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The Midsolar Murders #3
Infinite Archive
Amateur sleuth Mallory Viridian has just about got her bearings aboard the space station she calls home, but now the physical embodiment of the Internet is on its way, and it’s bringing murder with it.
Mallory Viridian has had a quiet few months. Even with the increased influx of humans visiting Station Eternity, she hasn’t seen so much as a bar brawl. Used to people dying left and right around her, the lack of murders to solve has left her unexpectedly . . . bored.
But humanity’s favorite way to waste time is on its way to her sector of the galaxy. A giant, one-of-a-kind data ship called Metis is bringing the entire Internet from Earth—as well as a mystery fan convention. On top of that, Mallory’s literary agent is aboard, and he tells Mallory that she’s the keynote speaker.
It’s almost a relief when a killer decides to strike at the convention. When Mallory finds her agent dead, she knows she has to work fast to find the murderer. With a strange new alien with unknown motives, a ship with impossible abilities, a lonely living, comprehensive Internet, and a deadly crime to solve, Mallory has her work cut out for her . . . .
Mallory Viridian has had a quiet few months. Even with the increased influx of humans visiting Station Eternity, she hasn’t seen so much as a bar brawl. Used to people dying left and right around her, the lack of murders to solve has left her unexpectedly . . . bored.
But humanity’s favorite way to waste time is on its way to her sector of the galaxy. A giant, one-of-a-kind data ship called Metis is bringing the entire Internet from Earth—as well as a mystery fan convention. On top of that, Mallory’s literary agent is aboard, and he tells Mallory that she’s the keynote speaker.
It’s almost a relief when a killer decides to strike at the convention. When Mallory finds her agent dead, she knows she has to work fast to find the murderer. With a strange new alien with unknown motives, a ship with impossible abilities, a lonely living, comprehensive Internet, and a deadly crime to solve, Mallory has her work cut out for her . . . .
Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
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About the author
Mur Lafferty
114 books1,783 followersNOTE- Goodreads mail is NOT a good way to get in touch with me. I don't get notifications of questions and I'm rarely here. Please contact me via my website, murverse.com.
Mur Lafferty is the author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Hugo and Nebula nominated novel Six Wakes, The Shambling Guides series, and several self pubbed novels and novellas, including the award winning Afterlife series. She is the host of the Hugo-winning podcast Ditch Diggers, and the long-running I Should Be Writing. She is the recipient of the John Campbell Award for best new writer, the Manly Wade Wellman Award, the Best Fancast Hugo Award, and joined the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015, its inaugural year.
Mur Lafferty is the author of Solo: A Star Wars Story and the Hugo and Nebula nominated novel Six Wakes, The Shambling Guides series, and several self pubbed novels and novellas, including the award winning Afterlife series. She is the host of the Hugo-winning podcast Ditch Diggers, and the long-running I Should Be Writing. She is the recipient of the John Campbell Award for best new writer, the Manly Wade Wellman Award, the Best Fancast Hugo Award, and joined the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015, its inaugural year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 10, 2025
For this third venture involving very alien aliens, a few quirky humans, near-future space, and unavoidable murder, Mur Lafferty confounds reluctant sleuth, Mallory Viridian with the disastrous adventures that accompany Queen Tina, the raising of a sentient baby ship, a mystery writers‘ convention, and a mysterious unusual ship come to the station.
Infinite Archives is the third of a series of sci-fi mysteries that are closely connected and must be read in order for the personal growth and relationship arcs flowing through the books.
Mallory has come to terms with her connection with the hivemind, Sundry aliens and how that connection has dragged her into the locations where murder is likely to happen and she’s been making friends and connections for the first time living as one of the few human citizens aboard a sentient space station, Eternity. Lately, she’s been learning how to utilize the Sundry capabilities better, “parent“ a baby sentient ship, and hide her crush on her best friend, Zan, who is seeing the station’s earth ambassador.
But, the few months of peace is shattered when she learns chaotic Tina is inbound with a secret surprise she wants to share, a mysterious alien archive ship bringing a mystery writers‘ convention from earth is also on approach, and her agent wants her to write a new genre- fiction mysteries because sales are down- oh, and by the way, he’s coming with the mystery ship and he’s signed her up as the keynote speaker.
Mallory has avoided large swaths of humans to keep murders from happening and here a whole shipload was coming. Murder is bound to happen and it does amongst other confusing and chaotic events.
Mur Lafferty has impressed me from the first book with her clever, imaginative take on near-future sci-fi aliens and world of life on an alien space station. The humans are as quirky as the aliens and the murder adventure has as many twists and turns as I could love. In this case, the suspects and motives are a handful of authors and book world people treated badly by the greedy, desperate victim, but the ’how‘ is as cleverly worked as the rest. Besides the murder, there is a mysterious ship, and Tina’s surprise that has big ramifications to really add some excitement all around.
I loved seeing this more confident and willing Mallory who has finally accepted her life and uses her skills and her connections with a broadening group of unique friends to help her solve the crimes.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, Mallory’s reclusive and sometimes cranky personality is still there, but she’s taken Zan’s advice and become less closed off. Mallory has gone so far as to admit to herself that she’s into Zan and has to watch him show interest in someone else who seems all that Mallory is not.
Incidentally, the nod and wink to fandoms and fanfiction though set in the future left me highly amused.
All in all, this was a sensational, entertaining, and satisfying third entry in a series that I have come to highly anticipate as a top-read of my year. Those who enjoy their murder mysteries set among aliens in space should most definitely jet propel the Mid Solar Murders into the TBR pile.
I rec'd an eARC from Tor Books to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on 7.10.25.
Infinite Archives is the third of a series of sci-fi mysteries that are closely connected and must be read in order for the personal growth and relationship arcs flowing through the books.
Mallory has come to terms with her connection with the hivemind, Sundry aliens and how that connection has dragged her into the locations where murder is likely to happen and she’s been making friends and connections for the first time living as one of the few human citizens aboard a sentient space station, Eternity. Lately, she’s been learning how to utilize the Sundry capabilities better, “parent“ a baby sentient ship, and hide her crush on her best friend, Zan, who is seeing the station’s earth ambassador.
But, the few months of peace is shattered when she learns chaotic Tina is inbound with a secret surprise she wants to share, a mysterious alien archive ship bringing a mystery writers‘ convention from earth is also on approach, and her agent wants her to write a new genre- fiction mysteries because sales are down- oh, and by the way, he’s coming with the mystery ship and he’s signed her up as the keynote speaker.
Mallory has avoided large swaths of humans to keep murders from happening and here a whole shipload was coming. Murder is bound to happen and it does amongst other confusing and chaotic events.
Mur Lafferty has impressed me from the first book with her clever, imaginative take on near-future sci-fi aliens and world of life on an alien space station. The humans are as quirky as the aliens and the murder adventure has as many twists and turns as I could love. In this case, the suspects and motives are a handful of authors and book world people treated badly by the greedy, desperate victim, but the ’how‘ is as cleverly worked as the rest. Besides the murder, there is a mysterious ship, and Tina’s surprise that has big ramifications to really add some excitement all around.
I loved seeing this more confident and willing Mallory who has finally accepted her life and uses her skills and her connections with a broadening group of unique friends to help her solve the crimes.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, Mallory’s reclusive and sometimes cranky personality is still there, but she’s taken Zan’s advice and become less closed off. Mallory has gone so far as to admit to herself that she’s into Zan and has to watch him show interest in someone else who seems all that Mallory is not.
Incidentally, the nod and wink to fandoms and fanfiction though set in the future left me highly amused.
All in all, this was a sensational, entertaining, and satisfying third entry in a series that I have come to highly anticipate as a top-read of my year. Those who enjoy their murder mysteries set among aliens in space should most definitely jet propel the Mid Solar Murders into the TBR pile.
I rec'd an eARC from Tor Books to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on 7.10.25.
July 20, 2025
2.5/5 stars
Thank you to Ace for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I always enjoy a return to Station Eternity, I was a little disappointed with the most recent installment in the Midsolar Murders series. After rating books one and two five stars this one fell off a little, suffering from uneven pacing and a little too much pop culture.
My main qualm with Infinite Archive is that the plot really doesn't pick up until over 60% through the novel. For a series mainly focused on murder mysteries, I would have liked to spend more time reading about one. Thus, with so little time to spend on the murder, Mallory's deductions felt almost too quick to keep up with and the wrap-up rushed and confusing.
Additionally, there was a lot of pop culture mentioned due to Metis hosting physical manifestations of the internet. While Lafferty's exploration of the limitless possibilities that come with that was entertaining, so much time was spent on the fan fic parts of the internet that this book itself felt like fan fiction! That's fine if intentional, it's just not what I expected/wanted after the first two excellent novels.
Despite this (probably overly) critical review, I always enjoy spending time with Mallory Viridian and her friends. I hope Lafferty knows that she can write about the crew doing literally anything and still maintain a base of enthusiastic readers! While there was not nearly enough of our favorite grumpy ex-ambassador, the new characters picked up in Infinite Archive will make a great addition to the group.
P.S. Zesty Yaboi is the best possible addition to this series and I would kill to read Pruned.
Thank you to Ace for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I always enjoy a return to Station Eternity, I was a little disappointed with the most recent installment in the Midsolar Murders series. After rating books one and two five stars this one fell off a little, suffering from uneven pacing and a little too much pop culture.
My main qualm with Infinite Archive is that the plot really doesn't pick up until over 60% through the novel. For a series mainly focused on murder mysteries, I would have liked to spend more time reading about one. Thus, with so little time to spend on the murder, Mallory's deductions felt almost too quick to keep up with and the wrap-up rushed and confusing.
Additionally, there was a lot of pop culture mentioned due to Metis hosting physical manifestations of the internet. While Lafferty's exploration of the limitless possibilities that come with that was entertaining, so much time was spent on the fan fic parts of the internet that this book itself felt like fan fiction! That's fine if intentional, it's just not what I expected/wanted after the first two excellent novels.
Despite this (probably overly) critical review, I always enjoy spending time with Mallory Viridian and her friends. I hope Lafferty knows that she can write about the crew doing literally anything and still maintain a base of enthusiastic readers! While there was not nearly enough of our favorite grumpy ex-ambassador, the new characters picked up in Infinite Archive will make a great addition to the group.
P.S. Zesty Yaboi is the best possible addition to this series and I would kill to read Pruned.
December 25, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
These novels are fun! This one has a baby sentient spaceship (with a pebble Gneiss pilot!) that's small enough to fit in a pocket... and a few abstracts of a noir novel (titled Pruned) featuring a multi-headed venus fly trap detective (Zesty Yaboi), which actually sounds like it may be jolly good fun to read if it existed as something other than an accessory to a plot point in this book. Mallory, amateur sleuth and author of real crime fiction, is bored. Until the unexpected arrival of an unusual sentient data-ship ship called Metis, mystery fan convention passengers, and Mallory's chaos-creating rock-like alien friend Bitch Queen Tina and a new alien buddy. This book isn't so much about the murder mystery (which is a tad rushed) than it is about Mallory's personal growth or using the mystery as a vehicle to explore the world building and alien relationships. A lot of the pop-culture mentioned in the novel went over my head, but the references to media fandoms and fanfiction that I am familiar with were both horrifying and amusing at the same time. My current pet peeve is the info-dumpy "what has gone on in previous installments" bits. It's especially noticeable since I binge read all three novels in a short period.. There has to be a better way to inform new reader or remind readers about important events in previous novels, besides swaths of exposition. Maybe a preamble page - "In the Previous Episode/Books" - like they do for TV series? An entertaining, jaunty and playful science fiction novel.
These novels are fun! This one has a baby sentient spaceship (with a pebble Gneiss pilot!) that's small enough to fit in a pocket... and a few abstracts of a noir novel (titled Pruned) featuring a multi-headed venus fly trap detective (Zesty Yaboi), which actually sounds like it may be jolly good fun to read if it existed as something other than an accessory to a plot point in this book. Mallory, amateur sleuth and author of real crime fiction, is bored. Until the unexpected arrival of an unusual sentient data-ship ship called Metis, mystery fan convention passengers, and Mallory's chaos-creating rock-like alien friend Bitch Queen Tina and a new alien buddy. This book isn't so much about the murder mystery (which is a tad rushed) than it is about Mallory's personal growth or using the mystery as a vehicle to explore the world building and alien relationships. A lot of the pop-culture mentioned in the novel went over my head, but the references to media fandoms and fanfiction that I am familiar with were both horrifying and amusing at the same time. My current pet peeve is the info-dumpy "what has gone on in previous installments" bits. It's especially noticeable since I binge read all three novels in a short period.. There has to be a better way to inform new reader or remind readers about important events in previous novels, besides swaths of exposition. Maybe a preamble page - "In the Previous Episode/Books" - like they do for TV series? An entertaining, jaunty and playful science fiction novel.
July 29, 2025
Mallory feels like she might be settling in on the space station Eternity, but with no new murders, she doesn’t have anything new to write about. Her new baby spaceship Mobius is keeping her busy, but she’s still bored. But then she learns that there is a murder mystery convention aboard a new space ship headed her way, and her agent has volunteered her to give the keynote. He’s also trying to get her to try a new genre, like cozy mysteries, so she can get her sales up. When the space ship Metis arrives, Tina arrives with a new alien as well. A new alien species is exciting, but Mallory feels like the Cuckoos with Tina are up to something. And then Metis is also not revealing all her secrets. But when her agent is found dead, Mallory knows she’s the only one who can solve the murder. But will she also be able to solve the other mysteries that are worrying her?
A cute murder-mystery in space that gets very meta. The world-building and characters are very interesting, but I don’t like the way the story is told. It’s very jumpy and inconsistent about who knows what, which isn’t helped when it keeps jumping between various points-of-view and all the characters sound the same. Also, I hate when mystery is built around people refusing to tell others things. I really want to like this series, but I keep just being annoyed at it.
A cute murder-mystery in space that gets very meta. The world-building and characters are very interesting, but I don’t like the way the story is told. It’s very jumpy and inconsistent about who knows what, which isn’t helped when it keeps jumping between various points-of-view and all the characters sound the same. Also, I hate when mystery is built around people refusing to tell others things. I really want to like this series, but I keep just being annoyed at it.
December 8, 2025
3.5 stars
July 1, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Things continue to develop in the Midsolar Murders series. The characters and world had a good foundation laid in the first book Station Eternity which is where Mallory and Xan and several aliens live. The station itself is sentient, bonded now with Mrs. Brown. In the next installment, we learn about the Sundry and hive minds, and Tina becomes a queen.
Infinite Archive has the discovery of an ancient ship, Metis, by a human and it develops; it becomes the ship for a murder mystery trip to Station Eternity. Mallory's agent wants her to write a different kind of books. He wants Mallory to give a keynote speech to the convention attendees.
Mallory does not want to give a keynote or write a different kind of books. She is now the "mama" to a new sentient ship Mobius. Mobius is a baby. Initially, they have no way to communicate until he is big enough to get his own hive mind. Throughout the story he learns and grows. The hivemind is hard for Mallory with her insect allergy. Mobius is adored by Stephanie and the other ships, including Metis. He takes on a mission for Metis when he gets separated from Mallory.
Tina, ever the narcissist toddler, brings an alien, and the subspecies of Sundry called the Cuckoos who caused all the trouble in the last book. She wants to give the alien a chance since they are not the ones who committed crimes, they are just the ancestors of those who did, living on her prison planet.
The writers for the convention discover while talking to Mallory and each other that the agent is cheating them. Then the agent turns up dead and the mystery begins. There is lots of fun and danger as they find out what the alien can do, how Metis has been controlled, Mobius' mission, and Tina wants to help. Tina is trouble but she makes me laugh.
The storyline while dangerous was very fun and interesting. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and learning a lot more about the hivemind, sentient ships and aliens.
Mallory with the support of Xan and then Mobius, sorts out the murderer and captures them. Mobius really grew and that was fun to watch. Xan's brother, Phineas, was more of a distraction than a help. I can't wait to read more about Mallory's adventures on Station Eternity and her baby ship, Mobius.
Narration:
The narrator was different for each of the first two books. The third book continued with the same narrator from the second book, which I really enjoyed. I love the voices of Mallory, Tina and Mobius. They are the most distinct although the other characters are also distinguishable. The narration performance improved my enjoyment of the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Things continue to develop in the Midsolar Murders series. The characters and world had a good foundation laid in the first book Station Eternity which is where Mallory and Xan and several aliens live. The station itself is sentient, bonded now with Mrs. Brown. In the next installment, we learn about the Sundry and hive minds, and Tina becomes a queen.
Infinite Archive has the discovery of an ancient ship, Metis, by a human and it develops; it becomes the ship for a murder mystery trip to Station Eternity. Mallory's agent wants her to write a different kind of books. He wants Mallory to give a keynote speech to the convention attendees.
Mallory does not want to give a keynote or write a different kind of books. She is now the "mama" to a new sentient ship Mobius. Mobius is a baby. Initially, they have no way to communicate until he is big enough to get his own hive mind. Throughout the story he learns and grows. The hivemind is hard for Mallory with her insect allergy. Mobius is adored by Stephanie and the other ships, including Metis. He takes on a mission for Metis when he gets separated from Mallory.
Tina, ever the narcissist toddler, brings an alien, and the subspecies of Sundry called the Cuckoos who caused all the trouble in the last book. She wants to give the alien a chance since they are not the ones who committed crimes, they are just the ancestors of those who did, living on her prison planet.
The writers for the convention discover while talking to Mallory and each other that the agent is cheating them. Then the agent turns up dead and the mystery begins. There is lots of fun and danger as they find out what the alien can do, how Metis has been controlled, Mobius' mission, and Tina wants to help. Tina is trouble but she makes me laugh.
The storyline while dangerous was very fun and interesting. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and learning a lot more about the hivemind, sentient ships and aliens.
Mallory with the support of Xan and then Mobius, sorts out the murderer and captures them. Mobius really grew and that was fun to watch. Xan's brother, Phineas, was more of a distraction than a help. I can't wait to read more about Mallory's adventures on Station Eternity and her baby ship, Mobius.
Narration:
The narrator was different for each of the first two books. The third book continued with the same narrator from the second book, which I really enjoyed. I love the voices of Mallory, Tina and Mobius. They are the most distinct although the other characters are also distinguishable. The narration performance improved my enjoyment of the story. I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
January 8, 2026
What an absolutely fun installment of this series! The creativity is off the charts as usual... the new ship is fascinating and honestly a bit creepy in a too-good-to-be-true way. I love how all the pieces came together and I loooove the new character of Mallory's new baby spaceship Mobius. What fun! The characters are unique as always and again we get to learn more about different space species which is fun. Oh and then there is a murder mystery convention in space (love) and a lot of publishing drama! This book turned corners in ways I never expected and I had so much fun reading it.
Note: I LOVE the audiobooks for this series, it just makes it feel all the much cozier.
Note: I LOVE the audiobooks for this series, it just makes it feel all the much cozier.
November 7, 2025
The entire internet as a spaceship and yes there is a fan-fic section. Once again Mallory is on the hunt for a killer, the victim is her agent.
Fun stuff.
Fun stuff.
September 3, 2025
This book will please nerds who enjoy inside jokes referencing other fiction. I read the first two Midsolar Murder books, and I liked the unique design of the universe it set up. This, however, feels like it was written more to Lafferty's personal interests and ideas she wanted to put on paper in one big jumble rather than a well constructed sci fi murder mystery. The murder itself doesn't even take place until past 60% into the book. By that point, a lot of time has been spent just running around in conversations and scenes that ultimately have no bearing on the eventual murder scenario. Also, a writer writing about a writer's conference is not necessarily interesting to a reader. Then, there is the ship which represents the internet itself and a lot of nifty tangible metaphors for internet phenomena. Yes, that is a cool idea, but late in the novel it further distracts from anything pertinent to the plot. (At one point, I wondered whether Lafferty's editor had been sufficiently focused because the character Jack pops up asking a question in a group touring the ship when he is not actually present. It is an error, further obvious when Jack is mentioned objectively soon after.) So, we find that the whole thing has to be rushed through and solved in the last 20% of the book. This leads to facile deus ex machina solutions for which there were never any clues presented previously - often just a brief explication of something the reader is supposed to accept as being the answer. In the end, the motivation for the killer feels really weak, and we don't really care about any of the reasons. Mystery and suspense involves tension, peril, and intrigue. This is just aimed at being nifty and cute, and the solution feels like an eagle descending from the heavens to take you where you need to go and solve it all.
I usually give 3 stars to stuff that I feel was worth reading on some level (because it continues characters and a universe I previously enjoyed) even if I was disappointed, but this really is weighing towards 2.
I usually give 3 stars to stuff that I feel was worth reading on some level (because it continues characters and a universe I previously enjoyed) even if I was disappointed, but this really is weighing towards 2.
June 20, 2025
I wanted to read this book because of the cover, I love cats and thought this was so cute!
But I'm going to be honest, I was kind of a little disappointed with this.
We've got a sentient spaceship, mysteries, a murder mystery convention (is that like Crime Con?), and aliens. And those are all such cool and fun things!
This did have some really fun moments and I could definitely see this being successful as a tv show (maybe because it kind of reminds me of Based on a True Story a bit, at least the second season with the crime convention), but I wasn't super captivated by the story or the writing style. That can be such a problem for me, if you don't get me super invested at the start, it's really hard for me to become invested in the story at all.
It just needed a little more oomph to be my perfect cup of tea, but I really can see so many people loving this book and this series. Maybe I'll check out other books by this author, maybe that'll help.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
But I'm going to be honest, I was kind of a little disappointed with this.
We've got a sentient spaceship, mysteries, a murder mystery convention (is that like Crime Con?), and aliens. And those are all such cool and fun things!
This did have some really fun moments and I could definitely see this being successful as a tv show (maybe because it kind of reminds me of Based on a True Story a bit, at least the second season with the crime convention), but I wasn't super captivated by the story or the writing style. That can be such a problem for me, if you don't get me super invested at the start, it's really hard for me to become invested in the story at all.
It just needed a little more oomph to be my perfect cup of tea, but I really can see so many people loving this book and this series. Maybe I'll check out other books by this author, maybe that'll help.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 15, 2025
I don't know that any sequel in this series has yet met the the sheer brilliance and exuberance of the original "escape your murder attracting curse by running away to an alien space station" plot of Station Eternity, but the continued entries in the Midsolar Murders series certainly give all they've got. This one took a long time for any crime to occur, for a mystery novel, but there were other mysteries and lots of space adventures to tide one over.
I received this book as an ARC, and there were several slightly sloppy continuity issues, where it seemed like events were rearranged and then references weren't updated. Nothing super major, but I was flipping back and forth in confusion enough times to note it. I hope and expect these things (like, what and when are Mobius's first words?) will be fixed prior to publication!
I received this book as an ARC, and there were several slightly sloppy continuity issues, where it seemed like events were rearranged and then references weren't updated. Nothing super major, but I was flipping back and forth in confusion enough times to note it. I hope and expect these things (like, what and when are Mobius's first words?) will be fixed prior to publication!
August 30, 2025
Charming, but falls apart a bit at the end, bringing in some incongruous ideas for no good story reason.
November 19, 2025
Another addition to the “The Midsolar Murders” series. This is the third book and it is just as wonderful as the first two. Fast-paced, energetic and fun, this is a creative sci-fi/space mystery/detective investigation story. Mallory has come to grips with the hive mind connected to her, the baby sentient ship she is raising & learning to live with the secret crush she has on her best friend Zan and she has become more confident & willing to confide in and seek help from her friends. It is great to follow her personal growth through the series of books. She is still cranky and is a bit of a recluse but she is “more out in the world” now. This book focuses on a mysterious alien archive ship carrying a mystery writers convention and of course a murder that Mallory has to solve. Fantastic plot, excellent characters & world, and a well-earned ending. Definitely a top favorite book of the year!!! (Ithink this is supposed to just be a trilogy but I truly hope that Mur Lafferty decides to continue writing in this world with these characters and continue beyond a trilogy!)
“Amateur sleuth Mallory Viridian has just about got her bearings aboard the space station she calls home, but now the physical embodiment of the Internet is on its way, and it’s bringing murder with it.
Mallory Viridian has had a quiet few months. Even with the increased influx of humans visiting Station Eternity, she hasn’t seen so much as a bar brawl. Used to people dying left and right around her, the lack of murders to solve has left her unexpectedly . . . bored.
But humanity’s favorite way to waste time is on its way to her sector of the galaxy. A giant, one-of-a-kind data ship called Metis is bringing the entire Internet from Earth—as well as a mystery fan convention. On top of that, Mallory’s literary agent is aboard, and he tells Mallory that she’s the keynote speaker.
It’s almost a relief when a killer decides to strike at the convention. When Mallory finds her agent dead, she knows she has to work fast to find the murderer. With a strange new alien with unknown motives, a ship with impossible abilities, a lonely living, comprehensive Internet, and a deadly crime to solve, Mallory has her work cut out for her . . . .” (From the book blurb).
“Amateur sleuth Mallory Viridian has just about got her bearings aboard the space station she calls home, but now the physical embodiment of the Internet is on its way, and it’s bringing murder with it.
Mallory Viridian has had a quiet few months. Even with the increased influx of humans visiting Station Eternity, she hasn’t seen so much as a bar brawl. Used to people dying left and right around her, the lack of murders to solve has left her unexpectedly . . . bored.
But humanity’s favorite way to waste time is on its way to her sector of the galaxy. A giant, one-of-a-kind data ship called Metis is bringing the entire Internet from Earth—as well as a mystery fan convention. On top of that, Mallory’s literary agent is aboard, and he tells Mallory that she’s the keynote speaker.
It’s almost a relief when a killer decides to strike at the convention. When Mallory finds her agent dead, she knows she has to work fast to find the murderer. With a strange new alien with unknown motives, a ship with impossible abilities, a lonely living, comprehensive Internet, and a deadly crime to solve, Mallory has her work cut out for her . . . .” (From the book blurb).
July 15, 2025
Infinite Archive is the latest installment in the Midsolar Murders series, and it takes us back to the sentient spaceships housing mystery author and murder magnet Mallory and her cohort, both human and alien. This is not the kind of series you can just jump into, because there is so much world-building that you need to understand in order to understand the plot. I actually thought at one point that if I wasn't so deeply obsessed with these characters, the plot might not have been enough to hold my attention, but since I am obsessed, it was. As usual, the dialogue and interactions are witty and fun, and the characters and their relationships are top tier. I also loved Mallory's new baby ship, that is a thing that brings me joy. Also, without giving anything away, the ending was God Tier™, so I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Bottom Line: Amazing characters and humorous and heartfelt interactions made this one another win!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Bottom Line: Amazing characters and humorous and heartfelt interactions made this one another win!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
June 6, 2025
Mur Lafferty delivers another hilarious and mind-bending episode featuring reluctant detective Mallory Viridian in Infinite Archive. Mal is still recovering from her previous adventure when her literary agent barges in with an offer that she can’t figure out how to refuse. A murder mystery convention is on its way to Station Eternity. Aaron Rose has signed Mal up not only to deliver a keynote address but also a spot in a live-action role-playing game. Readers of the previous novels in the series (Station Eternity and Chaos Terminal) will know that the primary reason Mal has chosen to live in space is because every time she gets near a gathering of humans, someone gets murdered. Life among various alien species is much safer for everyone. (If you haven’t read the first two books in the series or if it’s been a while, Lafferty includes plenty of reminders about what’s happened previously.) And now an entire space cruise ship is headed her way, filled with thousands of potential victims, suspects, and witnesses...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, for review consideration.
January 5, 2026
Sometimes I wonder if my understanding of the role of an "editor" is seriously flawed. Does an editor point out things like "There appears to be at least one sentence missing from this paragraph, without which, the whole thing makes no sense"? Or "The main character can't suddenly be commenting in this scene, as she is currently in a different place entirely - I think that's meant to be the name of one of the three characters actually in this scene - maybe change that to avoid serious confusion for the reader." Or "Mayyyybe we just excise this entire section explaining what cat videos are, and get the plot moving along in the first third of the novel rather than the last third?"
(Perhaps I have the qualities to be an editor! Consider this my application!)
I don't know why I kept on through this sloppy mess, after having to go back and re-read four pages trying to assure myself that I hadn't missed the main character suddenly popping into a scene when I was sure she was actually no where near that action. Oddly, that sort of shabby inattention to detail (mixing up character names, misspellings, etc.) is common in eBooks, but in a mass-market paperback, it's shameful. Overall, it fit with the general mishmash of tonal sloppiness, weak characters, and lackluster plot. The first two novels had such verve and personality while this entry just felt flat.
(Perhaps I have the qualities to be an editor! Consider this my application!)
I don't know why I kept on through this sloppy mess, after having to go back and re-read four pages trying to assure myself that I hadn't missed the main character suddenly popping into a scene when I was sure she was actually no where near that action. Oddly, that sort of shabby inattention to detail (mixing up character names, misspellings, etc.) is common in eBooks, but in a mass-market paperback, it's shameful. Overall, it fit with the general mishmash of tonal sloppiness, weak characters, and lackluster plot. The first two novels had such verve and personality while this entry just felt flat.
October 5, 2025
I don’t usually stress over inconsistencies in books but this one grated on my last nerve. On page 271, it describes being in Kill Devil Hills in the Outer Banks where Eve found the buried sentient ship Metis. It says the Oceanside villa “had a wraparound deck so you could sit outside and see the sun SET OVER THE OCEAN, or enjoy the sunrise off Jockey’s Ridge”…in the West.
In this Universe the Sun does not set in the East over the Ocean nor rise in the West. If anyone has ever looked at a map or actually been to the OB this might bother you too. It’s a little thing but it really bothers me that nobody caught this before printing. If it was deliberate, I apologize that my neurodivergent brain waved a giant red flag of recognizing a glaring inconsistency that triggered me.
I’ve always been navigator on every trip from way back when we had to use huge floppy paper maps and knowing direction is one of my superpowers to this day So…seeing this made me anxious in a possibly inappropriate and weird way. It’s only words in a book, right? Wrong! Those words go through my eyes to my brain to a moving 3D picture way back in the middle of my brain space that shows the story and something like this creates a jarring STOP that halts the flow.
Otherwise, I’ve enjoyed the series and wish for much more from the gorgeously creative mind of Mur Lafferty.
In this Universe the Sun does not set in the East over the Ocean nor rise in the West. If anyone has ever looked at a map or actually been to the OB this might bother you too. It’s a little thing but it really bothers me that nobody caught this before printing. If it was deliberate, I apologize that my neurodivergent brain waved a giant red flag of recognizing a glaring inconsistency that triggered me.
I’ve always been navigator on every trip from way back when we had to use huge floppy paper maps and knowing direction is one of my superpowers to this day So…seeing this made me anxious in a possibly inappropriate and weird way. It’s only words in a book, right? Wrong! Those words go through my eyes to my brain to a moving 3D picture way back in the middle of my brain space that shows the story and something like this creates a jarring STOP that halts the flow.
Otherwise, I’ve enjoyed the series and wish for much more from the gorgeously creative mind of Mur Lafferty.
August 4, 2025
Book three was a fun listen. I did feel like I had kind of forgotten what happened in book two since I listened to it when it came out, and there wasn't a lot of "plot catch-up" in this one. But when I got into the story of this book, I started enjoying it. I did feel like the solution to the murders wasn't totally explained in favor of the story/setting. Though the story and setting are pretty fun so there is that.
August 13, 2025
I love this book and love this series for the sheer joy of being inside Lafferty’s imagination. She’s a master of the mystery and inevitably lead me to a point where I couldn’t possibly see how it all fit together and then voila! She’s brings it all together and wraps it all up in such a great way.
The world of the future that she creates after first contact is so rich in detail that it feels real and her alien races are mind-blowing. Plus I was happy that a certain individual is out of the picture at the end. No spoilers though! Great read.
The world of the future that she creates after first contact is so rich in detail that it feels real and her alien races are mind-blowing. Plus I was happy that a certain individual is out of the picture at the end. No spoilers though! Great read.
July 26, 2025
Best book in the series so far. Fantastic narration.
August 22, 2025
3.5 stars. I really like the characters and continued world building in this series, but the plot of this one felt chaotic and overstuffed and the ending was too abrupt. But I was happy to be in this fun world once again and look forward to more in this sci-fi mystery series.
October 26, 2025
Such a fun and silly read!
July 15, 2025
I liked this a little less than the other 2 but am excited for where the author will take the story next time (if there is a next time) hopefully
August 19, 2025
The best part of this was coming back to the characters you like. The mystery part was a bit predictable but it was still a fun read.
November 24, 2025
murder mystery in space. with sentient ships and an alien cat. good times.
October 18, 2025
I enjoy the world of eternity but the pacing was a little off for me in this one. The murder doesn’t even happen until 60% of the way through the book! But we know who it is if you read the book blurb, so we are just waiting around for over half of the book until that specific person dies. And then it’s like a quick wrap up (with a quick detour to middle earth) which felt rushed. In terms of a story arc the murder felt a little late, so solving the murder felt too quick.
The entire internet is… a lot, so it was brave to attempt manifesting that in the book. However, sometimes I just felt like we were reading about internet stuff for the author to be like “yes I internet” rather than adding to the story. It was too much internet. Don’t get me wrong- I love LOTR so visiting a fanfic fueled LOTR-inspired land was silly fun for me. But it may have also been too much, and I just wasn’t quite on board with the ship’s capabilities.
TL;DR: more murder and solving murder, less meme please.
The entire internet is… a lot, so it was brave to attempt manifesting that in the book. However, sometimes I just felt like we were reading about internet stuff for the author to be like “yes I internet” rather than adding to the story. It was too much internet. Don’t get me wrong- I love LOTR so visiting a fanfic fueled LOTR-inspired land was silly fun for me. But it may have also been too much, and I just wasn’t quite on board with the ship’s capabilities.
TL;DR: more murder and solving murder, less meme please.
July 1, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Things continue to develop in the Midsolar Murders series. The characters and world had a good foundation laid in the first book Station Eternity which is where Mallory and Xan and several aliens live. The station itself is sentient, bonded now with Mrs. Brown. In the next installment, we learn about the Sundry and hive minds, and Tina becomes a queen.
Infinite Archive has the discovery of an ancient ship, Metis, by a human and it develops; it becomes the ship for a murder mystery trip to Station Eternity. Mallory's agent wants her to write a different kind of books. He wants Mallory to give a keynote speech to the convention attendees.
Mallory does not want to give a keynote or write a different kind of books. She is now the "mama" to a new sentient ship Mobius. Mobius is a baby. Initially, they have no way to communicate until he is big enough to get his own hive mind. Throughout the story he learns and grows. The hivemind is hard for Mallory with her insect allergy. Mobius is adored by Stephanie and the other ships, including Metis. He takes on a mission for Metis when he gets separated from Mallory.
Tina, ever the narcissist toddler, brings an alien, and the subspecies of Sundry called the Cuckoos who caused all the trouble in the last book. She wants to give the alien a chance since they are not the ones who committed crimes, they are just the ancestors of those who did, living on her prison planet.
The writers for the convention discover while talking to Mallory and each other that the agent is cheating them. Then the agent turns up dead and the mystery begins. There is lots of fun and danger as they find out what the alien can do, how Metis has been controlled, Mobius' mission, and Tina wants to help. Tina is trouble but she makes me laugh.
The storyline while dangerous was very fun and interesting. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and learning a lot more about the hivemind, sentient ships and aliens.
Mallory with the support of Xan and then Mobius, sorts out the murderer and captures them. Mobius really grew and that was fun to watch. Xan's brother, Phineas, was more of a distraction than a help. I can't wait to read more about Mallory's adventures on Station Eternity and her baby ship, Mobius.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Things continue to develop in the Midsolar Murders series. The characters and world had a good foundation laid in the first book Station Eternity which is where Mallory and Xan and several aliens live. The station itself is sentient, bonded now with Mrs. Brown. In the next installment, we learn about the Sundry and hive minds, and Tina becomes a queen.
Infinite Archive has the discovery of an ancient ship, Metis, by a human and it develops; it becomes the ship for a murder mystery trip to Station Eternity. Mallory's agent wants her to write a different kind of books. He wants Mallory to give a keynote speech to the convention attendees.
Mallory does not want to give a keynote or write a different kind of books. She is now the "mama" to a new sentient ship Mobius. Mobius is a baby. Initially, they have no way to communicate until he is big enough to get his own hive mind. Throughout the story he learns and grows. The hivemind is hard for Mallory with her insect allergy. Mobius is adored by Stephanie and the other ships, including Metis. He takes on a mission for Metis when he gets separated from Mallory.
Tina, ever the narcissist toddler, brings an alien, and the subspecies of Sundry called the Cuckoos who caused all the trouble in the last book. She wants to give the alien a chance since they are not the ones who committed crimes, they are just the ancestors of those who did, living on her prison planet.
The writers for the convention discover while talking to Mallory and each other that the agent is cheating them. Then the agent turns up dead and the mystery begins. There is lots of fun and danger as they find out what the alien can do, how Metis has been controlled, Mobius' mission, and Tina wants to help. Tina is trouble but she makes me laugh.
The storyline while dangerous was very fun and interesting. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and learning a lot more about the hivemind, sentient ships and aliens.
Mallory with the support of Xan and then Mobius, sorts out the murderer and captures them. Mobius really grew and that was fun to watch. Xan's brother, Phineas, was more of a distraction than a help. I can't wait to read more about Mallory's adventures on Station Eternity and her baby ship, Mobius.
September 11, 2025
This is the first book in this series that I read the physical book of. The other two I listened to the audiobook. My hunch that it would be better to read than listen to was correct. I understood more of who was talking, what was memory or a flash back, etc. that being said, the “catching the murderer” scenes at the end were really confusing. Those could have been handled better.
Mallory finds out that her agent is coming to Eternity with a murder mystery group, an old but new mystery ship, some other mystery authors, and she needs to give a keynote speech and participate in a LARPing murder mystery. She is not a happy camper. Plus she has a baby / toddler sentient ship to take care of (Mobius).
Xan is dating Jessica. Stephanie wants Mallory to confront her feelings for Xan. Jessica is obviously jealous of Xan’s and Mallory’s friendship.
Auntie Stephanie is helping out Mobius, and Mrs. Brown is like his doting grandma. It’s really sweet.
Okay, mild spoilers going forward from here!
Tina makes a surprise entrance from the new ship Metis, which is also carrying the murder mystery group. She also has a new to everybody ugly cat like alien with her, Miu. AND Queen B Tina also has some Cuckoos living inside of her. Mayhem ensues, Mobius and Mallory get separated, and Mallory must stay on Metis while things get taken care of on Eternity. Oh, and Mobius gets a pilot - a baby Gneiss (rock creature).
Metis sends Mobius lots of new data and has him going on a secret adventure.
Mallory’s agent and his new author client are dead, and Mallory is investigating. The dentist / author (Bruce) has bonded with the Miu, because he is really into cats. There is a cat room on the ship. There is also a weird sex room on the ship too. Mobius is being hunted by the mean Cuckoos. And one of the murder suspects, Cosima (Aaron’s assistant), is now Mallory’s assistant in this case.
Other names to remember: Phineas, Xan’s brother from earth, who is a chef and a famous rapper. Eve, lead singer of VDV & tech / hacker, is joined with Metis. Bezoar - prison planet. Jack - author of the Venus flytrap murder mysteries. Kath, obgyn & author. Justme - Mobius’ pilot. Blue Jean, one of Mobius’ Sundrys.
Song: Alugalug Cat by The Kiffness
Mallory finds out that her agent is coming to Eternity with a murder mystery group, an old but new mystery ship, some other mystery authors, and she needs to give a keynote speech and participate in a LARPing murder mystery. She is not a happy camper. Plus she has a baby / toddler sentient ship to take care of (Mobius).
Xan is dating Jessica. Stephanie wants Mallory to confront her feelings for Xan. Jessica is obviously jealous of Xan’s and Mallory’s friendship.
Auntie Stephanie is helping out Mobius, and Mrs. Brown is like his doting grandma. It’s really sweet.
Okay, mild spoilers going forward from here!
Tina makes a surprise entrance from the new ship Metis, which is also carrying the murder mystery group. She also has a new to everybody ugly cat like alien with her, Miu. AND Queen B Tina also has some Cuckoos living inside of her. Mayhem ensues, Mobius and Mallory get separated, and Mallory must stay on Metis while things get taken care of on Eternity. Oh, and Mobius gets a pilot - a baby Gneiss (rock creature).
Metis sends Mobius lots of new data and has him going on a secret adventure.
Mallory’s agent and his new author client are dead, and Mallory is investigating. The dentist / author (Bruce) has bonded with the Miu, because he is really into cats. There is a cat room on the ship. There is also a weird sex room on the ship too. Mobius is being hunted by the mean Cuckoos. And one of the murder suspects, Cosima (Aaron’s assistant), is now Mallory’s assistant in this case.
Other names to remember: Phineas, Xan’s brother from earth, who is a chef and a famous rapper. Eve, lead singer of VDV & tech / hacker, is joined with Metis. Bezoar - prison planet. Jack - author of the Venus flytrap murder mysteries. Kath, obgyn & author. Justme - Mobius’ pilot. Blue Jean, one of Mobius’ Sundrys.
Song: Alugalug Cat by The Kiffness
August 2, 2025
How can a sci-fi mystery go wrong? Well, here's your answer. This series has jumped the shark.
This one goes all meta and fanfic and pop culture, as if Lafferty is trying to show the young kids that she's cool. Being about as far from a young kid as I can get, but also having a granddaughter, I can picture the kids sniggering when Mur's not looking but pretending she's cool otherwise.
Mallory's still great, and the intelligent ship is always welcome to me. But baby spaceships? With holodecks? And a ship that can contain the entire Internet because it's, sigh, bigger on the inside?
Tina seems to be unmaturing, and was much less interesting than before. Indeed, she was just an annoying loose cannon.
I wanna know what powers these organic ships? Doesn't it take energy to manage zettabyte databases? How is heat dispersed? What's the OS like? Instead we get to have the crisis in what feels like a Smurf version of Hobbiton, and Mallory dies only she doesn't ... grr.
Also, I was left with a feeling of Mallory doing an "Oh, by the way, I've solved the murders." And with a mighty leap it's all clear.
Finally, I like cats, I really like cats - but they did nothing for this book except run up the word count. And don't get me started on a ship called Miu.
I save the worst for last. Lookit, I'm old, and I've probably read more books than you have, As soon as I saw the keynote speech thing, I knew it was going to come up again and again and Mallory wasn't going to do anything, and the third time or so I knew after annoying all the order-focused readers like me. I like Mallory, but I could never be her friend because oh, look, a squirrel!
This one goes all meta and fanfic and pop culture, as if Lafferty is trying to show the young kids that she's cool. Being about as far from a young kid as I can get, but also having a granddaughter, I can picture the kids sniggering when Mur's not looking but pretending she's cool otherwise.
Mallory's still great, and the intelligent ship is always welcome to me. But baby spaceships? With holodecks? And a ship that can contain the entire Internet because it's, sigh, bigger on the inside?
Tina seems to be unmaturing, and was much less interesting than before. Indeed, she was just an annoying loose cannon.
I wanna know what powers these organic ships? Doesn't it take energy to manage zettabyte databases? How is heat dispersed? What's the OS like? Instead we get to have the crisis in what feels like a Smurf version of Hobbiton, and Mallory dies only she doesn't ... grr.
Also, I was left with a feeling of Mallory doing an "Oh, by the way, I've solved the murders." And with a mighty leap it's all clear.
Finally, I like cats, I really like cats - but they did nothing for this book except run up the word count. And don't get me started on a ship called Miu.
I save the worst for last. Lookit, I'm old, and I've probably read more books than you have, As soon as I saw the keynote speech thing, I knew it was going to come up again and again and Mallory wasn't going to do anything, and the third time or so I knew after annoying all the order-focused readers like me. I like Mallory, but I could never be her friend because oh, look, a squirrel!
June 28, 2025
Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on July 1st, 2025.
The third in Lafferty’s Midsolar Murder series starring Mallory Viridian — one of the few human inhabitants of a sentient space station. Human murders tend to occur when Mallory is around (the reason explained in book one or two), which is why she made such an extreme relocation. Turns out that Mal is very good at *solving* the murders that occur and that provides a nice story to show off the fantastically quirky world Lafferty has created teeming with creative alien cultures, sentient mechanisms, and the “fun” everyone has trying to get along.
Each book adds more to the world — while I would recommend reading books one and two first, the author does a decent job of giving you the info you might need if you don’t. In this installment, a one-of-a-kind ship is making its way to the station with massive holodeck like capabilities and the physical embodiment of the entire Internet (including fan fiction sites — this is important!). And it is carrying … a mystery fan convention. What could go wrong?
I like Lafferty’s world building — more focus on alien cultures than alien tech which I find much more interesting. The mystery is a nice excuse to roam around meeting strange beings. I really like the bonding between sentient ships and stations with (often human) hosts. Plenty of action, but not the super stressful kind. Lots of fun to read — I always look forward to the next one, and I’m happy to say that she writes quickly!
The third in Lafferty’s Midsolar Murder series starring Mallory Viridian — one of the few human inhabitants of a sentient space station. Human murders tend to occur when Mallory is around (the reason explained in book one or two), which is why she made such an extreme relocation. Turns out that Mal is very good at *solving* the murders that occur and that provides a nice story to show off the fantastically quirky world Lafferty has created teeming with creative alien cultures, sentient mechanisms, and the “fun” everyone has trying to get along.
Each book adds more to the world — while I would recommend reading books one and two first, the author does a decent job of giving you the info you might need if you don’t. In this installment, a one-of-a-kind ship is making its way to the station with massive holodeck like capabilities and the physical embodiment of the entire Internet (including fan fiction sites — this is important!). And it is carrying … a mystery fan convention. What could go wrong?
I like Lafferty’s world building — more focus on alien cultures than alien tech which I find much more interesting. The mystery is a nice excuse to roam around meeting strange beings. I really like the bonding between sentient ships and stations with (often human) hosts. Plenty of action, but not the super stressful kind. Lots of fun to read — I always look forward to the next one, and I’m happy to say that she writes quickly!
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