It Hurts Every Time

by L P Mills

"Death is not the end, sir, No, sir, not the end of the line, Just remember what I say to you; It hurts, baby, It hurts every time." Pluto Garcia is a lieutenant in the Community Militia of Morrisette, a post-communist city-state where a miracle drug has advanced enough to allow the dying a second chance at life by launching them into the nearest available universe in which they are still alive. In his latest incarnation, Pluto is tasked with investigating the death of Krishna Klein, a brilliant but troubled philanthropist who has been found with a bullet in his head following a week-long bender. With the aid of his assigned partner, Esther Dupont, Pluto uncovers a techno-fascistic plot to plunge the flawed Utopia of Morrissette into authoritarian control once and for all.

218 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

Reviews

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Hurts Every Time is a exceptionally written scifi novel. I loved the idea of reincarnation in a new universe upon pending death of a character. The pharmaceutical advancement of a drug capable of saving a dying person by launching them into an alternate universe is interesting. The author did a wonderful job plotting this story and fleshing out his multiverse concept. The added mystery and political implications Pluto unravels bring even more excitement to this book.

I enjoyed the author's writing style and creativity. The character development was done well, as was the world-building. I found myself immersed in the story, attempting to solve the murder mystery and reasons behind the assassination. It Hurts Every Time is a great speculative fiction story with great writing, characters, and settings.