ESCAPE VELOCITY

by Victor Manibo

Recommended if you enjoy: murder mysteries, near future settings and stories about class struggle.

Escape Velocity takes place aboard the Space Habitat Altaire—a premier luxury resort that orbits Earth while the climate crisis quite literally burns below. The story follows a group of former classmates at an elite private school who have gathered at the resort for a 25th anniversary class reunion. Although the actual murder occurs during their senior year of high school, it feels very much present through the slow reveal of secrets that emerge in this gathering decades later. Similar to a classic murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, the story is told from multiple points of view of an ensemble of characters each of who reveals a new bit of information that keeps the story intriguing and well paced. Mixed into the reveals are fun queer sexy adventures as well as other interpersonal dramas and dynamics.

Unlike classic murder mysteries that only focus on the elite, Manibo also brings in the perspectives of the service workers at the resort rendering the luxury and naiveté of the guests to be even more angering and ridiculous. The service workers also end up playing a crucial role in the story’s climax (but can’t say any more without giving away spoilers).

This book is my summer 2024 beach read recommendation for those who enjoy a thriller romp that is playful and engaging.

-Sara

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