Contamination

Star Trek: The Next Generation #16

by John Vornholt

The U.S.S. Enterprise™. is stunned when famed scientist Lynn Costa is murdered in one of the ship's science labs. She and her husband Emil were known as science's greatest ongoing collaboration and, together had received the Federation's highest honors for their achievements in scientific research.
Determined to see the culprit brought to justice, Captain Picard assigns Lt. Worf and Counselor Deanna Troi to the case. their routine investigation of the ship's science lab soon reveals a dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and madness. Now, Worf and Troi find themselves struggling against a ruthless assassin set on revenge -- for whom murder is only the beginning...

Genres: Star Trek, Science Fiction, Star Trek The Next Generation, Fiction, Mystery, Media Tie In, Science Fiction Fantasy

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

John Vornholt also writes as Caroline Goode.

Reviews

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the one hand, there is a murder mystery that takes place on the Enterprise with a renowned scientist as the victim, but then the writer neglects to recognize that some of the events could not possibly have occurred on the ship because there are safeguards in place to prevent them. So despite the fact that I love murder mysteries and I love Star Trek, once again we have a writer ill-equipped to write a Star Trek novel.

I do not mean that the writer is a bad writer, or that the writer does not know how to write Star Trek, I just mean that in this instance, he misses the mark. How is it possible that a person can enter another officer’s room and gum up the replicator without leaving some kind of record? It gets annoying when a fan is pulled out of a story by inconsistencies of character and continuity. UGH!

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A perfectly decent murder mystery aboard the Enterprise, with Worf and Troi as detectives.

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it's not too bad. I could see this being a regular episode, actually. As for the cover...I don't know what's going on with that. I'm guessing that was supposed to be the artist's attempt at a clean room suit aboard the Enterprise (there are clean rooms on the Enterprise, by the by...from ones that offer a no more than 1,000 particles of dust to ones that are completely dust free). The suit seems more like a Rollerbabies-esque post-apocalypse warrior, or some quasi-fascist enforcer on a world that they are visiting more than anything, but whatevs...

Also, whilst piloting the Enterprise through an asteroid field, Wesley misses dodging one and the Enterprise bumps into it (with no lasting damage) and Wesley's reason for why he missed seeing it was because it was almost 1 km in diameter...the Enterprise is also about that long...so, I'm not sure how he missed that...but whatevs...

Rather disappointing was that the whodunnit wraps up in the last few pages of the book with little to no resolution post-climax, although we find out that Riker takes Troi down to the Starbase for 10 whole hours of shore leave...hold me back!

Minor gripe: all females are described by how tight-fitting, form-fitting, or otherwise flattering and/or figure-revealing their clothes are.

I did like how the Kreel made an appearance, although they seem to almost be like the Pakleds, but for the Klingons.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a MURDER on The Enterprise... dun dun dunnnn. So Worf and Troi must investigate. I have to say it was a pretty good novel, and it actually used Troi in a meaningful way. I didn't figure out who actually did it until 20 pages from the end (but you might be quicker than me).

[Denise Link · Rating 2 out of 5]

um, this was bad. Not charmingly, kitchily bad, but unbelievable plot, poorly written characters and disregard of established Star Trek mythology bad. The murder mystery plot is thin and amateurish, but the real problem is that the characters act in ways not in keeping with their characters on the show. No technology is used in the inept investigation of the crimes (not even today's world technology).

So why two stars? I did keep reading to find out if the obvious (non)suspect was the killer, and because blatant grammatical, word choice and punctuation errors are few.

[Phillip · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know whether to blame the writer and/or the editor, but this book has some significant issues in adequately portraying the characters and technology of TNG. The base story is fine (though it's pretty much a bottle episode which is pretty odd for a novel), but it's a standard murder mystery. There's not even a B plot. But I was so distracted by the inaccuracies (which could have been easily fixed without affecting the story), I can't really recommend it. Even though it's a rare Troi/Worf buddy cop team up, there's better stuff out there.

[Zane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable narration by Michael Dorn and the sound effects were great. The combination of microbiology and Star Trek seems tailor made for my interests so I’m more than happy with the story over all and will happily listen to it again, it’s been nice to fall asleep to.

[Elizabeth Perez]

So this is a mystery where a crew member dies and it has to be figured out what happened. I liked seeing more of Worf, his capabilities, and his insights. There is something very fun when two contrasting characters interact with this on it was Worf and Troi. In the past I really like the few times Tuvok and B'Elanna interacted but it seemed like writers don't like characters that were too different. I bet this author is a true fan of TNG because he did great with the characters, I felt like I would hear very similar dialog on the show but it did not feel like he stole from it.

As for the ending the last two chapters fell a little flat but I loved loved the last four lines.

This isn't a 5 star read but I'd still recommend it.

[Nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

March 2021 re-read
My Mom read this to me after my surgery and it was just a wonderful experience for a decently brutal time. We genuinely tried to solve the murder, swapping theories and determining motives from mis-directs (my shit memory really came in clutch here to keep up the suspense because I'd entirely forgotten the details). We eye-rolled heavily at Deanna questioning Saduk's virility at a wake. We took the requisite time to mock the author's obsession with describing eyebrows (it probably wasn't even that bad, but once we noticed it we couldn't stop noting every mention). We enjoyed Riker's diplomatic suffering, as should you if you have any sense. We actually made a few correct predications, which neither of us manage to consistently do reading mysteries, despite the amount we consume.

Also my Mom is quite upset with how often Worf smiles in this book. "Worf doesn't grin" she firmly protests, and I agree with her (minus a few exceptions like at the end of 'A Fistful of Datas'). At least in my brain, Worf is generally more of a 'deep chest rumble in the face of glorious victory with eyes glinting' kinda Klingon for most trivial 'happy' matters, and they had him smiling left right and centre. Anyway. Yes Mom, I stand by your adamant complaint.

I have quite warm and fuzzy memories associated with this book now, just because of how much fun it was to have it read to me and enjoy it so immediately with someone else while also being flat on my back an in considerable discomfort. We both looked forward to The Reading Hours all day and we're quite bereft it's over. We're already discussing another ST:TNG novel to start because 1 - Trekkies gonna Trek, and 2 - they're light enough to enjoy while I'm still recovering. Fun with friends, 10/10 would recommend reading to someone for regular gentle mocking of 'just good enough' writing, familiar characters, a fun plot, and genuine enjoyment.

Original Review
Ohhhhh I don't know what to do with this book. To be summed up in one thought, this book is the Star Trek TNG version of a 'whodunnit'. I must say, I was disappointed the author made the ending particularly obvious (to me anyhow) but it was still a nice mindless read. Definitely not one I'd throw at people, but it's alright if you're in the mood for a Sherlock Holmes Star Trek style (before anyone murders me, the writing isn't nearly as amazing as Sir C.D. nor is Worf as good as Sherlock. But hey, he tries. He really tries.).

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is the best thing about this novel: it wears its Agatha Christie influences on its sleeve, and the possible murderers are an interesting (and despicable) group of characters. But it's the surface awkwardness that gets in the way, with all sorts of irritants: (1) a season 4 story beset with season 2 characters; (2) an antagonism between Deanna and Worf that wasn't as long lasting as this book makes out; (3) the previous point being part of a larger -- and stranger -- attempt to sequel several elements of Peter David's earlier TNG novel "Strike Zone"; (4) some incredibly strange writing choices (Ten Forward Room? An overly polite computer interface?). The novel ends up working in spite of all this baggage because it feels like bog-standard, competent TNG of the time. It would have made a solid set of TV episodes.

[Yvensong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good solid mystery story taking place on the Enterprise with Deanna Troi and Worf being focused on as the main characters. The writer seemed to know his characters well enough to portray them as we know them from the show.

My only bugaboo: no fingerprints were checked for on a piece of evidence that was found at the murder scene. Huh? We're in a very far future, and yet fingerprints, one of the oldest methods used in detection was not even considered?

[Michael Hanscom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, this was just bad. A non-mysterious mystery, characters behaving like idiots, a complete disregard to established Trek norms and technologies, and not a single female character escaped being described by their physical attributes over any other descriptor.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable. And although Michael Dorn read it that did not help the story.

[Rebekah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

MURDER, MYSTERY, INTRIGUE! Why, color me entertained. I very much enjoyed this little romp in space. I'd even go so far as to recommend it. So, I recommend this. There I did it.

[Solitudes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice interesting reading, another book which is more like a detective book with just some small trek stuff around. It is a Worf/ Troy centered book with murders on board of Enterprise, the hunt for the criminal and the trial. Really liked it, nothing to complain about it.

[Ronald Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery storyline - 4 stars. Was absorbing even though I guessed the villain early on in the book

My main issue was the portrayals of Worf, Troi, and Wesley. I did not feel like their speech patterns or actions were really consistent with the characters as portrayed in the tv show.

Still is a worthwhile read if a fan of the show.

[Lois Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, and that was pretty short anyway, so I have no idea how the full novel is. Based on the audio, it went too quick, felt like it didn't explain everything or glossed over stuff. That said, it's a good premise that I did want to get to the end to find out the rest about what happened to the scientist and what was going on with the others. Plus, it focuses on a teaming up of Worf and Troi, getting the bigger names out of the way for a little while. Also, specifically with the audio, Michael Dorn does a super Mr. Worf. ;)

[Christopher Laughlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was poorly written, a bit melodramatic (too many adjectives) and too stiff at times. The plot and conclusion was predictable. The characters were inconsistent with their television counterparts. On the whole, I was unimpressed and do not recommend this book.

[ABC · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of Contamination, started out very quickly, which was nice. I never figured out who the murderer was, though I probably should have. A quite enjoyable and short Next Generation novel.

4 stars

[Derek Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just delightful. Mostly because I listened to the Michael Dorn-narrated audio book, but also because it reads like a quintessential mid-season TNG episode. The nostalgia hit hard with this one.

Also, this is one of the single worst covers of any Star Trek novel I have ever seen.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is basically an Agatha Christie style whodunit set in the Star Trek realm. If you don't guess who the murderer is as soon as the character is introduced, you haven't read enough mysteries.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great blend of mystery and space opera.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, just like an episode of TNG...though it annoyed me they kept saying "out" when they finished talking over the communicator, they say their name first in the show, such as "Picard out."

[Phillip Krzeminski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contamination was decent, for a Star Trek novel - if I were comparing it to the show, it would be a watchable, if somewhat forgettable episode. The murder story is pretty thin, and I thought it was pretty obvious who the murderer was. Though the “who” wasn’t really a surprise, the book was good enough to get me to stick around for the “why?”

It was nice that the book meaningfully engaged Diana Troi, and there were some cool bits of Betazoid lore thrown in that I found interesting. Worf is Worf, I like that he has the same kind of straight-and-narrow approach in the novel that he would have shown in the TV series. Wes Crusher also plays a moderately large part and I thought it was a good portrayal.

The books real failings are that it really needed a “B story” to feel more like a Trek episode, especially as it was a bit threadbare. Also, the murder mystery really should have been solved easily with technology - or the author needed to provide a good reason why it couldn’t have been. This all happens aboard the Enterprise and Worf basically could have just asked the computer who was in the room but never does. They should have had the whole thing take place off the ship, as it would solve a lot of the obvious plot holes - it would make sense for a bottle episode where the producers were trying to save some money, but for a novel?

[Octavia Cade · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really quite interesting, and skipped along at pace. Too much pace I think, at the end, because the conclusion was crammed into the smallest page count possible - it all ended very abruptly - but it got the job done. It's funny, reading these books in order, the patterns that emerge. This, like the last, is another criminal investigation story. There's a micro-contamination science lab aboard the Enterprise (and it must be said that Vornholt makes good use of the science here), and the famed research team of husband and wife who run the lab are put under the microscope when one of them turns up dead... and the other is chief suspect. Worf and Troi team up to investigate, and it's a good pairing. They're nothing alike, so it's entertaining to watch them bounce ideas off each other.

Also entertaining, in a very specific way, is Wesley. Assigned by Worf to tail one of the scientists, for reasons passing understanding, he's thumped by an underling and almost murdered himself. I say yay for the former - who amongst us has not wanted to slam that annoying kid into a wall? - and boo that the latter did not succeed. I am waiting with baited breath for these tie-in novels to reach the point in the series where he buggered off, so that I can read TNG stories without him in them. Hopefully that will be soon.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad. Some of the characters were a bit 'off' but the most egregious one was that Worf had to make a big mistake he never would have in the series (but even that was explained away). I do like how Worf got to be a little more complex, more, erm, 'human' if you will. But once again, poor Deanna... she sure gets knocked around enough. Guinan and Wesley had roles bigger than they do in many of the books.

The mystery itself was kinda interesting, at least from my perspective, as one who does not read 'em. I knew almost right away who did it, but had no clue why. And the 'how' was pretty far-fetched hand-wavium, but fine. And the victim(s) were, ah, without spoiling anything, interesting.

Onward!

[David Danko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly well done murder mystery whodunit story set aboard the Enterprise. Lynn Costa, a scientist that is an expert on the biofilters is acting strange then dies in mysterious circumstances, which leads to a team up of Worf and Troi to investigate the death. I had my suspicions on different members of the team without being able to pinpoint exactly which one it was until close to the end of the novel. There were a few times that the characters of the crew were written in a way that was not quite in line with how they've been shown, but overall the characterization was ok.

[Jay Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent murder mystery on the Enterprise. The characters stay true to form and Deanna and Worf are the major characters with a strong effort by Wesley. I was disturbed by one statement. Deanna stated that suicide was possible in humans because of a belief that the ancient humans believed the afterlife was better than this one. I have that belief and because of my belief find suicide repugnant. It is insulting.

[Frank Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the basis for this story. The detective theme always goes well for me and this one featuring investigators Troi and Worf was an unexpected treat.

I especially found the trial thrilling although it did come to an abrupt end.

The story had a few suppositions which threw our familiars out of character but those moments occurred early in and it wasn't hard to get on with enjoying the plot.

[Sarah Braggins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing in this book is true and accurate. The misogynistic author paints all the male characters as powerful and desirable, and all the female characters as sex-crazy and -to use his words- “pathetic”. The relationships between the characters are wholly inaccurate, as are the facts of the various alien species. His courtroom terminology is incorrect, and I believe the only Star Trek episode the author has watched has been the one he references ad nauseam in this book (incorrectly, I might add). Save yourself the time and trouble, and don’t read this book.