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Ellis McFadden Mysteries #3
Future Tense: Ellis McFadden Mysteries
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 plot thickens when the Athos comes to the aid of a stranded craft, taking aboard three mysterious sisters and their father. They offer a tantalizing visions of the future for those eager to know their fate. The crew and guests are soon captivated by the predictions.
But Ellis senses something amiss. The price for these glimpses into tomorrow seems too steep. So she, boyfriend Frank, and her android cat investigate, uncovering dubious secrets, but her friends are already entranced by the charlatans' charms. Can Ellis break the spell and save the ship's crew from an ominous future?
The plot thickens when the Athos comes to the aid of a stranded craft, taking aboard three mysterious sisters and their father. They offer a tantalizing visions of the future for those eager to know their fate. The crew and guests are soon captivated by the predictions.
But Ellis senses something amiss. The price for these glimpses into tomorrow seems too steep. So she, boyfriend Frank, and her android cat investigate, uncovering dubious secrets, but her friends are already entranced by the charlatans' charms. Can Ellis break the spell and save the ship's crew from an ominous future?
Audible Audio
First published May 31, 2025
About the author
Kristen Painter
198 books3,457 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 48 reviews
June 1, 2025
Future Tense by Kristen Painter
Ellis McFadden mystery series #3. Science fiction mystery, space opera, romance. Best read in series order.
The luxury space cruise ship is in its Fallow stage. A six week period where there are no planets or other points of interest for travels. Most of the vacationers have offloaded and the ship staff is running on a reduced service schedule. Ellis McFadden is happy to have a little more down time and she’s been spending more time with Frank and knitting a sweater for her compdroid cat Harry.
When an emergency beacon is received from a ship, the Athos rescues the family on board who say their planet has been destroyed and they are the only survivors. They are welcomed on board but Frank is suspicious. His gut says something is wrong. Frank and Ellis tour their ship and it’s like nothing they’ve seen before but photos show a genetic setup. Cruisers start to act strange and a couple disappears. Frank and Ellis won’t stand aside while friends go missing.
🎧 I started this via ecopy and finished by audiobook. The performance was done by Robyn Maryke who does the full series from Ellis’s POV. It’s a fantastic recording with lots of emotion and drama. I listened to this a bit slower than my usual as the narrator keeps a good pace.
So entertaining. I’m having so much fun following Ellis, Harry, Frank and Gracie in their interstellar adventures. A bit of drama, a bit of science, a smidge of closed door romance, and mysterious aliens that come and go in each episode. Favorites Harry and Gracie are pets that are pretty much perfect.
Love this series.
I received a copy of this from the author and purchased a copy to keep and reread.
Ellis McFadden mystery series #3. Science fiction mystery, space opera, romance. Best read in series order.
The luxury space cruise ship is in its Fallow stage. A six week period where there are no planets or other points of interest for travels. Most of the vacationers have offloaded and the ship staff is running on a reduced service schedule. Ellis McFadden is happy to have a little more down time and she’s been spending more time with Frank and knitting a sweater for her compdroid cat Harry.
When an emergency beacon is received from a ship, the Athos rescues the family on board who say their planet has been destroyed and they are the only survivors. They are welcomed on board but Frank is suspicious. His gut says something is wrong. Frank and Ellis tour their ship and it’s like nothing they’ve seen before but photos show a genetic setup. Cruisers start to act strange and a couple disappears. Frank and Ellis won’t stand aside while friends go missing.
🎧 I started this via ecopy and finished by audiobook. The performance was done by Robyn Maryke who does the full series from Ellis’s POV. It’s a fantastic recording with lots of emotion and drama. I listened to this a bit slower than my usual as the narrator keeps a good pace.
So entertaining. I’m having so much fun following Ellis, Harry, Frank and Gracie in their interstellar adventures. A bit of drama, a bit of science, a smidge of closed door romance, and mysterious aliens that come and go in each episode. Favorites Harry and Gracie are pets that are pretty much perfect.
Love this series.
I received a copy of this from the author and purchased a copy to keep and reread.
May 31, 2025
Worth the wait,
I kept checking for the release date and totally read it the moment it came out. Now I'm just waiting for the next book to drop.?
,
I kept checking for the release date and totally read it the moment it came out. Now I'm just waiting for the next book to drop.?
,
June 1, 2025
while it had some positive things, overall a disappointing story
Rating: 2.75✨
Spoilers 🚫
Unfortunately for me, Future Tense, the newest release in Kristen Painter’s Ellis McFadden Mysteries series fell very short of all the previous stories.
While those centered around life and the mysteries on the star ship Ellis and her friends were living on, Future Tense brings in a new alien species, a element which ends up being the most underwhelming and poorly conceived aspect of the story.
It didn’t help that I had just finished another science fiction series where the universe building and science was exceptional.
The idea of a multi use enormous star liner, part science vessel, part military liner and civilian transportation ship, could easily let a rarely seen species go among its quarters , ship levels and communities , toting in unique and unknown objects throughout, spreading its messages across its media channels? Without tight controls and quarantines in place prior? None of this happens and it breaks down my belief in the idea of a sound narrative foundation that any part of this is a realistic idea of a scientific or military vessel or has officers with that status on board. The author seems to have forgotten her own statement about the Athos’ mission and its command in lieu of the theme of this mystery.
And when things go wrong, as one might expect, The Captain (military mind you) goes to her daughter, the ship’s librarian (and librarian are fabulous) and her wealthy retired IT boyfriend, to solve the mystery.
I can only suspend my belief so far. And it couldn’t go that distance.
Even so many other aspects of the story were not well constructed. At any time during the serious investigation into missing persons, including a teenager, was it an official crime matter or military action? No. On a spaceship considered a main fleet vessel, carrying a number of people in cryotubes? Maybe that part of the series has been sidelined. But it’s a science and military ship so where’s that structure?
And oh by the way, given the epilogue, it appears they could have figured out who those aliens and their ship were after all with a bit of space Google.
There were a few positive things like Ellis’s decision about remaining single because she and Frank enjoy their personal spaces and privacy but that’s countered by having the fascinating IA pets like Henry be reduced to saying “I’d like to watch fish today, Mom”, instead of being a integral member of the investigating team. Such an empty role as opposed to what they have been prior.
Given all the above, this book was a disappointment. I won’t be recommending it.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
- [x] Breathing Space #1
- [x] Star Power #2
- [x] Future Tense #3
Rating: 2.75✨
Spoilers 🚫
Unfortunately for me, Future Tense, the newest release in Kristen Painter’s Ellis McFadden Mysteries series fell very short of all the previous stories.
While those centered around life and the mysteries on the star ship Ellis and her friends were living on, Future Tense brings in a new alien species, a element which ends up being the most underwhelming and poorly conceived aspect of the story.
It didn’t help that I had just finished another science fiction series where the universe building and science was exceptional.
The idea of a multi use enormous star liner, part science vessel, part military liner and civilian transportation ship, could easily let a rarely seen species go among its quarters , ship levels and communities , toting in unique and unknown objects throughout, spreading its messages across its media channels? Without tight controls and quarantines in place prior? None of this happens and it breaks down my belief in the idea of a sound narrative foundation that any part of this is a realistic idea of a scientific or military vessel or has officers with that status on board. The author seems to have forgotten her own statement about the Athos’ mission and its command in lieu of the theme of this mystery.
And when things go wrong, as one might expect, The Captain (military mind you) goes to her daughter, the ship’s librarian (and librarian are fabulous) and her wealthy retired IT boyfriend, to solve the mystery.
I can only suspend my belief so far. And it couldn’t go that distance.
Even so many other aspects of the story were not well constructed. At any time during the serious investigation into missing persons, including a teenager, was it an official crime matter or military action? No. On a spaceship considered a main fleet vessel, carrying a number of people in cryotubes? Maybe that part of the series has been sidelined. But it’s a science and military ship so where’s that structure?
And oh by the way, given the epilogue, it appears they could have figured out who those aliens and their ship were after all with a bit of space Google.
There were a few positive things like Ellis’s decision about remaining single because she and Frank enjoy their personal spaces and privacy but that’s countered by having the fascinating IA pets like Henry be reduced to saying “I’d like to watch fish today, Mom”, instead of being a integral member of the investigating team. Such an empty role as opposed to what they have been prior.
Given all the above, this book was a disappointment. I won’t be recommending it.
Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes
Ellis McFadden Mysteries :
- [x] Breathing Space #1
- [x] Star Power #2
- [x] Future Tense #3
June 3, 2025
Ellis the head librarian, on the starship Athos is on yet another wild galaxy adventure.
With her beau, Frank Kitson and their adorable android sidekics, her Henry the cat, and his Gracie the parrot, they roam the luxury starship with an assortment of charming characters through the novels that sleuth their way successfully solving crimes.
When Athos is hailed with a distress call, Athos responds to the call. This is different though, when they rescue passengers and something strange disturbs Ellis in meeting them. The Athos commander is Ellis daughter Hazel so Ellis is aware of much that happens onboard ship, more than most.
The new rescued refugees are declared a protected species, and they are granted one of Ellis’s meeting rooms and they offer meditation lessons to anyone on the ship.things progress either way the new visitors quickly. Then they offer physic readings.
Ellis suspicions are high when large groups apprear, including crew members and all are offered free globes from these refugees. Ellis and Frank set up observation cameras with approval from the ship commander, to quietly observe more closely. Something is “off” with these people and their suspicions are made real when both Ellis and Frank realize that crew members - their friends no less are missing!
When the visitor are confronted, they announce the team members are in contemplation of their life path or something along those lines. Of course danger signs are flashing for everyone at this point. WHATTTTT?????
Along with red alert!!!!! To the rescue team. The search begins and WHERE the friends are all discovered is shocking!!!!!
Fabulous writing on the part of Kristen Painter, what a series!!!!!! Brilliant writing and an absolutely worthwhile read
With her beau, Frank Kitson and their adorable android sidekics, her Henry the cat, and his Gracie the parrot, they roam the luxury starship with an assortment of charming characters through the novels that sleuth their way successfully solving crimes.
When Athos is hailed with a distress call, Athos responds to the call. This is different though, when they rescue passengers and something strange disturbs Ellis in meeting them. The Athos commander is Ellis daughter Hazel so Ellis is aware of much that happens onboard ship, more than most.
The new rescued refugees are declared a protected species, and they are granted one of Ellis’s meeting rooms and they offer meditation lessons to anyone on the ship.things progress either way the new visitors quickly. Then they offer physic readings.
Ellis suspicions are high when large groups apprear, including crew members and all are offered free globes from these refugees. Ellis and Frank set up observation cameras with approval from the ship commander, to quietly observe more closely. Something is “off” with these people and their suspicions are made real when both Ellis and Frank realize that crew members - their friends no less are missing!
When the visitor are confronted, they announce the team members are in contemplation of their life path or something along those lines. Of course danger signs are flashing for everyone at this point. WHATTTTT?????
Along with red alert!!!!! To the rescue team. The search begins and WHERE the friends are all discovered is shocking!!!!!
Fabulous writing on the part of Kristen Painter, what a series!!!!!! Brilliant writing and an absolutely worthwhile read
Read
June 6, 2025Good
When the star cruiser rescues an alien ship in distress, Ellis finds herself not trusting some of the things that her new ship-mates are up to. It becomes even more of a worry when one of her friends starts acting strangely before she goes missing!
Luckily, Frank is more than just a sympathetic companion, and is more than willing to help Ellis investigate things a little more closely.
These books are beautifully cosy for sci-fi lovers. The pacing is slow but steady, the characters are fun and quite relatable, and the compdroids - well I have to admit I’d love one!
I always enjoy reading about Ellis and Frank (not to mention Harry and Gracie), and I love how they are perfect complements to each other.
The stories come across as soothing, and very relaxing, because despite the circumstances our main characters face, the books do their best to be low stress. It makes for a really great “down-time” read for those times when you want to read something a little less intense, so even though we are reading about the things Ellis is concerned about, the breaks for food, the movie mentions, and the compdroid antics just make this a feel-good book! (Extra credit for mentioning the Quiet Man, one of my favourites!)
If you’re looking for an enjoyable sci-fi setting, a cosy mystery, or a book with an older heroine/hero, then this just so happens to fit all three categories! Recommended for those who enjoy cosy mysteries with a Star Trek feel.
When the star cruiser rescues an alien ship in distress, Ellis finds herself not trusting some of the things that her new ship-mates are up to. It becomes even more of a worry when one of her friends starts acting strangely before she goes missing!
Luckily, Frank is more than just a sympathetic companion, and is more than willing to help Ellis investigate things a little more closely.
These books are beautifully cosy for sci-fi lovers. The pacing is slow but steady, the characters are fun and quite relatable, and the compdroids - well I have to admit I’d love one!
I always enjoy reading about Ellis and Frank (not to mention Harry and Gracie), and I love how they are perfect complements to each other.
The stories come across as soothing, and very relaxing, because despite the circumstances our main characters face, the books do their best to be low stress. It makes for a really great “down-time” read for those times when you want to read something a little less intense, so even though we are reading about the things Ellis is concerned about, the breaks for food, the movie mentions, and the compdroid antics just make this a feel-good book! (Extra credit for mentioning the Quiet Man, one of my favourites!)
If you’re looking for an enjoyable sci-fi setting, a cosy mystery, or a book with an older heroine/hero, then this just so happens to fit all three categories! Recommended for those who enjoy cosy mysteries with a Star Trek feel.
June 1, 2025
In this, book number 3 of the series, you will be able to meet other characters in more detail. Ellis and Frank continue their relationship, and you can hear hints of something stronger developing, even though Ellis doesn't want to get married again. Henry, the cat, continues to be adorable and protective and has lots of play days with Grace, the bird.
Everyone in Athos has entered a six-week downtime so they can recharge. All work will be running with lower staff, and the entertainment will continue as usual. During this time, Hassel calls her mother so Ellis can welcome the crew of a stranded ship. The crew includes three daughters and their father, who allegedly can predict the future. When they arrive, they gift spheres that take away your problems. Some refused the gift, Ellis gave hers to Frank, and Hassel put most of the spheres away because they cannot accept gifts.
The stranded crew keeps asking for more accommodations—where to sleep, where to pray, and so on. Ellis's space in the library has been taken over by them. When Ellis and Frank sense that something is wrong, they check the stranded ship. I'm not going to detail this part because the fun, or desperate, part of the book is figuring out who is involved. Besides the ship, the staff of Athos starts to act strangely, especially Ellis's friend Senia and Frank's friend Stan, who then disappeared along with the others.
I loved the way the investigation was done by Ellis and Frank. It was done from a different angle compared to Book 2.
Everyone in Athos has entered a six-week downtime so they can recharge. All work will be running with lower staff, and the entertainment will continue as usual. During this time, Hassel calls her mother so Ellis can welcome the crew of a stranded ship. The crew includes three daughters and their father, who allegedly can predict the future. When they arrive, they gift spheres that take away your problems. Some refused the gift, Ellis gave hers to Frank, and Hassel put most of the spheres away because they cannot accept gifts.
The stranded crew keeps asking for more accommodations—where to sleep, where to pray, and so on. Ellis's space in the library has been taken over by them. When Ellis and Frank sense that something is wrong, they check the stranded ship. I'm not going to detail this part because the fun, or desperate, part of the book is figuring out who is involved. Besides the ship, the staff of Athos starts to act strangely, especially Ellis's friend Senia and Frank's friend Stan, who then disappeared along with the others.
I loved the way the investigation was done by Ellis and Frank. It was done from a different angle compared to Book 2.
June 13, 2025
Book 3 in the series. This one just didn't hit right for me. Despite the numerous questionable items that are in the plot - we still need a library card, but we travel at light speed? I've enjoyed the previous 2 books for the most part. The excessive descriptions with both "outfits" and food are very skimmable though. This plot had lots of promise but just fell short. 4 members of an alien race are "rescued" and brought onto the ship. At that point the story goes off the rails for me. I felt the author was forcing a cozy mystery out of a potential thriller plot. These unknowns are given special privileges thru the ship and provided with everything they needed to run amuck. Needless to say, muck runs. Ellis and Frank are evidently the only two people in the entire military/science-based ship that can solve the mystery. A tiny bit of rationale was provided but it was weak at best. I'll probably try book 4, but it won't be a huge push to get it.
June 16, 2025
Okay, I really like this author and have read most of her work, but I just can’t get into the series. I have now read all three books and here are my issues with the series of the whole and this book, specifically. I do not like the FMC. She is nosey, intolerant, judgemental, and not very self-aware. In this book especially, she automatically starts hating on the refugees rescued by the ship without any good reason. And, of course, she is right. So, the take away of the book is mistrust the other, intolerance is justified? I wish the author would have either laid more groundwork from the FMC’s mistrust or not fashioned the space gypsies as evil. Science Fiction is supposed to be a reflection of current day problems and a potential better outcome, not feeding into age-old stereotypes. That being said, the author can tell a story well and all her other series are very enjoyable. This is just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
This was a great series, and this book was no exception. Ellis McFadden is the librarian on a space faring cruise ship. In this adventure, the cruise is on its fallow portion of the trip, six weeks' worth. It was thought that everyone would have a much easier time with most of the crew having more time off, because there were far fewer passengers. This is when they get a distress call from an alien ship. The ships passengers claimed to be from an abandoned planet who had suffered a catastrophic demise from a huge meteor shower. They were given "last of a species" status and the finest rooms on the ship. This is where people started disappearing, including one of Ellis's friends. You won't believe what was actually happening. I highly recommend this book and the other two of the series.
August 30, 2025
Kristen Painter has written another fascinating mystery set in space that kept me turning the pages in this next installment of the Ellis McFadden mystery series. This time Ellis and Frank are apprehensive regarding three sisters and their father who the Athos have rescued. These beings seem to entrance both crew and guests as they take up residence within the Athos and soon crew members begin to disappear. Ellis and Frank work diligently to uncover the clues to solve the mystery and save their friends. My attention was captured in the first chapter, and I couldn't put the book down until the end.
November 22, 2025
This was a charming cozy sci fi mystery with a little bit of everything for lovers of any of those genres. It has been a pretty long time since i have read sci fi…and i love sci fi. Reading all three books in this series was like reading a sci fi space opera. I loved the world building…it all seemed so possible. I loved how just as much time was spent on character development and world building as was spent on the mystery itself. Nice to get to know more about Hazel by the end of book 3. I am always more interested in that anyway. Sorry to see that there were only 3 volumes in this series.
June 9, 2025
I love this author. This book doesn't disappoint. The story takes off and is never boring. It keeps your attention. It could probably be read as a stand alone but definitely better starting with the first in series. Harry is my favorite. I love seeing Hazel and would like a book with more of her. The mystery is wonderful. It was sort of creepy and could have made for some great horror lol. It's a fun, light read that is perfect for the whole family, young and old.
The narration was perfect. I was really taken into the world. The story is really brought to life.
The narration was perfect. I was really taken into the world. The story is really brought to life.
August 3, 2025
disappointed
I love everything else I’ve read by Kristen Painter, but this series disappoints me. The relationship between Frank and Ellis seems like a middle school crush, not adults in love. I’m not expecting explicit scenes, but professing love and going on seemingly “romantic” dates just so they can hold hands and kiss on the cheek? Why not just leave that out entirely? Also, Ellis is rigid and dry. The pacing is slow. The compdroids are fun, and the premise of space is interesting, but after reading three, I’m done.
I love everything else I’ve read by Kristen Painter, but this series disappoints me. The relationship between Frank and Ellis seems like a middle school crush, not adults in love. I’m not expecting explicit scenes, but professing love and going on seemingly “romantic” dates just so they can hold hands and kiss on the cheek? Why not just leave that out entirely? Also, Ellis is rigid and dry. The pacing is slow. The compdroids are fun, and the premise of space is interesting, but after reading three, I’m done.
May 31, 2025
Future Tense is the 3rd Ellis McFadden series. This time the crew and guests of the Athios are in fallow phase. While they reset their stores and crops, they have weeks of relative downtime. Then they answer a distress call. Ellis and Frank start looking into some odd happenings on the ship. As with the rest of the series, it is a cozy, fun mystery. I especially love the android pets and fun relationship with Ellis and Frank. I recommend, and I hope this series continues.
August 3, 2025
This is by far my favorite Ellis McFadden book. The storyline was so fascinating and so intriguing. I never knew what would happen next. I was consumed with figuring it out. I couldn’t get enough of it. I’m kind of a space geek anyway so this was just truly right up my alley. I thoroughly enjoyed it , as a matter of fact I listened to it twice before I ever reviewed it and it will be one that I listen to multiple times. I highly recommend this entire series.
August 10, 2025
Enjoyable adventure for a retiree
I'm really enjoying this series. It makes me want to retire on a spaceship. Particularly with a great group of people who are loyal, caring friends. But maybe less murder and other drama. Interesting comp-droid relationships with humans, as they form parent-child-type bonds. It feels creepy, but appropriate for what they represent. This story was predictable, but definitely a fun adventure.
I'm really enjoying this series. It makes me want to retire on a spaceship. Particularly with a great group of people who are loyal, caring friends. But maybe less murder and other drama. Interesting comp-droid relationships with humans, as they form parent-child-type bonds. It feels creepy, but appropriate for what they represent. This story was predictable, but definitely a fun adventure.
September 27, 2025
New achievement unlocked!
Ellis's adventures have been really fun so far, but I was happily surprised to happen upon a reference to a classic sci-fi tv show that was a favorite of mine, Farscape. If you've watched even a few episodes of that series, you'll know the reference I'm thinking of. Both that show and this book series are so much fun. I hope Ellis has many adventures ahead of her.
Ellis's adventures have been really fun so far, but I was happily surprised to happen upon a reference to a classic sci-fi tv show that was a favorite of mine, Farscape. If you've watched even a few episodes of that series, you'll know the reference I'm thinking of. Both that show and this book series are so much fun. I hope Ellis has many adventures ahead of her.
April 14, 2026
New favorite series
This book series is my new favorite! And that says a lot because Kristen Painter has other series that I adore. But this makes my sci-fi and cozy mystery loving self so happy that I can have it all in one series of books! Ellis is a great lead character. The supportive characters are well written and fun to explore. Harry the compdroid is absolutely adorable and hilarious! There is nothing about this not to like. I hope many more books will follow!!!!
This book series is my new favorite! And that says a lot because Kristen Painter has other series that I adore. But this makes my sci-fi and cozy mystery loving self so happy that I can have it all in one series of books! Ellis is a great lead character. The supportive characters are well written and fun to explore. Harry the compdroid is absolutely adorable and hilarious! There is nothing about this not to like. I hope many more books will follow!!!!
May 31, 2025
Book 3 in a cozy mysteries series set in space. I have been waiting for this book with impatience since I finished book 2. It did not disappoint! I finished reading it in one day! Unlike the first two, in book 3 we know “who done it” from the beginning but not what exactly “it” is, or why or how. I really hope Kristen Painter writes more in this series!!
June 2, 2025
Cozy Sci-fi Mystery
*Heartwarming blend of sci-fi and cozy mystery
*Engaging characters
*Intriguing plots placed in a well constructed world
*Adorable compdroid pets/sidekicks
*Dash of romance
Perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable series. Hoping for many more stories starring Els and Frank.
*Heartwarming blend of sci-fi and cozy mystery
*Engaging characters
*Intriguing plots placed in a well constructed world
*Adorable compdroid pets/sidekicks
*Dash of romance
Perfect recipe for a truly enjoyable series. Hoping for many more stories starring Els and Frank.
June 5, 2025
While I've enjoyed all of the Ellis McFadden Mysteries this one is my favorite. Meeting the new characters was a blast and how the story unfolded was so much fun. I was yelling my observations and predictions at this book like it could hear me. I was so excited every time the tiniest thing was revealed and I hope if there are more in the series we get a little follow up on some things.
June 29, 2025
Another great story from Kristen Painter
So tickled to see the 3rd book out I read it in one go. I love spending time with Ellis, and the girls, Frank, Hazel and don't forget Harry and Gracie. Several twists and turns in the story and our fearless (well mostly) investigators solve another problem.
Is it bad that now I'm waiting for the next one?
So tickled to see the 3rd book out I read it in one go. I love spending time with Ellis, and the girls, Frank, Hazel and don't forget Harry and Gracie. Several twists and turns in the story and our fearless (well mostly) investigators solve another problem.
Is it bad that now I'm waiting for the next one?
July 24, 2025
Great instalment aboard the Athos
Minimum passengers, a light schedule for 6 weeks until a mystery vessel needs to be rescued.
Ellis and Frank are not comfortable with the new guests and investigations ensue.
Love the characters and who wouldn’t want their own compdroid like Harry.
Love the sleuthing and the healthy appetites, would happily read another book in this series.
Minimum passengers, a light schedule for 6 weeks until a mystery vessel needs to be rescued.
Ellis and Frank are not comfortable with the new guests and investigations ensue.
Love the characters and who wouldn’t want their own compdroid like Harry.
Love the sleuthing and the healthy appetites, would happily read another book in this series.
August 16, 2025
Cruise Ship Travels in Space
Interesting plot but boring details. Read like a diary of food and outfits. Way too much unnecessary trivial minutia. Knowing the details of outfits and meals had nothing to do with the story. I found the writing style simplistic and forced. Interesting robotic pets, but still portrayed in a boring style.
Interesting plot but boring details. Read like a diary of food and outfits. Way too much unnecessary trivial minutia. Knowing the details of outfits and meals had nothing to do with the story. I found the writing style simplistic and forced. Interesting robotic pets, but still portrayed in a boring style.
August 24, 2026
Great read
This series is fantastic. Entertaining in all ways. Characters have depth and humor, storyline is compelling and moves well.
The romance is rich not sappy, the intimacy level is satisfying not too in depth. The friendships feel very real and warm.
Just what I needed to distract from the everyday.
This series is fantastic. Entertaining in all ways. Characters have depth and humor, storyline is compelling and moves well.
The romance is rich not sappy, the intimacy level is satisfying not too in depth. The friendships feel very real and warm.
Just what I needed to distract from the everyday.
June 2, 2025
Love the Ellis McFadden series because they don't give me anxiety and nightmares. Easy enjoyable reads. Good people solving mysteries with family and friends in a futuristic setting. Love Kristen Painter's style.
June 2, 2025
great sci-fi read
Ellis and Frank have a new mystery to solve. Their friends are acting out of character and Ellis thinks the rescued aliens have something to do with it. Great suspense
Ellis and Frank have a new mystery to solve. Their friends are acting out of character and Ellis thinks the rescued aliens have something to do with it. Great suspense
June 3, 2025
Quite an Adventure
In space there are beautiful sights, different races and unknown dangers. An exciting story with fascinating events, suspense and danger. The people are complex and unique, so easy to want to be there with them! Masterfully told you really want to read this!
In space there are beautiful sights, different races and unknown dangers. An exciting story with fascinating events, suspense and danger. The people are complex and unique, so easy to want to be there with them! Masterfully told you really want to read this!
June 5, 2025
This is one of the best sci-fi series I have ever read. It is clean and fun and suspenseful. I hope the author keeps this series going, as I would love more adventures with Ellis and Frank and their "pets". All three books so far have been page-turners. Keep up the great work, Ms. Painter.
June 10, 2025
4.5 stars
I am loving these mysteries so much!
They make an absolutely terrific and fun, easy read. I love the whole crew of characters, and they are giving me a bit of a cozy Star Trek vibe, which I love!!
The audio narration is spectacular, and I definitely recommend!!
I am loving these mysteries so much!
They make an absolutely terrific and fun, easy read. I love the whole crew of characters, and they are giving me a bit of a cozy Star Trek vibe, which I love!!
The audio narration is spectacular, and I definitely recommend!!
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