I've always felt an absence of somethinh.

New Orleans some half century into the future after a nuclear exchange has altered the climate, increasing the ice at the poles and generally cooling the weather. Zach Forrest is one of only two homicide cops working Easytown and he's feeling rather stressed when another murder is called in, the fourth in four weeks in the tourist sex district, where droids supply any deviation for a price. Told in the first person from Zach's point of view, we follow the investigation which endangers not only his life but his standing in the police force, too.
The World building is good, the writing style visual and , although concentrating almost entirely within the seedy tourism sex city area, there remains a feeling of there being more beyond. Lifelike androids play a large part in the socjety, performing the more menial tasks, and, especially legally catering for the 'do anything' more exotic sexual demands of some of the population - for a high price, of course. As the story progresses the reader is drawn not only into the murder mystery but also Zach's personal life, or lack of it. All of the characters were unique and well drawn. Narrator David Pens further differentiated the protagonists by giving each a distinctive voice and personality, and his voicings of Zach's AI, Andy, and the other droids was done flawlessly with just a hint of otherness. The occasional addition of a few audio effects also helped to enhance the book's texture without being intrusive. But Mr.Pens really excelled in his close following of the pace of the text, his changing levels of delivery show in his clear understanding of what he was reading. An excellent performance.

There are similarities to the film, Bladerunner, but this book is not a repeating copy, it is fresh, individual and, at times, funny, more a detective film noir set into the future. My deep thanks to the rights holder of The Immorality Clause who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. I enjoyed it immensely, and whilst the sexual content would slightly limit the people to whom I might recommend the story, this is my only reservation, and it is a small one, excluding only the young. Otherwise, great fun, good futuristic world, well developed characters and an intriguing murder thriller.

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5 Stars

recieved this for free, with the usual caviates of writing an honest review etc etc. I got a few chapters in, and then bought the entire trilogy - so that should give you an indication of feelings of this book.

Immorality Clause is extrememly will written, and treads to fine line of world building, and actual story telling, with finesse. It mixes Blade Runner (but with less distopia) , a little Raymond Chandler, with the TV show Criminal Minds, and it just works. This was my first introduction to Brian Parker as writer, and Im suitably impressed. The plot is smart, and doesnt get bogged down with trying to be too clever (looking at you Neuromancer and Snow Crash...)

The book really hits the mark though, with its characterisation. The protagonist is very well written, easy to sympathise with, and dear god you are completely rooting for him to succeed all the way through. Daniel Penz's narration is perfect for the role and world, adding a lot of depth to the story.

If you like Cyberpunk books set in the near future (2090 I believe), and want a complete, well written story, then give Immorality Clause a go....then purchase the sequels

I would advise also trying:
Optional Retirement Plan
Drones

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent first book of this detective noir series

Brian Parker has managed to create a fantastic crossover of detective noir and cyberpunk in this intriguing first book of the series. I particularly liked the vibes of blade runner it gave off, and how Brian has developed his A.I to not be too fantastical. The story moves along at a good pace, it is gritty, gory and bloody brilliant. Highly recommended for fans of cyberpunk and film detective noir.

Daniel Penz does an excellent job of bringing this world to life, and I can see this being a very productive partnership in the future.

This audiobook was provided by the author for review.

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Androids

his is the second novel I listened from the author, I actually started with Easytown #2, but this one is amazing as the last one. The mystery is gripping with some gruesome details, a plot that never let you bored with twists and turns.

Forest is a likable character, but he sure is the most aloof detective I've ever seen! Fortunately, this only makes me loving more.

The narration quality is amazing. Daniel Penz is a great voice actor, he doesn't just read the book, he act with emotions, different voices for each character and an incredible pace.

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