In a futuristic world where Earth narrowly avoided an asteroid collision, a former head of security turned police detective is drawn back into his past when the scientist he once protected is found brutally murdered. As he delves into the dark underbelly of society, he uncovers a web of secrets, betrayals, and the high cost of progress in a world divided by class, technology, and the cult of celebrity.

Reader Review Summary

"Midnight, Water City" by Hawai'i author Chris McKinney is a stunning and immersive debut novel in a planned sci-fi noir trilogy that transports readers to the year 2142. Set in a future where Earth narrowly avoided catastrophic collision with the asteroid Sessho-seki thanks to brilliant scientist Akira Kimura, this gripping tale explores the dark underbelly and sacrifices made in the name of progress through the eyes of Kimura's former head of security turned police detective.

McKinney crafts a richly cinematic world that vividly captures the imagination. His detailed worldbuilding seamlessly weaves in thought-provoking commentary on pressing issues like climate change, class divides, the double-edged impact of technology, and the cult of personality surrounding visionary figures. The underwater cities and unique futuristic setting provide a fresh, intriguing backdrop for a twisting neo-noir murder mystery.

When the detective arrives at Akira's deep-sea home only to find her brutally dismembered, he embarks on an obsessive quest for answers that will risk everything and force him to confront the darkness in his shared past with the now-deified scientist. McKinney's complex, flawed protagonist and cast of morally gray characters are fascinating to follow, even if not always sympathetic.

While the pacing meanders slightly in places, "Midnight, Water City" remains a compelling page-turner throughout thanks to McKinney's evocative prose, philosophical insights, and talent for slowly unspooling shocking revelations. The story grapples with weighty questions about the cost of human progress and the danger of blind hero worship in a way that will leave readers pondering long after the final page.

Although it lays the groundwork for future installments, this first entry tells a satisfyingly self-contained story while leaving room for the world and characters to be further fleshed out going forward. McKinney has created an extraordinarily realized future and kicked off his trilogy with a bang. Part gripping mystery, part searing social commentary, "Midnight, Water City" is an ambitious, memorable novel that cements his status as a bold and exciting voice in speculative fiction. Sci-fi and noir fans should dive in without hesitation. I cannot wait to see what twisted depths McKinney plumbs in the sequels.