mystery, but it really isn't. The bad guy is supposed to be a twist villain but it's easy to catch pretty early on. But everything else? Incredible. Kirk and co. stop for a three-month shore leave on Vulcan, a vacation that doubles as the only way to potentially save an injured ensign's life after a fight with some Klingons. The experimental procedure that may save his life is also being used to save Spock's mom.
The real meat of this book comes from Sarek and Spock trying to work together in the absence of Amanda to play interference. Sarek and Spock's relationship is very important to me and this book did a great job highlighting how Sarek has traumatized Spock and how, at present, he regrets these actions and wants to have an active (and friendly!) relationship with his son. Also, Sarek is so funny in this book. He just has so many lines that made me giggle. I also adore the way Vulcans can logic their way out of being perceived as sappy (Why did Sarek call Amanda "Beloved"? Bc that's what her name means. Obviously. Definitely not because he's madly in love with her)
Another high point is the relationship between the new characters: the human, Dr. Corrigan and the Vulcan doctor Sorel and his family. The family has fully accepted Dr. Corrigan into the fold and it was a joy to read.
The real meat of this book comes from Sarek and Spock trying to work together in the absence of Amanda to play interference. Sarek and Spock's relationship is very important to me and this book did a great job highlighting how Sarek has traumatized Spock and how, at present, he regrets these actions and wants to have an active (and friendly!) relationship with his son. Also, Sarek is so funny in this book. He just has so many lines that made me giggle. I also adore the way Vulcans can logic their way out of being perceived as sappy (Why did Sarek call Amanda "Beloved"? Bc that's what her name means. Obviously. Definitely not because he's madly in love with her)
Another high point is the relationship between the new characters: the human, Dr. Corrigan and the Vulcan doctor Sorel and his family. The family has fully accepted Dr. Corrigan into the fold and it was a joy to read.
February 18, 2021
this book is a great look into vulcan culture and society!! i was excited by the premise of a sort of nancy drew-private eye plot and the book did not let me down. my main qualm with this novel is the relationship between t'mir (a young girl who has just reached adulthood) and corrigan (a medically de-aged human man who is "old enough to be her father"). the author even has the characters discuss the age gap, even stating outright that corrigan has some issues with it, but the issue dismissed basically in the same paragraph that it is brought up in. uncomfortable relationships are terrible in their own right, but it's even worse to lampshade them as well. weird age gap aside, this is a good book to read if vulcan culture is an interest of yours. obviously i have some issues with characterization (and parts of how vulcan culture is portrayed just seem decidedly "un-vulcan" to me) but this book is still fairly good otherwise.
September 16, 2024
I adored this book it was so fun. I enjoyed seeing Vulcan culture through a normal every day Vulcan, instead of someone with a unique view like Spock. The little details about Vulcan were so cute! Love that they have an Italian restaurant. Not only is the characterization for the established characters enjoyable, the original characters created for this book have so much life to them. I did not think I would care about the marriage between two side characters and such a short book, but man was I invested. Although the murderer and motive was pretty easy to guess I was having too much fun to mind that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
THE VULCAN ACADEMY MURDERS has a very good title and it draws the mind in quickly. However, I should point out we don't meet any students in this book and you could call it THE VULCAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE MURDERS. Still, it's a pretty good story for delivering what it promised. Kirk, Bones, and Spock have a crew member horribly injured and head to Vulcan in hopes of getting him treated for his condition with an experimental procedure.
It doesn't work out but we find out that Spock's mother is also undergoing the same procedure when someone starts knocking off people involved around it. We also have a human/Vulcan romance with some OCs. The relationship between Sarek and Spock is perhaps a little TOO nice given what we later find out in ST:TNG even after its softened by the events of "Babel" (they mind-meld here when Spock never did with his father in canon) but there's no way that Jean Lorrah could have known that would happen.
Overall, I liked it but it didn't blow me away either.
It doesn't work out but we find out that Spock's mother is also undergoing the same procedure when someone starts knocking off people involved around it. We also have a human/Vulcan romance with some OCs. The relationship between Sarek and Spock is perhaps a little TOO nice given what we later find out in ST:TNG even after its softened by the events of "Babel" (they mind-meld here when Spock never did with his father in canon) but there's no way that Jean Lorrah could have known that would happen.
Overall, I liked it but it didn't blow me away either.
August 14, 2020
Murder mystery
I first read this book years ago than I care to remember. It's different in that there is a series of murders to be solved to stop a loved ones death. Well written its a fun read.
I first read this book years ago than I care to remember. It's different in that there is a series of murders to be solved to stop a loved ones death. Well written its a fun read.
March 3, 2024
My first Star Trek book.
Somehow, it's acceptably good. I particularly liked that the action takes place in Vulcan.
The who-dunnit... acceptable.
Between 3 and 4 stars, although 4 starts are way too generous. So... 3-star rating.
Somehow, it's acceptably good. I particularly liked that the action takes place in Vulcan.
The who-dunnit... acceptable.
Between 3 and 4 stars, although 4 starts are way too generous. So... 3-star rating.
November 22, 2025
any fanfic authors trying to write a marriage bond between vulcans and humans, this might just about be the best canon template out there. otherwise unremarkable, but its definitely a good piece of vulcan lore.
April 6, 2024
Even though it was fairly easy to guess the murderer from the beginning, as a Star Trek fan (movies, sorry) it felt like I was learning new things about characters I already loved. I enjoyed it a lot.
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