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Ida Stone and Sam Fujimoto Mystery #1
Pure Death
An Impure world, a perfect murder... A murdered society debutante, her body sprinkled with 89 Costa Rican butterflies. A headless, gutted corpse washed up on shore with a beautiful, dead teenager. The case is anything but straightforward, and in an uncertain future, where resources are limited and the genetically defective are banished to a ghetto territory for Impures, Chief Detective Ina Stone and her partner, rookie detective Sam Fujimoto, must cross into Pure Territory to find a killer. An Impure herself, Ina must overcome her defect. And when her life is threatened, she must learn to rely on Sam, whose interest in her seems more than just professional. Yet the Pures may have created a world in which even they don't want to live anymore. Resources have become too scarce to hide, and a black market for medicine comes to light. When a third murder is discovered, Ina and Sam know there's a connection. With too many suspects and not enough time, they must find that connection before the killer strikes again.
226 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2014
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 18, 2015
This was such a phenomanal book because in addition to a conventional (of sorts) mystery there was a dystopian/social element to the story. Set in the time after "the War" the setting is divided between the Pures and Impures - those of perfect genetics and those not. The distinction is chilling as it could act as any arbitrary social barrier that exists in the world. The analogy goes further as the Impures are allowed into Pure territory to do the jobs deemed too menial or below of Pure extraction including solving murders. The mystery elements hook the reader from the first page and never let up. There are twists, turns, and false leads. No spoilers from this reviewer! In the hands of a lesser writer the Pure/Impure aspect could easily devolve into preaching or sanctimony. Not here. Just great food for thought and I was left wanting more - the best indicator of a great book!
January 12, 2015
There is nothing like a good mystery for me. This book has an added dimension of being set in a not-too-distant future in which genetic purity is valued apparently above all else. The setting could be anywhere, but a few clues indicate a specific area of the US. The characters are engaging and the mystery has enough red herrings to keep you guessing, along with some surprises I didn't see coming, to keep you engaged. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
September 27, 2015
You can find a longer review on my blog: Raquel Gabrielle's Blog
Definitely brought home what our world could have been like if somethings in history went a bit differently and what could still happen if we let it. This novel has a powerful and deep message about why we should treat everyone equal.
Definitely brought home what our world could have been like if somethings in history went a bit differently and what could still happen if we let it. This novel has a powerful and deep message about why we should treat everyone equal.
May 6, 2015
(I received this book free in exchange for an honest review, as part of this book's blog tour. It received a 4.5 on my blog.)
The most successful dystopian settings are the ones that don’t feel that far off; are the ones that feel like if the world was tweaked just so, we could possibly end up there. I don’t know that this book necessarily categorized as “dystopian,” but it definitely had that feel to it and it achieved what the most successful ones do. The star of this story was definitely the world building.
Our author penned a setting where humanity is trying to survive by sectioning the “pure” (who aren’t sick/have no genetic flaws) from the “impure.” And with the way people segment themselves in ‘real life,’ it doesn’t feel far off a possibility.
Yet even as they try to breed out the impure, the pure world only exists on their backs because they do what the pures do not: like be “real” cops, such as Ina and Sam.
If the worldbuilding was the star, Ina and Sam were a close second, if not a tie. I definitely liked both characters a great deal and enjoyed Ina as a narrator. She had enough of the Tough Chick thing I like so much going on, and Sam was also great–although did feel a bit backseat to Ina. Then again, that kinda happens to all characters in First Person narratives. Occupational hazard for the other characters.
Interestingly enough, for a mystery story, the mystery felt like it took last billing. The world and characters were so strong in their shine that while the mystery was interesting, it kind of drifted into the background. That might have also been because the story did, at points, feel kind of rushed; a bit too much, too fast. That’s perhaps my only complaint, however.
I also liked the epilogue a lot. (I couldn’t help it.)
So, it was an interesting and enjoyable story with a great world set up and characters that draw you in. The pace was otherwise generally good, and maintained its suspense. And since this book has a subtitle, I feel safe assuming there will be more stories featuring Ina and Sam, which I look forward to. 4.5 Fireballs.
The most successful dystopian settings are the ones that don’t feel that far off; are the ones that feel like if the world was tweaked just so, we could possibly end up there. I don’t know that this book necessarily categorized as “dystopian,” but it definitely had that feel to it and it achieved what the most successful ones do. The star of this story was definitely the world building.
Our author penned a setting where humanity is trying to survive by sectioning the “pure” (who aren’t sick/have no genetic flaws) from the “impure.” And with the way people segment themselves in ‘real life,’ it doesn’t feel far off a possibility.
Yet even as they try to breed out the impure, the pure world only exists on their backs because they do what the pures do not: like be “real” cops, such as Ina and Sam.
If the worldbuilding was the star, Ina and Sam were a close second, if not a tie. I definitely liked both characters a great deal and enjoyed Ina as a narrator. She had enough of the Tough Chick thing I like so much going on, and Sam was also great–although did feel a bit backseat to Ina. Then again, that kinda happens to all characters in First Person narratives. Occupational hazard for the other characters.
Interestingly enough, for a mystery story, the mystery felt like it took last billing. The world and characters were so strong in their shine that while the mystery was interesting, it kind of drifted into the background. That might have also been because the story did, at points, feel kind of rushed; a bit too much, too fast. That’s perhaps my only complaint, however.
I also liked the epilogue a lot. (I couldn’t help it.)
So, it was an interesting and enjoyable story with a great world set up and characters that draw you in. The pace was otherwise generally good, and maintained its suspense. And since this book has a subtitle, I feel safe assuming there will be more stories featuring Ina and Sam, which I look forward to. 4.5 Fireballs.
January 15, 2015
The Pure have segregated themselves, but people are people and no matter how innocent their perfect population is, human nature wins out. They still need the Impures, especially once Pures start dying.
Ina Stone is a strong woman who knows how to hide her defect, the birth defect that tore her from the Pure world forever. Now she only gets to glimpse the beauty and smell the fresh air when she crosses into Pure territory to solve crimes. And the one that she takes her new partner, Sam, along to is bigger than it first appears.
Penn’s dystopian world is well written and filled with clever characters. The dark, dirty side the Impures are forced to live in is such a stark contrast to the fresh, clean land of the Pures. It is heartening to see a few characters who see past the deformities and defects to the real people behind them. For each forward thinker, there are more who will exploit the situation for money. The mystery portion of the book is great and seems to stretch farther than we are shown in book one. The Yakuza are a big player in the puzzle and Penn only lets her characters talk about them, these shadows are intriguing and will hopefully be all over book two!
A fun read with only a couple parts that make you wonder why the MC is surprised when the information had been learned in previous chapters. This debut author has talent and I can’t wait to see what comes with book two!
Alternate review posted at Reading Between the Wines book club:
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Ina Stone is a strong woman who knows how to hide her defect, the birth defect that tore her from the Pure world forever. Now she only gets to glimpse the beauty and smell the fresh air when she crosses into Pure territory to solve crimes. And the one that she takes her new partner, Sam, along to is bigger than it first appears.
Penn’s dystopian world is well written and filled with clever characters. The dark, dirty side the Impures are forced to live in is such a stark contrast to the fresh, clean land of the Pures. It is heartening to see a few characters who see past the deformities and defects to the real people behind them. For each forward thinker, there are more who will exploit the situation for money. The mystery portion of the book is great and seems to stretch farther than we are shown in book one. The Yakuza are a big player in the puzzle and Penn only lets her characters talk about them, these shadows are intriguing and will hopefully be all over book two!
A fun read with only a couple parts that make you wonder why the MC is surprised when the information had been learned in previous chapters. This debut author has talent and I can’t wait to see what comes with book two!
Alternate review posted at Reading Between the Wines book club:
http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
January 2, 2015
I have to state from the start that I was sent an early copy of this book and it's written by a university friend. I also have to state that I don't read a great deal of crime fiction. However I could be converted. This was a fast paced story that didn't give a chance to breath before the next event hit. Leanly written providing maximum impact with brilliant characterization. Liam Penn is a writer to be watched if this debut is anything to go by...bravo.
June 9, 2015
I loved this book!It is set in a time when people are divided into Pure and IP (impure). I could not put it down and really hope to read about the main characters, IP police officers Ina Stone and Sam Fujimoto, again real soon.
April 16, 2015
Exciting Read
This book is a page turner indeed. Interesting characters and twisting mystery plot. Great ending leaves the reader ready for more from this author.
This book is a page turner indeed. Interesting characters and twisting mystery plot. Great ending leaves the reader ready for more from this author.
November 16, 2015
Well, I wasn't expecting to like this one as much as I did. It's so cool and unique, because it should be labeled as a mystery dystopian book. Yeah I know that's complicated but it's what's so awesome. So, there was a big "war" and now, after, there's the Pure and the Impure. This all comes down to genetics, and the distinctions. And it's like a prejudice of race or anything that stupid, but now it's genetics. And wow, is it serious and creepy and all out scary to think about. And basically the Pures use the Impures to do jobs that they wouldn't dream of touching, no dirty hands- this includes murder solving.
Let me say that this book will hook you from page one. They mystery started immediately and then of course the dystopian element was added. And I can't spoil things but you will NEVER predict this one, I was a little mind blown! I kept thinking it was one thing, and then the author would twist something or give a false lead and it was crazy good. And I of course loved the world building. I happen to be the biggest fan of a supernatural book (dystopian here) with a lot of mystery. Man, this one is perfect for my alley of books!!
Ina is strong, brave, smart, and she can hide her secrets well- in this case, a birth defect that keeps her out of the Pures world. She is constantly reminded of what she can no longer have when she goes into their territory to solve murders for them. And so with that, she has a new partner-Sam- and they must figure out why Pures are dying.
The writing is fantastic! The characters are excellently developed and written. And of course I've already gushed about how much I liked the world building and genre mixing. Especially with how drastic the two sides are, the horrible dirtiness of the Impures and the fresh air, clean Pure side. And of course, I love the message that a person's character, not appearance or genes, should be judged. And there's enough intrigue and hints to make you salivate for book two. Or at least I am. And this being the author's debut has me really impressed. I am jumping straight into book two!! 5 PAWS!!!
Let me say that this book will hook you from page one. They mystery started immediately and then of course the dystopian element was added. And I can't spoil things but you will NEVER predict this one, I was a little mind blown! I kept thinking it was one thing, and then the author would twist something or give a false lead and it was crazy good. And I of course loved the world building. I happen to be the biggest fan of a supernatural book (dystopian here) with a lot of mystery. Man, this one is perfect for my alley of books!!
Ina is strong, brave, smart, and she can hide her secrets well- in this case, a birth defect that keeps her out of the Pures world. She is constantly reminded of what she can no longer have when she goes into their territory to solve murders for them. And so with that, she has a new partner-Sam- and they must figure out why Pures are dying.
The writing is fantastic! The characters are excellently developed and written. And of course I've already gushed about how much I liked the world building and genre mixing. Especially with how drastic the two sides are, the horrible dirtiness of the Impures and the fresh air, clean Pure side. And of course, I love the message that a person's character, not appearance or genes, should be judged. And there's enough intrigue and hints to make you salivate for book two. Or at least I am. And this being the author's debut has me really impressed. I am jumping straight into book two!! 5 PAWS!!!
July 24, 2015
This novel won the 2015 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Liam Penn's alternate reality story of eugenics is a haunting science-fiction tale well told. In an effort to create a perfect world humans have been divided into two groups--the genetically superior (Pures) and those judged inferior (Impures). The sociological implications play out brilliantly as the Pures struggle to maintain their natural impulses (lust, envy, greed, and so on). The Impures face limited lifespans, terrible living conditions, segregation, and moral outrage.
May 27, 2016
I connected with the lead character--Ida Stone--immediately; she's very engaging, treading a fine line between vulnerability and toughness, genuinely likable. The world Penn creates is vivid and believable and heart wrenching. It's not a complicated mystery and moves quickly, but I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews