Echo

Jack McDevitt novels definitely follow a certain formula, but I love the formula. Within the first 4-5 pages they set up some mystery that I want to know how it is resolved. This book was no exception. Sure, some things happen in every Alex Benedict book (attempts on his life seem common) but the scenarios/mysteries are always engaging, the characters (now) familiar and fun (I have read all the other Alex Benedict books and prefer them to the Hutch series), and the solution/explanation at the end almost always satisfying.

This was a fun read on the train/plan that I finished in pretty much one sitting. A great, fun, read.

I have subsequently started another Culture novel, the Hydrogen Sonata. Is it interesting and more complex with more ideas and more complex characetrs? Sure. Does it grab my attention at the get-go the way a McDevitt usually does? Nope...