Murder On The Intergalactic Railway by Kate Macleod

Kate Macleod has written an interesting Sci-Fi mystery for young teens. Four cadets are on their way to the Oymyakon Foreign Service Academy, a bottom-of-the-pile academy. For Murdina Ritchie, it is her last chance to put her family’s troubled past behind her. Another of the cadets turns out to be her childhood friend, Fritz, who wasn’t around when she really needed a friend. Fritz has been kicked out of just about every other Academy, but despite his " I don’t care attitude, he is determined to make a success at this one.

Also travelling on the interplanetary train is Lady Fabron, a wealthy widow, whose husband was a brutal military leader who attempted to conquer neighbouring worlds. Her legacy is one of blood, pain and tears. Here is where an interesting twist comes into the story. With the widow is a pet-like Felzkinder called Chou-Chou. Felzinder’s have been declared sentient beings with the rights of all sentient beings. Some, however, like this one, had declined being set free and continued to be pets.

When Lady Fabron dies of a heart attack and Chou-Chou is found brutally killed, Richie and Fritz decide to investigate. Richie and Fritz consider the Felizinder’s death to be murder, although the train officials consider it more as property damage and considerably less important than protecting their image. Ritchie and Fritz are also under time pressure because once the train reaches the destination planet and begins letting passengers off at the various stops, finding the killer will be impossible.

Although it takes several chapters to reach the main action of the story, Kate Macleod keeps things interesting as she builds her sci-fi world, providing us with the necessary information to navigate it successfully. A good story, although not a surprise ending, which is surprising in itself. Murder On The Intergalactic Railway is the first in a series.

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