The Automatic Detective
Feb 2008 · Tor Books
4.5star
51 reviewsreport
Ebook
320
Pages
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About this ebook
From the award-winning author of Gil's All Fright Diner comes a fantastic sci-fi mystery read The Automatic Detective
Even in Empire City, a town where weird science is the hope for tomorrow, it's hard for a robot to make his way. It's even harder for a robot named Mack Megaton, a hulking machine designed to bring mankind to its knees. But Mack's not interested in world domination. He's just a bot trying to get by, trying to demonstrate that he isn't just an automated smashing machine, and to earn his citizenship in the process. It should be as easy as crushing a tank for Mack, but some bots just can't catch a break.
When Mack's neighbors are kidnapped, Mack sets off on a journey through the dark alleys and gleaming skyscrapers of Empire City. Along the way, he runs afoul of a talking gorilla, a brainy dame, a mutant lowlife, a little green mob boss, and the secret conspiracy at the heart of Empire's founders---not to mention more trouble than he bargained for. What started out as one missing family becomes a battle for the future of Empire and every citizen that calls her home.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Even in Empire City, a town where weird science is the hope for tomorrow, it's hard for a robot to make his way. It's even harder for a robot named Mack Megaton, a hulking machine designed to bring mankind to its knees. But Mack's not interested in world domination. He's just a bot trying to get by, trying to demonstrate that he isn't just an automated smashing machine, and to earn his citizenship in the process. It should be as easy as crushing a tank for Mack, but some bots just can't catch a break.
When Mack's neighbors are kidnapped, Mack sets off on a journey through the dark alleys and gleaming skyscrapers of Empire City. Along the way, he runs afoul of a talking gorilla, a brainy dame, a mutant lowlife, a little green mob boss, and the secret conspiracy at the heart of Empire's founders---not to mention more trouble than he bargained for. What started out as one missing family becomes a battle for the future of Empire and every citizen that calls her home.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
51 reviews
A Google user
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March 15, 2018
Just below 4 stars (I don't like Googly's rating definitions because I really liked this book but come on, it's not Mickey Spillane, right? Or is it? Hmmm....) A super robot cabbie turned nice guy whose just trying to get by. A family next door, including their two mutant kids, and their cry for help. A dame too beautiful, rich and smart for her own good. A gorilla for a best friend. A little rat of a detective. Aliens. More mutants. A utopian city full of toxic waste. Pilgrims. Bad guys. Lots of goo. And trouble galore. What's a guy gotta do around here to get some peaceful recharge time? What fun! Every time lately that I've needed a break from shatteringly serious story-lines and heart-breaking tomes of loss, love, and villainy (mutated or not), I've turned to A.Lee Martinez! And 'The Automatic Detective' does the trick (well, that witch story wasn't my favorite but still)! A cleverly developed story full of action and, well, more action will also tickle your funny bone (assuming your specs or mutated bodies have one of those). I would really love to see Mack in further adventures, with Jung, Humbolt and the rest of the crew by his side!! Read this book and smile. Don't make me send my goons over to smack you around some, ok?
5 people found this review helpful
Nick Francesco
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August 18, 2017
Fast, breezy, read. Takes that tough noir detective style and drops it into a neo-steampunk world full of characters we care about. Just excellent.
1 person found this review helpful
Michael Anino
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October 6, 2015
Not quite my favorite by Martinez, but still a very fun novel.
About the author
A. Lee Martinez lives in Terrell, Texas.
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