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Ellis McFadden Mysteries #2
Star Power
Step into the enigmatic world of the Athos—a vessel that blends the luxury of a cruise ship, the intrigue of a scientific research station, and the might of a military starship. Here, amidst the stars, you'll find Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, embarking on adventures she never anticipated this late in her career.
The latest adventure sees the ship approaching a mesmerizing nebula, the centerpiece of a grand gala. It’ll be an evening filled with the galaxy's elite, all gathered to marvel at this cosmic wonder and the legendary gem rumored to be born from its very core.
But when this priceless jewel vanishes, Ellis, along with her dashing new boyfriend, Frank, and her charming android cat, has no choice but to find the gem. Failure could mean an interstellar incident, resulting in Ellis, and her daughter, the Vice Admiral, being ousted from their celestial home. Can they solve the mystery in time to save their place among the stars?
The latest adventure sees the ship approaching a mesmerizing nebula, the centerpiece of a grand gala. It’ll be an evening filled with the galaxy's elite, all gathered to marvel at this cosmic wonder and the legendary gem rumored to be born from its very core.
But when this priceless jewel vanishes, Ellis, along with her dashing new boyfriend, Frank, and her charming android cat, has no choice but to find the gem. Failure could mean an interstellar incident, resulting in Ellis, and her daughter, the Vice Admiral, being ousted from their celestial home. Can they solve the mystery in time to save their place among the stars?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2025
About the author
Kristen Painter
212 books3,430 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 31, 2025
Star Power by Kristen Painter
Ellis McFadden Mystery series #2. Science fiction mystery, cozy style. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order. Older heroine.
Ellis McFadden is the head librarian on the military starship, Athos. The ship is on a 20 year mission, primary military, and also carrying passengers in a luxury style, as well as a portion of the ship for scientific research. Ellis joined the starship crew since her daughter is the Vice Admiral and with no other family, it made sense to go together.
Ellis and new boyfriend Frank were helpful is solving a crime recently and are called in again to help investigate when a legendary and priceless gem goes missing. Two guards are missing and a fake is in place of the real jewel. Ellis, Frank and their android pets search areas of the ship, ask questions and create a modified murder board to solve the puzzle of the missing gem.
An intriguing starship premise with accepted other worlds and life across the galaxies. I love the android talking chunky cat Henry and cockatoo Gracie. Not the first time this author has included a talking cat into a series. The mysteries have been clever and fun to read.
Recommended for anyone that likes a cozy mystery with unique settings and characters.
Ellis McFadden Mystery series #2. Science fiction mystery, cozy style. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order. Older heroine.
Ellis McFadden is the head librarian on the military starship, Athos. The ship is on a 20 year mission, primary military, and also carrying passengers in a luxury style, as well as a portion of the ship for scientific research. Ellis joined the starship crew since her daughter is the Vice Admiral and with no other family, it made sense to go together.
Ellis and new boyfriend Frank were helpful is solving a crime recently and are called in again to help investigate when a legendary and priceless gem goes missing. Two guards are missing and a fake is in place of the real jewel. Ellis, Frank and their android pets search areas of the ship, ask questions and create a modified murder board to solve the puzzle of the missing gem.
An intriguing starship premise with accepted other worlds and life across the galaxies. I love the android talking chunky cat Henry and cockatoo Gracie. Not the first time this author has included a talking cat into a series. The mysteries have been clever and fun to read.
Recommended for anyone that likes a cozy mystery with unique settings and characters.
May 27, 2025
Great sci fi mystery thriller
Ellis and Frank are a good team, both detecting and romancing. Harry is awesome and learned some new tricks to be useful to the detecting pair. Unfortunately, bad stuff happens, and the resolution of the theft was sadder than I expected. But the story is interesting and enjoyable.
Ellis and Frank are a good team, both detecting and romancing. Harry is awesome and learned some new tricks to be useful to the detecting pair. Unfortunately, bad stuff happens, and the resolution of the theft was sadder than I expected. But the story is interesting and enjoyable.
April 23, 2025
Highly recommended for the imaginative world building, layered characters, and great storylines.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Ellis McFadden and her mech boyfriend Frank Kitson are back, along with their android companion animals Gracie the parrot and Henry the cat, trying to investigate both a theft and murders on The Athos.
Painter’s world, The Athos, gets further exploration as each investigation takes the couple to different parts of the space liner, new restaurants, food, technology, and parts of space that the cruiser is passing through.
That its mission includes political ones as well as scientific discoveries makes the storylines exciting and more intriguing, especially when it’s a librarian and mechanic genius doing their research and interviews.
I’m invested in this space-bound small world and all the fascinating aspects of life aboard as well as this amazing couple who are finally finding affection and companionship together in this new adventure together.
Highly recommended for the imaginative world building, layered characters, and great storylines.
And extra kudos for having main characters in their sixties, on new adventures, new relationships, and in such inspiring roles.
I’d really love to know how many books the author has planned for the series. According to the characters, people now live comfortably past 120 years old.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
- [x] Breathing Space #1
- [x] Star Power #2
- [ ] Future Tense #3 - May 31,2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Ellis McFadden and her mech boyfriend Frank Kitson are back, along with their android companion animals Gracie the parrot and Henry the cat, trying to investigate both a theft and murders on The Athos.
Painter’s world, The Athos, gets further exploration as each investigation takes the couple to different parts of the space liner, new restaurants, food, technology, and parts of space that the cruiser is passing through.
That its mission includes political ones as well as scientific discoveries makes the storylines exciting and more intriguing, especially when it’s a librarian and mechanic genius doing their research and interviews.
I’m invested in this space-bound small world and all the fascinating aspects of life aboard as well as this amazing couple who are finally finding affection and companionship together in this new adventure together.
Highly recommended for the imaginative world building, layered characters, and great storylines.
And extra kudos for having main characters in their sixties, on new adventures, new relationships, and in such inspiring roles.
I’d really love to know how many books the author has planned for the series. According to the characters, people now live comfortably past 120 years old.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
- [x] Breathing Space #1
- [x] Star Power #2
- [ ] Future Tense #3 - May 31,2025
April 2, 2025
Good
When a diplomatic gala event ends with the theft of a priceless gem, and two guards missing, Ellis and her friend Frank are on the case.
Determined to make sure that her daughter isn’t blamed, Ellis will need Frank’s talents, as well as her own observational skills to solve the case.
This is the second book in the series, and follows on a month or so after the end of the first book. Although the mystery is a standalone one, the main story and the characters’ lives build upon what has already happened, so I highly recommend that you read the books in order!
An enjoyable mystery, the book features a mature heroine in her sixties, her beau who is of a similar age, and their computronic droid pets, who are definitely the stars of the show (Harry is my favourite, sorry Gracie!).
With a romance of a courtly style (no open door bedroom scenes), a mystery which can actually be solved, and an engaging storyline (the food descriptions make me hungry though) this is an entertaining space-age mystery, with a cosy feel despite being amongst the stars.
If you like science fiction, and don’t mind a little mystery, then this is a book you will enjoy relaxing with.
When a diplomatic gala event ends with the theft of a priceless gem, and two guards missing, Ellis and her friend Frank are on the case.
Determined to make sure that her daughter isn’t blamed, Ellis will need Frank’s talents, as well as her own observational skills to solve the case.
This is the second book in the series, and follows on a month or so after the end of the first book. Although the mystery is a standalone one, the main story and the characters’ lives build upon what has already happened, so I highly recommend that you read the books in order!
An enjoyable mystery, the book features a mature heroine in her sixties, her beau who is of a similar age, and their computronic droid pets, who are definitely the stars of the show (Harry is my favourite, sorry Gracie!).
With a romance of a courtly style (no open door bedroom scenes), a mystery which can actually be solved, and an engaging storyline (the food descriptions make me hungry though) this is an entertaining space-age mystery, with a cosy feel despite being amongst the stars.
If you like science fiction, and don’t mind a little mystery, then this is a book you will enjoy relaxing with.
April 8, 2025
Star Power
To me, I like this second book more than the first one, and I think it is because there is more involvement from Ellis's daughter, the Vice Admiral, in the actions that take place in this narrative. I love the mature relationship and trust between Ellis and Frank. They have to find a stolen gem, and along the way, more tragedy happens. You also get to know more details of other characters like Chatty Caffe and other friends. And of course, you can't leave aside Henry, the adorable cat.
The way the surroundings and wears/dreses were described are so detailed that I stared at the cover of the audiobook while I listened to the description of the dress. The cover creator did a great job based on Kristen description, or viceversa. Thanks to Kristen for letting me explore Athos.
Once again, I failed to point out who's done it at the end. Everyone seems to be the culprit, and the ones you're sure they done it are the least guilty. I will try my best in the third book of this series to guess who's the villain is.
To me, I like this second book more than the first one, and I think it is because there is more involvement from Ellis's daughter, the Vice Admiral, in the actions that take place in this narrative. I love the mature relationship and trust between Ellis and Frank. They have to find a stolen gem, and along the way, more tragedy happens. You also get to know more details of other characters like Chatty Caffe and other friends. And of course, you can't leave aside Henry, the adorable cat.
The way the surroundings and wears/dreses were described are so detailed that I stared at the cover of the audiobook while I listened to the description of the dress. The cover creator did a great job based on Kristen description, or viceversa. Thanks to Kristen for letting me explore Athos.
Once again, I failed to point out who's done it at the end. Everyone seems to be the culprit, and the ones you're sure they done it are the least guilty. I will try my best in the third book of this series to guess who's the villain is.
May 15, 2025
The second in the Ellis McFadden series continues the new round of chapter books for adults.
Hey, chapter books aren't a bad thing, sometimes all you want is a light cozy mystery story. And these fit the bill.
Ellis McFadden, head librarian on the Athos (a combination cruise ship, research vessel and military ship-work with me here ladies) and her hunky man solve another mystery: this time the disappearance of one of the galaxy's most precious gems. One that has psychic powers to boot.
Aided by their android pets, the duo manage to solve the mystery, prevent Ellis' daughter, the ship's vice-admiral from being mustered out of the space navy and save diplomatic ties with the planet that harvested the gem.
If you want heavy literature, go find Dickens. If you want a fun (but clean) romp around the galaxy, go find Painter's books.
Hey, chapter books aren't a bad thing, sometimes all you want is a light cozy mystery story. And these fit the bill.
Ellis McFadden, head librarian on the Athos (a combination cruise ship, research vessel and military ship-work with me here ladies) and her hunky man solve another mystery: this time the disappearance of one of the galaxy's most precious gems. One that has psychic powers to boot.
Aided by their android pets, the duo manage to solve the mystery, prevent Ellis' daughter, the ship's vice-admiral from being mustered out of the space navy and save diplomatic ties with the planet that harvested the gem.
If you want heavy literature, go find Dickens. If you want a fun (but clean) romp around the galaxy, go find Painter's books.
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed this one more than Book 1. There was much less detail about Ellis's day to day regimen and clothing choices. I also like the fact that she and Frank are getting more settled into their relationship. Again, there is a murder and mystery on board the ship and Ellis's daughter asks them to assist with figuring it out. There is very little evidence that the security team is doing any investigation beyond the CSI portion and autopsy results. Harry is a great addition to the story. Grace is fun, but not quite on the same level. There was also more "tech" level discussion and use bringing more of the story into the future setting of the story. There is still reference to a library "card" which doesn't make as much sense.
April 8, 2025
I wanted so much to give this book 5 stars, and I would have, but for a detail here and there. Minor, but I'm sadly picky!
This is a fun adventure though, when a VIP Gala highlights a world famous singer, a gem beyond price, and possibly the most beautiful nebula in the galaxy!
When everything goes wrong, Ellis and Frank are the best investigators positioned to discretely find out what happened and prevent much worse!
I enjoy the way the pair work together, the way their 'partnership' shows mutual respect, and the sharing of ideas without competition. It's an ideal I've rarely seen in real life. And the companion-droid cat Harry is a hoot!
4 of 5 Stars
This is a fun adventure though, when a VIP Gala highlights a world famous singer, a gem beyond price, and possibly the most beautiful nebula in the galaxy!
When everything goes wrong, Ellis and Frank are the best investigators positioned to discretely find out what happened and prevent much worse!
I enjoy the way the pair work together, the way their 'partnership' shows mutual respect, and the sharing of ideas without competition. It's an ideal I've rarely seen in real life. And the companion-droid cat Harry is a hoot!
4 of 5 Stars
May 20, 2025
Star Power by Kristen Painter is book two in the Ellis McFadden sci-fi cozy mystery series and was even better than the first one in my opinion.
Ellis and Frank are amazing sleuths with Frank's digital/computer skills and Ellis' eye for details. It was good to finally get to know Ellis' daughter, Hazel, in this book. Although present in the first book, Hazel is more involved in this investigation, so it allowed more page time for readers. The plot was smoothly paced with twists and red herrings integrated within the story so deftly that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I am already looking forward to the next book.
Ellis and Frank are amazing sleuths with Frank's digital/computer skills and Ellis' eye for details. It was good to finally get to know Ellis' daughter, Hazel, in this book. Although present in the first book, Hazel is more involved in this investigation, so it allowed more page time for readers. The plot was smoothly paced with twists and red herrings integrated within the story so deftly that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I am already looking forward to the next book.
March 27, 2025
Star Power is the follow-up to Breathing Space in the Ellis McFadden Mysteries by Kristen Painter. This cozy sci-fi mystery is another fun read. Ellis lives on a space cruise ship and works in their library. Also on the ship is her daughter, Vice Admiral Hazel, her boyfriend, Frank, her close group of girlfriends, and her android cat, Harry. This mystery is just as exciting as the first and keeps you guessing till the end. The space-age tech and environment are always interesting. I anxiously await what is in store for Ellis and friends in the next book.
May 4, 2025
A librarian and a mechanic on a space liner in the future investigate theft and murder. They are called upon to do so due to their success in solving a previous murder. The latest incident has diplomatic implications, and threatens the career of the librarian's daughter. The two amateur sleuths are aided by their pets. Some romance as well. It was a gripping, interesting, and enjoyable read.
Typos: "They'd have to lay with their heads toward the door" should be LIE. "...she'd be put through the political and social ringer" should be WRINGER.
Typos: "They'd have to lay with their heads toward the door" should be LIE. "...she'd be put through the political and social ringer" should be WRINGER.
March 31, 2025
Book two in this fun sci fi mystery series!
Ellis and Frank have a time of it to find a thief . A entertaining read fast paced and just the right amount of excitement and romance to keep you coming back for more. Well written characters and story follows their relationship from the first book but can be read as a stand alone looking forward to see what they get up to next!
Ellis and Frank have a time of it to find a thief . A entertaining read fast paced and just the right amount of excitement and romance to keep you coming back for more. Well written characters and story follows their relationship from the first book but can be read as a stand alone looking forward to see what they get up to next!
April 5, 2025
I love this series. This was a nice addition. It can be read as a stand alone but the first one is also wonderful. The characters are very well written and the mystery is fun. I love the talking cat. He's like a robot but more real. I can't explain it and do justice. The book is clean and would be good for any age.
The narration was wonderful and all voices, mail or female, sound great.
The narration was wonderful and all voices, mail or female, sound great.
April 11, 2025
Fun read
This second book in the Ellis McFadden series is just as entertaining as the first. The setting onboard a starliner in the future gives it a little more pizzazz than the average cozy mystery, and the characters and relatable and fun. I like the compdroid pets, especially Harry, of course.
This second book in the Ellis McFadden series is just as entertaining as the first. The setting onboard a starliner in the future gives it a little more pizzazz than the average cozy mystery, and the characters and relatable and fun. I like the compdroid pets, especially Harry, of course.
April 15, 2025
another great Ellis McFadden Mystery
Kristen Painter is an excellent story teller. Her worlds always seem believable and there is always an unexpected plot twist. She has gotten me through many a long night when my pain makes it hard to sleep. I just wish she was able to write faster than I can read.
Kristen Painter is an excellent story teller. Her worlds always seem believable and there is always an unexpected plot twist. She has gotten me through many a long night when my pain makes it hard to sleep. I just wish she was able to write faster than I can read.
April 13, 2026
How thrilling!
I loved this book! I thought book one was great and then this book topped it. The story was compelling start to finish. The characters well written. The descriptions were just right to flesh out the setting without being boring. I love the comp droid cat Harry so much. He was even more fun this book. Can't wait to read book three!
I loved this book! I thought book one was great and then this book topped it. The story was compelling start to finish. The characters well written. The descriptions were just right to flesh out the setting without being boring. I love the comp droid cat Harry so much. He was even more fun this book. Can't wait to read book three!
March 31, 2025
This was such a fun and exciting read. I only guessed somewhat correctly as to who did it and I enjoyed finding out there was more to the mystery than I initially thought. I'm pretty attached to these characters and I can’t wait to find out what's in store for them next.
April 3, 2025
Can't wait for Els and Frank's next adventure.
Love the twists and turns the plot makes and the ideas that Els and Frank come up with to figure things out. I would REALLY like a compudroid though. Someone needs to figure that out. LOL
Love the twists and turns the plot makes and the ideas that Els and Frank come up with to figure things out. I would REALLY like a compudroid though. Someone needs to figure that out. LOL
April 5, 2025
Excellent Story Crafting
A clever blend of sci-fi, mystery and romance. The descriptions had me seeing everything with lots of action and a bit of suspense. I really want a compbot pretty please!
A clever blend of sci-fi, mystery and romance. The descriptions had me seeing everything with lots of action and a bit of suspense. I really want a compbot pretty please!
April 9, 2025
Light romance, mystery, murder, rare jewels, and superstar galas in outer space. What's not to love? I am a huge fan of Kristen Painter's books and this one doesn't disappoint. Now I'll be pacing around until the third in the series is released at the end of May.
June 18, 2025
A fun space mystery series
This is a space mystery series with a clean romance, mechanical talking pets, and a starliner backdrop. Plus a missing jewel, a songstress, and a budding interstellar crisis. A more relaxed atmosphere is pleasant.
This is a space mystery series with a clean romance, mechanical talking pets, and a starliner backdrop. Plus a missing jewel, a songstress, and a budding interstellar crisis. A more relaxed atmosphere is pleasant.
August 3, 2025
I am really enjoying the series. Ellis and Frank do an excellent job of solving mysteries, along with the help of their sweet little companions. I love these type of books and these are so well written and the narration is really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 2, 2025
Love the starliner
I am loving this space cruiser series. I love the two main characters and how they interact. It was interesting to see how they solved this case.
I am loving this space cruiser series. I love the two main characters and how they interact. It was interesting to see how they solved this case.
April 13, 2025
So very good. I am so loking forward to more of this series!
April 16, 2025
Good clean mystery. Interesting characters interesting plot. Part of series
April 20, 2025
Even better than the first, what a terrific mystery!! The audio narration is terrific and really made this story fun to listen too!!
April 21, 2025
Nebula
A star powered source of intrigue. Frank and Ellis take on the powerful pull created by the gem of the nebula. Murder was a side product of the greed for freedom! ENJOY!
A star powered source of intrigue. Frank and Ellis take on the powerful pull created by the gem of the nebula. Murder was a side product of the greed for freedom! ENJOY!
May 15, 2025
Shiny
This mystery was a bit of a slow burn for me. I had no clue who the thief could be till almost 90% in! It was so good though.
This mystery was a bit of a slow burn for me. I had no clue who the thief could be till almost 90% in! It was so good though.
June 2, 2025
Another great read!! I highly recommend this series!
July 5, 2025
Keeps Getting Better!
While I loved the solution to the first book's mystery, it was a great twist and very clever, I have to admit that I enjoyed this one a touch more.
While I loved the solution to the first book's mystery, it was a great twist and very clever, I have to admit that I enjoyed this one a touch more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews