Considering my positive reviews of Olivia Waite’s historical romances and Malka Older’s sci-fi mystery novellas, it should be no surprise that I am enjoying Olivia Waite’s own sci-fi mystery novellas, the Dorothy Gentleman series. The second entry, Nobody’s Baby, cements this as a series of cozy mysteries exploring what it means to hold onto our memories in the depths of space.
The series takes place on the Fairweather, a ship carrying thousands of humans on a centuries-long journey. Their memories are stored digitally, allowing them to be transferred into a new body whenever they die. In the first book, a ship detective named Dorothy Gentleman is revived in a body that isn’t hers and must stop a murderer from permanently deleting passengers’ stored memories. In this sequel, Dorothy is presented with a far cuter, yet still perplexing mystery: a baby who has appeared without explanation on a ship where nobody should be able to procreate.
Everything on this journey is so carefully arranged that any unexpected element is cause for intrigue. In this case, this baby is unprecedented not only for the Fairweather, but for humanity, as he has been born in outer space and will never form memories of Earth. It has been centuries since anyone onboard has dealt with the idea of a person being a “blank slate” who has yet to develop their sense of self. I found this to be one of the most compelling aspects of the story. The conclusion to the mystery itself didn’t surprise me, though I still found it satisfying how it all came together.
Much of the series’ charm is grounded in its narrator. It’s a treat to read from the perspective of an older woman; though Dorothy is in a younger body in this particular entry, she’s still written as a character with centuries of life experience. Her perspective is mature, dry, and sharp while remaining warm and sincere, a combination that suits a cozy mystery in this setting.
The series features a casually queer ensemble cast. The background romantic elements are subtle but still showcase the author’s experience with writing romantic chemistry. Dorothy’s love interest challenges her views, creating tension and influencing her growth, while maintaining an understated enough dynamic to suit the characters’ maturity. Dorothy’s most important relationships in this book are with her extended family, which I enjoyed, as I usually don’t get to see that as a focus.
The synopsis of book three intrigues me, so I’ll be anticipating its release next year. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick, delightful read.
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