Rating:  4.5⭐️

Outer space is the last thing I think of when the words cozy murder mystery appear, but they absolutely work in the marvelous new discovery of mine, Breathing Space: Ellis McFadden Mysteries by Kristen Painter. 

I’ve run across quite a few writers who are confused about what this term , cozy mystery, actually means and what elements a terrific novel that is termed a cozy should contain.

Breathing Space has all that! A small town community where everyone knows what’s happening, people are nosy if not downright gossipy. A community hall space where information is readily shared, in this case both a lunch hall and chat room. And a murder where the police don’t seem interested in solving the crime. 

Except instead of a tiny New England village or English town, the location is the Athos, the premiere vessel in the Federation of Allied Nations fleet. Part cruiser, part research, part military vessel and the current home to Ellis Scheherazade McFadden, Els, head librarian of the Athos. 

Think of every fabulous older crime solving woman you love and know that Ellis is someone who is going to be the next woman added to the list. 

She’s widowed, in her 60’s, fit, and followed her daughter, the Vice Admiral of the Fleet into space, wanting a new adventure after retirement. 

Here’s a character, community, and book that had me immediately when mentioning hot flashes and cryostasis in the same sentence. Usually not two associated things I’ve come across when reading or watching science fiction.

The Athos is very much a small town, in her friends, the cliques, the quick pace of information traveling around the ship. Cozy murder works well with the concept.

There’s even adorable animals, especially the cat named Henry, even if they are androids. 

The murder is a great one, the investigation by Ellis and  friends fascinating. And the foods, and explanations are perfect. 

I can’t wait for more of this imaginative series and great new character. 

Series and characters like Ellis get me excited and hooked on further exploring more new to me authors just like Kristen Painter!

Highly recommended! More of this age group please in the main characters. 

Cover design: Cover design and composite cover art by Janet Holmes

Ellis McFadden Mysteries :

Breathing Space #1

Star Power #2

Future Tense #3

Buy link

        Breathing Space: Ellis McFadden Mysteries

    

Blurb 

Step into the enigmatic world of the Athos—a vessel that blends the luxury of a cruise ship, the intrigue of a scientific research station, and the might of a military starship. Here, amidst the stars, you’ll find Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, embarking on adventures she never anticipated this late in her career.

Even better that she gets to experience it all while in proximity to her daughter, who just happens to be the vice admiral. But life aboard the ship takes a darker turn when a library patron is found dead, and Ellis falls under suspicion.

With her reputation on the line, Ellis must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies. Armed with her wits, the loyalty of her eclectic friends, and her trusty android cat, she dives into a mystery that’s as thrilling as the unexplored galaxies around her. Can she find the critical evidence to clear her name before the next jump into the unknown?

• Publication date: January 31, 2025
• Language: English
• Print length: 274 pages