Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells

The story opens with the discovery of a dead human in the mall on the Preservation Station, which is so unlikely that it draws the attention of Murderbot. It continues to anticipate there will be a retaliatory attack by the GrayCris Corporation and needs to determine if an agent is on the station. 

Fugitive Telemetry showcases what life is like for Murderbot now that it has recovered and is “settled” on Preservation Station (and before the events of Network Effect). Everyone knows it’s a SecUnit, and it continues to be completely uncomfortable around all the people. Despite not wanting to be around humans, Murderbot is protective, and dare I say, fond of Mensah and will do what is needed to keep her and the rest of her crew safe. But its hands are tied since it has promised not to illegally hack into the station systems.

I loved watching Murderbot figure out how to assess the situation and solve the murder without hacking the system. It has to interact with humans, which is always so much fun for the reader. Murderbot continues to evolve and adapt, gaining the trust of humans and working within their rules.

Narration: The story is shared via the first person POV of Murderbot. Free does a wonderful job portraying the non-human Murderbot by utilizing a somewhat bland, masculine voice for the narrator and character; however, Free’s performance of Murderbot has been adjusted over the series as it becomes more human-like. Free successfully alters dialogue based on gender, age, and accent, creating unique characters, which have also been refined as the series moves forward.

Fugitive Telemetry is an engaging short from the Murderbot Diaries series. There is adventure, excitement, emotions, and best of all, Murderbot and its humor. 

My Ratings
Story: A-
Narration: A-

Jen

About the Book:

No, I didn’t kill the dead human. If I had, I wouldn’t dump the body in the station mall.