Fiction, Science Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Adventure

4****

Blurb: Once the star student of her training class, Captain Liz Laika is now an outcast, a casualty of family scandal. Now stuck in the worst post in the Fleet, she should keep her head down. But when a Cerulean passenger is found decapitated, and Liz is framed for the murder, she has no choice but to fight for her life. No easy feat when she’s facing kidnapping, ship-eating whales, horse-sized spiders and corrupt fleet officers with personal vendettas. And in the middle of the intergalactic murder drama, her ex-fiancé reappears. Captain Liz needs to clear her name–and fast.

THOUGHTS: Take one part cozy murder mystery, one part fun space opera, one part political intrigue, stir it all together with fun characters and interesting world building and you have this story. Captain Liz Laika spend a lot of time trying to stay alive – even in the first chapter with an unfortunate spill – and trying to hold her ship together – and dodging kidnappers and an ex who thinks she’s not worth his time. 
The characters are great – I loved Liz running around in her pink/unicorn jammies and fluffy slippers – even Eugene, the boxy AI is cute. There is a lot of conflict between Liz and a whole lot of others, but she is loyal to her crew, and they to her. The story is fun to read and has a good ending that still leaves enough strings dangling that lets you know Liz and her people will face more adventures. And I’m looking forward to them!
Recommended.