The Automatic Detective

Author: A. Lee Martinez

This novel is one of the most unique robot stories in existence, covering not just robots and science fiction, but stirring in the perfect dosage of detective, noir style. If you are a sci-fi fan, a fan of classic detective novels, or a robot aficionado, then this novel will appeal to you. Mack Megaton, our robot hero, lives in Empire City. He's been designed to dominate humanity, but thanks to developing "Free Will", he really just wants to earn an honest living, prove he's not interested in destruction, and become a citizen, just like everyone else. When Mack's neighbors are kidnapped, we are taken on a delightful journal through the dark lows and the glittering highs of Empire City. We meet a motley crew of lurid characters: ganglords, mutant humans, police officers, and your-not-so-typical detective-noir bombshell. On this journey, Mack learns of a secret conspiracy amongst the Empire's founders, and finds a love of the typical detective wisecracks. In a clever tip of the hat to the classics, he acquires a pinstripe suit and fedora. The themes of artificial intelligence, morality, and what it means to be human are ever present in this novel, making it more than just an entertaining and amusing sci-fi twist on an old detective classic. The plot is intricately planned and pleasingly tight, and the ending will literally blow you away.