Cast Into New Eden

Detective Inspector Steve Wilson is dragged from sleep early one morning by an insistent alarm. He checks his slate and finds it is a notification of murder and a plea for help. He sees that the alert comes direct from the colony on the planet of New Eden, over twenty light-years distant.

Solace Conlon, a geologist with the first wave of colonists is dead. The message is signed by the leader of the colonists on the second ship to arrive at the planet.

An irate and publicity-sensitive executive backs up the notification with a demand that Wilson, in his capacity as chief investigator for the Federation of Spacefaring Nations solve the case immediately, if not sooner.

Mystery builds when further contact with the sender results in a denial that the death is anything but a tragic accident, and the sender claims to have no knowledge of the earlier allegation.

When the story breaks to the news media, the Federation has a sole solution: Steve Wilson is to pack a bag and make the trip to New Eden and find out what exactly is going on. Though terrified at being the first to travel by the Federation's new and experimental method, Steve nevertheless goes, unsure if he'll ever arrive. But arrive he does.

Once on New Eden, Steve discovers that science isn't all about noble pursuits. The two sets of colonists are divided and feuding openly while most are still in hibernation due to dwindling supplies of food. He learns that the progress in establishing a viable, self-sustaining colony is basically stalled and the settlers are driven to conduct research, research, and ever more exotic research.

But Steve establishes that Solace Conlon was murdered so commences his hunt for her killer. The trail leads to an isolated part of the planet. Steve resolves to make the trip together with the lovely Saira Ranieri who had been assisting him. His explorations lead to a shocking discovery that sees them both fighting for their lives against relentless foes.

Rich with engaging prose and quirky characters that it seems science alone can provide, this story is one of mystery and adventure spiced with romance as Steve finally reopens his heart.