Star Power

Ellis McFadden Mysteries

De: Kristen Painter

Narrado por: Robyn Maryke

Step into the enigmatic world of the Athos—a vessel that blends the luxury of a cruise ship, the intrigue of a scientific research station, and the might of a military starship. Here, amidst the stars, you'll find Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, embarking on adventures she never anticipated this late in her career.

The latest adventure sees the ship approaching a mesmerizing nebula, the centerpiece of a grand gala. It’ll be an evening filled with the galaxy's elite, all gathered to marvel at this cosmic wonder and the legendary gem rumored to be born from its very core.

But when this priceless jewel vanishes, Ellis, along with her dashing new boyfriend, Frank, and her charming android cat, has no choice but to find the gem. Failure could mean an interstellar incident, resulting in Ellis, and her daughter, the Vice Admiral, being ousted from their celestial home. Can they solve the mystery in time to save their place among the stars?

©2025 Kristen Painter (P)2025 Kristen Painter

I'm Loving these New Ellis McFadden Mysteries

I'm Loving these New Ellis McFadden Mysteries! This is the second in the series and it just gets better! I really enjoyed Star Power! It’s the perfect mix of cozy mystery and sci-fi, with lovable characters and a unique setting aboard a sort of star ship that kept me hooked. Ellis is such a fun lead—smart, relatable, and easy to root for. This time, she’s caught up in a high-profile gala aboard the ship when a priceless gem disappears, and of course, she ends up right in the middle and solving the case. The story moves at a great pace, and the narration by Robyn Maryke is spot on. If you’re looking for something light, clever, and different, this one’s it. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

The scene is a cool original idea.

Enjoyed the story and reader. But I like the scene being on a spaceship! I want more of the Athos! And I like the relationship building between Ellis and Frank.

Excellent Story! I Cannot wait for the next one!!

I totally loved this cozy sci-fi mystery. I would love to hang out with Ellis and Frank. The story was fun and engaging. Henry with his British accent is just so cute! Other than a few strange pronunciations, I really like the narrator, too. I cannot wait for the next one coming out the end of May! I got the audible version free to listen to, but I always pre-order and buy the e-books. Loved this!

a good back story that was will though out

the people and the pet was live like that was played out with a good follow thought

Loved her cat - definitely would like to see another book in this series on audible

Nothing . Would love another book in this this series on audible . Love Kristen Painter always

Loving the sci-fi cozy mysteries!!

Even better than the first, what a terrific mystery!! The audio narration is terrific and really made this story fun to listen too!!

Loved it!!

I am really enjoying the series. Ellis and Frank do an excellent job of solving mysteries, along with the help of their sweet little companions. I love these type of books and these are so well written and the narration is really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

2nd in series cant wait for more

Cozy mystery, mash up of Star Trek a little bit of all of them, Fifth Element Cruise Ship in space. Such a fun light hearted read, can’t wait for more.

Great read!

Another fantastic story from Kristen Painter, being a Star Trek fan these books are just an amazing thrill! I enjoy the characters, Ellis and her friends are great and I enjoy the relationship between them. Still wanting a robotic cat though!! Can’t wait to listen to the next book!!

Cosmic Mystery and Heartfelt Adventure

Kristen Painter once again takes readers on a thrilling ride through the cosmos in her latest novel, The Athos Affair, blending luxury, mystery, and a touch of sci-fi adventure that will captivate fans of the genre.

Set aboard the luxurious, multifaceted vessel known as the Athos, the story follows Ellis McFadden, the ship’s head librarian, who finds herself entangled in an unexpected mystery. The Athos is no ordinary ship—it's a fusion of the opulence of a cruise liner, the cutting-edge research capabilities of a science station, and the strength of a military starship. It's the perfect setting for Ellis to live out her final years in relative peace, or so she thought.

This time, the Athos is preparing for a glamorous gala held to celebrate the nebula it’s about to pass. The elite of the galaxy are on board to witness the celestial spectacle and admire the rumored gem that was supposedly birthed at the nebula’s core. But when the priceless gem mysteriously vanishes, the stakes are raised, and Ellis, alongside her witty android cat and her new boyfriend Frank, is thrust into a high-stakes hunt to recover it.

Painter’s ability to craft an intricate, layered narrative is on full display here. The world-building is both rich and immersive, making the Athos feel as much a character in the story as Ellis or Frank. The dynamic between the characters is fun, especially the addition of Ellis' charming android cat, which brings a unique and delightful touch of humor to the otherwise tense situation.

While the plot is gripping, and the stakes feel high, the true strength of the novel lies in the character of Ellis herself. At the heart of the story is her journey, not just to solve the mystery but also to confront personal demons, connect with her estranged daughter, and navigate her role within the high-stakes political world of interstellar governance. The emotional depth adds a layer of complexity to what could otherwise have been just a fast-paced space mystery.

Painter excels at blending the intrigue of the mystery with the intricacies of character relationships, creating a balance that keeps the pages turning. However, what keeps this from being a perfect five-star read is the pacing in certain moments. There are times when the narrative slows down, especially as Ellis reflects on her past or her relationships, and while these moments are meaningful, they occasionally disrupt the flow of the story.

Overall, The Athos Affair is a captivating and rewarding read. It blends genres effortlessly, offering both the glamour of space opera and the tension of a thrilling whodunit. Fans of Painter’s work, as well as newcomers to her writing, will find much to enjoy here. The book concludes with a satisfying resolution, leaving just enough room for more adventures aboard the Athos. Highly recommended for those who love well-crafted science fiction with a dash of heart and mystery.

Rating: 4.5/5