Red Noise

Murphy skillfully transports spaghetti western tropes to a lawless space station in this action-packed debut. The reclusive, unnamed heroine, an asteroid miner, docks at dilapidated Station 35 hoping to sell her ore, restock her supplies, and interact with as few people as possible. But Station 35 is a violent, unsavory place controlled by a corrupt, all-powerful corporation, and its inhabitants prove intent on cheating and exploiting her. So the Miner, a former intelligence-corps officer of mysterious, dark repute, sets about cleaning up the station by any means necessary—gathering allies, securing resources, and using the already-raging turf war between rival gangs and crooked cops to her advantage. The Miner’s a resourceful, intriguing protagonist determined to bring order back to Station 35, no matter how violent it gets. Though not all of the inhabitants of Station 35 are as well-rendered as the lead, snappy dialogue and plenty of dry humor keep the pages turning. This fast, fun space western is pure entertainment. Agent: Evan Gregory, Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. (June)