Zero-G

Boffard’s sometimes confusing follow-up to the near-future thriller Tracer finds former space station courier Riley Hale once again caught up in deadly plots complicated by competing loyalties. Six months after Riley saved the Outer Earth space station, the last refuge of humankind after eco-collapse on Earth, she’s now employed as a “stomper,” part of local law enforcement. But her past has made her a target for vigilante Morgan Knox, who wants Riley’s help in taking his revenge on jailed terrorist leader Janice Okwembu. To force Riley to help him, Knox has surgically implanted explosive charges in Riley’s knees. To complicate matters, a deadly virus is sweeping across the station. When Knox falls ill, Riley must find a cure to save herself as well as the rest of the station. As before, Boffard’s story moves lightning fast. The worldbuilding doesn’t always pass muster, but the action is tense and brisk, a fine beach read for thriller fans. [em](Aug.) [/em]