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Amazon link: Titanium Noir
Author: Nick Harkaway (@Harkaway)
Web: harkaway.substack.com
Thumbnail sketch: Smart, entertaining blend of sci-fi and noir mystery, over-stuffed with atmosphere, memorable characters and crackling dialogue.
5 Stars
My Take on Titanium Noir
Longtime readers of my book reviews know I appreciate both a well-executed genre mash-up and an imaginative premise. Titanium Noir, by Nick Harkaway delivers on both counts, and is a size-15 gumshoe full of fun that I tore through in just a couple days. It’s Sci-Fi Noir, over-stuffed with atmosphere, memorable characters and crackling dialogue.
This review is based on an advance copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley for that purpose. The book will be available on May 16, 2023.
Reading the book blurb gives you a good sense of the state of play. A genetic breakthrough resulted in the creation of a cadre of super humans known as Titans due to their increased size, longevity and physical power. The gene therapy is very expensive and monopolized by one family, but in truth most of the few thousand Titans were already head and shoulders above the rest of us due to their money and influence.
Cal Sounder is a private detective who serves as a consultant to the local police on all matters Titan. Cal has an in with the Titans’ founding family, a previous relationship with the daughter of the man who discovered the therapy, and that proximity gives him insight and access unavailable to average cops. When he’s called in on the death of an unusual Titan, a quiet and unassuming university professor, the case proves a classic noir mystery of twists, dead-end leads and surprise reveals.
Titanium Noir is a smart, fast-moving and utterly entertaining read.
5 stars
Scott Whitmore, writer 