A futuristic new adult mystery with dynamic characters and plenty of action.
Despite every effort to distance herself from her prominent family, Zoey Cardinal is bequeathed a unique inheritance upon her Great Aunt’s death. But what is a teen girl supposed to do with an A.I. android that is programmed for protection detail and police investigations? As it turns out, the machine named Ocean comes in handy helping Zoey make ends meet with her preferred side hustle, bounty hunting. This partnership is especially valuable when she stumbles upon a dead man that seems to have taken the place of a known criminal. While the local police rule the man’s death to be an accident, her android friend recognizes it as something more serious, something sure to bring danger into her life. Given her nearly genetic predisposition towards detective work, Zoey takes it on herself to get to the bottom of the incident. The reluctant android won’t allow Zoey to jump into peril headlong, so he does what he was designed to do, protecting a Cardinal, while also proving to be a capable and engaging partner. But Zoey’s real challenge may actually be in the Ocean model himself.
A futuristic new adult mystery with dynamic characters and plenty of action, Cardinal Machines will appeal to a wide range of readers. Zoey herself is a bit temperamental, but in a relatable way. Her pride sometimes gets in the way of sensible decisions, but with a background like hers, smart choices have never been her strength. So, the dynamic between Zoey and the remarkably human Ocean is a true highlight of the story. Watching how outsiders judge her relationship is an interesting study on tolerance. However, Zoey’s exciting extracurricular activities add an unpredictable edge to the plot, keeping you fully involved in the unfolding story. Tracy Eire writes with a steady pace and a crystal clear voice, immersing readers in every scene, whether it is chasing down a perp or dealing with childish high school drama. Cardinal Machines is a sensational blend of science fiction and mystery that will prove to be a wonderful addition to the bookshelves of any reader who enjoys a compelling series with engaging characters and an intriguing plot.
