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Chance Hale is more interested in running around with fascinating women than following in his father's footsteps as head of the billion-dollar tech company Halcyon Enterprises. Called home for an important announcement, Chance seeks to liven up the weekend retreat by bringing along the first interesting woman he an alluring young lady named Cadence Turing, who claims to be visiting his home planet Arrhidaeus from the planet Paraesepe. But when someone turns up murdered, all evidence points to Chance and all ideas of a future for him are erased. Of all the house's guests, his weekend companion seems to believe she can prove his innocence, though she's hesitant to admit how. Can the two help each other before it's too late?
- GenresScience FictionMystery
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
9 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jeffrey
8 books59 followersRobin Jeffrey can almost always be found cranking out punchy flash fiction, lyrical essays, or world-rich novels. Her writing has been published in magazines across the country and around the world. She currently calls the Pacific Northwest of the United States home, where she lives happily with her husband and their out of control comic book collection. To keep up with Robin and her writing, sign up for her newsletter on her website, www.RobinJeffreyAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 17, 2022
I don't read a lot of science fiction but a mystery that just happens to be set in the future in space caught my attention. I was not disappointed. If you pick this up hoping for sci-fi, you might be. Other than the setting and a few futuristic accoutrements, this is a good, old-fashioned who-done-it with some intriguing characters.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story and I will admit that I really considered putting it down because I just did not connect with the main characters at the beginning. Chance is a womanizing oaf who I really hoped would turn out to be the victim so I didn't have to keep reading about him in the present tense. I could not quite figure out Cadence right off either. I wish she were a more sympathetic figure from the start so that I had someone to root for right off, but her back-story does come later and she eventually develops into more than just Chance's latest conquest. It was definitely a slow takeoff.
On the positive side, the futuristic setting does make for an interesting take on a classic-style mystery. I really enjoyed the subplot about the animanecrons (android-like creations that can easily pass for humans) wanting autonomy, but I felt it could have been explored further. I also really enjoyed the two protagonists' journey - Chance's growth into a more human character and Cadence's finding her way. They both turned out to be much deeper, more complex characters than the first few chapters led me to believe.
There were quite a few plot twists and the story really kept me guessing. All in all, it was a really well-laid-out classic mystery with a futuristic twist.
Thank you, Robin Jeffrey, for this advance reader copy. This is my unbiased, honest review.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story and I will admit that I really considered putting it down because I just did not connect with the main characters at the beginning. Chance is a womanizing oaf who I really hoped would turn out to be the victim so I didn't have to keep reading about him in the present tense. I could not quite figure out Cadence right off either. I wish she were a more sympathetic figure from the start so that I had someone to root for right off, but her back-story does come later and she eventually develops into more than just Chance's latest conquest. It was definitely a slow takeoff.
On the positive side, the futuristic setting does make for an interesting take on a classic-style mystery. I really enjoyed the subplot about the animanecrons (android-like creations that can easily pass for humans) wanting autonomy, but I felt it could have been explored further. I also really enjoyed the two protagonists' journey - Chance's growth into a more human character and Cadence's finding her way. They both turned out to be much deeper, more complex characters than the first few chapters led me to believe.
There were quite a few plot twists and the story really kept me guessing. All in all, it was a really well-laid-out classic mystery with a futuristic twist.
Thank you, Robin Jeffrey, for this advance reader copy. This is my unbiased, honest review.
June 22, 2024
I absolutely did not expect to love this book as much as I did, but once I started I couldn't put it down. Interesting worldbuilding and refreshingly unique lead characters adorn a flirty but classic cozy mystery that has earned its place on the shelf beside Madame Christie. A lot of folks didn't like the narrator, but I so love a roguish ne'er-do-well with a heart of... well, tarnished silver at least. Written with impressive deftness for detail, dialogue, and development, every chapter was a delight and had me eager for the next. I'll undoubtedly be pressing this book upon my friends, and I cannot wait to pick up the rest of the trilogy.
February 14, 2022
4 stars for this 'who dun it' mystery.
I enjoyed reading this one, a different feel to the normal type of mysteries I read. This one felt more like the film Clue, where each character is wildly different but similar because of their status or relationship. Even a comical moment of rushing from room to room to examine evidence had me smiling.
There was a urge to know more, understand what happened and unravel the crime. There was not a panic that drove this, it felt very structured and I knew I would have the answer in the end, I was content to journey with Chance and Cadence as they played off each other with pieces to the puzzle. Some light banter, questionable histories and a different character set up had me turning the pages.
Thank you to Robin Jeffrey and Travelling Pages Tours for the gifted copy of the book.
I enjoyed reading this one, a different feel to the normal type of mysteries I read. This one felt more like the film Clue, where each character is wildly different but similar because of their status or relationship. Even a comical moment of rushing from room to room to examine evidence had me smiling.
There was a urge to know more, understand what happened and unravel the crime. There was not a panic that drove this, it felt very structured and I knew I would have the answer in the end, I was content to journey with Chance and Cadence as they played off each other with pieces to the puzzle. Some light banter, questionable histories and a different character set up had me turning the pages.
Thank you to Robin Jeffrey and Travelling Pages Tours for the gifted copy of the book.
August 16, 2025
Oh boy was this book a ride.
The first third was a little rough to get through, mainly because I find Chase, the narrator, a tad insufferable. He reminds me of Jay Gatsby - which anyone who knew me in 10th grade when we read The Great Gatsby would know - I cannot stand him. But also like if Jay was an entitled frat boy on another planet in the future. It was truly a wild combo for sure.
I thought the examination of what it means to be human was super interesting with the animatronic type people - reminded me a lot of that uncanny trope in gothic literature which was fun.
The mystery was sufficiently interesting and twisty and the plot was engaging enough to keep me going once I got over those first 100 pages. Would definitely consider reading the next book just to see where the series goes.
The first third was a little rough to get through, mainly because I find Chase, the narrator, a tad insufferable. He reminds me of Jay Gatsby - which anyone who knew me in 10th grade when we read The Great Gatsby would know - I cannot stand him. But also like if Jay was an entitled frat boy on another planet in the future. It was truly a wild combo for sure.
I thought the examination of what it means to be human was super interesting with the animatronic type people - reminded me a lot of that uncanny trope in gothic literature which was fun.
The mystery was sufficiently interesting and twisty and the plot was engaging enough to keep me going once I got over those first 100 pages. Would definitely consider reading the next book just to see where the series goes.
January 30, 2022
-on one hand, why robot
-on the other, its understandable because its the only way to have a girl actually like Chance’s personality
-hes giving ick
-if a man ever calls me “ducky” ill be the last thing he sees
-its boring. nobody was likeable and the fact shes a robot (which we could see coming from a MILE away) takes the thrill away from the murder mystery. I cant attribute the deductions that are made, to her intelligence. Shes programmed to be better than everyone else, and that takes away the fun of a murder mystery
-i will say it again. Why robot. 😐
-skimmed to the end, the reveal wasnt good
-one star for the biryani i just ate it was very yummy
-on the other, its understandable because its the only way to have a girl actually like Chance’s personality
-hes giving ick
-if a man ever calls me “ducky” ill be the last thing he sees
-its boring. nobody was likeable and the fact shes a robot (which we could see coming from a MILE away) takes the thrill away from the murder mystery. I cant attribute the deductions that are made, to her intelligence. Shes programmed to be better than everyone else, and that takes away the fun of a murder mystery
-i will say it again. Why robot. 😐
-skimmed to the end, the reveal wasnt good
-one star for the biryani i just ate it was very yummy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
Genre-blending novel with a cast of well-defined characters, and clever commentary on the worlds and tropes of both Agatha (Christie) and (Isaac) Asimov. The dialogue is fun, the world building, you can tell, is just ramping up, and the heroine and her Watson are not what you expect. Looking forward to more!
April 18, 2023
My relationship with science fiction goes like that: I had only read one sci-fi trilogy, the Illuminae files, but it's one of my favourite series nonetheless. So when I started .exe by @thesidekick_ig I was very excited to dive into something fresh and out of my usual genre pool, and I wasn't disappointed at all! Non human-humans, space and the fact that it was all masterfully formed into a futuristic mystery kept me wanting to open the book at every chance, even though it was a bad month timewise. I can confirm I read at the bus, the train station, and several different queues, appart from the comfort of my house.
🕵🏻 If you've read my past reviews, you'll probably know how important character development is for me in books. In .exe, we meet multidimensional personalities, and I am sure you'll end up enjoying Chance and Cadence's progress throughout the story. I personally hated Chance at the start, but came to understand as pages went by.
🕵🏻 As for the mystery solving, I personally didn't see things coming, and I am pretty sure it wasn't due to me being unfamiliar with the genre. The twists and turns had my mind turning and I found it fun trying to put things together.
🕵🏻 I devoured the unexpected ending, and I am now so impatient to read the sequel!!!
🕵🏻 If you've read my past reviews, you'll probably know how important character development is for me in books. In .exe, we meet multidimensional personalities, and I am sure you'll end up enjoying Chance and Cadence's progress throughout the story. I personally hated Chance at the start, but came to understand as pages went by.
🕵🏻 As for the mystery solving, I personally didn't see things coming, and I am pretty sure it wasn't due to me being unfamiliar with the genre. The twists and turns had my mind turning and I found it fun trying to put things together.
🕵🏻 I devoured the unexpected ending, and I am now so impatient to read the sequel!!!
July 12, 2022
🍷As soon as I read the blurb, I couldn't stop myself from reading it. What a power pack thrilling solid punch it is. A complete crazy combination of all wanted themes and extraordinary circumstances makes it an interesting read. This book has it all, it's a blend of sci-fi with fantasy and thrilling vibes and the way it's written it's so witty!!
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This is the first book in the series and I picked it recently but even having a hectic schedule I completed it within 3 sittings because there was a constant need that was been evoked in my brain to know what will happen next. It's griping, it's thrilling and the it has crazy, unpredictable twists that are worth devouring.
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As a fiction lover and hard core mystery lover I would the blend of sci-fi with it quite exciting and I definitely enjoyed it. I will surely recommend it. Go get your hands it's a good one!
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Rating: 4.25⭐️
December 14, 2024
This is a genre mashup of romance, sci fi and mystery, though predominantly the latter I would say.
The mystery is done decently and is mostly fair; though the author didn't provide reasoning behind the whole face peeling thingy.
The sci-fi part is the weakest imo, because the machines and robots are added randomly but there's still humans being used for so many things which could also have machines (especially for a world advanced enough to have androids who are almost human like). Also what was the whole deal about Cadence being able to eat, drink and smoke but when asked to cry, she was like why would I be designed that way? Uhm mam....
Anyway, Chance was okay. He grew on me but when he treated Victoria shabbily at the end, that pissed me off because he was wayyyy worse than her. And the separation at the end felt a little forced but will see.
It's a really good effort for debut book and I'll read the second one.
The mystery is done decently and is mostly fair; though the author didn't provide reasoning behind the whole face peeling thingy.
The sci-fi part is the weakest imo, because the machines and robots are added randomly but there's still humans being used for so many things which could also have machines (especially for a world advanced enough to have androids who are almost human like). Also what was the whole deal about Cadence being able to eat, drink and smoke but when asked to cry, she was like why would I be designed that way? Uhm mam....
Anyway, Chance was okay. He grew on me but when he treated Victoria shabbily at the end, that pissed me off because he was wayyyy worse than her. And the separation at the end felt a little forced but will see.
It's a really good effort for debut book and I'll read the second one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
SF romantic whodunit in a distant solar system.
As a child, I really enjoyed Isaac Asimov's Caves of Steel. Robin Jeffrey's .exe, first instalment of the Cadence Turing series, reminded me very much of it.
The detective story parts of it are well done, although the SF parts are clichéd and reflect better the last century view of AI, robotics and Computing than the 2020s or the future. it is The romantic character was rather tawdry and I almost gave up at the beginning because of the narrator protagonist.
The eponymous amateur detective is cleverly drawn, with lots of clues for the reader about her and the murder she is trying to solve. And the depiction of the narrator improved in the second half.
So my reaction is very mixed as there were several elements I had to get past to enjoy the book.
As a child, I really enjoyed Isaac Asimov's Caves of Steel. Robin Jeffrey's .exe, first instalment of the Cadence Turing series, reminded me very much of it.
The detective story parts of it are well done, although the SF parts are clichéd and reflect better the last century view of AI, robotics and Computing than the 2020s or the future. it is The romantic character was rather tawdry and I almost gave up at the beginning because of the narrator protagonist.
The eponymous amateur detective is cleverly drawn, with lots of clues for the reader about her and the murder she is trying to solve. And the depiction of the narrator improved in the second half.
So my reaction is very mixed as there were several elements I had to get past to enjoy the book.
February 19, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the debut series by Robin Jeffrey. The characters are well developed and deep. We learn a lot about the characters and their personalities, which makes the story engaging and hard to put down. I look forward to learning more about Chance and Cadace as this series evolves. I am not a huge Sci-Fi fan but I loved the depth added by the story taking place in a future in which space living is possible.
The book is full of twists and turns that are so well written that I did not see the final twist coming. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @travelling.pages.tours.
The book is full of twists and turns that are so well written that I did not see the final twist coming. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you @travelling.pages.tours.
November 8, 2023
Robin sold me on the concept of a sci-fi sleuthing romantic-ish novel and I couldn't be happier to have cross paths with her at the Alderwood Barnes and Noble. Cadence, the protagonist, is a hero much needed in our current social climate. The way AI and humanity are portrayed truly pose philosophical questions of what the future holds.
The supporting cast is stellar, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel ensemble.
As the first book of a series, it leads us well into what adventures our lead detective may encounter in love and life. Can't wait to read book 2!
Enjoy!
The supporting cast is stellar, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel ensemble.
As the first book of a series, it leads us well into what adventures our lead detective may encounter in love and life. Can't wait to read book 2!
Enjoy!
February 22, 2024
A sci-fi murder mystery. This is a "cozy" mystery. The setting on another planet in the future that takes place in a Victorian house.
The narrator is the chief suspect and not really likeable at first. The amateur detective is cold and distant. She is an off-worlder from a "backwards" planet.
I fell in love with these characters straight away but I can understand that if some people would not.
It is not hard science fiction. It is more mystery than sci-fi.
Enjoyable read. I am looking forward to more of the series.
The narrator is the chief suspect and not really likeable at first. The amateur detective is cold and distant. She is an off-worlder from a "backwards" planet.
I fell in love with these characters straight away but I can understand that if some people would not.
It is not hard science fiction. It is more mystery than sci-fi.
Enjoyable read. I am looking forward to more of the series.
April 6, 2023
Loved it! The combination of sci-fi and old timey detective storytelling was wonderfully refreshing. The only odd thing was the beat and rapid changing of characterization with Cadence, but considering she’s an ani-whacha-ma-call-it, it makes sense.
Definitely looking forward to R.A.T.
I also met Robin at ECC and she is a wonderful human.
Definitely looking forward to R.A.T.
I also met Robin at ECC and she is a wonderful human.
July 23, 2025
Well-written, cheeky, and suspenseful. It kept me guessing.
If you want to learn more about Robin via a POPcast (a podcast about pop culture with visuals), our funny, sweet robot from the apocalyptic future named BOOM interviewed her at https://transmissions.boomrattleboom....
If you want to learn more about Robin via a POPcast (a podcast about pop culture with visuals), our funny, sweet robot from the apocalyptic future named BOOM interviewed her at https://transmissions.boomrattleboom....
August 26, 2022
An early 20th century murder mystery that takes place in the future and on another planet.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with a comfortable style that harkens back to an older time and had me thinking all the characters spoke in upper class English accents.
A thoroughly enjoyable read with a comfortable style that harkens back to an older time and had me thinking all the characters spoke in upper class English accents.
January 18, 2024
If Clue was in a sci-fi/fantasy setting with added romance!!! So good!! It took me a minute to settle in to the characters and their personalities, but once I did I was hooked. The mystery was exhilarating and the twists kept coming. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
May 6, 2024
Solid 4.5 stars! I was so sure I had it figured out, but it seemed I only had a smidgen of the whole picture. I loved Cadence as a character, and I almost wish the story was her POV.
A fun whodunnit in a fantastically-built world.
A fun whodunnit in a fantastically-built world.
May 23, 2023
Lots of fun! An interesting twisting story with all the classic feeling of mystery with a neat sci-fi setting. Very well done!
December 27, 2024
What a fun sci-fi mystery with a little romance and a Sherlock Holmes feal. It's always fun reading local authors and I'm excited to read the other books in the Cadence Turing mysteries.
July 3, 2025
This has been one of my favorites books to read this year!!! YALL ARE MISSING OUTTT
March 16, 2026
Enjoyed this 'who dun it?' mystery. Different from what I normally read. Will check out Jeffrey's other works.
May 24, 2022
Title: .Exe
Author: Robin Jeffrey
Release Date: October 5th, 2021
Page Count: 278
Start Date: February 19th, 2022
Finish Date: February 19th, 2022
Review:
Story: I really enjoyed this story very much. It was a little weird to me at first, but in a good way. It definitely gives a unique twist. It has this vibe that it’s from an older time frame while still modern. It also takes place outside of Earth. I should also mention that there’s murder! I’m definitely glad that I was able to read this book!
Characters: I’m going to be honest, I didn’t really care for Chase. He’s arrogant and spoiled. He does have some wonderful qualities about him though. He’s very compassionate about those he cares about. I connected most with Cadence. If you read it, you’ll understand. I do wish there were parts from her point of view.
Critiques: None that I can think of.
Narration: Pretty great! I originally got this in paperback, but I also bought a copy in ebook and audio. It’s been so great listening to the audio while following along as you can. The narrator has such a soothing voice as well.
Final Thoughts: I really loved this book so so so much! I can’t wait to see more books come out in this series! They will definitely be impulse buys for me!!!! This author knows how to captivate attention!
Author: Robin Jeffrey
Release Date: October 5th, 2021
Page Count: 278
Start Date: February 19th, 2022
Finish Date: February 19th, 2022
Review:
Story: I really enjoyed this story very much. It was a little weird to me at first, but in a good way. It definitely gives a unique twist. It has this vibe that it’s from an older time frame while still modern. It also takes place outside of Earth. I should also mention that there’s murder! I’m definitely glad that I was able to read this book!
Characters: I’m going to be honest, I didn’t really care for Chase. He’s arrogant and spoiled. He does have some wonderful qualities about him though. He’s very compassionate about those he cares about. I connected most with Cadence. If you read it, you’ll understand. I do wish there were parts from her point of view.
Critiques: None that I can think of.
Narration: Pretty great! I originally got this in paperback, but I also bought a copy in ebook and audio. It’s been so great listening to the audio while following along as you can. The narrator has such a soothing voice as well.
Final Thoughts: I really loved this book so so so much! I can’t wait to see more books come out in this series! They will definitely be impulse buys for me!!!! This author knows how to captivate attention!
October 20, 2021
As a life-long reader of mystery stories, I can’t help but be drawn to those that offer a new twist in storytelling. Robin Jeffrey’s debut novel does just that, but inserts the twist into a narrative that serves as a loving homage to Agatha Christie. The author is adept at breathing life into her characters, encouraging the reader to come to fully embrace the various personalities. The seemingly ne’er-do-well Chance, whom we come to better understand as the story progresses, provides the viewpoint through which the story is told. His fateful encounter with the lovely Cadence puts the story in motion. The author is masterful in her use of dialogue; it is both natural and compelling. The world in which the book is set although different than our own, is still familiar and enhances the possibilities in the story, never distracting from the heart of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read; I had a hard time putting the book down. I not only wanted to know “who-dun-it", but I wanted to see what transpired between our main characters of Chance and Cadence. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews