Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty is a science fiction locked-room mystery novel that explores the ethical and philosophical implications of cloning technology. The story takes place on a spaceship where six clones wake up from their pods to find that their previous bodies have been brutally murdered, leaving them to solve the mystery of who among them is the killer.

The six clones, all with different personalities, backgrounds, and motives, are the only suspects, but with their memories wiped clean, they have to unravel their own pasts to uncover the truth. The setting of the spaceship, isolated in space and with limited resources, adds to the tension and feeling of claustrophobia, creating a true locked-room mystery scenario.

The novel is well-written, with a strong and engaging plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-drawn and the ethical and philosophical implications of the cloning technology are explored in depth. The story raises thought-provoking questions about identity, free will, and the meaning of life, and the characters are forced to confront their own mortality and the consequences of their actions.

One of the unique features of Six Wakes is the use of flashbacks to reveal the characters’ pasts and motivations. These flashbacks are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships. The use of multiple points of view, each with their own perspective and agenda, also adds to the complexity of the mystery, creating a rich and layered narrative.

The pacing of the novel is strong, with the tension and suspense building steadily as the characters uncover clues and reveal secrets about each other. The resolution of the mystery is satisfying and unexpected, with several twists and turns along the way that keep the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.

Six Wakes is a compelling locked-room mystery novel that explores complex ethical and philosophical issues while also delivering a gripping and suspenseful story. The well-drawn characters, the use of flashbacks, and the multiple points of view make for a rich and engaging narrative that will keep readers hooked until the very end. This novel is a must-read for fans of science fiction, mystery, and ethical dilemmas.