Book review: The First Murder on Mars

The First Murder on Mars

Sam Wilson

Orion

Review: Lauren O’Connor-May

This exceptionally grim, science fiction story by Muizenberg author Sam Wilson, is told from two perspectives. 

First, there is Dylan Ward, who lives on a dystopian Mars.

Dylan, desperate for money, takes a dangerous job as a security guard for an elderly, high-ranking stranger amidst the war for resources among the planet’s failing colonies.

As they head deeper and deeper into the deadly Martian terrain on a mysterious mission, things get progressively worse. 

Decades earlier, in the second perspective, we are told the story of twins Rose and Archie Fuller, the first humans born on Mars. Dubbed the prince and princess of Mars, the privileged and wealthy siblings live in the public eye on a utopian Mars. Rose resents the attention, while Archie relishes it. 

Despite their differing views, the brother and sister remain close as their paths diverge. Rose chooses the road of rebellion, while Archie is determined to continue the family’s legacy.

The plans in both timelines fall apart as both converge on the truth of what happened in the first murder on Mars.

This book is gripping, intriguing and a real page-turner, albeit really gloomy.

If you like ominous story-telling with bleak climaxes, this book is for you.