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Marcus Carver Sci Fi Crime #1
Murder in Retrograde
A near-future private detective. A case that would cover all his debts. When the first body drops, can he catch a killer before he’s cashed out?
In a litigious future America, detective Marcus Carver sticks to civil cases. When a space tech CEO wants him to investigate a business rival for illegal hydrocarbon combustion, Carver reluctantly agrees. But the case takes an explosive turn when the police find the target’s head of security murdered.
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Carver finds himself sucked into a morass of cyberpunk gangsters, cultish environmentalists and crooked cops. And when another body turns up, it’s clear this ruthless killer doesn’t intend to stop.
Can Carver crack the case before it blows up in his face?
Murder in Retrograde is the thrilling first novel in the Marcus Carver Sci Fi Crime Series. If you like stories about dystopian systems and hard-boiled detectives battling corrupt institutions, then you’ll love Greg Hickey’s propulsive futuristic whodunit.
Read Murder in Retrograde today to enjoy a page-turning near-future mystery.
In a litigious future America, detective Marcus Carver sticks to civil cases. When a space tech CEO wants him to investigate a business rival for illegal hydrocarbon combustion, Carver reluctantly agrees. But the case takes an explosive turn when the police find the target’s head of security murdered.
Determined to get to the bottom of things, Carver finds himself sucked into a morass of cyberpunk gangsters, cultish environmentalists and crooked cops. And when another body turns up, it’s clear this ruthless killer doesn’t intend to stop.
Can Carver crack the case before it blows up in his face?
Murder in Retrograde is the thrilling first novel in the Marcus Carver Sci Fi Crime Series. If you like stories about dystopian systems and hard-boiled detectives battling corrupt institutions, then you’ll love Greg Hickey’s propulsive futuristic whodunit.
Read Murder in Retrograde today to enjoy a page-turning near-future mystery.
- GenresScience FictionCrime
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
About the author
Greg Hickey
11 books143 followersGreg Hickey is a former international professional baseball player and forensic scientist, and endurance athlete and Amazon-bestselling author. His previous works include the novels Parabellum, The Friar’s Lantern and Our Dried Voices, the latter of which was a finalist for Foreword Reviews' INDIES Science Fiction Book of the Year Award. He lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 16, 2025
So I just wrapped up Murder in Retrograde by Greg Hickey, and let me tell you, this was a ride. I’ve read two of his books before and really enjoyed them, and this one? Same energy—he did not miss.
We’ve got Marcus Carver, who honestly can’t mind his business. He signs up for one case and somehow ends up juggling like three. But it all ties together, so you’re just flipping pages like, “Okay, what’s next?”
The setting is futuristic California, which I loved—but of course, even in the future, California is still on fire. Like… at this point, it’s just tradition. Add in gangs, corrupt cops, and the whole gritty detective vibe, and it feels like an old-school noir—just with holograms, drones, and hover flights. It’s basically classic noir meets sci-fi, and it works.
Fast-paced? Absolutely. I could’ve knocked it out in one sitting, but even with breaks I finished in less than 48 hours. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” type reads.
I’m definitely looking forward to a follow-up, because I need to know what happens with the Tong Gang.
Bottom line: If you like sci-fi, thrillers, or detective stories with a little futuristic twist, this one’s worth it.
We’ve got Marcus Carver, who honestly can’t mind his business. He signs up for one case and somehow ends up juggling like three. But it all ties together, so you’re just flipping pages like, “Okay, what’s next?”
The setting is futuristic California, which I loved—but of course, even in the future, California is still on fire. Like… at this point, it’s just tradition. Add in gangs, corrupt cops, and the whole gritty detective vibe, and it feels like an old-school noir—just with holograms, drones, and hover flights. It’s basically classic noir meets sci-fi, and it works.
Fast-paced? Absolutely. I could’ve knocked it out in one sitting, but even with breaks I finished in less than 48 hours. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” type reads.
I’m definitely looking forward to a follow-up, because I need to know what happens with the Tong Gang.
Bottom line: If you like sci-fi, thrillers, or detective stories with a little futuristic twist, this one’s worth it.
January 26, 2026
DISCLAIMER: I received the ARC directly from the author.
This is a great example of a book delivering solidly on its premise. It's a SF noir novel and it has everything it should have - a slightly grizzled detective, a complicated enough plot, solid and sordid near future SF world-building elements... It's not groundbreaking but as it concise and well paced, it does not overstay its welcome.
If you want a solid piece of entertaining fiction, give it a try.
This is a great example of a book delivering solidly on its premise. It's a SF noir novel and it has everything it should have - a slightly grizzled detective, a complicated enough plot, solid and sordid near future SF world-building elements... It's not groundbreaking but as it concise and well paced, it does not overstay its welcome.
If you want a solid piece of entertaining fiction, give it a try.
September 23, 2025
Set in the future, this sci-fi/mystery blend demonstrates that even the future cannot alter the nature of people or the fact that California is on fire.
I'm not sure how far into the future this book is set, but some aspects are appealing, such as crossing the country faster than a plane, or at least not having to go through security! Self-driving cars, although we are almost there now, and devices that people wear, called Holo-heads, which allow you to change how you appear to those who see you. This is an interesting concept, but it's not one that could be beneficial. I imagine the crime rate would skyrocket because people could get away with more.
Marcus Carver is a former cop turned private investigator. He has been hired to look into a woman suspected of using combustible items in her home. However, this turns into something more, including uncovering who killed King and who is after Battle. I can barely fathom how he juggles all these cases, considering he is only being paid for one of them. However, not everything is as it appears, and it is up to Marcus to uncover the truth and set things right. There are some twists I didn't expect, especially near the end.
While the story takes place over approximately a week (at the most), it is fast-paced as Marcus works to solve the mysteries and earn his fee. Life is expensive in the future.
We give this book 4 paws up.
I'm not sure how far into the future this book is set, but some aspects are appealing, such as crossing the country faster than a plane, or at least not having to go through security! Self-driving cars, although we are almost there now, and devices that people wear, called Holo-heads, which allow you to change how you appear to those who see you. This is an interesting concept, but it's not one that could be beneficial. I imagine the crime rate would skyrocket because people could get away with more.
Marcus Carver is a former cop turned private investigator. He has been hired to look into a woman suspected of using combustible items in her home. However, this turns into something more, including uncovering who killed King and who is after Battle. I can barely fathom how he juggles all these cases, considering he is only being paid for one of them. However, not everything is as it appears, and it is up to Marcus to uncover the truth and set things right. There are some twists I didn't expect, especially near the end.
While the story takes place over approximately a week (at the most), it is fast-paced as Marcus works to solve the mysteries and earn his fee. Life is expensive in the future.
We give this book 4 paws up.
August 18, 2026
I received this as an ARC from the author himself.
Let me start by saying that this book could work GREATLY for some people. I just am not one of them. I appreciated the creative details like the holohead and the combustion law, etc., but overall, it read just like a very generic, banal story that could come out every year as one of the hundreds of cliché Hollywood movies, so I couldn't really love it.
I am rating it 2 stars, both out of respect for the author and his efforts and because of the really well-done and readable narrative, which I actually even need to congratulate the author for. He definitely does not deliver like an amateur writer, but like an actual, credible author. Not everyone, especially in the indie community, could achieve that, so kudos.
Of course, there were issues like repetition, the fast pacing, especially towards the end, some editing issues, etc. But also hey, I wanna make it clear that I try not to review books as a book/literary critic, but rather just share my personal opinions and experience as a reader who happens to be an English Language and Literature graduate and might sometimes come off as a bit more literary than a casual reader, haha, if that makes sense.
But yeah, regarding this one, I don't think it would be fair for me to review it purely from that aspect. Rather, I would say that it was an OK read, but nothing impressive, nothing too creative, and nothing mind-blowing. Hence, 2 stars.
And again, receiving it as an ARC makes it harder to rate and review, especially the harsher parts of it all with my low star rating and the fact that I mostly did not love it. But at least I am being honest, and I hope it will not come across as if I don't appreciate the effort that went into creating such a work, because I absolutely do. I believe that I, as a video script writer, content creator, and video editor, can relate even more than some others.
Well done for the effort. Well done for trying, Mr. Hickey.
Let me start by saying that this book could work GREATLY for some people. I just am not one of them. I appreciated the creative details like the holohead and the combustion law, etc., but overall, it read just like a very generic, banal story that could come out every year as one of the hundreds of cliché Hollywood movies, so I couldn't really love it.
I am rating it 2 stars, both out of respect for the author and his efforts and because of the really well-done and readable narrative, which I actually even need to congratulate the author for. He definitely does not deliver like an amateur writer, but like an actual, credible author. Not everyone, especially in the indie community, could achieve that, so kudos.
Of course, there were issues like repetition, the fast pacing, especially towards the end, some editing issues, etc. But also hey, I wanna make it clear that I try not to review books as a book/literary critic, but rather just share my personal opinions and experience as a reader who happens to be an English Language and Literature graduate and might sometimes come off as a bit more literary than a casual reader, haha, if that makes sense.
But yeah, regarding this one, I don't think it would be fair for me to review it purely from that aspect. Rather, I would say that it was an OK read, but nothing impressive, nothing too creative, and nothing mind-blowing. Hence, 2 stars.
And again, receiving it as an ARC makes it harder to rate and review, especially the harsher parts of it all with my low star rating and the fact that I mostly did not love it. But at least I am being honest, and I hope it will not come across as if I don't appreciate the effort that went into creating such a work, because I absolutely do. I believe that I, as a video script writer, content creator, and video editor, can relate even more than some others.
Well done for the effort. Well done for trying, Mr. Hickey.
September 16, 2025
(This is a review of an ARC supplied by the author.)
Here's an interesting genre mashup, perhaps in the same vein as Nick Harkaway's Titanium Noir. Murder in Retrograde is a hard-boiled detective novel set in a future Los Angeles in which all kinds of combustion are illegal, but the wild fires still rage.
Fans of Raymond Chandler will recognise beats from The Big Sleep and The Long Goodbye, and there are flashes of mordant humour from the first person narrator reminiscent of Marlowe. But it's the future setting that throws this book into science fiction territory.
What I couldn't decide was whether this was a near-utopia (the burning of hydrocarbons is illegal) or a dystopia (people wear holo-heads to conceal their identities and the super-rich hide away in hilltop redoubts). I really like the idea that the oil companies have lost the climate war. On the other hand, the idea that you don't know who you're talking to is disturbing.
Marcus Carver, an ex Chicago cop turned PI, is hired by a billionaire to investigate the billionaire's neighbour and business rival, who is accused of the crime of combustion. But like The Big Sleep, this case leads in unexpected directions, and when the bodies start piling up, Carver has to pick a side.
I enjoyed this, it was a lot of fun. A quick read, too, at just over 200 pages.
Here's an interesting genre mashup, perhaps in the same vein as Nick Harkaway's Titanium Noir. Murder in Retrograde is a hard-boiled detective novel set in a future Los Angeles in which all kinds of combustion are illegal, but the wild fires still rage.
Fans of Raymond Chandler will recognise beats from The Big Sleep and The Long Goodbye, and there are flashes of mordant humour from the first person narrator reminiscent of Marlowe. But it's the future setting that throws this book into science fiction territory.
What I couldn't decide was whether this was a near-utopia (the burning of hydrocarbons is illegal) or a dystopia (people wear holo-heads to conceal their identities and the super-rich hide away in hilltop redoubts). I really like the idea that the oil companies have lost the climate war. On the other hand, the idea that you don't know who you're talking to is disturbing.
Marcus Carver, an ex Chicago cop turned PI, is hired by a billionaire to investigate the billionaire's neighbour and business rival, who is accused of the crime of combustion. But like The Big Sleep, this case leads in unexpected directions, and when the bodies start piling up, Carver has to pick a side.
I enjoyed this, it was a lot of fun. A quick read, too, at just over 200 pages.
March 14, 2026
A private investigator is hired to check on a relatively minor problem and stumbles into some major complications. This is a creative take on the noir detective genre, set mostly in a future LA besieged by fire. Fun read. Maybe a bit over-written at spots, but there were a couple of plot twists that genuinely surprised me and I enjoyed reading it.
Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC directly from the author.
Disclaimer: I received this as an ARC directly from the author.
July 31, 2025
"Murder in Retrograde" by Greg Hickey is a non-stop rollercoaster of edge-of-your-seat suspense, surprise twists, red herrings and a dash of humour, set against the backdrop of a futuristic LA (complete with on-going bush fires).
While investigating what he assumes is a standard environmental legislative breach, former Police detective turned private investigator, Marcus Carver, stumbles into a full-blown murder investigation. The Sci-Fi backdrop flows seamlessly with the 1940s style noir. All the tropes are there: corrupt cops, gangland violence, car chases, shoot outs and even a femme fatale.
The characters are a good mix of interesting, entertaining and the believable and support the flow of the plot without unnecessary distraction. Carver is a complex character whose battles with his inner demons relating to the death of his former partner from his police force days, intrude on but do not interfere with his assessment of the case at hand. He is a PI worthy of Sam Spade.
The book is easy to read, not too heavy and not too light. It is sure to raise a smile as the ending leaves the story exactly where you want it to. It is reminiscent of sci-fi stories like “A Scanner Darkly” by Philip K Dick and the humour and tempo of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett detective offerings. Hopefully Carver will appear in future work of the author.
An excellent choice for lovers of Science Fiction and Hard-Boiled Noir.
While investigating what he assumes is a standard environmental legislative breach, former Police detective turned private investigator, Marcus Carver, stumbles into a full-blown murder investigation. The Sci-Fi backdrop flows seamlessly with the 1940s style noir. All the tropes are there: corrupt cops, gangland violence, car chases, shoot outs and even a femme fatale.
The characters are a good mix of interesting, entertaining and the believable and support the flow of the plot without unnecessary distraction. Carver is a complex character whose battles with his inner demons relating to the death of his former partner from his police force days, intrude on but do not interfere with his assessment of the case at hand. He is a PI worthy of Sam Spade.
The book is easy to read, not too heavy and not too light. It is sure to raise a smile as the ending leaves the story exactly where you want it to. It is reminiscent of sci-fi stories like “A Scanner Darkly” by Philip K Dick and the humour and tempo of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett detective offerings. Hopefully Carver will appear in future work of the author.
An excellent choice for lovers of Science Fiction and Hard-Boiled Noir.
August 19, 2025
An edge of your seat mystery set in a near future California where people hide their identities behind holoheads and the ongoing wildfires and oppressive climate impacts their daily lives. We follow Marcus Carver, a PI given a job to investigate a combustion accusation. I was immediately envisioning every new locale and character thanks to Hickey’s vivid descriptions and writing. A techno thriller noir that will keep you guessing until the very end. Thank you Greg for reaching out to provide an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book.
July 7, 2025
Murder in Retrograde by Greg Hickey is a sharp, fast paced blend of science fiction and crime noir. I loved following detective Marcus Carver through a dystopian future full of gangsters, environmental extremists, and crooked cops. The story balances gritty mystery with imaginative world building, keeping the tension high from start to finish. While there were a few moments that felt a bit dense, overall it’s a propulsive and cleverly constructed whodunit that fans of both sci fi and detective fiction will enjoy.
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September 7, 2025Future Noir that will leave you wanting more
In a not-too-distant future, Private Detective Marcus Carver is hired by a space mogul to investigate his neighbor and fellow space tech rival for carbon combustion violations. While touring the house under the guise of an energy checkup he learns of the mogul’s missing head of security. When the missing man turns up dead and Carver comes clean about his identity he begins to work with Naomi Battle, Elliot Schuyler’s rival, to find the killer. But after a series of incidents that hit too close to Battle’s compound, Carver’s combustion case turned whodunnit has suddenly morphed into a search and rescue mission. Carver embarks on a breakneck trip through Tong territory, raging wildfires, deadly snipers and more as he attempts to save not only his neck, but that of a crucial witness that could bring the Tong gang down.
Murder in Retrograde is the newest release from author Greg Hickey. Having dipped his toe into several different genres in the past, Hickey nails the Noir theme and seamlessly meshes it with future elements for a fresh take. On the surface, Murder In Retrograde felt very much like an old school noir complete with hardboiled wisecracking gumshoe, self-important rich CEOs, and snarky and beautiful femme fatales who are not as dumb as they look. With that solid base, Hickey then throws this setting about 70 years into the future, and the landscape now includes drones and holographic projectors that can make anything, including your face, turn into practically anything else. The “holohead” concept alone made for a nice plot point that I am not sure has been done before and made “hiding in plain sight” the name of the game for Carver in his efforts to evade the Tongs and get his charge to safety. While the series is set mainly in California, Carver is based out of Chicago and takes several trips back to the windy city throughout the course of the book, again reminding the reader of the “near future” setting.
I am looking forward to more Marcus Carver, whether the cases are in California, his home turf in Chicago or any other location. Murder In Retrograde is a fast-paced novel that has me wanting more of this character and this future noir setting.
If you like Noir genre mysteries or a near future setting with gadgets that will have you in awe and wanting a few for yourself, Murder In Retrograde is a strong start to what I hope will translate into a series featuring Marcus Carver.
Full disclosure – I was provided with a copy of this book by the author; however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2025
Greg Hickey’s Murder in Retrograde is a sleek, sci-fi noir that mashes up the fedora and the firewall. This is Philip Marlowe meets Blade Runner minus the hovercars but with all the moral grime. Hickey takes the well-worn gumshoe template and drags it into a near future where Amazon drones are the norm, California wildfires are hotter than ever, and car chases are dampened by self-driving sedans that obey every traffic law. The result is a world both familiar and frighteningly plausible—equal parts The Expanse and Minority Report filtered through a Chandler-style lens flare.
Private investigator Marcus Carver takes a job from one aerospace billionaire to dig dirt on another. Before long, the case spirals into a heady mix of gang violence, corporate espionage, and holographic sleight-of-hand that would make even Deckard double-check his Voight-Kampff results. Hickey’s worldbuilding is grounded yet coolly imaginative; his gadgets serve the mystery rather than overwhelm it, and the central hook—the “holo-heads” that mask identities with digital projections—is a clever twist on the classic disguise trope, and one that gets plenty of mileage on with a single EV charge.
Hickey has a fluid style that heats up as things progress. The book’s early pacing drags a bit — Hickey lingers on procedural minutiae as Carver’s investigation takes him from room-to-room and from crevice to crevice, so does Hickey’s descriptions — but the story soon finds a rhythm. By mid-game, the narrative moves like a good barroom brawl: fast, funny, and with a couple of hits that land harder than expected. Even Carver’s egg’s benedict recipe (Asparagus? Really?) makes for an appetizing read.
Rest assured, punches get thrown, the police become involved, and more than one character dies, allowing for truth in the title.
Hickey sticks the landing with a case that threads three plots into one seamless conspiracy—a feat that would even make Raymond Chandler nod from the corner of a smoke-filled jazz bar. Ultimately, this is less about tech flash than it is about people crushed under the weight of possessiveness, which gives Murder in Retrograde its noir soul beneath the circuitry.
More reviews - but less asparagus - can be enjoyed, asparagus free, at Read @ Joe's
Private investigator Marcus Carver takes a job from one aerospace billionaire to dig dirt on another. Before long, the case spirals into a heady mix of gang violence, corporate espionage, and holographic sleight-of-hand that would make even Deckard double-check his Voight-Kampff results. Hickey’s worldbuilding is grounded yet coolly imaginative; his gadgets serve the mystery rather than overwhelm it, and the central hook—the “holo-heads” that mask identities with digital projections—is a clever twist on the classic disguise trope, and one that gets plenty of mileage on with a single EV charge.
Hickey has a fluid style that heats up as things progress. The book’s early pacing drags a bit — Hickey lingers on procedural minutiae as Carver’s investigation takes him from room-to-room and from crevice to crevice, so does Hickey’s descriptions — but the story soon finds a rhythm. By mid-game, the narrative moves like a good barroom brawl: fast, funny, and with a couple of hits that land harder than expected. Even Carver’s egg’s benedict recipe (Asparagus? Really?) makes for an appetizing read.
Rest assured, punches get thrown, the police become involved, and more than one character dies, allowing for truth in the title.
Hickey sticks the landing with a case that threads three plots into one seamless conspiracy—a feat that would even make Raymond Chandler nod from the corner of a smoke-filled jazz bar. Ultimately, this is less about tech flash than it is about people crushed under the weight of possessiveness, which gives Murder in Retrograde its noir soul beneath the circuitry.
More reviews - but less asparagus - can be enjoyed, asparagus free, at Read @ Joe's
January 4, 2026
There are a number of things to like about this book.
It's a noir detective novel but rather than being set in the 30's or 40's like "Maltese Falcon", it's set in the near future (maybe 10 years ahead). Marcus Carver, former copper turned private detective now specializes in "combustion" violations (where Californians are burning things and illegally polluting the environment. Just imagine with the state was cursed with Gavin Newsome permanently serving as the governor for decades and raising taxes for the latest "global warming" craze.
Fires (and smoke) in Southern California are endemic to the point of towns building "firewalls" around suburban communities to prevent the continual fires from burning them down.
Disney has moved into professional sports by acquiring an interest in the Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to EVs and hybrids, some cars are powered by compressed air. New materials: mycoleather and pigmented carbocrete.
Surface-to-LEO heavy lift rocket companies are expanding like crazy still with the goal of traveling to the Moon and Mars.
Central- and South-American drug gangs have merged with criminal organizations from the Orient. Tongs are just for salads anymore. There are still good cops but they are the vast minority.
Electricity is imported from solar farms in Utah.
The author's projection of California's stumbling into the near future seems very plausible. Yet another reason to flip the state from blue to red.
Fashion has taken the form of "holoheads", holographic projections over a person's head. Partially for anonymity and partially for identity (gangs use embedded one-D barcodes embedded in the holohead to identify members).
The author also mentioned Vasquez Rocks which I still remember visiting decades ago.
Another pleasant quirk is the last name of one of the early characters: Schuyler, a Dutch surname that had me stop and sound it out (/ˈskaɪ.ləɹ/ or SKY-ler) every time I encountered it. Apparently it's one that servers as a given name or surname.
All in all, it was a good story with good characters. I'll be looking for more novels from this author.
It's a noir detective novel but rather than being set in the 30's or 40's like "Maltese Falcon", it's set in the near future (maybe 10 years ahead). Marcus Carver, former copper turned private detective now specializes in "combustion" violations (where Californians are burning things and illegally polluting the environment. Just imagine with the state was cursed with Gavin Newsome permanently serving as the governor for decades and raising taxes for the latest "global warming" craze.
Fires (and smoke) in Southern California are endemic to the point of towns building "firewalls" around suburban communities to prevent the continual fires from burning them down.
Disney has moved into professional sports by acquiring an interest in the Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to EVs and hybrids, some cars are powered by compressed air. New materials: mycoleather and pigmented carbocrete.
Surface-to-LEO heavy lift rocket companies are expanding like crazy still with the goal of traveling to the Moon and Mars.
Central- and South-American drug gangs have merged with criminal organizations from the Orient. Tongs are just for salads anymore. There are still good cops but they are the vast minority.
Electricity is imported from solar farms in Utah.
The author's projection of California's stumbling into the near future seems very plausible. Yet another reason to flip the state from blue to red.
Fashion has taken the form of "holoheads", holographic projections over a person's head. Partially for anonymity and partially for identity (gangs use embedded one-D barcodes embedded in the holohead to identify members).
The author also mentioned Vasquez Rocks which I still remember visiting decades ago.
Another pleasant quirk is the last name of one of the early characters: Schuyler, a Dutch surname that had me stop and sound it out (/ˈskaɪ.ləɹ/ or SKY-ler) every time I encountered it. Apparently it's one that servers as a given name or surname.
All in all, it was a good story with good characters. I'll be looking for more novels from this author.
August 27, 2026
As in many well-known hard-boiled detective novels, this story is set in a Los Angeles of the future. The present-day fires associated with 2026 are now common, and the warming world has created the need for some ocean-side roads to be glass-enclosed to avoid flooding. In addition, communication is ubiquitous and travel across the United States is easily accomplished, though states have very different laws.
The protagonist, Marcus Carver, is a former police officer turned private investigator. He is recruited by Ellroy Schuyler, who became wealthy by making travel to Mars possible, and lives above the smoke on a peak near LA. Schuyler wants Carver to investigate his neighbor and competitor, Naomi Battle, who recently beat him in winning a contract to make living on Mars possible. Schuyler suspects Battle is violating California’s environment laws, namely of “combustion,” burning fossil fuels which have been outlawed. He wants Carver to investigate.
Though Carver suspects this is simply a revenge ploy, he is in need of funds, which Schuyler generously offers him. Just for a day. If he finds nothing, Carver can stop.
Carver uses a ploy to enter Battle’s estate, on another peak. Though he finds nothing associated with combustion, he does find that the head of security had recently been discovered dead and there are no suspects. This interests him, and he keeps pulling on this thread and is drawn deeper into betrayals, assassinations, organized crime, corrupt cops, several beatings, and finally a woman’s kidnapping—a woman he finds attractive.
The writing is fast-paced, and the scenes are well drawn. The fires lurching in the background add a sense of urgency to the story, and the envisioned holo technology is intriguing.
Readers of hard-boiled detective stories, spiced with sarcastic wit and some cynicism, will enjoy this story. The twist of environmental danger and new technology is an added treat.
Disclaimer: The author offered me an ebook version of his novel for an honest review.
The protagonist, Marcus Carver, is a former police officer turned private investigator. He is recruited by Ellroy Schuyler, who became wealthy by making travel to Mars possible, and lives above the smoke on a peak near LA. Schuyler wants Carver to investigate his neighbor and competitor, Naomi Battle, who recently beat him in winning a contract to make living on Mars possible. Schuyler suspects Battle is violating California’s environment laws, namely of “combustion,” burning fossil fuels which have been outlawed. He wants Carver to investigate.
Though Carver suspects this is simply a revenge ploy, he is in need of funds, which Schuyler generously offers him. Just for a day. If he finds nothing, Carver can stop.
Carver uses a ploy to enter Battle’s estate, on another peak. Though he finds nothing associated with combustion, he does find that the head of security had recently been discovered dead and there are no suspects. This interests him, and he keeps pulling on this thread and is drawn deeper into betrayals, assassinations, organized crime, corrupt cops, several beatings, and finally a woman’s kidnapping—a woman he finds attractive.
The writing is fast-paced, and the scenes are well drawn. The fires lurching in the background add a sense of urgency to the story, and the envisioned holo technology is intriguing.
Readers of hard-boiled detective stories, spiced with sarcastic wit and some cynicism, will enjoy this story. The twist of environmental danger and new technology is an added treat.
Disclaimer: The author offered me an ebook version of his novel for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
b>*Thank you to the author, Greg Hickey for providing E-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I feel like I shouldn't be surprised at this point. This is the third book I've read by Greg Hickey, and it won't be my last. There is something about his books that draws readers into the story. I love that he gets right into the story. I liked how this book was a mix of science fiction and mystery. Those are two genres that I love, though I don't read science fiction as frequently as I used to. However, after reading Murder In Retrograde, I want to get back to reading science fiction, especially dystopian. As soon as Carver was asked to look into a potential illegal hydrocarbon combustion, I was curious to see what he would find and whether he would find more than he had anticipated. I was intrigued by the suspense of possibly discovering something that he wasn't expecting, and I had a strong suspicion that there might be one.
The suspense kept me on turning the pages, and before I knew it, hours had passed since I started reading. I enjoyed the author's magical dystopian world. I found myself transformed into the world, investigating alongside Marcus Carver. I couldn't help but wonder who was to blame, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, another unexpected twist made me reconsider everything. I thought the middle of the book was a little slow, and there were a few too many descriptions, but that did not stop me from reading. The final few pages kept me glued to the story because I wanted to know how it would end. I would strongly recommend this book to any science fiction and suspense fans.
A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I feel like I shouldn't be surprised at this point. This is the third book I've read by Greg Hickey, and it won't be my last. There is something about his books that draws readers into the story. I love that he gets right into the story. I liked how this book was a mix of science fiction and mystery. Those are two genres that I love, though I don't read science fiction as frequently as I used to. However, after reading Murder In Retrograde, I want to get back to reading science fiction, especially dystopian. As soon as Carver was asked to look into a potential illegal hydrocarbon combustion, I was curious to see what he would find and whether he would find more than he had anticipated. I was intrigued by the suspense of possibly discovering something that he wasn't expecting, and I had a strong suspicion that there might be one.
The suspense kept me on turning the pages, and before I knew it, hours had passed since I started reading. I enjoyed the author's magical dystopian world. I found myself transformed into the world, investigating alongside Marcus Carver. I couldn't help but wonder who was to blame, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, another unexpected twist made me reconsider everything. I thought the middle of the book was a little slow, and there were a few too many descriptions, but that did not stop me from reading. The final few pages kept me glued to the story because I wanted to know how it would end. I would strongly recommend this book to any science fiction and suspense fans.
August 26, 2025
Good writers write good, relatable stories.
Really good writers create their own universe and let the reader explore it, finding and discovering new relatable stories at every turn.
Greg Hickey is a really good writer.
His new book, “Murder in Retrograde”, takes place in the universe he master-planned in great detail, in not too distant (but alternative) future.
I’ll skip the retelling of the plot – which is fast paced and tightly packed with twists that keep the reader guessing. Instead, I would like to share a detail that grabbed my attention from the start.
The hero of the story, private investigator Marcus Carver, is hired to investigate the crime of Combustion. As in burning something and releasing the products of combustion into the atmosphere. Anyone observing such a crime is required to report it to the authorities, and the criminal shall be subject to strict punishment.
This crime, as ridiculous as it may sound, is not something from an alternative universe and distant future. It is a part of daily life of City of Berkeley, CA , for at least the last 20 years. Not only wood-burning fireplaces are strictly verboten, but if your neighbor sees anything resembling smoke coming out of your chimney, not only they are supposed to report you to the authorities, but also – even if the “combustion device” you used is legal and approved by EPA, they can complain simply because the smoke disturbs you. Not irritates your lungs. Not makes your eyes itch. Just makes you emotionally disturbed…
It may turn out that the world created in Greg Hickey’s enthralling book portrays our actual not-too distant future. The only way to find out is to (a) read the book and (b) wait for about 30 years and see how it goes.
But read it, you should.
Really good writers create their own universe and let the reader explore it, finding and discovering new relatable stories at every turn.
Greg Hickey is a really good writer.
His new book, “Murder in Retrograde”, takes place in the universe he master-planned in great detail, in not too distant (but alternative) future.
I’ll skip the retelling of the plot – which is fast paced and tightly packed with twists that keep the reader guessing. Instead, I would like to share a detail that grabbed my attention from the start.
The hero of the story, private investigator Marcus Carver, is hired to investigate the crime of Combustion. As in burning something and releasing the products of combustion into the atmosphere. Anyone observing such a crime is required to report it to the authorities, and the criminal shall be subject to strict punishment.
This crime, as ridiculous as it may sound, is not something from an alternative universe and distant future. It is a part of daily life of City of Berkeley, CA , for at least the last 20 years. Not only wood-burning fireplaces are strictly verboten, but if your neighbor sees anything resembling smoke coming out of your chimney, not only they are supposed to report you to the authorities, but also – even if the “combustion device” you used is legal and approved by EPA, they can complain simply because the smoke disturbs you. Not irritates your lungs. Not makes your eyes itch. Just makes you emotionally disturbed…
It may turn out that the world created in Greg Hickey’s enthralling book portrays our actual not-too distant future. The only way to find out is to (a) read the book and (b) wait for about 30 years and see how it goes.
But read it, you should.
June 6, 2026
MURDER IN RETROGRADE by Greg Hickey is a futuristic sci-fi, crime novel focusing on former Chicago police detective turned PI Marcus Carver as he is contracted by a tech billionaire to ‘spy’ on the competition.
Told from first person perspective (Marcus) MURDER IN RETROGRADE follows former Chicago police detective turned PI Marcus Carver as he is tasked with investigating a possible environmental lawbreaker but what Marcus will discover is something much worse. Two suspected murders linked to organized crime, an abduction, missing persons, and now a target on his back, PI Carver finds himself on the run, in a world where with the push of a button, you can become someone else.
The world building is detailed and intriguing as the wildfires of LA continue to encroach on the million dollar homes; big business and high tech clash for control on Mars, and dirty law enforcement runs rampant and free.
The secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of diverse, ethnic and designated representation of good and evil. We are introduced to founder and CEO of iRise Space Exploration Naomi Battle, and her assistant Mirlande Joseph; Naomi’s head of security Dev Chaudry; CEO of Schuyler Space Industries Ellory Schuyler, as well as several law enforcement, house assistants, and members of organized crimes.
MURDER IN RETROGRADE is a captivating and gripping tale of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control. The character driven premise is twisted and inviting; the characters are diverse and determined.
copy supplied for reveiw
Told from first person perspective (Marcus) MURDER IN RETROGRADE follows former Chicago police detective turned PI Marcus Carver as he is tasked with investigating a possible environmental lawbreaker but what Marcus will discover is something much worse. Two suspected murders linked to organized crime, an abduction, missing persons, and now a target on his back, PI Carver finds himself on the run, in a world where with the push of a button, you can become someone else.
The world building is detailed and intriguing as the wildfires of LA continue to encroach on the million dollar homes; big business and high tech clash for control on Mars, and dirty law enforcement runs rampant and free.
The secondary and supporting characters are an eclectic mix of diverse, ethnic and designated representation of good and evil. We are introduced to founder and CEO of iRise Space Exploration Naomi Battle, and her assistant Mirlande Joseph; Naomi’s head of security Dev Chaudry; CEO of Schuyler Space Industries Ellory Schuyler, as well as several law enforcement, house assistants, and members of organized crimes.
MURDER IN RETROGRADE is a captivating and gripping tale of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control. The character driven premise is twisted and inviting; the characters are diverse and determined.
copy supplied for reveiw
April 4, 2026
In a litigious future America, detective Marcus Carver sticks to civil cases. When a space tech CEO wants him to investigate a business rival for illegal hydrocarbon combustion, Carver reluctantly agrees. But the case takes an explosive turn when the police find the target’s head of security murdered. Probably a bad day for him.
The thing I love about Greg’s books is somehow he finds the time to both build proper suspense and to revel in quiet moments no matter the manuscript length. This one is another slow burn, and not my usual faire: I don`t normally read detective series, and I have more gusto to scroll through my uncle`s political rantings on Facebook than I do another cyberpunk dystopian. Yet, somehow, he did it to me again. I am here, finishing up the story at 3 am on a Friday night. I bought into the narrative. I care about what happens to Marcus Carver. I`m invested, something that others with four times the word count fail to manage. Descriptions of holo-heads and California be damned.
Murder in Retrograde is intriguing, captivating, even while formulaic at times. It succeeds mainly due to the wit and grit (hah, I rhymed) of the protagonist. It works as a novella. It would work as a novel. And, in a final praise of the writing herein, I am sure many folks reading this would love to have had a series with this fellow. Tough luck, you get a novella.
Addendum: Just found out there is a sequel, guess I have more reading to do.
The thing I love about Greg’s books is somehow he finds the time to both build proper suspense and to revel in quiet moments no matter the manuscript length. This one is another slow burn, and not my usual faire: I don`t normally read detective series, and I have more gusto to scroll through my uncle`s political rantings on Facebook than I do another cyberpunk dystopian. Yet, somehow, he did it to me again. I am here, finishing up the story at 3 am on a Friday night. I bought into the narrative. I care about what happens to Marcus Carver. I`m invested, something that others with four times the word count fail to manage. Descriptions of holo-heads and California be damned.
Murder in Retrograde is intriguing, captivating, even while formulaic at times. It succeeds mainly due to the wit and grit (hah, I rhymed) of the protagonist. It works as a novella. It would work as a novel. And, in a final praise of the writing herein, I am sure many folks reading this would love to have had a series with this fellow. Tough luck, you get a novella.
Addendum: Just found out there is a sequel, guess I have more reading to do.
August 27, 2025
Welcome to a new, perhaps our future world, in Greg Hickey’s newest science-fiction thriller, "Murder in Retrograde", where there continue to be the good guys and the bad guys, like all mysteries, right? People are still adversaries in business, detectives want to make a living solving crimes, and holoheads help disguise the best and the worst of people. They aren’t aliens, but Greg’s imagination of the future made me feel as if some of them had to be. Detective Marcus Carver, a former police officer, takes low-key cases to make a living. A space tech CEO hires him to investigate a rival's illegal hydrocarbon combustion. It isn’t exactly what he’s excited about, but it’s good money! It starts quite easily, and he likes this CEO’s assistant, Mirlande, who appears okay with his job, but she soon realizes he really doesn’t know what he’s doing. When this business’s head of security turns up murdered, Carver now faces a different case, full of things about which he does know. It isn’t the only danger, however, and as in every mystery, this plot does thicken! Most enjoyable about Hickey’s plot as he moves it along, “bang!”, he throws in amazing surprises I did not see coming. It is a most intriguing book, and I’m grateful to Greg Hickey for the copy!
June 30, 2025
Murder in Retrograde by Greg Hickey
Book starts out with detective Marcus Carver heading to CA to see about a case he might take on. It'd cover all his debts if he accepts it. He hears about the case from the client and proceeds to investigate. It's a rather simple operation and he has no problem doing the work, but there's more to the story.
Love setting with houses on the cliffs, only one way in, or so you think. Love the natural events that also take place while he takes on the other client. Between the gangs, the first client and the second he finds himself just on the verge of figuring it all out when someone is murdered. He consults the first client and finds out the truth.
What I like is the fast paced action and adventure and hwo things come to light and the clues he figures out and what they lead to.
Super descriptive, I can picture myself at the places that are described and even being in the car as it's near the cliffs, reminds of 101 in CA where at places there were NO guardrails when we went through.
Never saw ending but it was a good one!
Entertaining, enjoyable and so much to the story.
Book starts out with detective Marcus Carver heading to CA to see about a case he might take on. It'd cover all his debts if he accepts it. He hears about the case from the client and proceeds to investigate. It's a rather simple operation and he has no problem doing the work, but there's more to the story.
Love setting with houses on the cliffs, only one way in, or so you think. Love the natural events that also take place while he takes on the other client. Between the gangs, the first client and the second he finds himself just on the verge of figuring it all out when someone is murdered. He consults the first client and finds out the truth.
What I like is the fast paced action and adventure and hwo things come to light and the clues he figures out and what they lead to.
Super descriptive, I can picture myself at the places that are described and even being in the car as it's near the cliffs, reminds of 101 in CA where at places there were NO guardrails when we went through.
Never saw ending but it was a good one!
Entertaining, enjoyable and so much to the story.
April 25, 2026
I love both detective stories and science-fiction, and there is indeed a current trend, often hard-boiled or drowned in useless tech details. This one is 200 pages, which deserves to be underlined, as many books these days are too long considering their contents.
What I liked of Greg Hickey is the sobriety of his style, not devoid of humour, to tell the story of his private detective, Carver. No fluff, no non-sense, but a good investigation with clever plot twists, set in a near-future burning California. The way he handles tech innovations is smart, giving the science-fiction feeling but not relegating the characters in the backgroound. On the contrary, all the people involved are vividly rendered, with strength and flaws.
The first-person narrative is gripping, especially when Carver is caught in a turmoil of fights, action going faster as the case evolves: it makes the novel a page-turner. I enjoyed it a lot and already bought "The Event Horizon murder" that is a prequel to "Murder in retrograde".
What I liked of Greg Hickey is the sobriety of his style, not devoid of humour, to tell the story of his private detective, Carver. No fluff, no non-sense, but a good investigation with clever plot twists, set in a near-future burning California. The way he handles tech innovations is smart, giving the science-fiction feeling but not relegating the characters in the backgroound. On the contrary, all the people involved are vividly rendered, with strength and flaws.
The first-person narrative is gripping, especially when Carver is caught in a turmoil of fights, action going faster as the case evolves: it makes the novel a page-turner. I enjoyed it a lot and already bought "The Event Horizon murder" that is a prequel to "Murder in retrograde".
July 14, 2026
Imagine a world where AI and Bots run most things, you can wear a hologram mask to suit you and where you are at any given time and you can go to a bar where with a saliva pin prick from you they can mix you a drink to suit exactly what your body needs at that moment
Set in L.A. Marcus Carver is a P.I. whois hired to try and prove a neighbour is burning illegal fuels….he thinks it will be an easy job but he is then caught up in a web of murders, kidnap and violent gangs and it seems no one is safe ( especially him )
An exciting ride that was fascinating re the future setting and interesting how although everything was changed there was still some of the old life clinging on ie a shop that sold retro electronics such as a GPS system
Also randomly Eggs Benedict cooked from scratch as part of the story that was so unexpected it was enjoyable
As the story continues the stakes get higher and its a full on race good vs not good which kept me reading quickly
Unlike anything else read this year and for that it was an eye opening pleasure to read
Set in L.A. Marcus Carver is a P.I. whois hired to try and prove a neighbour is burning illegal fuels….he thinks it will be an easy job but he is then caught up in a web of murders, kidnap and violent gangs and it seems no one is safe ( especially him )
An exciting ride that was fascinating re the future setting and interesting how although everything was changed there was still some of the old life clinging on ie a shop that sold retro electronics such as a GPS system
Also randomly Eggs Benedict cooked from scratch as part of the story that was so unexpected it was enjoyable
As the story continues the stakes get higher and its a full on race good vs not good which kept me reading quickly
Unlike anything else read this year and for that it was an eye opening pleasure to read
October 2, 2026
This was a great read. A fast paced thriller set in futuristic, dark California.
I've read other books by this author and I knew this was going to be a good one, specially having read the short story set in this universe. However, I didn't expect to read this one almost in a day.
I love the setting, this is has sci-fi setting, almost neo noir with all it's elements. The main character is just so relatable, I love following him, and seeing how he couldn't stay put and had to go inserting himself in the main mystery and trying to solve the case. The plot is clever and quite interesting. In the beginning I wasn't sure if all was gonna make sense but it does, everything is connected and the resolution of the case is epic.
If you like sci-fi, fast-paced thrillers that can be read in a couple of days this one is for you.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this novel, all opinions are my own.
I've read other books by this author and I knew this was going to be a good one, specially having read the short story set in this universe. However, I didn't expect to read this one almost in a day.
I love the setting, this is has sci-fi setting, almost neo noir with all it's elements. The main character is just so relatable, I love following him, and seeing how he couldn't stay put and had to go inserting himself in the main mystery and trying to solve the case. The plot is clever and quite interesting. In the beginning I wasn't sure if all was gonna make sense but it does, everything is connected and the resolution of the case is epic.
If you like sci-fi, fast-paced thrillers that can be read in a couple of days this one is for you.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of this novel, all opinions are my own.
August 27, 2025
Greg provided a free e-book version in exchange for a review. This is a fast paced near future sci-fi story with a noirish flavour. Its central protagonist is Marcus Carver, an ex-cop turned private investigator who becomes embroiled in murder and corruption. The book has a background of topical elements such as climate changes destruction of the planet and the pervasive impact of gang related crime. There are some nice future science elements such as the self driving car which I’d like to think could come to pass and the holo heads used to disguise folks and present the facial image the person would like to have. It’s a quick read and enjoyable. The only real bugbear for me is the title - murder in retrograde - doesn’t mean anything. I suppose it sounds like a noir title.
September 19, 2025
This talented author has created an edge of your seat thriller with a great imagination, setting the story in the future that still feels highly realistic, given current technological, political and environmental trends. Therefore, the setting and conceptualized plot are believable, while his imagination is quite impressive. Murder in Retrograde is an entertaining page turner that I did not want to put down, driven by "I must know what happens next!" Mr. Hickey's other titles are also highly entertaining and intriguing.
April 14, 2026
Greg sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this even if it feels short!
Set in future California, where burning anything is illegal, but the wildfires are still raging. It felt very believable in the best way.
Marcus Carver is a great character. He takes on one job and somehow ends up knee deep in murders.
I loved following him through it all. The story moves fast and there were a few twists I did not see coming.
If you enjoy noir thrillers with a sci-fi twist this is a really fun and quick read.
Set in future California, where burning anything is illegal, but the wildfires are still raging. It felt very believable in the best way.
Marcus Carver is a great character. He takes on one job and somehow ends up knee deep in murders.
I loved following him through it all. The story moves fast and there were a few twists I did not see coming.
If you enjoy noir thrillers with a sci-fi twist this is a really fun and quick read.
June 24, 2025
A heart-pounding detective story set in the future, Murder in Retrograde doesn't disappoint. An intriguing protagonist who just can't seem to keep himself out of trouble! While a great mystery is the center piece of this story, the subtle side story of environmental issues is brilliantly interwoven into the story. What I really enjoy about Hickey's work is that he doesn't spend a lot of time on exposition of the world of the story-he trusts his readers to jump in and go for the ride!
June 29, 2025
The book was highly enjoyable to read. An absolute thrill from start to end, with interesting twists and shadowy figures to keep you turning the pages.
The author does a great job of building a believable dystopian world, with an interesting protagonist, whose moral compass is continuously tested.
I especially enjoyed how the story navigated between high-tech crime and old-school sleuthing.
Greg Hickey never disappoints.
The author does a great job of building a believable dystopian world, with an interesting protagonist, whose moral compass is continuously tested.
I especially enjoyed how the story navigated between high-tech crime and old-school sleuthing.
Greg Hickey never disappoints.
September 13, 2025
A classic noir thriller set in the future! While reading, I sometimes gave the main character a Bogart voice in my head. He never actually says "doll face" to another character, but it sure sounds like he wants to! He's a detective handling civic cases and is currently investigating a potential charge that a wealthy aerospace business owner may have burned something. Her main competitor says he saw the smoke. In California's future, combustion is illegal: the air is already smoky enough from wildfires, and people wear respirators when they venture outside. But combustion is just the tip of the hot poker. Someone soon turns up dead, and our man on the scene is drawn in, despite being warned off by mask-wearing gang members and by environmental activists. It's a wild ride with interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed it and hope there will be more adventures for the Private Investigator in the future.
My thanks to the author #GregHickey for the opportunity to read and review #MurderinRetrograde. It is currently available for Kindle.
My thanks to the author #GregHickey for the opportunity to read and review #MurderinRetrograde. It is currently available for Kindle.
September 26, 2026
This was brilliantly written. This world, these characters felt alive. Written with passion and love of the genre and books, of which is easily seen is this awesome story. If you are a fan of cyberpunk, detective, noir goodness. This is THE book for you. It starts out a little bit too descriptive for me but, dont let that worry you. It mellows out with a perfect balance just a few chapters in. I will definitely read on in this series. Great work Greg! Happy reading goodreaders. 📚
July 11, 2025
I received this book as an ARC (Advance Reviewer Copy) directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This reads like a "Mike Hammer" updated with futuristic elements.
I thought it was OK, but it doesn't make me want to read more by this author.
That said, the writing was decent, and I am sure others will like it more than I did.
This reads like a "Mike Hammer" updated with futuristic elements.
I thought it was OK, but it doesn't make me want to read more by this author.
That said, the writing was decent, and I am sure others will like it more than I did.
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