An intriguing scifi novel, kind of an Expanse/Red Rising mash up with some cleverly divisive characters and a page turner plot.

The world building is excellent, you really get a feel for this version of Mars and for its inhabitants. The political situation is clear and makes a good backdrop to the twists and turns of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not sure if there'll be a sequel but if there is I'm up for it.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This was very classic sci fi. I maybe expected a bit more murder mystery, based on the title, but I still really enjoyed the straight forward plot.

This story has several main characters, and switches back and forth between these characters and different time periods to weave a story of the first people born on Mars, and the first murder committed.

It paints a very vivid picture, and if you’re a sci fi fan you will enjoy this! I do wish it was maybe edited a little tighter; certain scenes maybe drag on a bit, specifically ‘action sequences’.

A solid read for any sci fi fan!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

I found this story incredibly fascinating and, despite being sci-fi, wholly believable. I think the author has managed to create a narrative which you could really imagine taking place in the future.

The descriptions within the book were, at first, difficult to conceptualise in my mind given that they were of another world and futuristic machinery. The author did a fantastic job of pulling you into the world quickly, though, to a point where I felt immersed and able to picture what was described.

I think the storylines were well written and the use of different years worked very well in providing a solid background as well as enhancing the twists and reveals. This is definitely the sort of sci-fi novel I would love to see in film or tv as I think the concept of the Mars societies as a whole could be developed into a variety of new stories.

The only downside I would say I noted was that I didn’t feel I connected with the main character (Dylan). I think this may have been caused by the fact that the reader is offered more information and background which makes it frustrating when the character holds certain opinions and views. Though I did find this to be an issue throughout, I felt like I began to relate more and appreciate the character towards the end.

Overall a really interesting and refreshing read and I would be excited to read both more books based in this world and any other novels by the author.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed this. I will look out for future books from this author thank you for the opportunity to review

Sam Wilson's novel, *The First Murder on Mars*, masterfully combines the gripping tension of a mystery with the expansive vision of science fiction, reminiscent of *The Martian* and *The Expanse*. This book is a thrilling journey through time and space, delivering a page-turning narrative that captivates from the very first page.

Set against the backdrop of Mars in 2103, the novel paints a vivid picture of a once hopeful colony now rife with division and fear. At the heart of the story is Rose Fuller, the first human born on Mars, whose dreams of a better future starkly contrast with the reality that unfolds. Alongside her is Dylan Ward, a resilient woman of the Martian frontier, whose quest to uncover the truth about a missing man propels the narrative forward.

The plot is immediately engrossing, with excellent pacing that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Short, punchy chapters ensure that there's always something exciting happening, creating a relentless momentum that makes the book hard to put down. Wilson’s deft use of digital elements, like Reddit-style threads, adds a unique and engaging layer to the storytelling, immersing readers deeper into the world he has created.

One of the standout features of *The First Murder on Mars* is its beautiful description. Wilson's prose is so captivating that I found myself re-reading paragraphs just to savor the writing. Each scene is rich with imagery, allowing readers to vividly picture the Martian landscapes and the tense atmosphere of the colony.

Beyond its thrilling plot, the novel delves into profound themes about humanity and our future. It explores what it means to be human and how we might live once we leave Earth, offering readers a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

*The First Murder on Mars* is a richly layered and deeply immersive experience. Sam Wilson has crafted a debut that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level, making it a must-read for fans of science fiction and mystery alike.