What do you think?
Rate this book
Captain Liz Laika Mysteries #1
Space Murder
For everything there is a season…
Once the star student of her training class, Captain Liz Laika is now an outcast, a casualty of family scandal. Now stuck in the worst post in the Fleet, she should keep her head down. But when a Cerulean passenger is found decapitated, and Liz is framed for the murder, she has no choice but to fight for her life. No easy feat when she's facing kidnapping, ship-eating whales, horse-sized spiders and corrupt fleet officers with personal vendettas. And in the middle of the intergalactic murder drama, her ex-fiancé reappears. Captain Liz needs to clear her name--and fast.
Once the star student of her training class, Captain Liz Laika is now an outcast, a casualty of family scandal. Now stuck in the worst post in the Fleet, she should keep her head down. But when a Cerulean passenger is found decapitated, and Liz is framed for the murder, she has no choice but to fight for her life. No easy feat when she's facing kidnapping, ship-eating whales, horse-sized spiders and corrupt fleet officers with personal vendettas. And in the middle of the intergalactic murder drama, her ex-fiancé reappears. Captain Liz needs to clear her name--and fast.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
143 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 24, 2020
A fun mash-up of cozy mystery with sci-fi space opera. At times it read a bit more like a thriller than a mystery, as it seemed the protagonist spent more time trying to stay alive than investigating, but the mystery tropes returned when she unfolded it all at the end, poirot-style. Either way, it was a fun ride with some cool alien creatures.
I look forward to finding out what captain Laika's next adventure will be.
I look forward to finding out what captain Laika's next adventure will be.
April 11, 2020
Not quite sure what genre this would fit in. Is there such as thing Cosy Space Crime/Adventure? It was a good fun read with a likeable characters in Captain Liz and her crew. Will definitely read more in this series.
July 19, 2020
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/bg1uCTwBTF4
This was incredibly awesome! I think the author had mentioned this was a mashup of cozy mystery and space opera and YES! What a perfect blend!
I absolutely LOVED Liz and her crew. I loved the development they had individually and as a crew. There adventures were definitely one-of-a-kind and made me lean forward, laugh, roll my eyes, and cheer. (I read this is one setting if that says anything!)
Truly, this was a fantastic reading experience! I want more of these characters and already keeping a keen eye out for the next book! (Plus, I want to see where their adventures will take them next!)
Highly recommend!
*(I received an e-copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
This was incredibly awesome! I think the author had mentioned this was a mashup of cozy mystery and space opera and YES! What a perfect blend!
I absolutely LOVED Liz and her crew. I loved the development they had individually and as a crew. There adventures were definitely one-of-a-kind and made me lean forward, laugh, roll my eyes, and cheer. (I read this is one setting if that says anything!)
Truly, this was a fantastic reading experience! I want more of these characters and already keeping a keen eye out for the next book! (Plus, I want to see where their adventures will take them next!)
Highly recommend!
*(I received an e-copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
February 15, 2022
Quirky cozy mystery that was a delight to read. I was intstanly reminded of Star Trek Deep Space 9 with an interesting cast of characters. I fun read. If you a Sci-fi Fan definitely should be on your TBR.
January 17, 2026
Space Murder by Nikki Haverstock is the first book in the Captain Liz Laika Adventures series. A Cerulean passenger is murdered on Captain Liz Laika's spaceship and she is framed for the murder. This is very different to the type of book that I like but I enjoyed it very much. It took me a while to get all the different characters and creatures sorted and I came to like all the various interesting and whacky characters. A fast paced, crazy adventure and a lot of fun.
July 10, 2020
Space Murder (Captain Liz Laika Adventures 1) by Nikki Haverstock is a fun murder, space mystery with a side of cozy. I have only read a couple of books that are light enough, witty, and fun enough to be a "cozy" space science fiction. I hope those authors don't take it as a negative. I enjoyed it very much. Good characters, plot, and world building.
February 7, 2022
This book is an interesting mash-up of science fiction and cozy mystery. It started off strong but then it petered out on me. I never got excited about reading it. I’m clearly in the minority here given the high overall star rating. I’m not sure exactly what it was but something was just missing. It was good but not great. I doubt I will continue with the series but never say never.
January 20, 2021
I liked this. That mini-T-rex on the cover is a sentient character! (I assumed it would be the monster/antag). Great, quirky characters and imaginative settings. Would definitely read a sequel.
January 11, 2020
This book is exactly what I needed at the moment. I would say it's like "Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy" meets "3rd rock from the Sun." It has witty humor, lovable characters, and a cute story that leaves you with a feel-good ending. Even though the story is simplistic, the writing has much depth to it and the characters have many layers to explore, which kept me turning the pages and left me satisfied at the very end. If anyone is in need of a great comedy and witty humor, then this is your book!
February 15, 2023
Captain Liz Laika , disgraced , is in charge of a run down spaceship and gets involved in an alien murder, a giant space whale and her former fiancé. Worse her former fiancé has a current fiancé and she wants to send Captain Liz to prison.
Read
March 4, 2022Liz Laika is the commander of a boring courier ship that's practically held together with duct tape. It's the result of her involvement in a court case several years ago. She was declared innocent, yet the fleet decides to punish her with the worst command possible. What the case was about is not mentioned until near the end.
She finds herself embroiled in another scandal when an alien passenger on her ship is found dead, and her ex-fiance boards to investigate.
Alien reality shows, cute alien dog-cats, a lizard man whose best friend is an AI...although I could've done without the giant spiders (they were only in one short chapter).
My only complaint is that Liz sometimes seems to have information the reader doesn't have, so she seems to make random connections out of nowhere. It feels like maybe scenes could be added to explain further how she knew.
This is a series I'd like to continue.
She finds herself embroiled in another scandal when an alien passenger on her ship is found dead, and her ex-fiance boards to investigate.
Alien reality shows, cute alien dog-cats, a lizard man whose best friend is an AI...although I could've done without the giant spiders (they were only in one short chapter).
My only complaint is that Liz sometimes seems to have information the reader doesn't have, so she seems to make random connections out of nowhere. It feels like maybe scenes could be added to explain further how she knew.
This is a series I'd like to continue.
January 31, 2022
I didn't have high hopes for this book based on the cover but it was surprisingly good. I do find it odd the Bible is brought up so much for a futuristic “cozy” mystery set in outer space. That’s confusing. Otherwise, there’s a lot going on. Liz is the captain of a spaceship, shuttling mail, cargo, people etc across the galaxy when there’s a murder on the ship. Then she’s kidnapped, escapes with the help of her crew, they’re swallowed up by a metal-eating whale. One of the crew is a space dinosaur who speaks like an old-timey cowboy in a western & his BFF is an AI program he installed illegally in the ship, then the AI program stowed away for the rescue mission. There are also Aragog-sized spiders & a weird cat/dog hybrid.
As a note, probably to go along with the Bible being referenced/quoted - there are no curse words in the book. You’d think some hardened space people would use stronger language than “crap on a cracker”.
Still, I read it in just a few hours & I'm not mad about it. It was enjoyable!
As a note, probably to go along with the Bible being referenced/quoted - there are no curse words in the book. You’d think some hardened space people would use stronger language than “crap on a cracker”.
Still, I read it in just a few hours & I'm not mad about it. It was enjoyable!
May 30, 2022
I'm surprising myself with a 5-star rating for Space Murder, but it truly earned it! This was the perfect blend of sci-fi adventure and cozy mystery. The author did a great job with character and world development. I felt the story flowed nicely and I was unsure of the guilty party until the end. I truly felt a connection with Liz, Raph, and the rest of the crew. I'm going to be reading the other books in the series for sure because I enjoyed this one so much.
I bought this book on Kindle and read it for book club. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
I bought this book on Kindle and read it for book club. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
October 10, 2019
Space Murder is a twisted tale of murder and mayhem spread across stars. Captain Liz Laika has been pushed out on a ship that is falling apart with a crew of misfits no other Captain would take but she is making the best of it until she is framed for a murder she didn’t commit. Follow our intrepid Captain and her crew as they strive to stay alive while proving her innocence. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more.
October 6, 2019
Space Murder by N.L. Haverstock, is a fast paced murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page.
Each chapter is perfectly crafted to flow into the next. It was actually hard to put down this book in order to do things.
This book is really hard to talk about without spoilers so, if you like space, and murder, then go read space Murder today.
Each chapter is perfectly crafted to flow into the next. It was actually hard to put down this book in order to do things.
This book is really hard to talk about without spoilers so, if you like space, and murder, then go read space Murder today.
August 31, 2025
Quirky Cozy in Outer Space
Take one part cozy murder mystery, one part fun space opera, one part political intrigue, stir it all together with fun characters and interesting world building and you have this story. Captain Liz Laika spend a lot of time trying to stay alive - even in the first chapter with an unfortunate spill - and trying to hold her ship together - and dodging kidnappers and an ex who thinks she’s not worth his time.
The characters are great - I loved Liz running around in her pink/unicorn jammies and fluffy slippers - even Eugene, the boxy AI is cute. There is a lot of conflict between Liz and a whole lot of others, but she is loyal to her crew, and they to her. The story is fun to read and has a good ending that still leaves enough strings dangling that lets you know Liz and her people will face more adventures. And I’m looking forward to them!
Recommended.
Take one part cozy murder mystery, one part fun space opera, one part political intrigue, stir it all together with fun characters and interesting world building and you have this story. Captain Liz Laika spend a lot of time trying to stay alive - even in the first chapter with an unfortunate spill - and trying to hold her ship together - and dodging kidnappers and an ex who thinks she’s not worth his time.
The characters are great - I loved Liz running around in her pink/unicorn jammies and fluffy slippers - even Eugene, the boxy AI is cute. There is a lot of conflict between Liz and a whole lot of others, but she is loyal to her crew, and they to her. The story is fun to read and has a good ending that still leaves enough strings dangling that lets you know Liz and her people will face more adventures. And I’m looking forward to them!
Recommended.
December 14, 2025
Captain Liz Laika is trying to rebuild her career after being accused of murder, and even though she was found innocent, the stain has followed her around. She's stuck in the worst ship in the fleet with a ragtag crew, and when a passenger is found dead on her ship, the fleet decides she's guilty. She's kidnapped, escapes, and then is nearly eaten by a giant sea beast as she flees with her few loyal crew members. She must find out who is truly guilty and present her case to the king who is the only one who can save her from the fleet.
This is a standalone humorous sci-fi mystery with a cozy feel. We have strange aliens and a corrupted fleet, and creatures that can devour ships. I laughed out loud and was rooting for Liz from the beginning. She's a good captain with bad luck and a bunch of powerful folks who are jealous enough to murder. The whole cast was diverse and quirky. I particularly liked Raph and Horton. A fun read and I can't wait to see what happens on the next mission.
This is a standalone humorous sci-fi mystery with a cozy feel. We have strange aliens and a corrupted fleet, and creatures that can devour ships. I laughed out loud and was rooting for Liz from the beginning. She's a good captain with bad luck and a bunch of powerful folks who are jealous enough to murder. The whole cast was diverse and quirky. I particularly liked Raph and Horton. A fun read and I can't wait to see what happens on the next mission.
January 21, 2021
Outcast and sidelined, our heroine is making the best of things until she gets framed for a crime she didn't commit. Now she is out to clear her name and anyone that gets in her way better watch out.
This is a cozy mystery set in space. That might seem like a slightly odd combination, but it certainly works in this case. The setting is full of strange elements which might have you scratching your head, but the real stars of this story are the characters. We get a diverse crew with some truly bizarre personalities, but their interactions are wonderful and full of humorous moments. I loved how the crew pulled together to support our heroine as well as the healthy dose of humor throughout the story. Overall, it was a really fun read and I hope to see more of this crew in the future.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
This is a cozy mystery set in space. That might seem like a slightly odd combination, but it certainly works in this case. The setting is full of strange elements which might have you scratching your head, but the real stars of this story are the characters. We get a diverse crew with some truly bizarre personalities, but their interactions are wonderful and full of humorous moments. I loved how the crew pulled together to support our heroine as well as the healthy dose of humor throughout the story. Overall, it was a really fun read and I hope to see more of this crew in the future.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author for review purposes.
January 26, 2022
Captain Liz Laika, once considered a superstar in her training class, falls from grace after a family scandal and is assigned the Captain of a derelict ship in the worst post in the fleet. Her crew consisted of misfits, outcasts that no other ship's captain wanted aboard their ships. On a seemingly routine message, a Cerulean passenger is found dead and Liz is framed for the murder. Liz and her crew embark on a mission to prove her innocence and find the killer all while encountering threats from fleet command, giant spiders, ship-eating whales, and more.
The prose was well written and flowed effortlessly. The characters were unique, witty, fun, and displayed a loyalty that is earned by actions and trust. The cozy murder mystery was a comfortable, amusing and at times thrilling read. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Liz Laika series.
The prose was well written and flowed effortlessly. The characters were unique, witty, fun, and displayed a loyalty that is earned by actions and trust. The cozy murder mystery was a comfortable, amusing and at times thrilling read. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Liz Laika series.
January 30, 2021
This is the first book in a new series and it totally took me by surprise. If asked what genres I don't like to read Sci-Fi would be at the top of my list. Since this is an author whose books in other genres I enjoy, I gave it a try. I loved it! It helps that there is a murder mystery in the plot but that wasn't the only reason I enjoyed it. The characters were refreshing and the storyline well written.
Captain Liz Laika has a space ship that's older than dirt and a quirky and not always by the book crew. But when a passenger they are transporting is murdered and Liz is accused of being the perpetrator the crew has her back. Now they just have to prove she didn't do it.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Captain Liz Laika has a space ship that's older than dirt and a quirky and not always by the book crew. But when a passenger they are transporting is murdered and Liz is accused of being the perpetrator the crew has her back. Now they just have to prove she didn't do it.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
January 22, 2022
This was a fun and humorous start to a new series. It’s a nice combination of building a team for this and future adventures while solving a murder mystery.
Our protagonist, Liz AKA Capt Laila, has command of a low end space cargo ship. The adventure begins with a murder shortly after leaving with new passengers and cargo.
The character development of Liz and her three long standing crew members is well done. The world view is nicely telegraphed as the story unfolds.
It’s has elements of a comedy mixed in with the action and staying alive. The latter is important because Liz is framed as the murderer.
This is the second series I’ve read by author Nikki. She continues to deliver stories I enjoy.
Our protagonist, Liz AKA Capt Laila, has command of a low end space cargo ship. The adventure begins with a murder shortly after leaving with new passengers and cargo.
The character development of Liz and her three long standing crew members is well done. The world view is nicely telegraphed as the story unfolds.
It’s has elements of a comedy mixed in with the action and staying alive. The latter is important because Liz is framed as the murderer.
This is the second series I’ve read by author Nikki. She continues to deliver stories I enjoy.
September 29, 2022
Wow, I actually really enjoyed this! All of the characters were fun and well-written and I liked the story. Although some plot points were predictable and some contrived (Chloe’s mother showing up? The vitamin C?), I just rolled my eyes and kept it moving. I like the mystery concerning Liz’s background and the fact that after reading the book, it’s still totally a mystery! The tension with her and James, the camaraderie of the main characters, her spirituality and belief in God and let’s not forget the world building. I will deduct some points because some times I felt like I was missing information revealed elsewhere (like a novella) but since this was the first book in a series that shouldn’t be the case which took me out of the book sometimes. But otherwise, Great read!
February 19, 2021
I LOVED this book.
Somewhere between Firefly and Farscape, Captain Liz and her crew fly supply missions on a beat up old space ship. Did I mention she has a dinosaur like creature as her mechanic? No, well now that I have, you know you want to read the book!
A sort of cozy mystery in space, Captain Liz is framed for murder and now she’s being kidnapped and her crew are trying to help her.
I loved the characters, they were all great. The different creatures and worlds were so imaginative and well described. It’s funny and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Somewhere between Firefly and Farscape, Captain Liz and her crew fly supply missions on a beat up old space ship. Did I mention she has a dinosaur like creature as her mechanic? No, well now that I have, you know you want to read the book!
A sort of cozy mystery in space, Captain Liz is framed for murder and now she’s being kidnapped and her crew are trying to help her.
I loved the characters, they were all great. The different creatures and worlds were so imaginative and well described. It’s funny and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 14, 2021
Nikki Haverstock is well-known for her Target Practice and Casino Witch series, both of which are fun reads. She is now delving into science fiction, and doesn't disappoint. The first book in any series can be a little confusing as characters are introduced and scenes are established. It also takes a while to learn about the characters’ backgrounds, who the bad guys are, and their motivations. The plot of this book has a lot of implausible, overlapping and entertaining twists (such as when Captain Liz’s crew gets rescued after a crew member’s Mom miraculously shows up). However, the action is fast and furious, and Captain Liz and her crew are very likeable. I’m definitely hooked on Captain Liz Laika's adventures. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 8, 2022
This was an amazingly fun and unique cozy mystery and I really enjoyed reading it.
The change in the setting from the usual 'small town' was not only refreshing, it was imaginative and intriguing. Nikki Haverstock's descriptions of the space ship and later an alien planet, along with the various aliens the captain encounters are vivid and yet somehow taken in stride by the characters, as though it's just par for the course in their daily lives.
The mystery itself is complex and keeps you turning the pages, with plenty of suspects to choose from.
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
The change in the setting from the usual 'small town' was not only refreshing, it was imaginative and intriguing. Nikki Haverstock's descriptions of the space ship and later an alien planet, along with the various aliens the captain encounters are vivid and yet somehow taken in stride by the characters, as though it's just par for the course in their daily lives.
The mystery itself is complex and keeps you turning the pages, with plenty of suspects to choose from.
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
March 14, 2022
double cross
A fantastic adventure smith a plot full of unpredictable twists and turns, unexpected danger, unbelievable surprises, and awesome characters! MIT grabs you and holds your attention through all the ups and downs, betrayal, murder, kidnapping, and evil that stalks them! It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you survive their daring escapes and cheer for their loyalty to each other! Amazing writing that shows how truth and fairness wins the hearts of all! I can’t wait to see what trouble awaits in the next chapter of their adventures!
A fantastic adventure smith a plot full of unpredictable twists and turns, unexpected danger, unbelievable surprises, and awesome characters! MIT grabs you and holds your attention through all the ups and downs, betrayal, murder, kidnapping, and evil that stalks them! It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you survive their daring escapes and cheer for their loyalty to each other! Amazing writing that shows how truth and fairness wins the hearts of all! I can’t wait to see what trouble awaits in the next chapter of their adventures!
May 25, 2023
This is the first in the series. The main character is Captain Liz Laika. The spaceship is on it's normal tour when there is a murder on the ship of someone traveling with them. The home fleet sends someone to investigate. That turns out to be the man she was going to marry. Before they know it, there is a major fire on board and then the captain is kidnapped. Captain finds out who are her best friends and teammates. They all end up fighting for their lives , while trying to proves who is really behind all the troubles.
June 14, 2025
WOW, I'm flabbergasted and in awe.
I needed a space opera book for one of my challenges (and that's really not stuff I like). Since I enjoyed this author in the past (at least if I was in the mood for some mindless entertainment) I hoped I can bear it enough to finish it but I loved it! I loved it so much I already got the next one (looking forward to read it very soon).
Additional bonus: either the quality of the writing got much better or I missed most of the typos/plot holes because the fun prevented me from looking too close :-D
I needed a space opera book for one of my challenges (and that's really not stuff I like). Since I enjoyed this author in the past (at least if I was in the mood for some mindless entertainment) I hoped I can bear it enough to finish it but I loved it! I loved it so much I already got the next one (looking forward to read it very soon).
Additional bonus: either the quality of the writing got much better or I missed most of the typos/plot holes because the fun prevented me from looking too close :-D
January 12, 2021
Laika’s Legacy was the achievement her parents felt their greatest legacy- that led among other things to their sacrifice with their ship and crew to win a fleet important war.
It might keep her crew together, yet poor Liz was made to be a scapegoat more than once to improve optics for the Fleet.
A ragtag bunch of wacky heroes and the annoying career climbers and politicians who target them
It might keep her crew together, yet poor Liz was made to be a scapegoat more than once to improve optics for the Fleet.
A ragtag bunch of wacky heroes and the annoying career climbers and politicians who target them
September 14, 2021
A different type of cozy
This book is a mix of space opera, adventure and cozy mystery. Captain Liz Laika and her crew are a likable bunch of characters. Their story is full of action and mystery and I liked how they interacted with each other. I am looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and freely offered review.
This book is a mix of space opera, adventure and cozy mystery. Captain Liz Laika and her crew are a likable bunch of characters. Their story is full of action and mystery and I liked how they interacted with each other. I am looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and freely offered review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews