Duplicate Effort

Retrieval Artist #7

by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Retrieval Artist Miles Flint is on a personal mission—to bring down the corrupt law firm of Wagner, Stuart, and Xendor. Then a journalist working with him is found dead—murdered, along with the bodyguard she had hired to protect her. And Miles may be next.

But before he can begin to investigate the death, he has a more personal crisis to deal with—his daughter Talia is missing.

Talia, who is one of six clones of Miles’s long-dead child, has gone off on her own mission—she wants to find the other five. As Miles pursues her, he begins to fear that her search for her “sisters” and his for the killer are somehow connected—and that Talia may also be in danger from the ruthless reach of WSX…

Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Science Fiction Fantasy, Aliens

371 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 16, 2009

About the author

Kristine Kathryn Rusch is an award-winning mystery, romance, science fiction, and fantasy writer. She has written many novels under various names, including Kristine Grayson for romance, and Kris Nelscott for mystery. Her novels have made the bestseller lists –even in London– and have been published in 14 countries and 13 different languages.

Her awards range from the Ellery Queen Readers Choice Award to the John W. Campbell Award. In the past year, she has been nominated for the Hugo, the Shamus, and the Anthony Award. She is the only person in the history of the science fiction field to have won a Hugo award for editing and a Hugo award for fiction.

In addition, she's written a number of nonfiction articles over the years, with her latest being the book "A Freelancer's Survival Guide".

She has also published as:
Sandy Schofield (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kristine Grayson - romances
Kathryn Wesley (collaborations with husband Dean Wesley Smith)
Kris Nelscott - mysteries
Kris Rusch - historical fiction
Kris DeLake - romances

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the next in the Retrieval Artist series by Kristine Kathryn Rusch, and I enjoyed it just as much as the others.

Miles Flint works to help people who have had to disappear, in order to escape draconian alient justice systems - though he doesn't actually do that very often, and not at all in this book. The story here is about the murder of an investigative reporter who has worked with Flint in the past, and also about Flint's developing relationship with his daughter, Talia, who has only been in his life for six months.

After the initial action, not that much actually happens in the book. Flint, Van Alen (his lawyer), DeRicci (his old police partner), Nyquist and Romey (two detectives), and Wagner (an evil rival lawyer) all investigate different aspects of the case, pretty much in isolation - checking records, interviewing various people, looking stuff up online, etc.

And, eventually, it all comes together in a very satisfying way.

Despite the lack of any real action after the first few pages, I really enjoyed the way it all progressed, and I particularly enjoyed the different relationships and in-depth character analyses that were explored.

The next book in the series is already on my purchase list!

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have loved KKR's Dive series, the first two Retriever books didn't really hold my attention. That said, this book is fantastic. A proper mystery complete with interwoven stories and motives, the balance between the different threads was perfect. You don't need to know anything about the series to enjoy this story.

I may go back and restart the series.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

3.5 Stars, Leaving at 3
- Good overall plot developments but chunky & obvious in placement of details or flow of events.

[Marion Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is always consequences when you try to take down the Moon’s most powerful law firm.

This is the dilemma that Retrieval Artist Miles Flint faces in Duplicate Effort: Book 7 of the Retrieval Artist Series by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

Being a retrieval artist means you are suppose to work alone and keep those who love and care about at arms-length. Well at this point in the series, Flint has broken the code he learned from his mentor, Paloma. He has created an inner circle that includes his cloned daughter, Talia, his lawyer, Maxine Van Alen, his former partner as a detective, Noelle DeRicci, and investigative reporter, Ki Bowles.

Flint loses one member of his newfound inner circle and his investigation leads him to the most powerful law firm on the Moon: Wagner, Stuart, and Xendor. What he uncovers will effect everyone around him and causes Flint reexamine his life and career.

Rusch tells a skillful story in Duplicate Effort just like the prior books in the series. The plot is full of twists and turns as it reaches a satisfying conclusion. I would rate Duplicate Effort a notch below the prior two books of the series: Paloma and Recovery Man. However, it is a solid, highly readable novel that will get another highly recommended status from this reviewer.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Rusch’s last Retrieval Artist novel, I was a little worried that the tone of the series would shift. I shouldn’t have been worried. Duplicate Effect ties closely in with the previous two books in the series and offers answers to questions about the clones of Flint’s daughter. The plot moves briskly, and there is not a word wasted. Rusch has a talent for making even the minor characters have a life of their own. It is unclear if this is the last book in the series. The book feels either like an ending or the beginning of a new stage as Flint moves into a warmer direction than previously all the while acting like Flint. The question of whether or not he will become Paloma is answered here. If the book is the last book, it is a good ending. If it is not, it also functions as a good transition by fleshing out characters, such as Romey and Nyquist as well as Talia. My one complaint is that I wanted more DeRicci than I got, though it was nice to see her more comfortable in her role (and to be honest, I don’t know how more DeRicci would’ve fit in). Talia also didn’t quite feel like a 13 year old, but considering what has happened to her, Rusch should get a pass on that. The moral questions raised in the other books continue here, and the reader is even treated to Flint’s view on his ex-wife actions. I look forward to reading Rusch’s next novel.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is best to start with the first of this series and read in order. Although each book can be read independent of the other, in terms of story, she builds on the history developed in the previous books. Reading this one first would tell you the ending of several others.

1: The Disappeared, 2002
2: Extremes, 2003
3: Consequences, 2004
4: Buried Deep, 2005
5: Paloma, 2006
6: Recovery Man, 2007
7: Duplicate Effort, 2009

Note, reading this review of Duplicate Effort may spoil earlier books in the series.

This is a strong entry in this science fiction series. As with much of what she writes, it is a mystery along with an emotional side. At the end of the last book, Flint found he had a daughter (x-wife had not told him). He has legally adopted her and to keep her safe, decided to quite his job (Retrieval Artist is a dangerous job).

Unfortunately, his last operation was still in motion and complications arose. With the death of a journalist (to whom he was feeding information, to destroy a corporation), not only his life, but the life of his daughter was put in jeopardy. He needs to find the murderer.

Although the ending may not have been as strong as some of her other novels, it is still satisfactory.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Rusch's writing, and I am devouring this series. I have a hard time giving more that three stars to the books, though, as I need too much suspension of disbelief. There are too many places where I have to think, wait, this person (or organization) would just not do that in those circumstances. Some of those aren't even essential to the plot.

Yet, I am fond of Miles, the hard-bitten detective dude. And now he has his daughter Talia, who's as much of a problem child (and computer whiz) as he is. She is very curious about her clone sisters...maybe she will get to meet some of them in a later book? This one has them solving murders and continuing to battle evil corporations, which is all good with me (but not fun and games for them). And, it just may be possible that Miles is mellowing out.

[Joshua · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why? Why would you kill the the most interesting character in the entire series‽ Why would you kill that character in the first chapter? Then why would you waste that death with such a boring plot?

The book is still a fast read, but it's the least entertaining of the series so far. I get it, Flint is the greatest hacker to ever hack. He's the best detective to ever detect. He's the most ethical, most smartest, most toughest guy ever, but he's just a loving father at heart.

This series has really taken a nosedive starting with Recovery Man. I enjoyed the earlier books enough that I'm willing to give this one more go (after a couple palate cleansers), but if you hurt me again, Ms. Rusch, we're through.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the "Retrieval Artist" series because it combines two of my favorite genres, SF and mystery. I found this entry less compelling than the previous novels, however. There was less of an alien presence, with more reliance on some events from prior books. For some reason, I also found Rusch's style of short chapters with different POVs each time a bit off-putting. In sum, this book was competent and a place to continue but certainly not to start.

[Emmalyn Renato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science fiction murder mystery, police procedural, CSI story, set in the Retrieval Artist universe. Even though this is book 7 in the series, there is enough background information given to be able to read it as a standalone. Multiple POV's with several plot threads all nicely coming together at the end. This is the first one I've read in this series, and I will now be looking out for the others.

(r/Fantasy 2023 Bingo squares: Published in the 00s (HM); Sequel (HM)).

[Frank Hofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books in the series

Miles is back and this time all characters are human, and the story location is limited to the moon. Miles, the cops, and lunar security all follow different threads to what we quickly realize are all related.

The ending seemed a bit rushed but I guess that’s to be expected when 3 story lines converge.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murdered reporter. High-tech baby mills. Look for the clone tattoo on the back of the earlobe. Talia is still in danger. Corporations are up to no good. Miles, Talia, and lunar law enforcement will have to work together. Duplicate Effort continues a Retrieval Artist plotline that began with Paloma (Retrieval Artist 5). Kristine Rusch is a pro.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I liked how the series has expanded and there’s now a whole cast of characters besides Flint and Noelle. I have enjoyed every book in this series and I’m looking forward to the rest!

[Irene Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I love reading her books, this one included. She is a great author and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner

I don't like repeating myself so let's just say that I love this author. Please give her books a try.

[Jean Hontz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying a series that deals with the social implications of humans living with aliens.

[John Wegener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story. Worth reading with intriguing plot and thought provoking theme.

[Shipofools999 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as any other of the series. Visited most of the main characters. Sill love flint best.

[Joshua Loong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rusch’s Retrieval Artist novels are something so specific, but just fit perfectly into what I want out of a fun sci-fi page turner. It’s a mystery, a bit grittier than a cozy mystery, but not that dark either. It has excellent world building, and makes me want to wander about in the places she’s created. It has fun plots, that sometimes get into larger political intrigues, but is typically never macro in scale. Each book is perfectly self-contained so you don’t feel bad about jumping around. And it has strong core characters.

They aren’t going to make you come away with a thoughtful reflection on the nature of humanity or our place in the stars, but it is going to keep you incredibly entertained from page 1 all the way to the end. They are limited in scope yes, but intentionally so, and have been executed to perfection. If you want a lesson on how to write *fun* books (and yes, not all books need to be dreary, depressing affairs), then Rusch is to me one of the best examples. She knows exactly what she wants to do, and knocks it out of the park book after book.

[Shelly Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Duplicate Effort (Retrieval Artist book 7) by Kristine Kathryn Rusch.

In my opinion, an author who ventures - and more importantly is willing - to kill off her story characters is one who will go far in spinning stories that are remarkably different and then proceed to top them off with phenomenal sequels. Rusch, author of the Retrieval Artist series definitely qualifies as one such; she takes me by surprise book after book with the unexpected and irrevocable dropout of characters most of whom at first instance give the impression of vital importance.

In this seventh and final instalment of the Retrieval Artist series, Rusch skilfully gathers all the big names and put them to work as they scramble to solve the mystery - a case which seems to be mostly about technology and designs - of the year.

First, we have Ki Bowles, an investigative reporter who used to work in InterDome Media, the biggest media conglomerate on the Moon, making a huge comeback with news that stagger even the most calm.

Following closely behind the footsteps of Ki Bowles is Detective Bartholomew Nyquist, a down-to-earth character who prefers to live his life, do his job and spend time with the people he cares about. He is assigned the lead detective in the case.

Then we see the return of Attorney Wagner from Wagner, Stuart and Xendor, the Moon’s largest law firm which also happens to be one of the largest law firms in the Earth Alliance.

Next, we have investigation in the works by none other than Noelle DeRicci, Miles Flint’s former partner at the police department. As Security Chief for the United Domes of the Moon, DeRicci is now charged with protecting not just Armstrong but all the Domes on the Moon against the unknown and unimaginable.

Last but not least, we have the star of the series, Miles Flint, without whom there will be no story to tell. Though Flint has left the Detective Division about four years ago to work - as a Retrieval Artist - at the edges of the law, he is still pretty well known at the precinct and carries some clout to aid in his research.

As with most cases - and in reality - in the series, not everything has an answer. But yet the author works her way through the haze of a maze to emerge with brilliant solutions to dilemmas that grapple with ethical issues. This in conjunction with the enterprising attitude makes Rusch an extraordinary author; one who continues to roll out the greatest science fiction fantasy novels of all time.

Though I am happy to have travelled alongside Flint for the past many weeks, I am sad to have reached the end of his/our journey. Yes, I have a lovely and memorable time but I also agree that all good things must - come to an - end. And so it is with some reluctance amid much joy that I part with Flint, the Retrieval Artist.

Review available @ http://bit.ly/1FEEol2

[FicusFan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in the Retrieval Artist series.

In this book the fall-out of the the murder of Paloma (book 5 Paloma ) the mentor of the POV Miles Flint, continues. Miles was a police officer but could no longer turn basically innocent people over the the aliens for vengeance. He left to become a Retrieval Artist, those who find the Disappeared (those who go into hiding to escape the aliens) who are no longer in danger. Paloma, a close friend set him up in business and trained him.

Treaties with the aliens made by the human power structure to facilitate trade ($) mandate that if an alien law is broken, alien law applies. So people who walk in the wrong place and damage flowers or grass, in all innocence, may be given the death penalty, or have to turn over their children to the aliens. Rather than do so, they Disappear.

The series is about the human alien interactions that go wrong and involve the law. The stories are about crime, mystery, CSI like information from crime scenes, and the political machinations of those in power.

In this book one of the items that fell out of the murder was the fact that Miles' ex-wife had cloned their daughter Emmaline, before she died as a toddler. Miles' ex-wife was killed in the last book and Miles ended up with the cloned teenager. Talia. He of course doesn't care that she is a clone, though their society does. He made her his real daughter and took her back to the Moon to live with him.

A dependent is a dangerous thing for a Retrieval Artist to have. They are hunted by the police (to catch them breaking the law), trackers who are looking for the Disappeared for the aliens, and the aliens themselves who may send assassins to find the Disappeared. Talia is way to hurt and control Miles.

Before he knew about Talia, Miles set in motion a plan to bring the person he considered responsible for Paloma's murder to justice. He was giving information from secret files Paloma willed him, to a reporter who was doing an expose on the law firm owned by the man who killed Paloma, her own son. The book opens with the reporter's murder and Miles has to move fast to see if he or Talia is next on the list.

The book/series has great settings, interesting characters (aliens in the early books were a bit weak), and page-turning stories. The writing is smooth and flowing. It is one of the books I read as soon as I buy it. Now I can't wait for the next one.

[Phaedrus · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the future, mankind will have trade agreements and treaties with numerous alien societies. In order to maintain good relations with these trading partners, it is a general law that local laws apply to humans when they are on an alien world. Problem is, some of these local laws are preposterous to the human way of thinking. Sometimes the penalties for breaking them involve not only the perpetrator, but his children and his future descendants. If you accidentally sneeze at a funeral on Procyon 4, your future children may be forfeit.
In order to escape the sometimes horrific penalties for often unintentional crimes, people "disappear". "Disappearing" is sort of like going into a "witness protection program" - you get a new identity and a new life, and you hope the aliens never find you. Sometime afterward, the charges may be dropped, or the disappeared person's relatives may have an other urgent reasons to find them. This is where a "Retrieval Artist" comes in. One such is Miles Flint. Part detective and part computer hacker, he makes his living locating disappeareds.
"Duplicate Effort" is the latest novel in the series. The first is "The Disappeared".

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series and I enjoyed this installment. I would recommend starting at the beginning though as I started with Recovery Man and felt like I was missing something in this novel. I plan to go back and read the previous books in the series. At any rate, I really liked seeing what happened with Miles and Talia after the conclusion of Recovery Man and I am very interested to see if the series continues so that I can find out how these characters keep growing. I also will read the previous books to find out more about the secondary characters I like - particularly Romey and Nyquist.

Rusch does a great job of keeping the story accessible to people who fall into the middle of it while maintaining a story arc that continues through the whole series. I love her writing style and the pace of the books. I am definitely looking forward to more Retrieval Artist novels.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book of the series as of right now, and it ends things at a nice point. I'm satisfied with the series and enjoyed it all quite well. While this last book wasn't quite as good as the middle books of the series, it still delivered pretty well.

Rating: PG-13 for minor language and some violence/gore.

Minor spoilers ahead:

Flint has a daughter to take care of now, and I was worried that this would affect the quality of the book. I think I enjoyed the story less because of this, but mostly because I was worried about one small thing mentioned on the back cover like it was a much bigger deal. My concern was that half of the book would be Flint trying to track down his teenager. I think that the anticipation of this is what led me to not enjoy the book as well.

[Dan Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book serves as a great example of why I usually don't like reading books that comprise a long series, particularly when I'm coming to it in the middle. There were a boatload of characters, most of whom had appeared in previous books, each of whom had an extensive backstory there. The plot here revolved around incidents that had occurred in other books. There are some details that might have been covered previously, but don't get mentioned here. (This story takes place on the Moon. But no mention is made about the rate at which things fall or how people walk. Do they have artificial gravity? She never says.)

All that said, this is still an enjoyable book. Rusch is a good writer. I just need to catch her in a non-serial mode.

[Glen U · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Duplicate Effort" is Kristine Kathryn Rusch's 7th saga in the Retreival Artist series. In this latest installment, she continues her exemplary writing to entertain and enthrall the reader. Unlike her previous stories, which dealt with aliens and their subsequent cultures and mores, "Duplicate Effort" utilizes the main characters and their lives, to produce a tightly written murder mystery, albeit still set in a domed city on the Moon. Rusch's attention to detail, especially that of futuristic politics, laws and economics, is what make her books so compelling and realistic. She continues to develop her reoccurring characters and hopefully will bring them back for more adventures in the series. A science fiction story, for sure, but also just an excellent read, no matter the genre.

[BobA707 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Another great story, cleverly put together in the uncomfortable future universe and set on the moon. This only gets 4 stars as it leaves to much unsaid. Very little on the aliens in this book, which I miss, but I suspect we will see plenty more in later books ...

Plotline: Building on the previous stories, but adding new dimensions and a further mystery. Another great mystery sci-Fi book

Premise: It's an uncomfortable future universe in which humans have to take their place among many diverse cultures.

Writing: Descriptive, simple, highly readable.

Ending: Climactic bring several threads together in a very satisfying climax.

Pace: never a dull moment.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read one of the Retrieval Artist series books. Rusch's writing is so good and consistent over all of the books in the series that it takes no effort to slip back into the story and world the books take place in. Great characterization with real reactions and interactions. Science Fiction with definite hard SF elements that are incredibly consistent with the way science works. Easy to imagine these things happening. Best to read all books in series in order written. Always get a more complete sense of motivations and characters that way.

[Samuel Lubell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles is no longer acting as a Retrieval Artist as he is focused on raising the clone of his daughter, who is herself a computer genius like him. But he hired a reporter to expose the law firm that he thinks got his mentor killed. When that reporter is murdered, despite the protection he had arranged, Miles investigates. This is fast moving and a lot of fun. He finds himself working with and against his former partner, now security chief of the moon, and Detective Nyquist.

[Ellen Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles Flint: "Retrieval Artist", computer hacker, and former detective rethinks his priorities as he takes on the role of single father of a teen daughter. Unfortunately, it's no easy task to keep himself and his daughter safe when the past catches up with him. This is the most recent installment in the Retrieval Artist series, I hope there will be more.