Chimera

First the bad - There are one or two plot holes one could drive a truck through. THAT SAID - This is one of the five best books I've read. (And I've read a lot) Zoe and Max are both likeable and the story moves along with not only a good pace but at times a laugh out loud quality that really gets the blood pumping. There are a few plot twists that one might not see coming and though the ending is just a tad weak, it works well. Two words: SEQUAL NOW!!! :)

Here's the way I can tell if I enjoy a book: if the world the story is set in is compelling enough that I want to see more, with our without the characters of the book. Shetterly's Chimera is exactly that sort of world. I am as intrigued by his not-too-distant, not-too-unbelievable Libertarian America as I am by Zoe and Max.This is a light and enjoyable science fiction noir mystery that manages to be gritty and optimistic in the same breath. Further, Shetterly manages a very great trick in creating protagonists who are initially rather unlikeable (if not downright annoying) but giving them the space and believable reasons to change.It's not the deepest read in the world, there is meaning muddled by a rapid-fire plot, but if you're looking for an compelling and enveloping read, Chimera is a good choice.

Once upon a future, there was a vegetarian, well born PI named Max and a chimera/critter (jaguar/human) named Zoe. Max takes on Zoe's case to find her "mother's" murderer for which Zoe is framed. Max's task is complicated by Zoe's lowly status in the not-so-brave new world. Critters have no civil rights, are "property" though are not called slaves. Everything in this Libertarian government is privately owned, including the police force, which is manned by Bots (trained robots.)"Chimera" is a lively, fun, fast-paced story with ethical resonance. Some reviewers objected to the lack of depth in discussing the moral problems; I disagree. The author allows us to make our own decisions regarding what "rights" non-human entities should have. To make it more interesting, critters and A1s can reproduce among themselves and with humans.The story takes place in LA, a ferment of sharply divided neighborhoods well described and plausible. Radical critters who hate all humans call them "skins." A human who consorts with a critter is a "furry." Critters that go inexplicably crazy are "wilding." The characters are sharply etched and most are likeable, some with remarkable (to us) attributes. Max has an Infinite Pocket attached to his wrist. You can't see it; it is about the size of a small backpack and holds his 9mm SIG Recoilless that has an infinite clip (he never needs to reload.) Zoe is amazingly fast, balanced and has a purring sort of voice. (She also has a furry ears that the author finds endearing.)"Chimera" is good-natured, and I rooted for Max and Zoe shamelessly. The book is clever and highly readable. Treat yourself to something a little different and read "Chimera."

Private detective Chase "Max" Maxwell was doing his usual losing a bundle of money while gambling when Zoe Domingo entered the casino. She informs him that she has need of a sleuth so he grabs her cash and watch to call his hand, but loses anyway. To his shock, Max learns from a sniffing chimera that his client is part human and part jaguar, making her a chimera too. Since these genetically engineered critters have no rights beyond that of a slave they cannot hire humans, but Zoe insists her former master, abolitionist Janna Gold freed her. Someone killed Janna and the police believe that someone is Zoe. She wants Max to prove her innocence because she insists the robo-cops murdered her liberator. The investigation quickly turns ugly and soon everyone chases after Max and Zoe because they want a powerful earring that Janna gave to her. With no place to hide or run, Max and Zoe are in deep trouble. If they somehow live, they probably will spend a few decades in jail. CHIMERA is dark science fiction novel that uses genetic engineering to tell a human rights story. The story line is faster than a speeding rocket ship and loaded with excitement yet allows room for the human rights element to flourish without slowing down the pace. Max is a classic hard-boiled detective placed in a future world and Zoe is his femme fatale though reengineered. Readers who enjoy science fiction mysteries will believe Will Sletterly's latest tale, CHIMERA, is simply out of this world.Harriet Klausner

I hope this is the start of a new series--Characters are great and definately deserve more stories. I thought some of the leaps in logic were hard to follow, but as a hard-boiled detective sci-fi, with a wonderful cat creature, this excels. I loved the borderland books, too.