It’s 1973, and Kaz Zemeckis is working with NASA to launch the Apollo 18 mission. But this won’t be like the other Apollo missions. A secret Soviet space station has been discovered, and the Apollo 18 crew has been tasked to sabotage it on their way to the moon. Then, a few short weeks before launch, one of the crew members dies in a training accident – or was it an accident? Is someone trying to interfere with the mission? And what have the Soviets discovered on the moon – and to what lengths will they go to keep it a secret?
The Apollo Murders, opens a new window is the first fiction offering by real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield, best known in the book world for his memoir An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, opens a new window. Hadfield takes a slight detour in history to craft his spy tale; Apollo 18 was actually canceled due to financial constraints, but in this fictional setting, the mission is saved by transferring it to the military. Sometimes, when professionals from other fields start writing fiction, their style can be clunky, what’s called workman-like prose. Hadfield doesn’t have this problem. His writing is smooth and engaging, with just enough technical detail to give an authentic feel without overwhelming the reader. If you’re looking for an old-school espionage thriller with a space adventure spin – and to learn something, too! – check out The Apollo Murders. - Michelle (Sunset)
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