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Murder in Retrograde
A steadfast 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 a thrilling science fiction crime novel. 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 a thrilling science fiction crime novel. 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.
- GenresCrimeScience Fiction
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2025
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Greg Hickey
9 books139 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 - 28 of 28 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 24, 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.
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.
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.
August 22, 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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Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram
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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 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.
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.
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.
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 20, 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.
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.
September 2, 2025
Definitely different from other crime novels I've read recently, more character driven and not just looking to shock with suspense. I appreciated Hickey's style of laying out the plot and intertwining it with an exploration of topics like perception and memory (go neuroscience purr). Really cool read if you like dystopian and science themes!!!
August 29, 2025
I’m always a sucker for a sci-fi crime story. Murder in Retrograde is set in a futuristic California and manages to pull off a nice blend of high-tech and hard-boiled detective all wrapped up in a juicy whodunit murder mystery. Very enjoyable!
November 26, 2025
Mirlande reports where they found the body, with "that distant quality you hear on old audio recordings, where it sounded like the speaker was at the bottom of a lake." Great adventure detective work here. If I were a hundred-billionaire in a spaceship, I'd call Marcus.
September 10, 2025
A very likeable protagonist! Fast-paced, but not quite the edge-of-the-seat thriller it could have been. The biggest frustration is that the protagonist is always right - about everything. No matter how little information is available, he jumps straight to the correct conclusion, which strains credibility.
The ending compounds this by leaving far too many questions unanswered, with no real explanation for how the solution was identified when those closest to the victim couldn’t piece it together.
Another oddity is the limited use of sci-fi elements. Aside from one significant concept (I don't want to spoil it for you), this story could easily have been set in any era with only minor adjustments to setting and transport. Given that the two central characters are leaders in a robust space industry, this felt like a wasted opportunity. The narrative could have delivered so much more if it had embraced its futuristic potential instead of playing it safe.
Give it a read. You're sure to enjoy it.
The ending compounds this by leaving far too many questions unanswered, with no real explanation for how the solution was identified when those closest to the victim couldn’t piece it together.
Another oddity is the limited use of sci-fi elements. Aside from one significant concept (I don't want to spoil it for you), this story could easily have been set in any era with only minor adjustments to setting and transport. Given that the two central characters are leaders in a robust space industry, this felt like a wasted opportunity. The narrative could have delivered so much more if it had embraced its futuristic potential instead of playing it safe.
Give it a read. You're sure to enjoy it.
September 2, 2025
This is a great book. I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put the book down. I was drawn into the story from beginning to end. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
November 21, 2025
A noir sci-fi thriller that exists in the penumbra betwen cyberpunk and just plain noir. The premise is a private detective exists in a dystopian world devastated by global warming. Hired by a billionaire to investigate his rival for illegal burning of fossil fuels, Private detective Marcus Carver thinks that it's all an attempt to find some dirt on but goes along with. Marcus soon finds himself neck deep in a conspiracy involving faked identities, murder, cover-ups, and criminal syndicates. I really liked the plausibility of most of the scifi in the setting as well as its strong Phillip Marlowe-esque themes.
August 25, 2025
Fun ride with some interesting twists! I like the way Hickey sets up the futuristic version of our world and the payoff for the mysteries as Marcus Carver works to unravel them.
It's separate enough to be read out of order from The Event Horizon Murder but should be read in order. There are also some subtle ties to Hickey's other books - no spoilers!
It's separate enough to be read out of order from The Event Horizon Murder but should be read in order. There are also some subtle ties to Hickey's other books - no spoilers!
September 10, 2025
A very likeable protagonist! Fast-paced, but not quite the edge-of-the-seat thriller it could have been. The biggest frustration is that the protagonist is always right - about everything. No matter how little information is available, he jumps straight to the correct conclusion, which strains credibility.
The ending compounds this by leaving far too many questions unanswered, with no real explanation for how the solution was identified when those closest to the victim couldn’t piece it together.
Another oddity is the limited use of sci-fi elements. Aside from one significant concept (I don't want to spoil it for you), this story could easily have been set in any era with only minor adjustments to setting and transport. Given that the two central characters are leaders in a robust space industry, this felt like a wasted opportunity. The narrative could have delivered so much more if it had embraced its futuristic potential instead of playing it safe.
Give it a read. You're sure to enjoy it.
The ending compounds this by leaving far too many questions unanswered, with no real explanation for how the solution was identified when those closest to the victim couldn’t piece it together.
Another oddity is the limited use of sci-fi elements. Aside from one significant concept (I don't want to spoil it for you), this story could easily have been set in any era with only minor adjustments to setting and transport. Given that the two central characters are leaders in a robust space industry, this felt like a wasted opportunity. The narrative could have delivered so much more if it had embraced its futuristic potential instead of playing it safe.
Give it a read. You're sure to enjoy it.
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