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Carrie Hatchett, Space Adventurer #1
Mission Improbable
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
Carrie Hatchett’s been a dog walker, ice cream seller and birthdaygram girl—the clean kind. All she wants is a proper job. But Transgalactic Intercultural Community Crisis Liaison Officer isn’t what she had in mind. And neither is saving the galaxy.
Carrie's a low-achieving daydreamer. After providing a good home for her butt-ugly dog and crazy cat, her biggest challenge in life is to avoid being fired, again.
But a strange green mist sucks her beneath her kitchen sink, and an unusual clerical error leads to an offer she foolishly doesn’t refuse.
In settling a conflict between the mechanical placktoids and the mysterious oootoon, Carrie reveals a threat to the entire galactic empire.
Carrie Hatchett’s been a dog walker, ice cream seller and birthdaygram girl—the clean kind. All she wants is a proper job. But Transgalactic Intercultural Community Crisis Liaison Officer isn’t what she had in mind. And neither is saving the galaxy.
Carrie's a low-achieving daydreamer. After providing a good home for her butt-ugly dog and crazy cat, her biggest challenge in life is to avoid being fired, again.
But a strange green mist sucks her beneath her kitchen sink, and an unusual clerical error leads to an offer she foolishly doesn’t refuse.
In settling a conflict between the mechanical placktoids and the mysterious oootoon, Carrie reveals a threat to the entire galactic empire.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
272 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Green
105 books392 followersJ.J. Green is a British-Australian science fiction author with a lifelong love of distant landscapes, intriguing cultures and fascinating places. She was born within the sound of the bells of Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London, making her a bona fide Cockney, and she lived in Australia, Laos and Taiwan before returning to the UK to settle down in Cambridge.
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 14, 2016
The Galaxy is in trouble and so is Carrie Hatchett. Only difference is that the Galaxy can’t make things worse for Carrie…
Carrie has moved into a new house with her ugly (very ugly) dog and crazy (very crazy) cat. She manages to get a job she’s not qualified for and promised herself to keep THIS one so she can pay for rent. And food. And other luxuries.
A glowing green mist under her sink has other plans; a clerical snafu, some incompetent alternate dimensions and a gorgeous handbag sees Carrie and her Unattainable (very unattainable) beau sort of take responsibility for resolving a conflict between the placktoids and the oootoon, which is a (very) big deal.
Carrie is flakey and a lot of fun, but “Mission Improbable’s” real strength lies in the support cast which takes some usual characters (Harried, Gorgeous, Competent) and gives each a twist which makes them both funny and unique.
And while the plot races along, humour keeping the reader thoroughly entertained, J. J. Green hides beautiful little hilarities in the dialogue and in Carrie’s situations. So this is a book which needs to be savoured rather than guzzled, a book which rewards the reader’s patience with even more than the apparent hilarious romp that “Mission Improbable” seems to be.
Carrie has moved into a new house with her ugly (very ugly) dog and crazy (very crazy) cat. She manages to get a job she’s not qualified for and promised herself to keep THIS one so she can pay for rent. And food. And other luxuries.
A glowing green mist under her sink has other plans; a clerical snafu, some incompetent alternate dimensions and a gorgeous handbag sees Carrie and her Unattainable (very unattainable) beau sort of take responsibility for resolving a conflict between the placktoids and the oootoon, which is a (very) big deal.
Carrie is flakey and a lot of fun, but “Mission Improbable’s” real strength lies in the support cast which takes some usual characters (Harried, Gorgeous, Competent) and gives each a twist which makes them both funny and unique.
And while the plot races along, humour keeping the reader thoroughly entertained, J. J. Green hides beautiful little hilarities in the dialogue and in Carrie’s situations. So this is a book which needs to be savoured rather than guzzled, a book which rewards the reader’s patience with even more than the apparent hilarious romp that “Mission Improbable” seems to be.
January 4, 2016
Carrie Hatchett is a fun main character. She runs a ad in a dating site that reads like a ad to work for the Transgalactic Council. She is one of those people who just seem to drift through life. When she get sent on a real life mission to solve the problem between two very different species all kind of things happen.
In spite of her lack of background she manages to see things that the other characters do not. It is fun to watch what seems to be done wrong turn out to be just what is needed. In this adventure she has three very different supporting characters who she plays off of very well.
Mission Improbable is just that. Carrie should never succeed. This is a short easy to read story that is filled with improbable circumstances. In the end all works out and Carrie is left wondering if she wants to take another mission. Of course we know she will as this is adventure #1 for her.
I am looking forward to her next mission and how she manages to turn to tables and see what others do not.
In spite of her lack of background she manages to see things that the other characters do not. It is fun to watch what seems to be done wrong turn out to be just what is needed. In this adventure she has three very different supporting characters who she plays off of very well.
Mission Improbable is just that. Carrie should never succeed. This is a short easy to read story that is filled with improbable circumstances. In the end all works out and Carrie is left wondering if she wants to take another mission. Of course we know she will as this is adventure #1 for her.
I am looking forward to her next mission and how she manages to turn to tables and see what others do not.
July 18, 2016
I downloaded a free copy of this book for a review. The following is my honest opinion on this book:
When a glowing green mist appears under the kitchen sink of Carrie Hatchett's new flat and sucks her into a place unknown she does what everyone else would do. Accepts the job she is offered to be a Transgalactic Intercultural Community Crisis Liason Officer, after all the job comes with a stylish handbag and it's all part of a dream right?
I really love this book. It's so silly that it had me laughing from the first chapter. The story follows Carrie Hatchett a young woman who's never had much success with keeping a job and has accidently accepted a new position which she is completely unqualified for. It takes her to strange places with very different and silly alien creatures. I don't want to spoil the plot for those that plan to read this book but silly is the best word to describe the majority of what happens. The alien creatures encountered are so original that I doubt anyone could imagine beforehand what they would be.
The story is focused on the adventure of what happens and isn't a deep story that delves into characters too much. This didn't bother me at all as this was listed as a light-hearted read and I have to say that I was very compelled to read on. In fact I completed the entire book in just one day! The novel is very well written and even the daft chapter titles intrigue you to read on. The ending was a satisfying one and doesn't finish with the need to read more adventures but this is the first in a series and I am keen to read more.
The digital kindle copy I received has a free chapter of the next book which is sneaky but hooks me into wanting to read it. There is nothing offensive in this book, and I would say it can be read by teens and some older kids might enjoy the silliness of this book too.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a daft sense of humour who's looking for a light-hearted read. It's not a deep book with a lot of character development, but if you are looking for a bit of silliness with a science fiction twist to brighten up your day then this is the book to read.
When a glowing green mist appears under the kitchen sink of Carrie Hatchett's new flat and sucks her into a place unknown she does what everyone else would do. Accepts the job she is offered to be a Transgalactic Intercultural Community Crisis Liason Officer, after all the job comes with a stylish handbag and it's all part of a dream right?
I really love this book. It's so silly that it had me laughing from the first chapter. The story follows Carrie Hatchett a young woman who's never had much success with keeping a job and has accidently accepted a new position which she is completely unqualified for. It takes her to strange places with very different and silly alien creatures. I don't want to spoil the plot for those that plan to read this book but silly is the best word to describe the majority of what happens. The alien creatures encountered are so original that I doubt anyone could imagine beforehand what they would be.
The story is focused on the adventure of what happens and isn't a deep story that delves into characters too much. This didn't bother me at all as this was listed as a light-hearted read and I have to say that I was very compelled to read on. In fact I completed the entire book in just one day! The novel is very well written and even the daft chapter titles intrigue you to read on. The ending was a satisfying one and doesn't finish with the need to read more adventures but this is the first in a series and I am keen to read more.
The digital kindle copy I received has a free chapter of the next book which is sneaky but hooks me into wanting to read it. There is nothing offensive in this book, and I would say it can be read by teens and some older kids might enjoy the silliness of this book too.
I'd recommend this book to anyone with a daft sense of humour who's looking for a light-hearted read. It's not a deep book with a lot of character development, but if you are looking for a bit of silliness with a science fiction twist to brighten up your day then this is the book to read.
June 9, 2022
This was such a funny story. Through a series of misunderstandings Carrie somehow gets hired as an intergalactic peacekeeper and gets sucked into the cupboard under her sink by a green gas. A work mate who was visiting gets sucked in as well. The two have to forge peace between two alien species - one look like stationary items (paper clips) the other group looks (and tastes) like custard. I laughed nearly all the way through it. Carrie’s main problem was that she just didn’t listen - but in the end it was listening that solved the problem.
July 26, 2020
All I have to say is that I'm glad I got this book for free
December 10, 2025
What a spectacular romp. Great twists and turns.
WOW loved this one so much I got the whole series. You should try it, will make you finish the story wanting more!!
WOW loved this one so much I got the whole series. You should try it, will make you finish the story wanting more!!
July 20, 2016
As a big humorous fantasy/sci-fi fan I had to give this one a go. I think I may not have been in the mood for this book to begin with. I felt that Carrie was the most annoying, thoughtless, irritating woman and I wanted to give her a sharp rap over the head and tell her to belt up. Then something happened to the cupboard under her sink and suddenly, things began to look up, and Carrie got interesting enough for me to forgive her.
This is a pretty straightforward book, in many ways. Less half tones and subtlety than blocks of primary colours. However, in this case it isn’t a bad thing. Carrie is really quite dim to start with, but she has a good heart and you can’t help rooting for her eventually once the author’s imagination kicks in. Because what really lifts this book is the wonderful originality of thought in it. The oootoon were inspired, I liked Gavin, I particularly liked that Gavin was called Gavin, and the placktoids are a stroke of genius. This book is a piece of light fluff, total whimsy but it’s none the worse for that. You’re looking at a reviewer, here, who has written a book about lobster-shaped aliens who are covered in marmite (vegemite if you’re Australian) scented goo. Let’s just say there were aspects of this book, and I, which were pretty much made for one another.
It was a quick read, the action clipped along at a good pace and once it got going I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and zipped through it in an afternoon. I also got to like Carrie by the end.
OK, so this is a book of it’s type, and in this case, it’s madcap space comedy. It’s not deep. It’s not designed to be deep, because what it is, and what it’s designed to be, is FUN. That said there is a pretty solid and commendable message about not judging by appearances, listening to both sides, thinking and evaluating before jumping to conclusions.
For me, the greatest test of a book is whether or not you think about it after you’ve read it and if you do, how long for. I found that I was chuckling about some of the creatures and ideas in this book for some time. In fact I still am, as I write because the more I think about them the more delightfully off the wall they seem. So although to start with, I was thinking, hmm… not sure, as time goes by, I am looking back on the reading experience more and more fondly.
So did I like it? Yeh. Another four stars. I will definitely be buying other books in this series. It’s not deep, but it is what it is, and I enjoyed it. Recommended.
This is a pretty straightforward book, in many ways. Less half tones and subtlety than blocks of primary colours. However, in this case it isn’t a bad thing. Carrie is really quite dim to start with, but she has a good heart and you can’t help rooting for her eventually once the author’s imagination kicks in. Because what really lifts this book is the wonderful originality of thought in it. The oootoon were inspired, I liked Gavin, I particularly liked that Gavin was called Gavin, and the placktoids are a stroke of genius. This book is a piece of light fluff, total whimsy but it’s none the worse for that. You’re looking at a reviewer, here, who has written a book about lobster-shaped aliens who are covered in marmite (vegemite if you’re Australian) scented goo. Let’s just say there were aspects of this book, and I, which were pretty much made for one another.
It was a quick read, the action clipped along at a good pace and once it got going I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and zipped through it in an afternoon. I also got to like Carrie by the end.
OK, so this is a book of it’s type, and in this case, it’s madcap space comedy. It’s not deep. It’s not designed to be deep, because what it is, and what it’s designed to be, is FUN. That said there is a pretty solid and commendable message about not judging by appearances, listening to both sides, thinking and evaluating before jumping to conclusions.
For me, the greatest test of a book is whether or not you think about it after you’ve read it and if you do, how long for. I found that I was chuckling about some of the creatures and ideas in this book for some time. In fact I still am, as I write because the more I think about them the more delightfully off the wall they seem. So although to start with, I was thinking, hmm… not sure, as time goes by, I am looking back on the reading experience more and more fondly.
So did I like it? Yeh. Another four stars. I will definitely be buying other books in this series. It’s not deep, but it is what it is, and I enjoyed it. Recommended.
August 17, 2017
Did not like this book at all. The protagonist never listens to anyone and constantly jumps to conclusions without having all the facts. Despite this, she is somehow always proven right and most of the other characters like her despite the fact that she sexually harasses one of them pretty much immediately after meeting him and almost gets everyone killed on multiple occasions. The one character who doesn't like her is a more competent professional at the conflict zone mediator job who is portrayed as unreasonable and petulant for no reason. For some reason Carrie receives no training for either of her jobs (the call centre or the conflict zone mediator) aside from manuals she doesn't read. The setting is kind of fun and I really liked poor old Gavin, but I wouldn't read another book in this series.
January 11, 2016
Carrie Hatchett is a ditzy daydreamer, whose main goal in life is not to get fired, again. She somehow ends up with a job as the Transgalactic Intercultural Community as a Crisis Liaison Officer and is task with settling a conflict between the mechanical placktoids and the mysterious oootoon.
With scenes that are well crafted and descriptive this promises to be the start of a great new series A fun, fast, laugh-out-loud book with quirky characters that you will fall in love with. I enjoyed every page.
With scenes that are well crafted and descriptive this promises to be the start of a great new series A fun, fast, laugh-out-loud book with quirky characters that you will fall in love with. I enjoyed every page.
April 9, 2019
Overall this was a light hearted fun read. You can totally tell the writer is into stuff like the hitchhiker's guide, they emulate the absurdity. Absurdity is the best way to describe this. Just crazy stuff happens and the characters take it in stride I liked the characters I'm supposed to like and disliked the ones I'm supposed to dislike. I have to say the alien life they imagined is totally original and was fun to read.
May 15, 2016
LOVED IT!!
What a great story!! so entertaining and incredibly creative!! I have never read a story like this, I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
a definite must read!!!
What a great story!! so entertaining and incredibly creative!! I have never read a story like this, I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
a definite must read!!!
January 16, 2018
So funny! I wasn't really sure what to expect from "Mission Improbable" but it managed to surprise and delight me despite being quite different from my usual reads. It's earned a place on my (physical) bookshelf.
Following Carrie as she is recruited as a "Space Detective" (Carrie's choice of job title rather than the official one), the book takes the reader to an unnamed planet home to some of the most peculiar aliens you could ever encounter. The author's imagination has certainly run wild with this one and it's great fun.
Okay, so it's not serious science fiction and probably won't appeal to people looking for the 'heavy on science' or anything that could remotely be a real possibility of what's 'out there'. However, science fiction doesn't have to be serious all the time and "Mission Improbable" proves that there's room in the genre for something more lighthearted. Think "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" but with a female protagonist (and her gay friend).
Carrie's first mission starts so disastrously that she's the definition of inept. However, there's something about Carrie that can turn it around - her ability to communicate and to empathise. These are obviously useful skills for a liaison officer (or space detective) and she gets the opportunity to prove herself and mark a victory for all women who wish emotional competence would get them a promotion!
There are elements of danger and suspense but it's all so lighthearted that there're none of the tough, harrowing emotions. It's just a fantastically fun and wacky read that can probably be finished in one sitting (I did it in 3 local bus rides). It isn't taxing, doesn't make you think too hard, and just zooms along at a great pace whilst ensuring the maintenance of a huge smile and resulting in plenty of out loud laughter. I'm looking forward to reading more of Carrie's adventures.
Following Carrie as she is recruited as a "Space Detective" (Carrie's choice of job title rather than the official one), the book takes the reader to an unnamed planet home to some of the most peculiar aliens you could ever encounter. The author's imagination has certainly run wild with this one and it's great fun.
Okay, so it's not serious science fiction and probably won't appeal to people looking for the 'heavy on science' or anything that could remotely be a real possibility of what's 'out there'. However, science fiction doesn't have to be serious all the time and "Mission Improbable" proves that there's room in the genre for something more lighthearted. Think "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" but with a female protagonist (and her gay friend).
Carrie's first mission starts so disastrously that she's the definition of inept. However, there's something about Carrie that can turn it around - her ability to communicate and to empathise. These are obviously useful skills for a liaison officer (or space detective) and she gets the opportunity to prove herself and mark a victory for all women who wish emotional competence would get them a promotion!
There are elements of danger and suspense but it's all so lighthearted that there're none of the tough, harrowing emotions. It's just a fantastically fun and wacky read that can probably be finished in one sitting (I did it in 3 local bus rides). It isn't taxing, doesn't make you think too hard, and just zooms along at a great pace whilst ensuring the maintenance of a huge smile and resulting in plenty of out loud laughter. I'm looking forward to reading more of Carrie's adventures.
December 17, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Mission Improbable is truly improbable. When a young incompetent girl takes a job as a supervisor with no experience of the actual job, you know there is going to be trouble. When this same young woman takes on another job as an intergalactic liaison officer, the improbability of success is even more improbable. But that’s what happens. Carrie has problems with holding jobs, keeping relationships and concentrating on what is before her. During her interview for the intergalactic liaison officer, she was distracted by the beautiful handbag that contained her working tools. She was so distracted by the bag that she really didn’t listen to the job requirements and had no idea what she had signed up for.
When she and a friend were drawn into a portal to another world, she was at a complete loss with no idea what to do. Bumbling through her assignment she almost was executed as an enemy of the placktoids and when released to continue her assignment, she found herself captured and held against her will by the ootoon. Carrie Hatchett had been sent to settle a war between the two factions and within hours had really messed up. When a replacement is sent to finish the job, Carrie has finally realized the seriousness of the situation and knows there is more to this than meets the eye.
Leading up to Carrie’s awakening has been a hilarious succession of errors, miscues and misunderstandings. The ridiculous situations add a humor to the story that would otherwise leave the reader in a state of shock and disbelief. What makes it readable and fun is the absurdity of the situations and the characters involved. Have you ever been afraid of a shredder? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more of Carrie Hatchett’s adventures.
Mission Improbable is truly improbable. When a young incompetent girl takes a job as a supervisor with no experience of the actual job, you know there is going to be trouble. When this same young woman takes on another job as an intergalactic liaison officer, the improbability of success is even more improbable. But that’s what happens. Carrie has problems with holding jobs, keeping relationships and concentrating on what is before her. During her interview for the intergalactic liaison officer, she was distracted by the beautiful handbag that contained her working tools. She was so distracted by the bag that she really didn’t listen to the job requirements and had no idea what she had signed up for.
When she and a friend were drawn into a portal to another world, she was at a complete loss with no idea what to do. Bumbling through her assignment she almost was executed as an enemy of the placktoids and when released to continue her assignment, she found herself captured and held against her will by the ootoon. Carrie Hatchett had been sent to settle a war between the two factions and within hours had really messed up. When a replacement is sent to finish the job, Carrie has finally realized the seriousness of the situation and knows there is more to this than meets the eye.
Leading up to Carrie’s awakening has been a hilarious succession of errors, miscues and misunderstandings. The ridiculous situations add a humor to the story that would otherwise leave the reader in a state of shock and disbelief. What makes it readable and fun is the absurdity of the situations and the characters involved. Have you ever been afraid of a shredder? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more of Carrie Hatchett’s adventures.
February 15, 2021
Sometimes I hate short books, because I force myself to finish them even if they're horrible, telling myself it's not like it will steal too much of my time. And while I read this in about an hour, that was still way more time than I would have liked to spend with this story, especially since I was so uninvested that that hour felt like an eternity.
This is supposed to be one of those funny and out there SciFi stories that don't take themselves too serious, but it wasn't funny at all. I was bored out of my mind and the writing made me feel extremely distant to the story. I hated the main character, I thought she was super bland, and even the aliens somehow ended up being boring, despite the fact that I usually love everything that has to do with aliens.
Maybe I would have liked it a little bit more had it been the first one of this type of SciFi that I read, but having read a few others that did what this book was trying to do a lot better, I didn't find anything about it at all enjoyable.
This is supposed to be one of those funny and out there SciFi stories that don't take themselves too serious, but it wasn't funny at all. I was bored out of my mind and the writing made me feel extremely distant to the story. I hated the main character, I thought she was super bland, and even the aliens somehow ended up being boring, despite the fact that I usually love everything that has to do with aliens.
Maybe I would have liked it a little bit more had it been the first one of this type of SciFi that I read, but having read a few others that did what this book was trying to do a lot better, I didn't find anything about it at all enjoyable.
January 10, 2025
Carrie is one of those people who doesn't just climb out of manure smelling like roses, she gets awards and accolades for it. She is completely air-headed and inattentive with absolutely no regard for the future. Completely oblivious to the realities around her, seeing everything through her fantasy daydreams. But somehow there is an earnest authenticity to her that makes its way through and redeems her character.
This is absurdist sci-fi comedy that does not pretend to be anything else. The two main groups in conflict are office supplies and a custard ocean. That said, there is actually a really good, well thought out story complete with clever foreshadowing, buildups, and foils mixed into all the silliness. In some ways it reminded me of Harry Harrison's Bill the Galactic Hero. But I have to admit that by the end, I did like Carrie, her reluctant partner and her inadvertent alien boss a bit more than Bill.
First book in the Carrie Hatchett series, this book wraps up Carrie's first assignment and teases at more to come. Can be read as a standalone.
This is absurdist sci-fi comedy that does not pretend to be anything else. The two main groups in conflict are office supplies and a custard ocean. That said, there is actually a really good, well thought out story complete with clever foreshadowing, buildups, and foils mixed into all the silliness. In some ways it reminded me of Harry Harrison's Bill the Galactic Hero. But I have to admit that by the end, I did like Carrie, her reluctant partner and her inadvertent alien boss a bit more than Bill.
First book in the Carrie Hatchett series, this book wraps up Carrie's first assignment and teases at more to come. Can be read as a standalone.
July 15, 2017
GENE pool, oogles, transgalactic transporters and rotten team-mates, not to mention a large population of god and opportunistic space aliensa dog and - and two new jobs absoliuytely no qualifications for and what do you end up with? A certain Mz Carrie Hatchett.
Have you ever interviewed for several positions yet never seemed to fit in completely? Then out off the blue seems like the perfect position you've been looking for - and the interviewer neglects the you'd being spring with BEMS resolving diplomatic crisis. Personally, i groups have trouble
Carrie not only carries the day over an experienced field agent and resolves the issues able keeping her aplomb as well as those around her.
This st_ry
Yes, there is super science which moves the story forwardward but it are the interactiofns between the various races in thee galaxy that promise much enjoyment!
The pacing is tight and politically astute
Have you ever interviewed for several positions yet never seemed to fit in completely? Then out off the blue seems like the perfect position you've been looking for - and the interviewer neglects the you'd being spring with BEMS resolving diplomatic crisis. Personally, i groups have trouble
Carrie not only carries the day over an experienced field agent and resolves the issues able keeping her aplomb as well as those around her.
This st_ry
Yes, there is super science which moves the story forwardward but it are the interactiofns between the various races in thee galaxy that promise much enjoyment!
The pacing is tight and politically astute
November 22, 2021
Mission Improbable (Book 1) — Zoe Reed (Prologue + 29 titled chapters) November 20-21, 2021
I skipped my 2018 To-Reads to read this one, the only book I (currently) have listed in my 2019 To-Reads. It felt like it might be a short read and different from several of the other books I have been reading lately. Perhaps a book that doesn’t take itself so seriously.
Well, this book was pretty darn decent and I’m glad I read it when I did.
Carrie is trying to turn her life around from dead-end jobs when she lands as a supervisor of a call center. She inadvertently invites a cute guy from her new job and together they get whisked off into a space adventure. They start iff not fond of each other but end up depending on each other.
This is a great, fun story. Note that it is written by a European writer using British English spelling.
Three stars.
I skipped my 2018 To-Reads to read this one, the only book I (currently) have listed in my 2019 To-Reads. It felt like it might be a short read and different from several of the other books I have been reading lately. Perhaps a book that doesn’t take itself so seriously.
Well, this book was pretty darn decent and I’m glad I read it when I did.
Carrie is trying to turn her life around from dead-end jobs when she lands as a supervisor of a call center. She inadvertently invites a cute guy from her new job and together they get whisked off into a space adventure. They start iff not fond of each other but end up depending on each other.
This is a great, fun story. Note that it is written by a European writer using British English spelling.
Three stars.
April 9, 2019
A fun story guaranteed to make you smile!
I stumbled across book one of this too-short series while wandering aimlessly through Amazon. I allowed it to languish in my Kindle library for far too long.
One day, quite recently, I was between books, and searched for something light hearted on my tablet. The cover art and title caught my eye, and I began to read. The next thing I knew I was purchasing books 2-5 and giggling. I'm a former fighter pilot. I don't giggle.
Except apparently I do. Carrie has the stupefying ability to make me giggle as I continue turning pages.
Jenny is a hell of a writer, and I'm looking forward to reading everything of hers I can find- you'd be a fool not to do the same thing.
Don't be a fool.
I stumbled across book one of this too-short series while wandering aimlessly through Amazon. I allowed it to languish in my Kindle library for far too long.
One day, quite recently, I was between books, and searched for something light hearted on my tablet. The cover art and title caught my eye, and I began to read. The next thing I knew I was purchasing books 2-5 and giggling. I'm a former fighter pilot. I don't giggle.
Except apparently I do. Carrie has the stupefying ability to make me giggle as I continue turning pages.
Jenny is a hell of a writer, and I'm looking forward to reading everything of hers I can find- you'd be a fool not to do the same thing.
Don't be a fool.
May 8, 2021
Carrie Hatchett, just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life. Until she moves house and gets a new job.
She meets Dave at the call centre and thinks he’s hot, but as always nothing goes quite to plan as Carrie is not one to listen to all that is said to her.
There’s something odd about the kitchen in her new flat but Carrie can’t quite figure out what until… Well I’m not going to spoil it for you.
If you like a light hearted look at life and some science fiction with space travel thrown in then you’ll love these adventures of Carrie in the Space Adventurer series.
This is book 1 of the series so a good place to start.
She meets Dave at the call centre and thinks he’s hot, but as always nothing goes quite to plan as Carrie is not one to listen to all that is said to her.
There’s something odd about the kitchen in her new flat but Carrie can’t quite figure out what until… Well I’m not going to spoil it for you.
If you like a light hearted look at life and some science fiction with space travel thrown in then you’ll love these adventures of Carrie in the Space Adventurer series.
This is book 1 of the series so a good place to start.
November 20, 2018
When my giggling fits are enough to disturb my stepbrother's enjoyment of "his" NFL games - well - my work here is done. This was hilarious; office stationery vs. custard? Takes all kinds to build a galaxy I guess. I read this in one sitting and am really looking forward to the rest of the series. Carrie & Dave play well off each other and the bumbling way they reach an acceptable solution is just like you'd imagine for a first assignment. I think it's called "winging it."
OH.....my stepbro? I told him to deal with it and put his headphones on. That's why God invented them; right?
OH.....my stepbro? I told him to deal with it and put his headphones on. That's why God invented them; right?
March 29, 2019
I found this book to be quite humorous and entertaining. It's not a serious sci fi. That being said, the author was good at giving it a plot that held together and characters that you could care about. The author knew what she was aiming for with this kind of book and hit it. I'll still read my hard sci fi space opera series first as that's what I like best, but will probably buy the next one and read it between releases from other authors while I wait for the next book in my favorite series. I gave this 5 stars for being on target and well done for the entertainment value.
April 25, 2019
You’ll never look at a Stapler in the same way!
Wonky tale of an unemployed misfit who stumbles/lurches through her meaningless existence before unexpectedly landing a dream job. Or maybe it’s actually a nightmare! Sucked into another Universe for a job interview she was unaware she’d applied for, Carrie becomes a reluctant scatterbrained Peacekeeper between a race of sentient Office Supplies and hive mind Pudding. Unexpected FUN from page 1! Dive into this great story, you won’t be sorry!
Wonky tale of an unemployed misfit who stumbles/lurches through her meaningless existence before unexpectedly landing a dream job. Or maybe it’s actually a nightmare! Sucked into another Universe for a job interview she was unaware she’d applied for, Carrie becomes a reluctant scatterbrained Peacekeeper between a race of sentient Office Supplies and hive mind Pudding. Unexpected FUN from page 1! Dive into this great story, you won’t be sorry!
December 10, 2020
At first I was getting turned off reading about Carrie. She flitted from job to job but managed to get a job as a call center supervisor. Her work effort was poor because she had severe problems paying attention, either listening to people or reading job manuals. Improbably, she was offered a job as a Space Negotiator, but since she wasn't really listening, she decided it was as a Space Detective. She and an associate were sent out on her first job. After bumbling around, Carrie started paying attention, and the book turned into a humorous read.
April 1, 2023
I really wanted to like this book, but this other review really helps summarize things: "The protagonist never listens to anyone and constantly jumps to conclusions without having all the facts. Despite this, she is somehow always proven right and most of the other characters like her despite the fact that" she's arguably stupid. It was trite, predictable, and there was a distinct lack of drama or tension involving any of the situations. It was a fast read at least, but I would only read more if I completely forget how terrible the first book was.
August 26, 2025
A fantasy/sci-fi novel(la) with a strong female character who is on the spectrum. Having run through a series of menial jobs lands a job in a new as a call center manager because no one else applied. While unpacking boxes she gets sucked into another 'planet' and is interviewed for a job she didn't know he applied for, a Transgalactic Intercultural Community Crisis Liaison Officer. While it is somewhat comic the story points out the importance of communication and listening to both sides when a neutral party in resolving an issue.
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December 4, 2025Also available in audiobook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss...
https://payhip.com/b/foXGO
https://open.spotify.com/show/4F3FEl1...
https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/1...
https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss...
https://payhip.com/b/foXGO
https://open.spotify.com/show/4F3FEl1...
https://books.apple.com/gb/audiobook/...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/1...
https://play.google.com/store/audiobo...
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
July 29, 2018
Beware the green mist under the kitchen sink!
This was a really different story; I enjoyed it a lot except for the main character, Carrie. After many of the same sort of crises all throughout the book it was Carrie forgetting or losing something or not listening to a supervisor. If it weren't for the book's plot, I would not consider ordering the second book. I have decided to give Carrie another chance!
This was a really different story; I enjoyed it a lot except for the main character, Carrie. After many of the same sort of crises all throughout the book it was Carrie forgetting or losing something or not listening to a supervisor. If it weren't for the book's plot, I would not consider ordering the second book. I have decided to give Carrie another chance!
October 1, 2018
Fun story and interesting characters
Enjoyed the book, was cute and fun with some interesting characters and story line. Some scary moments, but nothing gory or gross, the worst is a big bug with lots of drool and sharp teeth, but he turns out to be friendly. Not sure I would care to be on a planet covered in vanilla custard, but at least I like vanilla custard. Think I will probably have to get the rest of the series so I can see what happens next :D
Enjoyed the book, was cute and fun with some interesting characters and story line. Some scary moments, but nothing gory or gross, the worst is a big bug with lots of drool and sharp teeth, but he turns out to be friendly. Not sure I would care to be on a planet covered in vanilla custard, but at least I like vanilla custard. Think I will probably have to get the rest of the series so I can see what happens next :D
December 15, 2018
A book that throws you into the world of a fantastically believable ‘space detective ‘
Genuinely funny, clever and weird in equal measures. This is a realistic bunch of characters (even the giant bug Gary) meeting strange alien species and attempting to prevent all our war. The lead protagonist is a very human call centre manager, thrust into a situation that she can’t quite believe.
I would definitely recommend this well written and entertaining science fiction romp!
Genuinely funny, clever and weird in equal measures. This is a realistic bunch of characters (even the giant bug Gary) meeting strange alien species and attempting to prevent all our war. The lead protagonist is a very human call centre manager, thrust into a situation that she can’t quite believe.
I would definitely recommend this well written and entertaining science fiction romp!
February 8, 2019
I’m really not sure what to say about this one. I downloaded it for free to have something mindless to read on the train. It’s silly, shallow, not terribly well-written, with a kind of stupid plot, and yet ... I really wanted to stick with it and see how it ended. I generally hate science fiction, but this other world is so goofy that I didn’t hate it. And Carrie’s not entirely as ditzy as she originally seems. Hmmm ... might have to download book #2.
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