Book Review: The Mimicking of Known Successes (The Investigations of…) by Elizabeth Bear
When I first stumbled across The Mimicking of Known Successes by Elizabeth Bear, I was immediately captivated. It’s not every day that a new riff on the Holmesian canon catches my eye—especially set on a gas giant. I mean, how could I resist? Elizabeth and I have exchanged playful bants on Twitter, and she once graciously blurbed one of my books, so it felt almost serendipitous to dive into her latest work. A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy!
From the opening pages, I could tell that this was more than just a simple detective story. The premise—humanity clinging to life on the hostile expanses of Jupiter—set a striking stage for our mystery. Greed has rendered Earth uninhabitable, pushing people into makeshift lives connected by a precarious rail system. It’s a sobering reflection on our current ecological trajectory, yet within this bleak landscape lies a nuanced and deeply human story.
Mossa and Pleiti, our dynamic duo, are both former lovers who now work together to solve the mystery of a man who disappears from a remote railcar. Mossa channels the methodical brilliance we expect from a Holmes surrogate, though she carries that intelligence with a warmth and depth that is refreshing. Pleiti, the devoted academic, is loyal yet equally independent, and I found their reconnection both touching and realistic. Their relationship isn’t framed through the cliché of overcoming obstacles; instead, it feels like an organic exploration of two individuals learning to communicate and care for one another amidst chaos.
Bear’s writing style is a beautiful blend of imaginative world-building and character introspection. While the pacing of the mystery itself might not be the traditional “whodunit,” it uses the relationship dynamics between Mossa and Pleiti to weave an emotional puzzle that kept me engrossed. I loved the quiet romance between them—how their connection was revealed through the space between words, echoing the complexities of real relationships.
In terms of highs and lows, I found myself curious about the intricacies of the plot, particularly how certain character motivations were revealed. Some elements of the mystery felt a little rushed, especially concerning the villain’s development, but Bear gracefully allows that to play second fiddle to her richly textured characters. And while my detective-loving heart yearned for more context around the motives, I was still immensely satisfied by the unpredictable twists and turns that unfolded.
The setting itself deserves a standing ovation. Bear paints Jupiter’s landscape with thoughtfulness and depth, making it oddly cozy despite its inhospitable nature. I couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet nostalgia for Earth, which reverberated throughout the narrative like a haunting melody. The delicate balance between loss and hope is palpable, and it felt like a profound reflection on humanity’s ongoing journey, especially in these pandemic-stricken times.
In conclusion, The Mimicking of Known Successes is a gem of a read for those who crave a unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and romance. You’ll love it if you appreciate strong character development over straightforward plot lines, or if you’ve ever found solace in the flawed brilliance of a partner. For those who enjoy diving deep into the emotional landscapes of character-driven narratives, this one’s for you. It left me reflecting on relationships, humanity, and the potential for change—proof that even on a gas giant, hope can still thrive.
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