The Mimicking of Known Successes

By: Malka Older

Narrated by: Lindsey Dorcus

The Mimicking of Known Successes presents a cozy Holmesian murder mystery and sapphic romance, set on Jupiter, by Malka Older, author of the critically acclaimed Centenal Cycle.

On a remote, gas-wreathed outpost of a human colony on Jupiter, a man goes missing. The enigmatic Investigator Mossa follows his trail to Valdegeld, home to the colony’s erudite university―and Mossa’s former girlfriend, a scholar of Earth’s pre-collapse ecosystems.

Pleiti has dedicated her research and her career to aiding the larger effort towards a possible return to Earth. When Mossa unexpectedly arrives and requests Pleiti’s assistance in her latest investigation, the two of them embark on a twisting path in which the future of life on Earth is at stake―and, perhaps, their futures, together.

©2023 Malka Older (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Steampunkish

Fans of Steampunk will enjoy the charm of this story. While not strictly speaking that genre the tone has a similar charm.

Interesting short story

The main focus of this book is the mystery which i liked and it wasn't obvious what the outcome would be. The world building of living above the surface of a gas giant is subtle and not much detail is given but i found it interesting. The story kept me engaged and the narrator was good. The romance is subtle and showed how the dynamic between two people can chamge over time.

Cozy Holmesian mystery...on Jupiter

This was a fun, quick listen that left me wanting more! The main characters are charming but it was the detailed world-building that won me over. The story also went some interesting places related to ecology and human responsibility in a future in which humanity has destroyed Earth and most of its species. The sequel comes out next week and I'm very interested to see where the author takes it next.

Very cozy futuristic Sherlock style sapphic quick read indeed

I tend towards long high fantasy sapphic stories but this was such a fun, quick story to curl up with on a cold day. I loved both main characters and the plot was enough to keep your attention. If looking for any sort of “smut” you will be disappointed but there is plenty of Sherlock-esque affection/romance. Especially fun for the neurospicy. The characters make sense and mesh really well. If you can’t put your fact checking about space aside you may struggle. Embrace it as a mostly fantastical future. Even has a sweet little moral of of the story at the end.

Interesting setting

The story could have been better with more world building imo. But it was interesting, good writing and characters, the investigation and twists were fun to listen to.
It felt a little like Sherlock Holmes, knowing Mossa had answers but Pleiti was the one telling the story as her sidekick.