• 5 out of 5 stars
• Junkyard by Lindsay Buroker
• Science Fiction / Space Opera

A resourceful skip tracer, McCall Richter, and her quirky android trek through a frosty moon to solve an unusual case involving stolen goods and an unlikely witness.

Unexpectedly Sweet Mystery

In the vast expanse of space, it’s easy to assume that every mission involves high-stakes battles and epic showdowns. But what if the biggest mystery was not the fate of a galaxy but something as simple as a missing shipment of syrup? It’s this delightful twist on expectations that makes Junkyard a charming and refreshing read. In a universe where interstellar trade has become the norm, tracking down criminals can take on a new flavour—literally. Buroker introduces readers to a world where even the most unexpected items can spark a chase across the stars, blending humour, warmth, and a touch of intrigue.

The story centres around McCall Richter, a skip tracer whose task is to locate those who slip through the cracks of the law. Her latest case pairs her with Scipio, an android who adds both a helping hand and a bit of comic relief. Together, they investigate a theft on a frosty, remote moon, where nothing is quite what it seems. As McCall tracks clues, she encounters shady characters, mysterious leads, and an unconventional witness—a dog from the junkyard next door. Without leaning heavily into high-octane drama, the novella keeps a light-hearted pace, giving readers a peek into the quieter, more whimsical side of space adventures.

Though not an overt eco-narrative, the book subtly highlights the interconnectedness of systems, even in a future of interplanetary travel. The setting—a moon dotted with sugar houses and a thriving underworld—brings to light how small ecosystems can hold delicate balances, whether on Earth or among the stars. The presence of a junkyard, with its scraps and salvaged pieces, serves as a reminder that even in a world of shiny spacecraft and advanced tech, there’s a place for what others might discard. McCall’s empathy and resourcefulness, paired with Scipio’s reliability, underscore themes of ingenuity, adaptability, and finding value where others see waste.

There are no strong language, graphic scenes, or intense violence in the novella, making it an easy read for those seeking a light-hearted escape.

Reading Junkyard is like unearthing a hidden gem amid space debris—a sweet, unexpected find that shines not because it’s grand, but because it’s genuine.