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Seasons of Murder #3
In The Shadow of This Red Rock
Come out from the shadow of that red rock and I will show you joy in a handful of leaves.
It isn't easy being the head of security on an inter-planetary transport ship between Earth and Titan. Lieutenant Cal Hartland is not impressed when he's tasked to oversee the reintegration to Earth of mind readers who have been banished to a colony on Mars. Despite the fitting of cortical inhibitors, Cal is suspicious that the Minders are still dangerous, a fear that becomes personal when he has a startling emotional reaction to the leader of the small group, Commander Zero. Just as Cal is struggling to accept his feelings for the Martian, a mutilated body is discovered in the bowels of the ship. Why does Zero appear to know more about this terrible murder than any neutralised mind reader should? Trapped in the endless darkness of space and with the body count growing, can Cal trust anything about the enigmatic and beautiful Zero?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2016
2 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
John Wiltshire
29 books831 followersJohn Wiltshire is the fictional persona of the author of the More Heat Than The Sun series. After spending twenty-two years in the military perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 26, 2016
4.5 stars
For a sci-fi and (somewhat gruesome) murder mystery, this had a surprisingly sweet romance and a lighter feel than you would expect. Seriously, Cal and Zero were so sweet and cute together:
And this had all of the touches of humour that come through in most everything that JW writes:
And the lovely, evocative writing that we expect from JW:
This was just lovely!!
For a sci-fi and (somewhat gruesome) murder mystery, this had a surprisingly sweet romance and a lighter feel than you would expect. Seriously, Cal and Zero were so sweet and cute together:
Cal stood too and after a moments hesitation, snagged Zero's shirt and pulled him closer. "Thanks for today."
"I didn't do anything."
"Yeah. I know. But it was fun watching you do it."
And this had all of the touches of humour that come through in most everything that JW writes:
"Jesus! Will you shut up? Read what I'm thinking about you now!"
Zero then had the nerve to pretend that he had and grinned broadly as if it was so not what Cal wanted him to believe it was.
And the lovely, evocative writing that we expect from JW:
He turned to Cal as they rained down upon him, his brows raised for permission, and Cal nodded his agreement to a send, and he was flooded with ecstasy, and he knew he had never even glimpsed the splendour and magnificence of his own world before-it took new eyes, new senses, to do that.
This was just lovely!!
October 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
I liked In the Shadow of this Red Rock, but I didn't love it. I loved the story, but I think it needed to be a bit longer so as to not feel rushed. The romance was very insta, and in this instance that didn't work well for me. But I think if the story were expanded to a full length novel, I'd be all over it.
I liked In the Shadow of this Red Rock, but I didn't love it. I loved the story, but I think it needed to be a bit longer so as to not feel rushed. The romance was very insta, and in this instance that didn't work well for me. But I think if the story were expanded to a full length novel, I'd be all over it.
May 29, 2016
No surprise, another five star story from John.
For those who never read scifi, but love his other writing, I would say, give it a go. It's more horror/mystery than geeky scifi. The latter comes in more for the premise, the motivation and setting.
Others will no doubt give a better description of the plot, but I'm donning my author's hat for this review.
First off, I was impressed with how well the theme of the anthology series came into play. Autumn. In space. The need to keep people attuned to the seasons as well as the diurnal rhythms was very cleverly woven throughout. The red leaf which was integral at different parts of the story.
The romance and sex were there but the mental and emotional connection between the two men was just as important. Zero and Cal may have insta-lust but their emotional relationship takes time to develop.
Logic is of prime importance in scifi. In this case, the laws of physics are as on earth and it is the mind that is more important. What happens if telepathy is real? What happens if we don't know if our thoughts are indeed ours? The fear and loathing this creates.
It is a testament to John's writing skills that this world building, this motivation, and the ensuing drama that enfolds is all believable. Good scifi should be.
I liked the fact that the freakish murderer's mind even had a logical reason to be that bad.
I was biting my nails and feared for the worst at one stage, but then John pulled one of his trademark "bet you didn't see that coming" twists and I hadn't seen that coming.
This is not fluff. This is not super emotional romance.
Like all good scifi, the question "What If" is foremost. To me, that is the essence of scifi. It's strength and the possibilities the alternatives can offer. I like scifi because it makes you think. You have to pay attention. Perhaps that's why some readers don't like the genre. Make time to read this. I'll probably start again from the beginning like I do with all John's books and get even more enjoyment the second time through. Very, very few authors can pull that off.
I'm hoping this attracts a whole new slew of readers to John's work.
He is definitely not a "one trick" pony. He has magnificently demonstrated he can write in any of the sub genres. Romance, comedy, history, action/adventure and now scifi. Awesomely scary talent.
For those who never read scifi, but love his other writing, I would say, give it a go. It's more horror/mystery than geeky scifi. The latter comes in more for the premise, the motivation and setting.
Others will no doubt give a better description of the plot, but I'm donning my author's hat for this review.
First off, I was impressed with how well the theme of the anthology series came into play. Autumn. In space. The need to keep people attuned to the seasons as well as the diurnal rhythms was very cleverly woven throughout. The red leaf which was integral at different parts of the story.
The romance and sex were there but the mental and emotional connection between the two men was just as important. Zero and Cal may have insta-lust but their emotional relationship takes time to develop.
Logic is of prime importance in scifi. In this case, the laws of physics are as on earth and it is the mind that is more important. What happens if telepathy is real? What happens if we don't know if our thoughts are indeed ours? The fear and loathing this creates.
It is a testament to John's writing skills that this world building, this motivation, and the ensuing drama that enfolds is all believable. Good scifi should be.
I liked the fact that the freakish murderer's mind even had a logical reason to be that bad.
I was biting my nails and feared for the worst at one stage, but then John pulled one of his trademark "bet you didn't see that coming" twists and I hadn't seen that coming.
This is not fluff. This is not super emotional romance.
Like all good scifi, the question "What If" is foremost. To me, that is the essence of scifi. It's strength and the possibilities the alternatives can offer. I like scifi because it makes you think. You have to pay attention. Perhaps that's why some readers don't like the genre. Make time to read this. I'll probably start again from the beginning like I do with all John's books and get even more enjoyment the second time through. Very, very few authors can pull that off.
I'm hoping this attracts a whole new slew of readers to John's work.
He is definitely not a "one trick" pony. He has magnificently demonstrated he can write in any of the sub genres. Romance, comedy, history, action/adventure and now scifi. Awesomely scary talent.
June 1, 2016
Lovely little M/M sci-fi read from John. The following images are very relevant to the story of Cal and Zero.... 4.5 stars from me.
Undone by love.
It was pitiful.
It was perfect.
and finally
May 21, 2016
I often wish that John Wiltshire would write, say, 6 Nik & Ben books a year. That would make me so happy. But then he writes a non-Nik & Ben book and I wonder as to the talent that goes unexpressed because he's writing the Nik & Ben books. In the Shadow of this Red Rock is a departure from Nik & Ben, in a good way. The writing, as always, is engaging, but the story is fabulous, too. Futuristic fantasy with a fast-paced murder mystery. But always, always, with JW it comes down to the love story - this one doesn't disappoint. There are some really beautiful scenes - JW just has a way with words that is unmatched, in my opinion.
July 29, 2016
4,5 stars.
Loved it, thanks for another wonderful reading experience, John!
"Come out from the shadow of that red rock. And I will show you something different from either. I will show you joy in a handful of leaves."
June 22, 2016
Full reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
Well now, that’s how you begin a story. I was pulled in right away, made curious about the circumstances of the human race in this future, and certainly about Cal and what he’s doing on this ship, where he’s been, and what challenges lie ahead for him. The world building was immediately efficient, including the setting up of the historical context for the current mission on which Cal and the crew are serving. I like that. I already had a sense about Cal, the state and locations of the human race (and others?) in what feels to be a distant future, if only as defined by time. In most other terms, humans have not changed a lot some few hundred years from now.
It was evident Cal was soon to be confronted by thoughts he hadn’t anticipated in relation to this mission, and feelings he never would have predicted. Life’s complicated, yo. Little did I know how much more complicated they were to become as I continued reading.
Zero is… I don’t think I can go too deeply into a description without giving too much away. He’s sarcastic, intelligent, driven, and aware that he doesn’t know everything. Then again, he doesn’t really need to in order for his plan to work. Yup, he’s got a plan. Little did he know the detours said plan would take en route to his destination.
I so want to include samples of Wiltshire’s writing, as it’s as engaging as ever, but so many passages would again give too much of the game away. If you’ve read other Wiltshire books, you know what you’re in for with his storytelling. If you haven’t, this is a fantastic long-ish novella with which to begin your experience.
This is an intense psychological murder mystery. Cal and Zero are coming at the entire situation, all of the moving parts, and all of the players from vastly different viewpoints, each holding knowledge to which the other would have quite a strong reaction if shared. The tension is high, folks, and it’s quite a ride watching these two come together in more ways than one.
Amidst the nearly continuous unraveling of this mystery under taut circumstances, we do get some humor, most of the time thanks to Zero. Cal has his moments, too, though. For Zero, though, some are a result of an almost innocent streak that runs through him thanks to his living conditions prior to this incident. He also doesn’t hide it, hence the humor.
I feel like I wanted to know more about Cal and Zero, especially the latter. We learn a bit about his life up to this point but almost not enough to warrant such strong, resolute convictions. I had to push myself here and there to fully believe his extreme desire to escape the dusty orb that is Mars. On the flip side, with even fewer words, we get unmistakable understanding of a part of Cal’s past, even if a bit dreamlike in presentation. This does lead to…
Magic peen alert. Jussayin’.
That ending, though! Wow! Exciting, full of energy, and quite clever. I enjoyed this murder mystery in spaaaaaaaaaaaaaace and am curious to find out how Cal and Zero and the rest of the gang are doing, including the other Minders.
Well now, that’s how you begin a story. I was pulled in right away, made curious about the circumstances of the human race in this future, and certainly about Cal and what he’s doing on this ship, where he’s been, and what challenges lie ahead for him. The world building was immediately efficient, including the setting up of the historical context for the current mission on which Cal and the crew are serving. I like that. I already had a sense about Cal, the state and locations of the human race (and others?) in what feels to be a distant future, if only as defined by time. In most other terms, humans have not changed a lot some few hundred years from now.
It was evident Cal was soon to be confronted by thoughts he hadn’t anticipated in relation to this mission, and feelings he never would have predicted. Life’s complicated, yo. Little did I know how much more complicated they were to become as I continued reading.
Zero is… I don’t think I can go too deeply into a description without giving too much away. He’s sarcastic, intelligent, driven, and aware that he doesn’t know everything. Then again, he doesn’t really need to in order for his plan to work. Yup, he’s got a plan. Little did he know the detours said plan would take en route to his destination.
I so want to include samples of Wiltshire’s writing, as it’s as engaging as ever, but so many passages would again give too much of the game away. If you’ve read other Wiltshire books, you know what you’re in for with his storytelling. If you haven’t, this is a fantastic long-ish novella with which to begin your experience.
This is an intense psychological murder mystery. Cal and Zero are coming at the entire situation, all of the moving parts, and all of the players from vastly different viewpoints, each holding knowledge to which the other would have quite a strong reaction if shared. The tension is high, folks, and it’s quite a ride watching these two come together in more ways than one.
Amidst the nearly continuous unraveling of this mystery under taut circumstances, we do get some humor, most of the time thanks to Zero. Cal has his moments, too, though. For Zero, though, some are a result of an almost innocent streak that runs through him thanks to his living conditions prior to this incident. He also doesn’t hide it, hence the humor.
I feel like I wanted to know more about Cal and Zero, especially the latter. We learn a bit about his life up to this point but almost not enough to warrant such strong, resolute convictions. I had to push myself here and there to fully believe his extreme desire to escape the dusty orb that is Mars. On the flip side, with even fewer words, we get unmistakable understanding of a part of Cal’s past, even if a bit dreamlike in presentation. This does lead to…
Magic peen alert. Jussayin’.
That ending, though! Wow! Exciting, full of energy, and quite clever. I enjoyed this murder mystery in spaaaaaaaaaaaaaace and am curious to find out how Cal and Zero and the rest of the gang are doing, including the other Minders.
May 21, 2016
Relatively short story so everything has to happen pretty quickly. I loved the idea of the story. I can't comment about the realistic portrayal of "in space " because I read this book simply because JW wrote it without ever having read other books like it. I enjoyed it, I believed it. I really enjoyed Zero's sense of humor, he made me laugh a lot. Even though I picked the killer right away I was questioning and sat glued to my Kindle anticipating how it would end. Pretty gory, pretty scary so it kept me glued. I love how Wiltshire writes relationships though and Calan and Zero didn't disappoint. I love how Wiltshire writes his secondary characters. They are always interesting and always leave me wanting to know more about them. I will definitely read it again.
June 18, 2016
In terms of topic, approach, dialogues – this is probably the most lightest you’d get out of John Wiltshire and I absolutely loved it! I loved Cal and Zero! They’re just so good together! Zero just cracks me up! What a personality! I loved that from the very start, the intimacy was easy between them. There was no major conflict and the romance was very mild which I totally enjoyed! I want to read more from this universe! Gosh, John Wiltshire is just so freaking good and I honestly need to visit New Zealand very, very soon!!!!!
May 24, 2016
Well written short novel with enough character development, plot, tension, romance and sex to keep everyone happy
May 23, 2016
The beautiful writing alone is worth more than 5 star. I’m captivated by the themes about trust, friendship, faith in humanity and how nature can impact our appreciation of the universe. You don’t just get to read an HEA of the two intriguing individuals who have become one in their minds and spirits, but also the relationship they have with other people as well as the environment that shapes their perspective on life. Sci-fi or not, this story deserves to be read, explored and enjoyed.
July 30, 2016
Another winner from one of my fav authors!
Loved it!
Loved it!
May 25, 2016
This is a fine example of why I don't usually care much for shorter stories. There're just not enough pages for everything! Like here we have a thought-provoking premises, a romance, a mystery plot, and they'd all be great but for feeling compressed, sketched to fit the size. John Wiltshire is good with tight plots, so for me it mostly romance and the controversy around Minders that suffered. I'd have loved a deeper exploration of the mindreaders problems, from the possible good it might do vs. it being a gross breach of privacy to re-integration of Minders into human society which just can't not be a difficult and controversial process. As for the romance I can buy instant attraction and I've even learned not to cringe (too much) at insta-love but I don't buy insta-trust. It's too simple and rushed and out of character for Cal as we've seen him up to that point and again, knowing John's previous work, I think mostly due to the fact there wasn't enough legnth to get into it to feel satisfactory. So, basically, what we have here is a really great novel-legnth story which I would have loved to read compressed into a novella with solid plot and interesting but underdeveloped themes. I enjoyed it a lot, but can't help thinking how much better it could have been if it was twice or even there times as long!
May 29, 2016
Great scifi read from John Wiltshire. Just enough fiction and not too much science help make this a gripping who-done-it adventure. Sounds a bit crazy what with space travel mixed with mind readers and a character called Zero but as with JW’s other books the quality of the writing brings the characters and the story to life in your mind almost as if Wiltshire is a ‘Sender’ too.. (Read the book and you’ll understand..)
May 5, 2021
2021 Re-Read:
It's been a few years and a couple thousand books, so I remembered nothing from this one, but I sure am glad I revisited it. A gruesome sci-fi murder mystery with a surprisingly sweet romance, with some interesting philosophical musings on the nature of power.
It's been a few years and a couple thousand books, so I remembered nothing from this one, but I sure am glad I revisited it. A gruesome sci-fi murder mystery with a surprisingly sweet romance, with some interesting philosophical musings on the nature of power.
May 8, 2017
This was wonderful. It was quite a romantic and feel good read actually.
August 12, 2016
Well this was different. I was expecting some sort of light, gay, space/fantasy short story by my favourite author, but in fact this book is very much rooted in the real life issues he deals with in all his novels. Yes, it's set on an interplanetary transport ship, but the (accurate as far as I can tell) space parts of the story are never first and foremost. He could have set this in an Arctic base and got a similar result, because it's the claustrophobia of the whole brilliant setting which just works so well. Murder, horrible crimes on a closed-in, dark, trapped environment. And then the final scene
In some ways, thinking about it now, this has strong elements of Aleksey's Kingdom--another small group of people, lies, terrible events and trapped by the environment.
Highly recommended.
In some ways, thinking about it now, this has strong elements of Aleksey's Kingdom--another small group of people, lies, terrible events and trapped by the environment.
Highly recommended.
May 31, 2016
Brilliant! (Can be read as a standalone, although part of a publisher's anthogy)
One thing you can be sure of when you read a John Wiltshire book is that you will get an original story, with absolutely wonderful characters. This is no exception. I loved this book. It was a beautifully written, well crafted story with a lovely romance. Marvelous!
One thing you can be sure of when you read a John Wiltshire book is that you will get an original story, with absolutely wonderful characters. This is no exception. I loved this book. It was a beautifully written, well crafted story with a lovely romance. Marvelous!
July 2, 2016
My only complaint was I was quite confused for a lot of this. I'm not usually a sci fi reader but I'll read anything JW writes. I did love Zero and Cal and lots of their dialogue was witty and funny and sweet and typical JW writing awesomeness. This was a short story so the relationship developed at a pretty quick pace which I'm not used to from him. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
June 5, 2016
Another bit of awesomeness from one of my top favorite authors.
June 28, 2016
3.5 stars
Not enough pages to really develop the characters or the story. Still, it had some supremely redeeming qualities.
Not enough pages to really develop the characters or the story. Still, it had some supremely redeeming qualities.
August 3, 2018
What is this sorcery? Who are you, John Wiltshire, you lovely creature and where have you been all my life?
In the Shadow of This Red Rock was a brilliant, unique and utterly compelling romantic sci-fi mystery (am I even assigning genres correctly here? I don't know. In a little over 100 pages this book just did things for me!)
Wonderful world-building and plausible, flawed characters, Cal and Zero, who surprised me and endeared me to them every step of the way. I loved some of the subtle nods to the big philosophical questions in the dialoque between characters that lended this story depth and authenticity. There were no words wasted here I felt; beautiful, economic prose.
A small drawback. I only wished this story had developed a broader sense of the mystery - perhaps by spreading it over a longer time span? It felt ever so slightly rushed once or twice. Moments I felt I'd simply liked to have known more.
If there's going to be other stories in this world: I'm there with bells on baby.
In the Shadow of This Red Rock was a brilliant, unique and utterly compelling romantic sci-fi mystery (am I even assigning genres correctly here? I don't know. In a little over 100 pages this book just did things for me!)
Wonderful world-building and plausible, flawed characters, Cal and Zero, who surprised me and endeared me to them every step of the way. I loved some of the subtle nods to the big philosophical questions in the dialoque between characters that lended this story depth and authenticity. There were no words wasted here I felt; beautiful, economic prose.
A small drawback. I only wished this story had developed a broader sense of the mystery - perhaps by spreading it over a longer time span? It felt ever so slightly rushed once or twice. Moments I felt I'd simply liked to have known more.
If there's going to be other stories in this world: I'm there with bells on baby.
November 23, 2017
Hmm, I expected something more from John. There wasn't enough action and it felt a little tame. Even the sex. Some things never got cleared up. Why was earth so afraid of the mind readers? There is mention of some war. But why was everything blamed on mind readers? Zero never convinced Cal that the stories about mind readers weren't true. So how would that work between them? Cal goes from being hesitant in his interactions with mind readers to falling in insta-love and not caring about history at all. Oh well...that's why it only gets 3 stars. I'm sure this would have been better if the book was longer. It felt rushed.
January 10, 2020
hmm, i am still looking for something close to the Ben/Nikolas relationship and sadly this didnt have it... still enjoyed it though
January 10, 2022
This was cool. Great and creative sci-fi. Felt a little rushed, but it was part of an anthology, so it makes sense. I'd be interested in more from this world!
June 28, 2016
3.5 stars.
As much as I love John Wiltshire's writing, I tend to judge sci-fi stories more harshly, and this one wasn't all that good. I had more questions about the world-building, the history of the Minders than I got the answers. I also didn't like Cal's stupidity over checking his subordinates first for the signs of the murderer. Grrr.
As to the romance - it was nice. A bit rushed, maybe, but sweet.
As much as I love John Wiltshire's writing, I tend to judge sci-fi stories more harshly, and this one wasn't all that good. I had more questions about the world-building, the history of the Minders than I got the answers. I also didn't like Cal's stupidity over checking his subordinates first for the signs of the murderer. Grrr.
As to the romance - it was nice. A bit rushed, maybe, but sweet.
October 21, 2024
** 4.5 Stars **
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews