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Ellis McFadden Mysteries #1
Breathing Space
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.
Even better that she gets to experience it all while in proximity to her daughter, who just happens to be the vice admiral. But life aboard the ship takes a darker turn when a library patron is found dead, and Ellis falls under suspicion.
With her reputation on the line, Ellis must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Armed with her wits, the loyalty of her eclectic friends, and her trusty android cat, she dives into a mystery that's as thrilling as the unexplored galaxies around her. Can she find the critical evidence to clear her name before the next jump into the unknown?
Even better that she gets to experience it all while in proximity to her daughter, who just happens to be the vice admiral. But life aboard the ship takes a darker turn when a library patron is found dead, and Ellis falls under suspicion.
With her reputation on the line, Ellis must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Armed with her wits, the loyalty of her eclectic friends, and her trusty android cat, she dives into a mystery that's as thrilling as the unexplored galaxies around her. Can she find the critical evidence to clear her name before the next jump into the unknown?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2025
393 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
187 books3,416 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 87 reviews
February 2, 2025
Breathing Space by Kristen Painter
Ellis McFadden Mysteries series #1. Cozy mystery, science fiction style.
The Athos is a starship on a twenty year round trip. Primary a military mission, and also carrying passengers in a luxury style as well as a portion of the ship for scientific research.
Ellis McFadden is the ship’s head librarian, late in her career. She joined the ship primarily because her daughter is the Vice Admiral and enjoys a fairly high level of authority including choosing the television shows streaming on the ship. When she delivers a printed book to a coworker’s cabin, who later is found dead, Ellis is the primary suspect. Knowing she didn’t kill him, she embarks on an investigation of her own to prove her innocence. She certainly doesn’t want to spend the twenty year journey in lockup.
🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and audiobook. The lively performance was done by Robyn Maryke who did a great job with several different voices and keeping my attention. I love doing both formats at the same time since I get more of the details from reading and more of the emotions and intensity from the audiobook.
Interesting first sci-fi cozy, setting up the world from the entertainment the passengers can view on TV or read, to jobs like laundry and unique products from mysterious worlds throughout the galaxy. The detail on the material from the Sha’rossi rug is rich and intriguing. I especially enjoyed the historical television shows and books mentioned. Characters have to eat and the mentioned food is often very detailed and delicious sounding.
Loved the android talking cat too.
I was gifted a copy of this from the author. Opinions are my own.
Ellis McFadden Mysteries series #1. Cozy mystery, science fiction style.
The Athos is a starship on a twenty year round trip. Primary a military mission, and also carrying passengers in a luxury style as well as a portion of the ship for scientific research.
Ellis McFadden is the ship’s head librarian, late in her career. She joined the ship primarily because her daughter is the Vice Admiral and enjoys a fairly high level of authority including choosing the television shows streaming on the ship. When she delivers a printed book to a coworker’s cabin, who later is found dead, Ellis is the primary suspect. Knowing she didn’t kill him, she embarks on an investigation of her own to prove her innocence. She certainly doesn’t want to spend the twenty year journey in lockup.
🎧 I alternated between an ecopy and audiobook. The lively performance was done by Robyn Maryke who did a great job with several different voices and keeping my attention. I love doing both formats at the same time since I get more of the details from reading and more of the emotions and intensity from the audiobook.
Interesting first sci-fi cozy, setting up the world from the entertainment the passengers can view on TV or read, to jobs like laundry and unique products from mysterious worlds throughout the galaxy. The detail on the material from the Sha’rossi rug is rich and intriguing. I especially enjoyed the historical television shows and books mentioned. Characters have to eat and the mentioned food is often very detailed and delicious sounding.
Loved the android talking cat too.
I was gifted a copy of this from the author. Opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
I’m an older reader who enjoys science fiction and cozy mysteries, so this story seemed tailor-made for me. I enjoyed it, but there were some things that frustrated me.
First of all, in a cozy mystery, you have to have some suspension of disbelief for an amateur sleuth to best the professionals on a case. But there usually is a compelling reason to get involved, often that he or she is the prime suspect in a murder. They tried for that here, but Ellis really wasn’t in that much peril as she was allowed to leave the ship at the next stop and even at the 90% mark told herself to let the pros handle things. She never was that strong a suspect in the case. (She’ll have a better excuse in upcoming books to get involved, based on her known success in figuring things out in this story.)
There also were some aspects of the setting that made little sense. Like would a starship devote the space and mass to have numerous stacks filled with physical books when everything probably was digitized? Likewise, why would patrons have to pick up and return a physical library card when everything likely could be handled remotely (or even in person) by a code or chip linked to their account? The thing that really had me shaking my head, though, was when Ellis printed out a book then had to physically scan all the pages supposedly to get a digitized copy that could be translated. The computer had to have had a digital copy of it already in order to print it out in the first place.
That said, Ellis, Frank, and especially their bionic pet cat and bird were likeable and could make for some fun stories. I’ll look at the next book when it comes out, but I hope the author will work out some of the nonsensical details.
First of all, in a cozy mystery, you have to have some suspension of disbelief for an amateur sleuth to best the professionals on a case. But there usually is a compelling reason to get involved, often that he or she is the prime suspect in a murder. They tried for that here, but Ellis really wasn’t in that much peril as she was allowed to leave the ship at the next stop and even at the 90% mark told herself to let the pros handle things. She never was that strong a suspect in the case. (She’ll have a better excuse in upcoming books to get involved, based on her known success in figuring things out in this story.)
There also were some aspects of the setting that made little sense. Like would a starship devote the space and mass to have numerous stacks filled with physical books when everything probably was digitized? Likewise, why would patrons have to pick up and return a physical library card when everything likely could be handled remotely (or even in person) by a code or chip linked to their account? The thing that really had me shaking my head, though, was when Ellis printed out a book then had to physically scan all the pages supposedly to get a digitized copy that could be translated. The computer had to have had a digital copy of it already in order to print it out in the first place.
That said, Ellis, Frank, and especially their bionic pet cat and bird were likeable and could make for some fun stories. I’ll look at the next book when it comes out, but I hope the author will work out some of the nonsensical details.
February 25, 2025
My husband and I both read this one, and we agreed that it wasn't very enjoyable. The cat is very robotic.Obviously, and doesn't have much part in the book. It was just very plain altogether.
July 19, 2025
Closed room mystery is good, but the characters act more like they are from the 1960’s than from the future.
May 28, 2025
Do you enjoy stories about menopausal women solving mysteries in outer space? If you answer yes, then you will love this book. Personally, I enjoyed the outer space part, and some of the murder mystery solving, though it really was a stretch to call it a true mystery IMO, but I did not enjoy the menopausal element. That might be because I am pushing 50 and have no desire to give into the midlife stereotypes. I enjoy reading to escape my everyday life, so I prefer reading about people who do not have heat flashes, knit and power walk for fun.
I guess maybe I could appreciate the validation of a midlife woman as a FMC, but I felt most of her characteristics were stereotypes.
Also, and again, this could just be me, this was a very short book (audio was only 6.5 hours) and I’d wager about 25-30% of the “story” was made up of detailed descriptions of each and every meal the main character ate. I guess some people enjoy reading about food and food options and descriptions of food, but unless it has a point, I’d rather just read “she ate lunch…”
Same with every time she got dressed: we got a detailed description of every element of clothing she wore, how she did her hair and her makeup. Is this a thing? It wasn’t relevant to the story, so it was just filler to me that slowed the story down.
To be fair, there were some cool space elements, like android pets, though again, they were stereotypical midlife adult pets like a cat and a talking parrot. I admit, I thought the fact the pets could talk was cool, it is a cool concept, but the author spent far less time on things like that because it was more important to know which condiments were on the burger at the dining hall.
The mystery wasn’t very mysterious. In fact, I was genuinely surprised at how slow it took the main character to figure it out. Also, I know she was technically trying to clear her name, but I still didn’t buy that as an explanation for why she had to break rules to figure out the details. I felt like if it had been left to the professionals in the story to solve, they would have eventually solved it, she wasn’t needed.
I was disappointed by this read. I am always looking for innovative storytelling in space. Space stories don’t all have to be hard sci-fi about spider societies with heavy philosophical themes. Space stories can be more lighthearted and fun, and I thought this was going to be just that.
Sadly, it did not hold up for me so I will not be continuing the series. However, it wasn’t bad writing, it just wasn’t for me. If you enjoy menopausal FMCs having midlife stereotypical hijinks in space and love detailed descriptions of food and clothes, this story might be a perfect fit for you.
I guess maybe I could appreciate the validation of a midlife woman as a FMC, but I felt most of her characteristics were stereotypes.
Also, and again, this could just be me, this was a very short book (audio was only 6.5 hours) and I’d wager about 25-30% of the “story” was made up of detailed descriptions of each and every meal the main character ate. I guess some people enjoy reading about food and food options and descriptions of food, but unless it has a point, I’d rather just read “she ate lunch…”
Same with every time she got dressed: we got a detailed description of every element of clothing she wore, how she did her hair and her makeup. Is this a thing? It wasn’t relevant to the story, so it was just filler to me that slowed the story down.
To be fair, there were some cool space elements, like android pets, though again, they were stereotypical midlife adult pets like a cat and a talking parrot. I admit, I thought the fact the pets could talk was cool, it is a cool concept, but the author spent far less time on things like that because it was more important to know which condiments were on the burger at the dining hall.
The mystery wasn’t very mysterious. In fact, I was genuinely surprised at how slow it took the main character to figure it out. Also, I know she was technically trying to clear her name, but I still didn’t buy that as an explanation for why she had to break rules to figure out the details. I felt like if it had been left to the professionals in the story to solve, they would have eventually solved it, she wasn’t needed.
I was disappointed by this read. I am always looking for innovative storytelling in space. Space stories don’t all have to be hard sci-fi about spider societies with heavy philosophical themes. Space stories can be more lighthearted and fun, and I thought this was going to be just that.
Sadly, it did not hold up for me so I will not be continuing the series. However, it wasn’t bad writing, it just wasn’t for me. If you enjoy menopausal FMCs having midlife stereotypical hijinks in space and love detailed descriptions of food and clothes, this story might be a perfect fit for you.
March 10, 2025
I'm a fan of Painter's paranormal romances, especially the Nocturne Falls and Shadowvale series. But I was very disappointed with the first of the Ellis McFadden series.
There is less emphasis on the mystery than on McFadden's romance. Honestly, I do not need to know the details of the make-up she decided to apply before a date.
However, what really killed my view of the book was the ending. Without providing a spoiler, after spending 90% of the book on possible culprits and motives, she throws in an ending that essentially makes the rest of the book a waste of time.
There is less emphasis on the mystery than on McFadden's romance. Honestly, I do not need to know the details of the make-up she decided to apply before a date.
However, what really killed my view of the book was the ending. Without providing a spoiler, after spending 90% of the book on possible culprits and motives, she throws in an ending that essentially makes the rest of the book a waste of time.
May 19, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Space Opera
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Breathing Space is the first installment in author Kristen Palmer's Ellis McFadden Mysteries series. The Ellis McFadden Mysteries series is a blend of cozy mystery and sci-fi, set aboard the luxurious yet enigmatic starship Athos. The novel introduces readers to Ellis McFadden, a middle-aged head librarian who embarks on an unexpected adventure in her later career, drawn to the ship partly to be near her daughter, the vice admiral, Hazel Perry.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Space Opera
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Breathing Space is the first installment in author Kristen Palmer's Ellis McFadden Mysteries series. The Ellis McFadden Mysteries series is a blend of cozy mystery and sci-fi, set aboard the luxurious yet enigmatic starship Athos. The novel introduces readers to Ellis McFadden, a middle-aged head librarian who embarks on an unexpected adventure in her later career, drawn to the ship partly to be near her daughter, the vice admiral, Hazel Perry.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
October 29, 2025
It was a very cozy, slow-paced mystery with no tension whatsoever, a sprinkle of romance, but otherwise not much going on in it (other than annoyingly overdescribed everyday life - do I really need to know her burger toppings, how she styled her hair today, etc?)
It was nice to see some older characters for once, though. I was picturing Meryl Streep as Ellis in my head.
The most relatable character in the book was her daughter, who was exasperated by the FMC being pushy with the cops.
It was nice to see some older characters for once, though. I was picturing Meryl Streep as Ellis in my head.
The most relatable character in the book was her daughter, who was exasperated by the FMC being pushy with the cops.
March 16, 2025
Excellent sci fi murder mystery
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is definitely a page-turner, and the romance is sweet and believable. The main characters are wonderful; Els is a great narrator, and Frank is definitely Batman. The supporting characters are believable and fun. My favorite line had me laughing out loud: "Salad is what the food I eat eats."
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is definitely a page-turner, and the romance is sweet and believable. The main characters are wonderful; Els is a great narrator, and Frank is definitely Batman. The supporting characters are believable and fun. My favorite line had me laughing out loud: "Salad is what the food I eat eats."
April 13, 2025
I enjoyed this story and the build up for the series with some exceptions. I didn't care for Els way of addressing the romantic notions of Frank i.e. "Will he kiss me?" as it seemed too juvenile a notion for her adult age.
April 22, 2025
Series and characters like Ellis get me excited and hooked on further exploring more new to me authors just like Kristen Painter!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Outer space is the last thing I think of when the words cozy murder mystery appear, but they absolutely work in the marvelous new discovery of mine, Breathing Space: Ellis McFadden Mysteries by Kristen Painter.
I’ve run across quite a few writers who are confused about what this term , cozy mystery, actually means and what elements a terrific novel that is termed a cozy should contain.
Breathing Space has all that! A small town community where everyone knows what’s happening, people are nosy if not downright gossipy. A community hall space where information is readily shared, in this case both a lunch hall and chat room. And a murder where the police don’t seem interested in solving the crime.
Except instead of a tiny New England village or English town, the location is the Athos, the premiere vessel in the Federation of Allied Nations fleet. Part cruiser, part research, part military vessel and the current home to Ellis Scheherazade McFadden, Els, head librarian of the Athos.
Think of every fabulous older crime solving woman you love and know that Ellis is someone who is going to be the next woman added to the list.
She’s widowed, in her 60’s, fit, and followed her daughter, the Vice Admiral of the Fleet into space, wanting a new adventure after retirement.
Here’s a character, community, and book that had me immediately when mentioning hot flashes and cryostasis in the same sentence. Usually not two associated things I’ve come across when reading or watching science fiction.
The Athos is very much a small town, in her friends, the cliques, the quick pace of information traveling around the ship. Cozy murder works well with the concept.
There’s even adorable animals, especially the cat named Henry, even if they are androids.
The murder is a great one, the investigation by Ellis and friends fascinating. And the foods, and explanations are perfect.
I can’t wait for more of this imaginative series and great new character.
Series and characters like Ellis get me excited and hooked on further exploring more new to me authors just like Kristen Painter!
Highly recommended! More of this age group please in the main characters.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
Breathing Space #1
Star Power #2
Future Tense #3
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Outer space is the last thing I think of when the words cozy murder mystery appear, but they absolutely work in the marvelous new discovery of mine, Breathing Space: Ellis McFadden Mysteries by Kristen Painter.
I’ve run across quite a few writers who are confused about what this term , cozy mystery, actually means and what elements a terrific novel that is termed a cozy should contain.
Breathing Space has all that! A small town community where everyone knows what’s happening, people are nosy if not downright gossipy. A community hall space where information is readily shared, in this case both a lunch hall and chat room. And a murder where the police don’t seem interested in solving the crime.
Except instead of a tiny New England village or English town, the location is the Athos, the premiere vessel in the Federation of Allied Nations fleet. Part cruiser, part research, part military vessel and the current home to Ellis Scheherazade McFadden, Els, head librarian of the Athos.
Think of every fabulous older crime solving woman you love and know that Ellis is someone who is going to be the next woman added to the list.
She’s widowed, in her 60’s, fit, and followed her daughter, the Vice Admiral of the Fleet into space, wanting a new adventure after retirement.
Here’s a character, community, and book that had me immediately when mentioning hot flashes and cryostasis in the same sentence. Usually not two associated things I’ve come across when reading or watching science fiction.
The Athos is very much a small town, in her friends, the cliques, the quick pace of information traveling around the ship. Cozy murder works well with the concept.
There’s even adorable animals, especially the cat named Henry, even if they are androids.
The murder is a great one, the investigation by Ellis and friends fascinating. And the foods, and explanations are perfect.
I can’t wait for more of this imaginative series and great new character.
Series and characters like Ellis get me excited and hooked on further exploring more new to me authors just like Kristen Painter!
Highly recommended! More of this age group please in the main characters.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
Breathing Space #1
Star Power #2
Future Tense #3
May 15, 2025
THIS BOOK FILLED ME WITH RAGE
I found myself hate-listening to the audiobook, partially because I felt like I couldn't eviscerate the novel here in a review if I didn't actually finish it... and, you know, partially because I hoped it would get better. Sadly, that didn't happen.
Why was I so angry? I think I felt betrayed by the author... as an IT worker and technical nerd lady who loves sci-fi but also the occasional trashy cozy romantic murder mystery, I was really excited to read this book! It seemed like a great combo of tropes... locked-room style murder mystery set on a giant space cruiser with a middle-aged librarian as its heroine! What's not to like?
Well, I'll tell you what's not to like, in a numbered list:
1. THE HEROINE - omg I hated her. Just shut up. You suck. About the 3rd time she implied that it was totally skanky and whorebaggy to, you know, kiss a guy on the first date (YES, KISS, SHE IS A WIDOW WITH A GROWN CHILD BTW, PRESUMABLY NOT A VIRGIN) or to hold hands in public, I was rolling my eyes so hard I thought I'd injure myself. Then she shaves her legs for a date and IMMEDIATELY is in a huge hurry to defend this scandalous action by being all "BUT NOT BECAUSE ANYTHING WILL HAPPEN, I'M JUST GONNA WEAR A DRESS!!" and I lost any remaining respect for her. Look, lady, I don't care if you are basically a nun or something, but your judgy attitude towards women who DARE to, I dunno, have sex outside of marriage or kiss men they aren't married to, is extremely obnoxious. There's no need to be so defensive, only to yourself no less (the book is written in first person).
2. The hero - way too perfect. This is more of a minor gripe and if I had liked the book more I would have let this go, but in this case it was just one more thing to annoy me. Oh he is a super smart ultra genius engineer and computer guy who is also ex-military, in great shape, and super handsome, plus he likes all the same books that you do, and he's also super charming and immediately liked by all your friends? Wow. What are the odds. Oh AND he's also super duper ultra rich (but pretends not to be) and you have to go on about that for way, way too long and in far too much detail, especially given that the main character supposedly doesn't care at all? Double wow. *eyeroll*
3. TOO MUCH DETAIL. We had to know every single detail of what this lady is wearing, eating, etc at all times. I imagine the author just wants us to really be able to picture the scene but the things she focuses on are so banal, and there are also lots of unnecessary action descriptions. For example, instead of just saying "I got ready for bed", there's an entire boring paragraph detailing every single thing she does (remove her makeup, put on a nightdress, brush her teeth, put up her hair, rub on eye cream, dab on some moisturizer, OMG I DON'T CARE)
4. BAD SCI-FI. This is actually my #1 gripe. I might have let everything else go if the setting weren't such a criminal letdown. If the author hadn't gotten my hopes up that the setting would be fun, I think everything else would have been much less irritating. You might think I should have put this first in the list, but it's gonna have its OWN list because I got so mad about this stuff. If you can't write sci-fi, just DON'T, please.
*** WHY THE FUCK DID THE MAIN CHARACTER HAVE TO PRINT A BOOK (TWICE)? So, supposedly, in this space library (which itself is something that I don't understand the existence of, rather than just a communal space where people could hang out or something... but whatever), they have "ancient texts" available to print out if people want them... but there is no digital copy to look at. WHAT. THAT IS NOT HOW THAT WORKS. What the fuck are you printing out if not a digitized version of the book??? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE WORD DIGITAL MEANS OMFG. I refuse to believe that in the far spacefaring future, you can't look at a book on a screen. This is so fucking stupid.
*** In the same vein, why would you need to SCAN THE BOOK BACK IN after printing it in order to translate it?? Especially by turning the pages and scanning each individually? Let's pretend you DID print out a physical book. It would come out as a stack of paper, which would then be bound into a book. IF for some reason the digital version couldn't just be directly translated (nonsense), you'd just stick that stack in a scanner before binding them, and it would automatically grab the pages and scan the front and back of each one. This is not future technology, you can do it right now. I refuse to believe a LIBRARIAN would not know these basic things about books and data. This novel makes librarians seem like idiots and I am offended on their behalf. Being a librarian means understanding data and media, not just recommending old TV shows to people.
*** The android cat that does not come when called, IN AN EMERGENCY. I have 2 dogs. If I could change ONE THING about them, it would be to make them come to me when it is important, like when they are about to run into traffic or into a fire. This is NOT an aspect of a real pet that any sane person would want replicated. I assure you that no engineer, no matter how "realistic" they want to make an android pet, would ever NOT have the feature of "I'm not fucking kidding, there is danger, COME HERE RIGHT THE FUCK NOW." The stupidity of this is magnified because THIS CAT CAN TALK, AND IT UNDERSTANDS ITS OWNER.
The sharp-eyed might notice that every single one of the above would have not been an issue if the author had not tried to write a sci-fi setting. Technology is irrelevant to the main plot, so the sci-fi setting is unnecessary. If the setting were a REGULAR cruise ship, then it would have been an ACTUAL library, an ACTUAL book, and an ACTUAL cat, and these things wouldn't have bothered me as much. As it is, every time there was another illogical "it's the future!" bullshit moment, I was gnashing my teeth in fury.
How was the murder mystery part? Eh, that part was fine, whatever.
I found myself hate-listening to the audiobook, partially because I felt like I couldn't eviscerate the novel here in a review if I didn't actually finish it... and, you know, partially because I hoped it would get better. Sadly, that didn't happen.
Why was I so angry? I think I felt betrayed by the author... as an IT worker and technical nerd lady who loves sci-fi but also the occasional trashy cozy romantic murder mystery, I was really excited to read this book! It seemed like a great combo of tropes... locked-room style murder mystery set on a giant space cruiser with a middle-aged librarian as its heroine! What's not to like?
Well, I'll tell you what's not to like, in a numbered list:
1. THE HEROINE - omg I hated her. Just shut up. You suck. About the 3rd time she implied that it was totally skanky and whorebaggy to, you know, kiss a guy on the first date (YES, KISS, SHE IS A WIDOW WITH A GROWN CHILD BTW, PRESUMABLY NOT A VIRGIN) or to hold hands in public, I was rolling my eyes so hard I thought I'd injure myself. Then she shaves her legs for a date and IMMEDIATELY is in a huge hurry to defend this scandalous action by being all "BUT NOT BECAUSE ANYTHING WILL HAPPEN, I'M JUST GONNA WEAR A DRESS!!" and I lost any remaining respect for her. Look, lady, I don't care if you are basically a nun or something, but your judgy attitude towards women who DARE to, I dunno, have sex outside of marriage or kiss men they aren't married to, is extremely obnoxious. There's no need to be so defensive, only to yourself no less (the book is written in first person).
2. The hero - way too perfect. This is more of a minor gripe and if I had liked the book more I would have let this go, but in this case it was just one more thing to annoy me. Oh he is a super smart ultra genius engineer and computer guy who is also ex-military, in great shape, and super handsome, plus he likes all the same books that you do, and he's also super charming and immediately liked by all your friends? Wow. What are the odds. Oh AND he's also super duper ultra rich (but pretends not to be) and you have to go on about that for way, way too long and in far too much detail, especially given that the main character supposedly doesn't care at all? Double wow. *eyeroll*
3. TOO MUCH DETAIL. We had to know every single detail of what this lady is wearing, eating, etc at all times. I imagine the author just wants us to really be able to picture the scene but the things she focuses on are so banal, and there are also lots of unnecessary action descriptions. For example, instead of just saying "I got ready for bed", there's an entire boring paragraph detailing every single thing she does (remove her makeup, put on a nightdress, brush her teeth, put up her hair, rub on eye cream, dab on some moisturizer, OMG I DON'T CARE)
4. BAD SCI-FI. This is actually my #1 gripe. I might have let everything else go if the setting weren't such a criminal letdown. If the author hadn't gotten my hopes up that the setting would be fun, I think everything else would have been much less irritating. You might think I should have put this first in the list, but it's gonna have its OWN list because I got so mad about this stuff. If you can't write sci-fi, just DON'T, please.
*** WHY THE FUCK DID THE MAIN CHARACTER HAVE TO PRINT A BOOK (TWICE)? So, supposedly, in this space library (which itself is something that I don't understand the existence of, rather than just a communal space where people could hang out or something... but whatever), they have "ancient texts" available to print out if people want them... but there is no digital copy to look at. WHAT. THAT IS NOT HOW THAT WORKS. What the fuck are you printing out if not a digitized version of the book??? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE WORD DIGITAL MEANS OMFG. I refuse to believe that in the far spacefaring future, you can't look at a book on a screen. This is so fucking stupid.
*** In the same vein, why would you need to SCAN THE BOOK BACK IN after printing it in order to translate it?? Especially by turning the pages and scanning each individually? Let's pretend you DID print out a physical book. It would come out as a stack of paper, which would then be bound into a book. IF for some reason the digital version couldn't just be directly translated (nonsense), you'd just stick that stack in a scanner before binding them, and it would automatically grab the pages and scan the front and back of each one. This is not future technology, you can do it right now. I refuse to believe a LIBRARIAN would not know these basic things about books and data. This novel makes librarians seem like idiots and I am offended on their behalf. Being a librarian means understanding data and media, not just recommending old TV shows to people.
*** The android cat that does not come when called, IN AN EMERGENCY. I have 2 dogs. If I could change ONE THING about them, it would be to make them come to me when it is important, like when they are about to run into traffic or into a fire. This is NOT an aspect of a real pet that any sane person would want replicated. I assure you that no engineer, no matter how "realistic" they want to make an android pet, would ever NOT have the feature of "I'm not fucking kidding, there is danger, COME HERE RIGHT THE FUCK NOW." The stupidity of this is magnified because THIS CAT CAN TALK, AND IT UNDERSTANDS ITS OWNER.
The sharp-eyed might notice that every single one of the above would have not been an issue if the author had not tried to write a sci-fi setting. Technology is irrelevant to the main plot, so the sci-fi setting is unnecessary. If the setting were a REGULAR cruise ship, then it would have been an ACTUAL library, an ACTUAL book, and an ACTUAL cat, and these things wouldn't have bothered me as much. As it is, every time there was another illogical "it's the future!" bullshit moment, I was gnashing my teeth in fury.
How was the murder mystery part? Eh, that part was fine, whatever.
August 25, 2025
A Stellar Mystery with a Librarian at Its Helm
As a lifelong library lover, I absolutely adored this book. It’s a genre-blending gem that invites readers aboard the Athos—a vessel that’s part luxury cruise ship, part scientific research station, and part military starship. The setting alone is irresistible, but it’s Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, who truly steals the show.
Ellis isn’t your typical heroine. She’s seasoned, sharp, and unexpectedly thrust into a mystery that upends her quiet life among catalogues and archives. When a library patron turns up dead, suspicion falls on Ellis, and the stakes skyrocket. With her reputation—and possibly her freedom—on the line, she must untangle a web of secrets that stretch across the stars.
What makes this story even more delightful is Ellis’s proximity to her daughter, the ship’s vice admiral. Their relationship adds emotional depth and complexity, especially as Ellis navigates the tension between maternal pride and professional peril.
The supporting cast is equally memorable: a crew of quirky allies, a ship full of secrets, and an android cat who’s equal parts companion and comic relief. The mystery unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and heart, and the pacing keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
This is a story for anyone who believes librarians are the unsung heroes of every great adventure. It’s smart, warm, and full of surprises—just like the best libraries.
As a lifelong library lover, I absolutely adored this book. It’s a genre-blending gem that invites readers aboard the Athos—a vessel that’s part luxury cruise ship, part scientific research station, and part military starship. The setting alone is irresistible, but it’s Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, who truly steals the show.
Ellis isn’t your typical heroine. She’s seasoned, sharp, and unexpectedly thrust into a mystery that upends her quiet life among catalogues and archives. When a library patron turns up dead, suspicion falls on Ellis, and the stakes skyrocket. With her reputation—and possibly her freedom—on the line, she must untangle a web of secrets that stretch across the stars.
What makes this story even more delightful is Ellis’s proximity to her daughter, the ship’s vice admiral. Their relationship adds emotional depth and complexity, especially as Ellis navigates the tension between maternal pride and professional peril.
The supporting cast is equally memorable: a crew of quirky allies, a ship full of secrets, and an android cat who’s equal parts companion and comic relief. The mystery unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and heart, and the pacing keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.
This is a story for anyone who believes librarians are the unsung heroes of every great adventure. It’s smart, warm, and full of surprises—just like the best libraries.
February 23, 2025
Cozy Mystery Sci-fi
When I read that a book is a Cozy Mystery I visualize a small town with a new resident that has inherent a house and that person tries to resolve a murder. When I started listen to Breathing Space I have to admit restating the audiobook after a few chapters and the reason was for what I mentioned at the beginning of this review. My mind had to adapt to the definition of cozy and add Sci-fi to it. After that I just couldn't stop listening and I can't wait for the next audiobooks.
The main character is a middle-aged widow that's the Head Librarian in the special spaceship Athos destined to do a round trip that will last 20 years. Ellis McFadden's daughter is the vice admiral of the spaceship and part of the reason for Ellis accepting the job. The trip includes personal android companions like cats (Hieronymus), birds...
Ellis reminded me off Jane Frost (apprentice detective) and Ms Painter (cat, Knitting). She tries to solve the first "murder" in the ship with the help of Frank from Mechanical engineering and while investigating they become close. Andrew, botanist and morning news correspondent, was not well liked creating many possibilities for the culprit.
The narrator is very good allowing you to distinguish who is who. No cliffhanger. I highly recommend this audiobook.
When I read that a book is a Cozy Mystery I visualize a small town with a new resident that has inherent a house and that person tries to resolve a murder. When I started listen to Breathing Space I have to admit restating the audiobook after a few chapters and the reason was for what I mentioned at the beginning of this review. My mind had to adapt to the definition of cozy and add Sci-fi to it. After that I just couldn't stop listening and I can't wait for the next audiobooks.
The main character is a middle-aged widow that's the Head Librarian in the special spaceship Athos destined to do a round trip that will last 20 years. Ellis McFadden's daughter is the vice admiral of the spaceship and part of the reason for Ellis accepting the job. The trip includes personal android companions like cats (Hieronymus), birds...
Ellis reminded me off Jane Frost (apprentice detective) and Ms Painter (cat, Knitting). She tries to solve the first "murder" in the ship with the help of Frank from Mechanical engineering and while investigating they become close. Andrew, botanist and morning news correspondent, was not well liked creating many possibilities for the culprit.
The narrator is very good allowing you to distinguish who is who. No cliffhanger. I highly recommend this audiobook.
June 19, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*
I liked the MC.
I liked her cat.
I liked the other characters.
I liked the setting.
I liked that I didn't solve the mystery, and that the 'who done it' still made sense with the story.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.75*
I liked the MC.
I liked her cat.
I liked the other characters.
I liked the setting.
I liked that I didn't solve the mystery, and that the 'who done it' still made sense with the story.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
May 3, 2025
well it's more like 3 1/2 stars...
Think of this series as chapter books for grownups. These remind me of the books I used to buy for my grandkids who devoured them - like, Captain Underpants, The Baby Sitters Club, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the like. Which means, Ellis and Co. are a nice diversion when you just want something light and fun to read.
Ellis McFadden is the head librarian on a curious spacefaring ship; a combination of an interstellar cruise liner, a science vessel and an armed military cruiser (presumably to protect the cruise passengers and scientists). She's a lady of a certain age, which is a refreshing change from near-teenagers with buffed bods.
Ellis manages to get involved with the mysterious death of one of the scientists on board, and with the help of a hunky guy also of a certain age who becomes her boyfriend, solves the mystery.
Painter is a good writer but I sense these are cranked out to pay the bills. I do believe she's capable of far greater fare, which I may have to go out and find sometime.
Think of this series as chapter books for grownups. These remind me of the books I used to buy for my grandkids who devoured them - like, Captain Underpants, The Baby Sitters Club, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the like. Which means, Ellis and Co. are a nice diversion when you just want something light and fun to read.
Ellis McFadden is the head librarian on a curious spacefaring ship; a combination of an interstellar cruise liner, a science vessel and an armed military cruiser (presumably to protect the cruise passengers and scientists). She's a lady of a certain age, which is a refreshing change from near-teenagers with buffed bods.
Ellis manages to get involved with the mysterious death of one of the scientists on board, and with the help of a hunky guy also of a certain age who becomes her boyfriend, solves the mystery.
Painter is a good writer but I sense these are cranked out to pay the bills. I do believe she's capable of far greater fare, which I may have to go out and find sometime.
April 6, 2025
This book reads like a run-of-the-mill cozy mystery about a current day small town librarian (written by someone who doesn’t know anything about librarians) that was run through an AI program with a command to make it “science fictiony” as a gimmick. Other reviewers here have made great points about the puzzling electronic library that requires physical library cards, and the nonsense about scanning the book print-out.
I like science fiction and cats, so I was pulled by the cover. However, the protagonist is such a pill. She has diet culture food issues, worries that her love interest will think she’s a “good-time girl” (is this the 1930s?) because she drank a cider, judges her daughter for wearing her hair too short, and actually blathers on about how she’s not vain, but believes in “keeping up appearances” as she gets older. I could roll my eyes and put up with this prissiness in a contemporary cozy, but I just do not need it in my science fiction.
I like science fiction and cats, so I was pulled by the cover. However, the protagonist is such a pill. She has diet culture food issues, worries that her love interest will think she’s a “good-time girl” (is this the 1930s?) because she drank a cider, judges her daughter for wearing her hair too short, and actually blathers on about how she’s not vain, but believes in “keeping up appearances” as she gets older. I could roll my eyes and put up with this prissiness in a contemporary cozy, but I just do not need it in my science fiction.
April 13, 2025
Pretty quick and easy read. While the botany portion of the plot seemed pretty well researched, the technical portion left a bit to be desired. This is supposed to be set in the Future - space ship travel and cryogenically preserved people. Some of the tech described was basic years ago - years. So, the actual ship setting and Sci-Fi portion of the book was a bit lacking. I liked the android animals just because I like animals - they were fun and representative. The romance was pretty quick to build but still within boundaries. This author does a lot of "insta-love" stories so I was glad this book didn't go there (yet). The love interest (Frank) was unbelievably perfect - but it's possible. Overall, this was enjoyable, and I liked the characters for the most part. Maybe a little less detailed descriptions to keep the flow going. I really don't need to know Ellis's 6-step regimen for bedtime. I will go for Book 2.
Read
February 1, 2025Good
A sudden death and suspected murder on a Star Cruiser places head librarian Ellis McFadden on the suspect list.
Not believing that the security force is looking elsewhere, she’s determined to figure out what happen by herself. With the help of her new friend Frank, Ellis starts investigating the mystery.
This is a fun mystery, set in a futuristic time, on board an intergalactic flight. With robotic companion pets, a mature heroine, a murder mystery, and a potential romance, there’s a little something for everyone in this story.
It’s an entertaining read, with a unique premise and likable characters, although I will say that Hieronymus, aka Harry the droid cat was my favourite character!
A thoroughly enjoyable story for lovers of SFR and cosy mysteries.
A sudden death and suspected murder on a Star Cruiser places head librarian Ellis McFadden on the suspect list.
Not believing that the security force is looking elsewhere, she’s determined to figure out what happen by herself. With the help of her new friend Frank, Ellis starts investigating the mystery.
This is a fun mystery, set in a futuristic time, on board an intergalactic flight. With robotic companion pets, a mature heroine, a murder mystery, and a potential romance, there’s a little something for everyone in this story.
It’s an entertaining read, with a unique premise and likable characters, although I will say that Hieronymus, aka Harry the droid cat was my favourite character!
A thoroughly enjoyable story for lovers of SFR and cosy mysteries.
February 3, 2025
I loved this! It was different from her other series, which I love (Nocturne Falls, Shadowvale, Jayne Frost/Frost & Crowe). It still had the same feel, but definitely different. The world and community were beautifully developed and the story and characters were engaging! There was a lot of description of science fiction/starship-type things, but not so much jargon that you couldn't relate to it or follow what was happening. I've read other science fiction books that were so filled with jargon and made up words, I couldn't tell whether I was reading a story or if their keyboard blew up. This was not that. It was easy to follow and interesting, like a murder mystery on the Starship Enterprise. (Captain Picard era, of course!) I can't wait for the next two to drop.
February 17, 2025
This book!..I’ll be honest at first I was asking myself what kinda book this was and why am I reading it? Lol. And yet I couldn’t stop reading it. I’d have finished reading it in two days if I didn’t have other commitments. This book features Ellis a slightly older woman who is living onboard a Starship headed towards a new planet. She’s going about her business and ends up in a situation where she gets accused of murder. She decides that she has to clear her name and with of her new boyfriend Frank she goes about doing just that.
This book isn’t particularly suspenseful but it’s a fun exciting read all the same. There’s a budding romance occurring along the way but no smutty scenes. I definitely recommend it to people who love mysteries.
This book isn’t particularly suspenseful but it’s a fun exciting read all the same. There’s a budding romance occurring along the way but no smutty scenes. I definitely recommend it to people who love mysteries.
March 15, 2025
Wonderful Mystery in Outer Space
I have to say that while reading this book, I felt as though I was taking a cruse alongside these characters. The main character, Ellis, is a widow and is the head librarian for the ship. Meeting her felt like making a new best friend, someone down to earth with many similar interests. After accidentally becoming a murder suspect, Ellis decides to do a little poking around in order to keep herself from becoming the prime suspect. The whole story felt so real that I could almost believe that tickets were actually available for purchase to take a trip around the galaxy. The author didn’t get bogged down in scientific explanations which kept the story concise. Highly entertaining and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I have to say that while reading this book, I felt as though I was taking a cruse alongside these characters. The main character, Ellis, is a widow and is the head librarian for the ship. Meeting her felt like making a new best friend, someone down to earth with many similar interests. After accidentally becoming a murder suspect, Ellis decides to do a little poking around in order to keep herself from becoming the prime suspect. The whole story felt so real that I could almost believe that tickets were actually available for purchase to take a trip around the galaxy. The author didn’t get bogged down in scientific explanations which kept the story concise. Highly entertaining and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 28, 2025
What a fun read! Like Murder She Wrote in Space. A fun new genre with a cozy sci-fi mystery. Ellis is a 5o-something widow, working as a head librarian on a Cruise Vessel. When she is suspected of killing a passenger she must find out what really happened. This is such an enjoyable new series. Kristen Painter blends mystery, comedy, and romance for another great new series. I enjoyed the mystery, the character of Ellis, and the whole concept. Those who are familiar with Painter's Nocturne Falls or Jayne Frost series, already know how no Painter book is complete without a fun pet and this is no different. Ellis and some of the other crew have android pets.
February 3, 2025
Murder mystery and tame MF romance. Instead of fantasy, this one takes place in the future aboard a large spaceship, with technology not much different than what we have now.
Librarian Ellis is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and becomes a murder suspect. To clear her name, she and her new boyfriend Frank investigate and then solve the case.
As in this author's Jayne Frost series, there's a talking cat. Here though, there is no violence, there are no threats, and there are no villains.
I skimmed all the talk of food, clothing, and any other details that did not interest me.
No typos.
Librarian Ellis is at the wrong place at the wrong time, and becomes a murder suspect. To clear her name, she and her new boyfriend Frank investigate and then solve the case.
As in this author's Jayne Frost series, there's a talking cat. Here though, there is no violence, there are no threats, and there are no villains.
I skimmed all the talk of food, clothing, and any other details that did not interest me.
No typos.
February 3, 2025
This was a delightful and unique story. I love Kristen Painter's work and always love to see a new series from her. The characters were wonderful. At first, I wasn't crazy about Ellis's daughter, Hazel. She didn't seem to be very supportive of her mother's predicament. But then I warmed up to her and loved her. My favorite part is the talking cat Harry and his accent. That is so awesome. The mystery was also great and I never dreamed about the solution. Too cool!
The narration was great. She talks a little fast but I think it's because I live in the south and everyone is SO country and slow talking. She really brought the characters alive. Can't wait to see what happens next.
The narration was great. She talks a little fast but I think it's because I live in the south and everyone is SO country and slow talking. She really brought the characters alive. Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 9, 2025
Ellis McFadden has an amazing job as the Spaceship Athos’ Head Librarian. Ellis is also the mother of the Vice Admiral, Hazel. Unexpectedly, there’s a murder on board and Ellis happens to be a suspect. Determined to clear her name, Ellis meets a man, Frank, on board who is willing to help her solve the mystery. Can they, along with Ellis‘s android cat, find the culprit before Ellis is charged in the murder? I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was pleased to find an older woman as the main character. Don’t hesitate to read this novel, I think you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did!
July 12, 2025
It's been about 60 years since I read a good space-travel science fiction novel. I loved them as a child but as I grew up, Earth-based stories seemed to replace space-travel ones on the library shelves.
Breathing Space was a nice surprise. A spaceship-based novel for grownups (without being an "adult novel," thank goodness).
I really enjoyed this book, so thanks to the author for writing it. And please will you publish a picture of the *Athos* and maybe a schematic? Because right now I picture *Athos* as looking like a cross between the *Enterprise* and a huge 747 without wings.
Breathing Space was a nice surprise. A spaceship-based novel for grownups (without being an "adult novel," thank goodness).
I really enjoyed this book, so thanks to the author for writing it. And please will you publish a picture of the *Athos* and maybe a schematic? Because right now I picture *Athos* as looking like a cross between the *Enterprise* and a huge 747 without wings.
January 31, 2025
Death or no death Athos sounds like a pretty great place. There isn't a lot you could want that you couldn’t find there. That being said that makes trying to solve a mystery easier and harder at the same time.
While Ellis uses her wit and book knowledge to try to sort it all out she'll have to ask herself which direction to look at first. Is it possible the solution is simpler than she thought or will the wrong person be held accountable?
While Ellis uses her wit and book knowledge to try to sort it all out she'll have to ask herself which direction to look at first. Is it possible the solution is simpler than she thought or will the wrong person be held accountable?
February 1, 2025
Great new series starter
A bit slow at first with a lot of information front loaded, but the story, mystery, and, of course, the cat, were well written. As ever, KP has done her research and brings us for a nice ride, this time in a botanical vein. Very sweet story and characters. I do wish there were a few more bumps and a little darkness along the way, but the mystery was solid. Looking forward to the next book!
A bit slow at first with a lot of information front loaded, but the story, mystery, and, of course, the cat, were well written. As ever, KP has done her research and brings us for a nice ride, this time in a botanical vein. Very sweet story and characters. I do wish there were a few more bumps and a little darkness along the way, but the mystery was solid. Looking forward to the next book!
February 4, 2025
This new series of Kristen Painters’ is a refreshing change from my normal genre. I’ll admit at the first it took me a little bit to understand the chat line but once I got into the story, I enjoyed that part of it too. In fact, I enjoyed this so much. I went back and listened to it again before reviewing it. I just wasn’t ready for it to be over yet.A very good story and very likable characters.
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