DRUNK ON ALL YOUR STRANGE NEW WORDS by Eddie Robson

5 stars

This fun, engaging, fast-plotted and tense near-future sci-fi murder mystery speculates on If we did make first contact with an intelligent alien species, just how would be communicate with them if not vocally?

Fast forward to Lydia, a human who does mental translations for Fitzwilliam, an alien Logi cultural attache to Earth, the side effect of which causes Lydia (or anyone undertaking the translations) intense dizziness. From receptions to plays, Lydia works fast to simultaneous translate via telepathy, the stress of which literally leaves her with the overwhelming sensation of being “drunk” on alien words. So much so that when Lydia stands at the break of a play to her feet, she tumbles over the balcony only to be caught midair by Fitz’s long arms. Exhausted by her work but lacking any real skills to do anything else, Lydia straggles on and at least appreciates getting along well with Fitz.

Until one day Fitz is murdered in the home that he shares with Lydia, leaving her a prime suspect and launching an intergalactic crisis. But Lydia mysteriously still hears a Logi voice in her head and still feels drunk on the alien words. Lydia, in order to save herself, has to rally in order to solve the crime as the police seem stymied in their efforts. Lydia finds herself entangled in a complex web of intrigue that blends Logi language, technology, and human xenophobia about Logi presence on Earth.

Despite her sarcasm and annoyance at the world around her, Lydia emerges a tenacious and compassionate heroine, as we cheer her on!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.