Helpful Score: 2
I will definitely continue reading more of Shinn's books. This science fiction murder mystery was really engrossing (although a little slow to start) and the ending really kept me on the edge of my seat, my eyes hurrying across the page.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was interesting - written entirely from the hero's point of view as he is investigating a futuristic murder case. Has a lot of religion/philosophy as various people tangle with dealing with grief and the meaning of worshipping god.
Helpful Score: 1
Every bit as good as I've come to expect from Ms. Shinn!
Helpful Score: 1
Really excellent character driven SF detective story
Helpful Score: 1
Sharon Shinn is my all-time favorite, sci/fi-fantasy writer, and Wrapt in Crystal is one of her best! She is one of those writers who knows how to explore current issues like race, gender, and class, placing them in a futuristic or fantasy setting that allows the reader to better understand them. Wrapt in Crystal does this exceedingly well. If you like a good mystery combined with a compelling love story, you'll definitely want to read it.
This book did not measure up for me to the Mystic and Rider series. I was able to read it to the end, but do not think it is Shinn's best work.
I really do like Sharon Shinn. I haven't been into Romance books lately, but she is a clear converter. This book definitely wraps you up into the world of Senya, a desert planet with a serial killer. The main character, Cowen, is sent as the person to check it out. Along the way, he finds the case has more than it's normal twists. He starts to get involved with the locals. I loved the combination of Mystery/Sci-Fi/Romance in this book. I would recommend it as a definite read for Sci-Fi readers or Sharon Shinn fans.
Enjoyed it. Good mystery, and wonderful character development. I enjoyed her Twelve house series a lot more, but this novel is definitely worth the read.