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Major Bhaajan #4
The Jigsaw Assassin
NEW IN THE MAJOR BHAAJAN SERIES: A TOUGH FEMALE PI NOVEL WITH NOIR OVERTONES AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF INTERSTELLAR POLITICS
Selei City is the capital of the Imperialate and one of the most desired locales in all of the Skolian Empire. But its thin veneer of civilization is cracked when a series of brutal crimes implicates those in political power in a vast conspiracy. Three prominent scientists have lost their lives to a serial killer—and notes at the scenes of the crimes lead to a connection to the Royalist political party.
Major Bhaajan, former military officer turned private detective, is called back to Selei City to solve the crime. Bhaaj and her crew of Undercity Dust Knights plunge into the Byzantine world of Imperial politics—a jigsaw world where none of the pieces seem to fit. As the assassination plot becomes more and more convoluted, Bhaaj is kidnapped, threatened with death, and must fight for her life against the growing number of people threatened by her investigation. Bhaaj has faced all this and more, but now she must deal with something far deadlier—interstellar politics.
About The Vanished Seas:
“Catherine Asaro continues exploring the underbelly of her baroque, decadent Skolian Empire with this latest adventure of Major Bhaajan, private eye to the highest nobility. . . . It’s a story full of intrigue, mystery, and action. Along with Asaro’s trademark deeply human characters and intricate politics comes a noir-flavored plot that drips with menace and secrets. Major Bhaajan is a compelling character, smart and sympathetic, and both the squalid Undercity and the decadent City of Cries are engrossing. Those who are familiar with the Skolian Empire will find much to like here. For those who aren’t, the Major Bhaajan books make a fine jumping-on point to this vast and convoluted universe.”—Analog
About the Major Bhaajan series:
“. . . riveting. . . . The world is rich and vivid, with two distinct cultures in the Undercity and the aboveground City of Cries. This exciting novel stands alone for anyone who enjoys science fiction adventure.”—Publishers Weekly starred review
“Asaro plants herself firmly into that grand SF tradition of future history franchises favored by luminaries like Heinlein, Asimov, Herbert, Anderson, Dickson, Niven, Cherryh, and Baxter . . . They don't write em like that anymore! Except Asaro does, with . . . up-to-the-minute savvy!”—Locus
“Baahjan, who starts out keeping an emotional distance from the people in the Undercity soon grows to think of them as her community once more. Asaro . . . returns to the Skolian empire's early history to tell Bhaajan's story.”—Booklist
“Asaro delivers a tale rich with the embedded history of her world and bright with technical marvels. Her characters are engaging and intriguing and there is even a bit of romance. What really touched my heart was Bhaaj's interaction with the children of the aqueducts. I spent the last fifty pages of the book sniffling into a tissue.”—SFcrowsnest
“I‘m hooked, both on her writing and her Skolian universe. This book had everything I wanted: strong characters, a new and unique world, and a plot that isn't as simple as it first appears.”—TerryTalk
About the Skolian Saga:
“Entertaining mix of hard SF and romance.”—Publishers Weekly
“Asaro’s Skolian saga is now nearly as long and in many ways as compelling as Dune, if not more so, featuring a multitude of stronger female characters.”—Booklist
“Rapid pacing and gripping suspense.”—Publishers Weekly
Selei City is the capital of the Imperialate and one of the most desired locales in all of the Skolian Empire. But its thin veneer of civilization is cracked when a series of brutal crimes implicates those in political power in a vast conspiracy. Three prominent scientists have lost their lives to a serial killer—and notes at the scenes of the crimes lead to a connection to the Royalist political party.
Major Bhaajan, former military officer turned private detective, is called back to Selei City to solve the crime. Bhaaj and her crew of Undercity Dust Knights plunge into the Byzantine world of Imperial politics—a jigsaw world where none of the pieces seem to fit. As the assassination plot becomes more and more convoluted, Bhaaj is kidnapped, threatened with death, and must fight for her life against the growing number of people threatened by her investigation. Bhaaj has faced all this and more, but now she must deal with something far deadlier—interstellar politics.
About The Vanished Seas:
“Catherine Asaro continues exploring the underbelly of her baroque, decadent Skolian Empire with this latest adventure of Major Bhaajan, private eye to the highest nobility. . . . It’s a story full of intrigue, mystery, and action. Along with Asaro’s trademark deeply human characters and intricate politics comes a noir-flavored plot that drips with menace and secrets. Major Bhaajan is a compelling character, smart and sympathetic, and both the squalid Undercity and the decadent City of Cries are engrossing. Those who are familiar with the Skolian Empire will find much to like here. For those who aren’t, the Major Bhaajan books make a fine jumping-on point to this vast and convoluted universe.”—Analog
About the Major Bhaajan series:
“. . . riveting. . . . The world is rich and vivid, with two distinct cultures in the Undercity and the aboveground City of Cries. This exciting novel stands alone for anyone who enjoys science fiction adventure.”—Publishers Weekly starred review
“Asaro plants herself firmly into that grand SF tradition of future history franchises favored by luminaries like Heinlein, Asimov, Herbert, Anderson, Dickson, Niven, Cherryh, and Baxter . . . They don't write em like that anymore! Except Asaro does, with . . . up-to-the-minute savvy!”—Locus
“Baahjan, who starts out keeping an emotional distance from the people in the Undercity soon grows to think of them as her community once more. Asaro . . . returns to the Skolian empire's early history to tell Bhaajan's story.”—Booklist
“Asaro delivers a tale rich with the embedded history of her world and bright with technical marvels. Her characters are engaging and intriguing and there is even a bit of romance. What really touched my heart was Bhaaj's interaction with the children of the aqueducts. I spent the last fifty pages of the book sniffling into a tissue.”—SFcrowsnest
“I‘m hooked, both on her writing and her Skolian universe. This book had everything I wanted: strong characters, a new and unique world, and a plot that isn't as simple as it first appears.”—TerryTalk
About the Skolian Saga:
“Entertaining mix of hard SF and romance.”—Publishers Weekly
“Asaro’s Skolian saga is now nearly as long and in many ways as compelling as Dune, if not more so, featuring a multitude of stronger female characters.”—Booklist
“Rapid pacing and gripping suspense.”—Publishers Weekly
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
33 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Asaro
93 books698 followersThe author of more than twenty-five books, Catherine Asaro is acclaimed for her Ruby Dynasty series, which combines adventure, science, romance and fast-paced action. Her novel The Quantum Rose won the Nebula® Award, as did her novella “The Spacetime Pool.” Among her many other distinctions, she is a multiple winner of the AnLab from Analog magazine and a three time recipient of the RT BOOKClub Award for “Best Science Fiction Novel.” Her most recent novel, Carnelians, came out in October, 2011. An anthology of her short fiction titled Aurora in Four Voices is available from ISFiC Press in hardcover, and her multiple award-winning novella “The City of Cries” is also available as an eBook for Kindle and Nook.
Catherine has two music CD’s out and she is currently working on her third. The first, Diamond Star, is the soundtrack for her novel of the same name, performed with the rock band, Point Valid. She appears as a vocalist at cons, clubs, and other venues in the US and abroad, including recently as the Guest of Honor at the Denmark and New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions. She performs selections from her work in a multimedia project that mixes literature, dance, and music with Greg Adams as her accompanist. She is also a theoretical physicist with a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard, and a jazz and ballet dancer. Visit her at www.facebook.com/Catherine.Asaro
Catherine has two music CD’s out and she is currently working on her third. The first, Diamond Star, is the soundtrack for her novel of the same name, performed with the rock band, Point Valid. She appears as a vocalist at cons, clubs, and other venues in the US and abroad, including recently as the Guest of Honor at the Denmark and New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions. She performs selections from her work in a multimedia project that mixes literature, dance, and music with Greg Adams as her accompanist. She is also a theoretical physicist with a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard, and a jazz and ballet dancer. Visit her at www.facebook.com/Catherine.Asaro
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 24, 2022
A bit confusing, a bit too convolute, but I love this series
July 30, 2022
The Jigsaw Assassin (2022) 393 pages by Catherine Asaro
Three leading technologists have been murdered in Selei City on Parthonia. The local police have made no progress. Major Bhaajan is brought in from off world to help. There is a Royalist faction taking credit for the murders, but the Royalist leadership denies it. Could it be one of the other political parties trying to make them look bad?
It's a mystery. Bhaaj starts talking to the leaders of the different parties. In turn they take a keen interest in her. She quickly brings in her Dust Knights, Angel and Ruzik. She is also near the scene of two more incidents. Unfortunately becoming a hero that kind of blows her wanting to keep a low profile.
Bhaaj is continually having to overcome prejudice. Several of the leaders question her ability because of origins in the Under City. Others question her loyalty because of her connection to the Madjas. More of the perception theme is factions use of social media to twist the news and further their own political agenda or perhaps the killer(s) laying suspicions on the other groups.
Fun and as the cover say mystery (the locked room part probably being SF), action and intrigue. A second mystery. The characters are great, Bhaaj, Max (her EI), Ruzik & Angel. 4.9 stars. This is the fourth Major Bhaajan novel, but it can be read standalone.
Three leading technologists have been murdered in Selei City on Parthonia. The local police have made no progress. Major Bhaajan is brought in from off world to help. There is a Royalist faction taking credit for the murders, but the Royalist leadership denies it. Could it be one of the other political parties trying to make them look bad?
It's a mystery. Bhaaj starts talking to the leaders of the different parties. In turn they take a keen interest in her. She quickly brings in her Dust Knights, Angel and Ruzik. She is also near the scene of two more incidents. Unfortunately becoming a hero that kind of blows her wanting to keep a low profile.
Bhaaj is continually having to overcome prejudice. Several of the leaders question her ability because of origins in the Under City. Others question her loyalty because of her connection to the Madjas. More of the perception theme is factions use of social media to twist the news and further their own political agenda or perhaps the killer(s) laying suspicions on the other groups.
Fun and as the cover say mystery (the locked room part probably being SF), action and intrigue. A second mystery. The characters are great, Bhaaj, Max (her EI), Ruzik & Angel. 4.9 stars. This is the fourth Major Bhaajan novel, but it can be read standalone.
July 8, 2022
While all the Major Bhaajan books address the politics of the world(s) and cities in which the mysteries take place, this 4th entry really focuses on the different political factions and interests that co-exist in Selei City. The characters are fantastic: wonderful to see the dust knights from Undercity who join the Major and how their lives have progressed since we saw them in earlier stories, and the "artificial" intelligence characters who are totally key in this plot line are a delight every time they appear on page. The thread of the disdain and prejudice against Undercity natives by Selei residents and how every action by Bhaajan and the dust knights blow those assumptions away are one of the best aspects of this story. Bonus: a couple of Ruby Dynasty characters from Asaro's other series make a brief appearance including Imperator Kurj. So nice to see them again. With each book in this series we learn more and more about these characters - and the revelations make me love them even more. The Jigsaw Assassin was a delight to read.
July 9, 2022
Joy! Happiness! Another Skolian Empire Book
A new entry in the Skolian Empire focusing on the Major Bhaajan portion rather than the Ruby Dynasty family. Excellent as usual with a look at politics in the Capitol World of the Empire. Oddly enough they seem similar to politics on Earth. Very enjoyable as everything else in this series. I rank this in my favorite catagory and my re-reading list.
A new entry in the Skolian Empire focusing on the Major Bhaajan portion rather than the Ruby Dynasty family. Excellent as usual with a look at politics in the Capitol World of the Empire. Oddly enough they seem similar to politics on Earth. Very enjoyable as everything else in this series. I rank this in my favorite catagory and my re-reading list.
July 22, 2022
This series keeps getting better and better. I love that it ties into an even bigger story line (one I have not yet read). I’m really enjoying the progression of the characters and the growing relationship between Bhaaj and the Majdas. I really hope there’s more to come!
April 19, 2022
A retired major from the Pharaoh's Army, hired by the powerful Majda family as a private investigator, is sent to the imperial capital to investigate a series of murders of top military scientists. While coping with political upheaval, a potential coup, & deeply rooted prejudice against herself as a member of the Undercity lower caste, the major must survive repeated assassination attempts & make an ally of a newly emergent AI before she can gather proof of the serial killer's identity.
July 24, 2025
Agree with all those 4-stars--good story, good characters, sentiment is positive, liked the premises. Read as though a stand-alone, and was just fine with that, nothing lost by having not foreknowledge of the underlying structure of Asaro's universe (maybe even better that way).
August 20, 2022
I really like the Major Bhaajan science fiction novels. Major Bhaajan is retired military, now a private detective. She comes from a slum-dwelling race called “dust rats”, who are uniformly treated terribly by those in power. The analogy between “dust rats” and blacks in the US is made ever more explicitly in this novel. Bhaajan runs into privileged people who flatly refuse to believe that she is capable of winning a place in the military and rising up the ranks by her own merit. When bad people kidnap her (mild spoiler), the kidnappers discuss killing her like she is an animal rather than a human. They call her sub-human. The people living in the slum have virtually no education, no health care, no jobs. They struggle to survive. I don’t know why it took me four novels to see the analogy. Anyway, the mystery is good and not easy to untangle. It was a fun read.
June 25, 2025
Major Bhaajan is called to Selei City to investigate three very mysterious murders. There are no clues, and there seems to be no reason these people would be targeted. The case becomes political really fast...and Bhaaj hates politics.
With five major political parties, fingers are pointed at each and tensions between them threaten the stability of the government. Bhaaj calls in two of her Undercity Dust Knights to help her with her very complex case.
Bhaaj herself was born in the Undercity and used her intelligence and determination to find her way out via the military. When she left the military, she became a private eye who works for the very powerful Majda family. But Bhaaj has never forgotten her Undercity roots and is determined to help her people improve their lives.
The story is filled with action as Bhaaj survives a bombing and is kidnapped. But the strength of the story is the great worldbuilding which includes Evolving Intelligences who assist people and other unusual technologies. Bhaaj has all sorts of body mods that give her abilities that helped her as a soldier and still help her as a private investigator.
I really enjoyed this story.
With five major political parties, fingers are pointed at each and tensions between them threaten the stability of the government. Bhaaj calls in two of her Undercity Dust Knights to help her with her very complex case.
Bhaaj herself was born in the Undercity and used her intelligence and determination to find her way out via the military. When she left the military, she became a private eye who works for the very powerful Majda family. But Bhaaj has never forgotten her Undercity roots and is determined to help her people improve their lives.
The story is filled with action as Bhaaj survives a bombing and is kidnapped. But the strength of the story is the great worldbuilding which includes Evolving Intelligences who assist people and other unusual technologies. Bhaaj has all sorts of body mods that give her abilities that helped her as a soldier and still help her as a private investigator.
I really enjoyed this story.
September 1, 2022
These feel like a guilty pleasure for me. The author spells things out carefully, sometimes through naive characters and sometimes through repetition. But I like what they are doing and the characters and am always ready for more stuff in the Skolian world.
October 23, 2022
Best of the series so far
Tech view is fun, mystery is replete with many red herrings, and characters are mostly solid. Some of the caste and class tensions seem very forced compared to previous Baaj stories. Look forward to more stories in this universe
Tech view is fun, mystery is replete with many red herrings, and characters are mostly solid. Some of the caste and class tensions seem very forced compared to previous Baaj stories. Look forward to more stories in this universe
February 14, 2024
AI to EI, our worst nightmare and greatest dream
AI is EI (evolving intelligence), our worst nightmare and greatest dream plays out in this 4th installment of Major Bhaajan, ex military and now PI for the Royal House of Majda. Three murders of high-tech creators, infighting between political parties, unreigned fanaticism, evolving of both EI and high-tech in ways no one has ever seen before, misdirection in clues, along with the ever present prejudices born from ignorance towards Under City people make for a thoroughly engaging SciFi story with culture clashes and a reflection of the best and worst in us. As an added gold-bar-bonus, you also get a clear look at some of the dynamics in our society today. All in all, a thoroughly entertaining read.
To be clear:
Worst nightmare: EI taking over humanity in the hands of the wrong people.
Greatest dream: Rising to the occasion with integrity and honor.
The ONLY hiccup to an otherwise flawless story that keeps you turning the page happens early on when the author uses Max, Bhaaj’s personal EI, to explain the mechanics of the Kyle web to Bhaaj. That rang so false since Bhaaj had direct experience with it in book 2. Yes, Ms Asaro needed to provide that info to a new reader—her books can be read as a stand-alone—but I wish she’d’ve had Max explain it to someone, anyone, other than Bhaaj. Still, it was a minor hiccup since nothing else got in the way of a smooth read.
AI is EI (evolving intelligence), our worst nightmare and greatest dream plays out in this 4th installment of Major Bhaajan, ex military and now PI for the Royal House of Majda. Three murders of high-tech creators, infighting between political parties, unreigned fanaticism, evolving of both EI and high-tech in ways no one has ever seen before, misdirection in clues, along with the ever present prejudices born from ignorance towards Under City people make for a thoroughly engaging SciFi story with culture clashes and a reflection of the best and worst in us. As an added gold-bar-bonus, you also get a clear look at some of the dynamics in our society today. All in all, a thoroughly entertaining read.
To be clear:
Worst nightmare: EI taking over humanity in the hands of the wrong people.
Greatest dream: Rising to the occasion with integrity and honor.
The ONLY hiccup to an otherwise flawless story that keeps you turning the page happens early on when the author uses Max, Bhaaj’s personal EI, to explain the mechanics of the Kyle web to Bhaaj. That rang so false since Bhaaj had direct experience with it in book 2. Yes, Ms Asaro needed to provide that info to a new reader—her books can be read as a stand-alone—but I wish she’d’ve had Max explain it to someone, anyone, other than Bhaaj. Still, it was a minor hiccup since nothing else got in the way of a smooth read.
March 16, 2024
Well, it's official. I've now read every novel - and short story - available in the Skolian Empire universe. I managed to slowly ration them out to last almost a year, but now my supply is extinguished, and I'll have to wait for Asaro to write more.
For now, I feel I need a farewell review to the glorious Bhaaj and her trusty Dust Knights.
Reverse sexism has been an ongoing theme in these books, and I especially like the way its treated in this one. Unlike Coba (where it's blatant as all hell), the sexism on Parthonia mirrors our modern world's with its subtle, yet pervasive assumption of the female. So when it turns out, for example, that an elected official is actually a man, there's awkward coughing and tidying of pronouns.
Artificial intelligence is also strongly explored again here. Max and Bhaaj seem to have more fun together than any other pairing of juggernaut and neural node we've explored. And the rights of a nascent AI are central to the plot. I found it relevant, given the way things are currently going, there's a nonzero chance that I'll get to make friends with an AI in my lifetime.
I just adore this universe, and I adore the author's style of writing. Great story, strong mystery, lovely characters. I think Asaro has a fantasy series as well...I suppose I'll have to go read that now instead.
For now, I feel I need a farewell review to the glorious Bhaaj and her trusty Dust Knights.
Reverse sexism has been an ongoing theme in these books, and I especially like the way its treated in this one. Unlike Coba (where it's blatant as all hell), the sexism on Parthonia mirrors our modern world's with its subtle, yet pervasive assumption of the female. So when it turns out, for example, that an elected official is actually a man, there's awkward coughing and tidying of pronouns.
Artificial intelligence is also strongly explored again here. Max and Bhaaj seem to have more fun together than any other pairing of juggernaut and neural node we've explored. And the rights of a nascent AI are central to the plot. I found it relevant, given the way things are currently going, there's a nonzero chance that I'll get to make friends with an AI in my lifetime.
I just adore this universe, and I adore the author's style of writing. Great story, strong mystery, lovely characters. I think Asaro has a fantasy series as well...I suppose I'll have to go read that now instead.
June 17, 2023
This is the fourth novel in the Major Bhaajan series, far future science fiction narrated by the eponymous Major Bhaajan, a very likable ex-soldier turned private investigator. Once again, I enjoyed this very much. I especially liked the part EIs play (EIs are evolving intelligences, essentially AIs). There are a couple of moments near the end of that thread that brought me close to tears.
I note that this entry moves away from the Undercity where Major Bhajaan grew up to the capital of the Imperialate. This provides variety, but, if a fifth book appears, I hope it returns to the Undercity with its themes of hardship, discrimination, and the worth of those overlooked.
Four out of five evolving stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
I note that this entry moves away from the Undercity where Major Bhajaan grew up to the capital of the Imperialate. This provides variety, but, if a fifth book appears, I hope it returns to the Undercity with its themes of hardship, discrimination, and the worth of those overlooked.
Four out of five evolving stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
January 21, 2023
The latest addition to the Skolian saga follows Major Bhaajan in her fourth adventure. A retired officer turned private investigator, she is brought in to investigate three mysterious murders in the Empire's capital Selei City on the planet Parthonia that have baffled the police and military security.
The author weaves current events and issues quickly recognized in this far-future space opera from gender identity and roles, economic disparity, and prejudice to artificial (evolving) intelligences, rabid political divisions, purposely slanted and false news reporting, terrorists, and a security lock-down similar to that experienced by the world-wide pandemic.
Major Bhaajan is a fully realized character with strengths and faults she is aware of. The nature of the plot means the narrative is full of red herrings that require time and space to explore and resolve. Perhaps over-long, the intrigue, the character interactions, and the continued development of Major Bhaajan continue to make this series enjoyable.
The author weaves current events and issues quickly recognized in this far-future space opera from gender identity and roles, economic disparity, and prejudice to artificial (evolving) intelligences, rabid political divisions, purposely slanted and false news reporting, terrorists, and a security lock-down similar to that experienced by the world-wide pandemic.
Major Bhaajan is a fully realized character with strengths and faults she is aware of. The nature of the plot means the narrative is full of red herrings that require time and space to explore and resolve. Perhaps over-long, the intrigue, the character interactions, and the continued development of Major Bhaajan continue to make this series enjoyable.
September 11, 2023
takes place about 53 years before Primary Inversion
Great story advancing Bhaajan’s further integration into Skolia upper crust society and recognition, with the sudden introductions of key Undercity leaders Angel and Rizik. Assro introduces some fascinating ideas of EI (Evolved Intelligence, several steps beyond Artificial Intelligence (think WiFi KITT or Dr Theopolis or Star Wars WiFi droids) and what dust-sized drones could do, leagues beyond Crichton’s nanobot book Prey.
Kurj has been Imperator for about 1 year. Major Bhajaan, at 42 years old by late 220 when Jigsaw Assassin takes place, has been a PI for almost 9 years, with Vanishing Seas ending about a little under half a year ago. Soz is not born yet, as she is also around 43 when she meets 22 year old Jaibriol 3 in Primary Inversion (but there’s still a chance for Soz and Bhajaan to meet in a future book before this time or in a novella!).
Great story advancing Bhaajan’s further integration into Skolia upper crust society and recognition, with the sudden introductions of key Undercity leaders Angel and Rizik. Assro introduces some fascinating ideas of EI (Evolved Intelligence, several steps beyond Artificial Intelligence (think WiFi KITT or Dr Theopolis or Star Wars WiFi droids) and what dust-sized drones could do, leagues beyond Crichton’s nanobot book Prey.
Kurj has been Imperator for about 1 year. Major Bhajaan, at 42 years old by late 220 when Jigsaw Assassin takes place, has been a PI for almost 9 years, with Vanishing Seas ending about a little under half a year ago. Soz is not born yet, as she is also around 43 when she meets 22 year old Jaibriol 3 in Primary Inversion (but there’s still a chance for Soz and Bhajaan to meet in a future book before this time or in a novella!).
October 20, 2025
"Maybe the time had come for the Knights to step into the sun."
Trust is at the center of this compelling whodunit. Ultimately there are two cases, winding around each other, and Bhaajan is hard pressed to put all the pieces in place, in part because she needs to figure out what belongs in puzzle A and what is part of puzzle B.
Angel and Ruzik have been wonderful proteges in the previous books, and here they show just how far they have come under Bhaajan's mentorship. They have always been interesting characters in their own right, but here they have an arc and evolution, a movement "into adulthood" in some respects, which other characters in the story echo.
This may be one of my favorite books in this series, in part because it is highly relatable to our modern lives, showing how easy it is to get caught up in finger pointing, making assumptions about others, and forgetting to treat individuals like people.
Trust is at the center of this compelling whodunit. Ultimately there are two cases, winding around each other, and Bhaajan is hard pressed to put all the pieces in place, in part because she needs to figure out what belongs in puzzle A and what is part of puzzle B.
Angel and Ruzik have been wonderful proteges in the previous books, and here they show just how far they have come under Bhaajan's mentorship. They have always been interesting characters in their own right, but here they have an arc and evolution, a movement "into adulthood" in some respects, which other characters in the story echo.
This may be one of my favorite books in this series, in part because it is highly relatable to our modern lives, showing how easy it is to get caught up in finger pointing, making assumptions about others, and forgetting to treat individuals like people.
September 13, 2022
Catherine Asaro has another case for retired Major Bhaajan. This time she has to leave the undercity on the dry and dying planet Raylicon, to help solve three murders in the capitol of the Skolian Empire, Selei City at the request of the Ruby Pharaoh. But The Jigsaw Assassin (paper from Baen) drops a balcony on her head and blows up her condo. Other players from the various political parties soon kidnap her, and others attempt assassination. There’s an AI that seems new to the world and not created by humans who is either responsible or trying to help. Great series.
December 13, 2022
Once again, started a series with the last book. This one had some high-tech killing, drawing her patron to call for Major Bhaajan to come investigate and find out whom exactly is to blame. She finds this and more, while setting the stage for the tales next iteration, the public introduction of Dust Knights.
July 30, 2023
I liked seeing a different part of the empire in Jigsaw Assassin and the case was interesting. I liked the further exploration and development of the cultures and civilizations within the empire. I also liked that Angel and Ruzak accompanied Bhaaj to Selei City. I look forward to more in the series.
October 30, 2023
Expanding the perspective a little, this job takes Bhaaj out of Raylicon and the Undercity, investigating a case on another world entirely. It's just as gripping and fun as the other volumes in the series, although Jak fans should be aware that he appears less in this book than in any of its predecessors. Hoping Asaro keeps writing these for a long time :)
May 30, 2024
4 and a half stars for this one. The story was extremely puzzling and very convoluted. The writing still has a lot of mistakes which a proofreader should have picked up. I shuddered to read the title, thinking that it was about an assassin who used a jigsaw (carpenter's tool) but it was about a puzzle that was as difficult as a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle with no picture! I hope there are more Major Bhaajan books to come, as I really enjoy them.
September 7, 2025
When I start skipping pages on long winded narrative then I know the book has lost me. The technical explanations didn't make any sense. The introduction of so many political parties or groups of interested parties had me confused. I made it about halfway and quit. Poor dialouge and far too much unnecessary narrative.
August 15, 2022
I love the Major B books! They focus on a mystery rather than a romance, and I’ve always loved the world more than the couples anyway. With these, Asaro really focuses on the themes of power and privilege, and I like the exploration. Part of scifi that arcs towards solutions.
January 12, 2023
~4.5 stars. The biggest minus was in pacing, which felt uneven, especially considering the last couple of chapters. Also, quite a bit of review of the previous books in the series, unexpectedly so. Other than that, it was as usual very enjoyable.
June 30, 2024
I've really enjoyed this series, mostly because of the main character and the dynamics between herself and those closest to her. It's been easy to get in to without knowing anything else about the extended universe it exists within.
December 6, 2024
Maybe a little too much politicizing on Bhaaj's part, but that's skippable in all but audio edition and there's plenty of mystery and action to compensate. I'm hoping further exploits will be forthcoming.
July 28, 2022
4.5 stars
September 13, 2022
I enjoy this series. This is the fourth book in the series and I didn't find it quite as good as previous books. But still glad I read it.
October 16, 2022
While it got a little over explanatory at times, it was delightful to be back with Major Bhaajan in her detective mode.
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