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Sub-Inspector Ferron Mysteries #2
A Blessing of Unicorns
A woman has vanished. She reported her disappearance in advance.
In the Bangalore, India, of the 2070s, a young woman who is internet-famous enters an empty police station and tells the virtual assistant that her life is in danger. When she disappears out of her own apartment, it’s up to Police Sub-Inspector Ferron and her partner to determine whether a crime has even been committed. In a world of enhanced tech and extreme interconnectedness, can someone truly disappear?
To find the answers, Ferron will need to enter a braver, newer world of virtual reality – and deal with the small matter of a herd of tiny, vicious unicorns.
In the Bangalore, India, of the 2070s, a young woman who is internet-famous enters an empty police station and tells the virtual assistant that her life is in danger. When she disappears out of her own apartment, it’s up to Police Sub-Inspector Ferron and her partner to determine whether a crime has even been committed. In a world of enhanced tech and extreme interconnectedness, can someone truly disappear?
To find the answers, Ferron will need to enter a braver, newer world of virtual reality – and deal with the small matter of a herd of tiny, vicious unicorns.
Audible Audio
First published October 15, 2020
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About the author
Elizabeth Bear
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 16, 2021
Shortly after walking into a police station to report that she believes her life to be in danger, a young social media star disappears without a trace. To find out what became of her, Ferron has to delve into virtual reality - decidedly not an environment she is familiar or comfortable with.
Just as entertaining as the first one. I'm quite enjoying this sci-fi world, hopefully there'll be more of this series.
Just as entertaining as the first one. I'm quite enjoying this sci-fi world, hopefully there'll be more of this series.
November 13, 2022
Sub-Inspector Ferron and her partner get a relatively rare summons to, not come to police headquarters, but to join an immersive virutal reality replay of a citizen's recent visit. A virtual reality influencer star came in to report that she is being stalked online by someone threatening her with death if she goes online. And if she doesn't go online, of course she can't do the influencer work that provides her livelihood. It's not just an empty threat; another influencer, her close friend, was getting similar threats and has now disappeared.
But by the time Ferron and her partner get back to the station, the woman who had originally accepted protective custody has changed her mind and left, believing the stalker could have hacked the police computer system. When they go looking for her, they find, instead, a herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns.
When they go looking for the other missing young woman, they find another herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns. Both herds have to be taken to the exotics section of Animal Control, and then they have to get back to figuring out the significant connections between the two young women, the connections that will lead to the person who has either killed or kidnapped them. It strikes Ferron that among all the different sponsorship items they had received to feature in their online activities, each of the women had received very expensive bioprinters. And a herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns is about the same mass as an adult woman.
It's not long before she has a new line on the investigation, an unpleasant realization she'll have to venture into the artificial reality world of these young influencers, and an even more unpleasant new argument with her mother--whose high-quality archive of all her online AR adventures Ferron has stopped paying for because she simply couldn't afford it. The complications of her family life intertwine with her dislike of AR, her complicated relationship with her mother and with the rest of her family in the kin-block she lives in, and a painful encounter with her own weaknesses.
In two novellas, Ferron has done an impressive amount of character growth. It's an intriguing mystery, solid world-building, and solid character development, too.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
But by the time Ferron and her partner get back to the station, the woman who had originally accepted protective custody has changed her mind and left, believing the stalker could have hacked the police computer system. When they go looking for her, they find, instead, a herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns.
When they go looking for the other missing young woman, they find another herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns. Both herds have to be taken to the exotics section of Animal Control, and then they have to get back to figuring out the significant connections between the two young women, the connections that will lead to the person who has either killed or kidnapped them. It strikes Ferron that among all the different sponsorship items they had received to feature in their online activities, each of the women had received very expensive bioprinters. And a herd of tiny, bio-printed unicorns is about the same mass as an adult woman.
It's not long before she has a new line on the investigation, an unpleasant realization she'll have to venture into the artificial reality world of these young influencers, and an even more unpleasant new argument with her mother--whose high-quality archive of all her online AR adventures Ferron has stopped paying for because she simply couldn't afford it. The complications of her family life intertwine with her dislike of AR, her complicated relationship with her mother and with the rest of her family in the kin-block she lives in, and a painful encounter with her own weaknesses.
In two novellas, Ferron has done an impressive amount of character growth. It's an intriguing mystery, solid world-building, and solid character development, too.
Recommended.
I bought this audiobook.
July 6, 2021
I don't know what to say about this book. I picked it up because I'm trying to read a bit more sci-fi again, and it was free on Audible.
There was a good premise for a story there, but it was executed very badly. There was more focus on the MC and her problems than the actual story, as well as on the world. But, despite that, there was very little world building. It seemed to be a mix of modern tech and sci-fi tech, but it didn't feel like those things fit together in any way.
And it didn't feel futuristic, but more like it took a thought about Victorian Society and slammed it into a modern day India, but also made it Muslim.
I did discover that this was book 2 in a series and I haven't read the first one, and I want to say that's why this one flopped for me, but I don't think that's the case. The first book is as short as this one, and while it might have shed some light on some of the comments made between characters, I can't imagine it doing a better job of world building than this one.
Oh, also, the disability-rep in this book just made me mad. Like people with depression of fatigue just needs a kick in the but to get out of bed. Nope. That is not how it works!
I also must make a note of the narrator. She spoke with an Indie-accent , which was fine for me, but the tone of her voice was rather nasal, so she came of as very sharp, which doesn't really work with the mic on my phone. So the listening wasn't a good one, although I think the accent gave more to the world building than the writing.
There was a good premise for a story there, but it was executed very badly. There was more focus on the MC and her problems than the actual story, as well as on the world. But, despite that, there was very little world building. It seemed to be a mix of modern tech and sci-fi tech, but it didn't feel like those things fit together in any way.
And it didn't feel futuristic, but more like it took a thought about Victorian Society and slammed it into a modern day India, but also made it Muslim.
I did discover that this was book 2 in a series and I haven't read the first one, and I want to say that's why this one flopped for me, but I don't think that's the case. The first book is as short as this one, and while it might have shed some light on some of the comments made between characters, I can't imagine it doing a better job of world building than this one.
Oh, also, the disability-rep in this book just made me mad. Like people with depression of fatigue just needs a kick in the but to get out of bed. Nope. That is not how it works!
I also must make a note of the narrator. She spoke with an Indie-accent , which was fine for me, but the tone of her voice was rather nasal, so she came of as very sharp, which doesn't really work with the mic on my phone. So the listening wasn't a good one, although I think the accent gave more to the world building than the writing.
December 19, 2022
bulk input day
November 3, 2020
The second in this series and it was a decent story. The author has a very creative mind and she uses it well! Set in the future with a lot of made-up things, it's easy to get lost in thought over "wow, I wonder if something like that could really be invented and actually work?" I will most likely continue listening to this series, if only for the fantastic references to the world crafted by Elizabeth Bear.
September 18, 2021
I've been meaning to get into Elizabeth Bear's writing for a while now, so when A Blessing of Unicorns popped up in my Audible suggestions, I thought why the hell not. Only in hindsight do I see it's book 2 of a sequence of stories – The Sub-Inspector Ferron Mysteries, but it didn't bother me none that I missed the first instalment, and I may well go back to pick it up when I have a moment.
I will admit that it took a little getting used to narrator Zehra Jane Naqvi's voice, perhaps because the previous audiobook I'd listened to had been read by a man with a much deeper voice, but once I was over the initial shift, I got into Naqvi's style.
Set in the 2070s, which aren't that much different than current times, save for the deeper reliance on virtual and augmented reality than we have currently, A Blessing of Unicorns has Bangalore-based Police Sub-Inspector Ferron trying to figure out why internet-famous influencers are going missing. Not to mention figuring out why the missing women's flats are filled with small herds of artificial lifeforms in the form of multi-coloured unicorns.
Overall, this is a somewhat playful mystery that pokes sticks at society's tendency to put internet-famous influencers and their rather artificial lives on a pedestal. I enjoyed it, especially for the non-Western-centric flavour in speculating on an India of the future. And Ferron is a delight, and a pleasing change from the usual jaded, hard-bitten cops that often crop up in these sorts of stories.
I will admit that it took a little getting used to narrator Zehra Jane Naqvi's voice, perhaps because the previous audiobook I'd listened to had been read by a man with a much deeper voice, but once I was over the initial shift, I got into Naqvi's style.
Set in the 2070s, which aren't that much different than current times, save for the deeper reliance on virtual and augmented reality than we have currently, A Blessing of Unicorns has Bangalore-based Police Sub-Inspector Ferron trying to figure out why internet-famous influencers are going missing. Not to mention figuring out why the missing women's flats are filled with small herds of artificial lifeforms in the form of multi-coloured unicorns.
Overall, this is a somewhat playful mystery that pokes sticks at society's tendency to put internet-famous influencers and their rather artificial lives on a pedestal. I enjoyed it, especially for the non-Western-centric flavour in speculating on an India of the future. And Ferron is a delight, and a pleasing change from the usual jaded, hard-bitten cops that often crop up in these sorts of stories.
December 25, 2024
I currently have an Audible Plus subscription and saw this offered series. While listening to the first short story "In the House of Aryaman, a Lonely Signal Burns," it was quickly evident that
I read it before
. After all, a talking parrot-cat is not something one forgets. I loved it all over again. Police Sub-Inspector Ferron is a fantastic female character and I love the Bangalore of the future. Ferron has to solve the murder of a murdered man turned inside out. I had forgotten some of the specifics of the solution so it was lovely to listen to it. The second story "A Blessing of Unicorns" is only available from Audible and I couldn't find it online or in written form. It is a shame because I would like to own this one too. It deals with a woman who reports her fears of being kidnapped before actually being kidnapped from her closed apartment. There is a herd of tiny, vicious unicorns. The conclusion to this short story was also a lot of fun. But Inspector Ferron's life and perspective is the highlight of both stories. Honestly, I want a novel or lots of novellas about her. Pretty please? Arrrr!
December 31, 2021
I am not a short story or novella reader, for the most part. BUT, when it comes to Elizabeth Bear, that is her strength. She is able to build a world, create...introduce...expand...explore a who arc for a character; plus she thinks outside of the box.
This story is told from the perspective of a woman from another culture and time than Elizabeth Bear. She fully understands what needs to be done...and does it well.
The rating is not against her in any way, I just desire more book. It is really hard for me to rate novellas high...especially when they are so short. Ugh. Just not my favorite type of book.
I actually liked this one better than the first one. I hope that she continues in this series.
Both of these books, In the House of Aryaman and A Blessing of Unicorns gave me a feel of P. Djeli Clark's short story, novella and novel in the Dead Djinn Universe. Maybe a collaboration in the future?
Again, make more stories within this universe, please.
This story is told from the perspective of a woman from another culture and time than Elizabeth Bear. She fully understands what needs to be done...and does it well.
The rating is not against her in any way, I just desire more book. It is really hard for me to rate novellas high...especially when they are so short. Ugh. Just not my favorite type of book.
I actually liked this one better than the first one. I hope that she continues in this series.
Both of these books, In the House of Aryaman and A Blessing of Unicorns gave me a feel of P. Djeli Clark's short story, novella and novel in the Dead Djinn Universe. Maybe a collaboration in the future?
Again, make more stories within this universe, please.
December 29, 2022
I've read both of these now and enjoy the near-future post-apocalypse-but-we-survived setting of the story. In many ways it seems this version of the future is making the same mistakes as the present version, but that in some ways speaks to the critiques that the series can't really sufficiently let go of the present. It would almost work better as a near-future pre-apocalypse setting where we've managed to put off the (maybe) inevitable a bit longer.
It's interesting to be conscious of how we've changed when looking at representation in literature. Elizabeth Bear is not Indian, and in some ways the protagonist is not that convincing an Indian character. You're very conscious that it's a Western white woman telling a story set in India. Contrast that with, say, S. P. Divya's writing, which has a very Indian flavor and brings a different set of concerns.
It's good work and I'm glad to have read it.
It's interesting to be conscious of how we've changed when looking at representation in literature. Elizabeth Bear is not Indian, and in some ways the protagonist is not that convincing an Indian character. You're very conscious that it's a Western white woman telling a story set in India. Contrast that with, say, S. P. Divya's writing, which has a very Indian flavor and brings a different set of concerns.
It's good work and I'm glad to have read it.
November 7, 2023
Devoured the second installment in the Sub-Inspector Ferron Mysteries today and now I'm very sad there aren't more waiting for me. These novellas are perfectly sized and paced for brief visits to near-future Bangalore and Ferron's familial struggles are just as fascinating as the culture and world Bear writes about. So often when we think and talk about dutiful and stressed daughters trying to do their best for their families it is so oppressive all you can do is hope the woman escapes and finally starts Living For Herself. But here we see all of the care her family takes of her, her aunties attempts to protect and look after her in the best ways they know how and we also see Ferron loving the position she has within her kin-structure even while it brings her stress and obligation. That's a nuance we don't get much of these days
June 1, 2022
While this isn't my particular cup of tea, I am happy to have read it. A near future sci fi mystery, this is a future where we have an apocalypse, but it was survived. An optimistic near future world, very refreshing. The inner identity conflict, dealing with family and all those expectations, avoided being whining and trite. It advanced the character. The storytelling, especially the matching and consistent voice and tone of the piece, was great. Again, I don't think a white middle aged man fits the demographic the author might have expected but I am glad I read it. Their were so many unique idea's in here the AR (artificial reality) and it's interplay with the world from the perspective of someone involved in it, not an old cynical judgy narrator. Very happy I read it.
February 28, 2021
Awful in so many ways
First a review of the story- this futuristic setting for this world is poorly conceived frequently relying on modern elements and assuming 0 advancements while at other times massive leaps In tech and references to a dystopian future. The plot is fairly plain with a couple holes and a few side plots that are partially built. One consistently confusing parts is the setting of various scenes which you are plunged into and only find out later where they are.
The narrator is extremely nasally and over enunciated that has the same effect of 60 grit sandpaper being used to shave. She’s intelligible and clear but the cost is too high.
First a review of the story- this futuristic setting for this world is poorly conceived frequently relying on modern elements and assuming 0 advancements while at other times massive leaps In tech and references to a dystopian future. The plot is fairly plain with a couple holes and a few side plots that are partially built. One consistently confusing parts is the setting of various scenes which you are plunged into and only find out later where they are.
The narrator is extremely nasally and over enunciated that has the same effect of 60 grit sandpaper being used to shave. She’s intelligible and clear but the cost is too high.
April 26, 2022
The next level of Instagram influencers live in the virtual world. One is missing, but when they search records they discover she came into the police station days before her disappearance to allege that someone was trying to kill her in that virtual world. There was not a human on shift at the time, so she logged her report and left. But her bio lens have shown up on someone else’s eyes so Ferron assumes she has been murdered.
So into VR world our sub-inspector has to go.
888
I adore Chairman Miaou, her cutting edge tech parrot cat. “You’re home! No one has fed me EVER!!!” lol
4 stars
So into VR world our sub-inspector has to go.
888
I adore Chairman Miaou, her cutting edge tech parrot cat. “You’re home! No one has fed me EVER!!!” lol
4 stars
March 4, 2022
I read the pdf supplied by Asimov Magazine (Sep/Oct 2021), not the audiobook.
Bear has created a fascinating murder mystery, in a post-climate changed Indian setting.
Sub-Inspector Ferron and her trusty assistant Indapramit doggedly seek out the possible killer of a possibly disappeared 'influencer' (a fine extrapolation of today's Instagram and YouTube personalities).
If everything is virtual, then how is anything real?
Bear has created a fascinating murder mystery, in a post-climate changed Indian setting.
Sub-Inspector Ferron and her trusty assistant Indapramit doggedly seek out the possible killer of a possibly disappeared 'influencer' (a fine extrapolation of today's Instagram and YouTube personalities).
If everything is virtual, then how is anything real?
October 1, 2023
A solid follow-up to the first novella in this series. Similar setting in the near-future post-climate apocalypse India. Similar pushing of science fiction ideas into plausible end stages. And a furthering of the world, characters, cultures and family relationship that make this world feel lived-in and real. The audiobook narration is fantastic, with a whole world or class conveyed with subtle changes in voice and intonation. Eager for another in this series.
September 15, 2025
When a internet famous star reports her disappearance / possible death in advance, leaving nothing but a "blessing of unicorns" in her wake, Ferron discovers she's not the only one who's gone missing but meanwhile her family seems to be plotting to marry her off.
(I appreciated the nod to the Book of Saint Albans and Juliana Berners / Dam Julyans Barnes for crediting referencing the collectives of animals, something I've wondered about myself.)
(I appreciated the nod to the Book of Saint Albans and Juliana Berners / Dam Julyans Barnes for crediting referencing the collectives of animals, something I've wondered about myself.)
June 6, 2023
Really enjoying the detective’s distinct personality - sort of off beat and impatiently practical but also going on hyperfixated tangents. the sudden and understated way the cases break, the side plots involving sensitively addressed family issues, and the interesting and creative bits of futurism.
October 30, 2020
I thought the Indian accent of the narrator was fine. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. I look forward to finding more in this series
January 1, 2021
A fun, thoroughly detailed futuristic sci-fi mystery, very immersive.
April 18, 2021
This was kind of just so-so. The mystery part was interesting but the rest of the plot was kind of boring at times.
May 20, 2021
2 1/2 stars. An interesting look at murder in a world where virtual reality becomes an addictive and more attractive reality for most people than real life.
December 23, 2021
Genetic engineering, manipulative parents, augmented reality, social media, missing influencers and a hardworking sub-inspector in India trying to tie it all together.
May 28, 2022
25. A quick read - novella length. World building is so effortlessly done as are the main characters. Looking forward to reading another set in this world.
September 17, 2022
I really enjoy this universe, I hope the author writes more!
December 23, 2022
Fun, entertaining.
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars
December 9, 2024
Absolutely fantastic world building definitely want more of these
March 8, 2025
An Inspector Ferrin story not quite as good as the original. I'd read more by Elizabeth Bear, though.
January 3, 2021
A short story, just under a 3 hour listen. This continues the story of Sub Inspector Ferrin. It is interesting to delve into the future where people can live on in VR and the problems this can create for their children. I liked the cultural aspects as well as the mystery.
July 8, 2025
Yea for more mysteries with Sub-Inspector Ferron. This time the victim knew she would die but now she is missing and the only clue in her apartment is a herd of tiny unicorns. This story gets into the details of social media in the future. The killer is clever, but Ferron wins in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews