The Janus File

The third in Weber and Holo’s Gordian Division series (following 2020’s Valkyrie Protocol), this sci-fi police procedural is only loosely dependent upon previous installments, instead setting up a satisfying, self-contained mystery for its mismatched protagonists to gradually unravel. As part of an experimental officer exchange program, Det. Isaac Cho of SysPol’s Themis Division is paired with Agent Susan Cantrell of the Admin’s Department of Temporal Investigation. Their first assignment is to investigate the deaths of two prominent members of Gordian Division. The case provides opportunity for the unlikely partners to get acquainted, though synthoid-inhabiting Susan is still getting used to life in SysPol, while Isaac is uncomfortable with her tendency towards violence and heavy weaponry. As their investigation takes them from the depths of the megastructures orbiting Saturn to the chaos of virtual games, they find they have more than a desire for justice in common. The highlights of this familiar procedural story are the growing partnership between the leads, moments of humor amid the expected culture clashes, and the exploration of the authors’ well-realized far-future world. It’s pure entertainment. (Oct.)