The Case of the Manufactured Girl

This book can't make up its mind whether it wants to be a good novel or a light, throwaway novel: it has some characteristics of both. It's about an American private investigator with the unlikely name of Robin Hood, operating in the future—perhaps towards the end of this century, although no dates are given. He finds himself accidentally in trouble with powerful men, but fortunately he has an assortment of remarkably useful friends to help him out.

One could almost feel sorry for the baddies, who for all their power seem to be outnumbered and outgunned in this contest. The number and usefulness of Robin's friends would be unbelievable in a good novel, although in a light, throwaway novel they provide a sort of feelgood effect.

Characterization is varied, but light and unsubtle. Names are whimsical: Robin's associates include Marian Fitzwalter (Maid Marian), Tucker Benedict (Friar Tuck), and John Shorter (Little John).

The author has plenty of experience at putting a story together, and does it well. The plot flows fluently along. He's also put some thought into his future world, and sometimes digresses into musing about the implications of future technology. Interesting for some readers, but out of place in a light, throwaway novel; impatient readers may skip over these passages to focus on the action.

I liked the book enough to reread it, though I haven't yet decided to buy the sequel. It's a book of fairly modest ambition: I don't think the author expected to win awards with it.