Synopsis:
Two years after a devastating defeat in the decade-long Spore War, the island nation of Hōppon and its capital city of Neo Kinoko are occupied by invading Coprinian forces. Its fungal citizens are in dire straits, wracked by food shortages, poverty and an influx of war refugees. Even worse, the corrupt occupiers exploit their power, hounding the native population.
As a winter storm looms over the metropolis, NKPD homicide detective Henrietta Hofmann begrudgingly partners up with mushroom-headed patrol officer Koji Nameko to investigate the mysterious murders of fungal and half-breed children. Their investigation drags them deep into the seedy underbelly of a war-torn city, one brimming with colonizers, criminal gangs, racial division and moral decay.
In order to solve the case and unravel the truth, Hofmann must challenge her past and embrace fungal ways. What she and Nameko uncover in the midst of this frigid wasteland will chill them to the core, but will they make it through the storm alive?
Review:
I knew I’d love this book. From the very first page Adrian had me hooked and I carved out reading time so I had to put Mushroom Blues down as little as possible. I was utterly enthralled.
Adrian has created a unique, immersive world that he’s crafted with care and incredible world-building. I found myself feeling like I was in Neo Kinoko and like Hofmann I grew to love the mushroom surroundings (you could say it grew on me…). At first this idea of being surrounded by mushrooms and mould, with some of the capabilities the mushrooms hold, was positively creepy. But with care and expert writing Adrian bought me round to really appreciate the nuances of Neo Kinoko.
The heart of Mushroom Blues is a murder mystery, but it’s also so much more than that. It explores a city that has experienced a devastating war and is now occupied by people who hate the people of Neo Kinoko, and the city itself. There’s so many layers to this story, and it’s all woven expertly into the story itself.
From the very first page Mushroom Blues grabs you and doesn’t let go. Starting with Hofmann at the site of a murder it sets the tone for the entire book, and introduces you to the central mystery immediately. Throughout the book you’re introduced to a whole host of characters and I really enjoyed seeing them through Hofmann’s eyes, especially as she starts to learn more about those who surround her.
This is an electric read. It’s gripping and completely unique. Mushroom Blues is an incredible debut.
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