Aliette de Bodard has crafted an alluring alternate history in her The Universe of Xuya: a series with multiple entry points for any reader, a mosaic created with each new piece placed;
threads of tales that stand well alone, yet weave a more satisfying tapestry with each new story read.

The Tea Master and the Detective is a well crafted mystery/detective story at its heart, with a small set of flawed yet substantial characters, placed in a time and culture where mindships and people interact in a unique political and familial setting.

As a stand-alone story everything becomes well defined for the first time reader and has a satisfying beginning and conclusion. As part of a larger story for those more familiar with the universe there might be a little repetition, but it does not distract from the tale.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Subterranean Press in exchange for an honest review.