The Automatic Detective

By: A. Lee Martinez

Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Even in Empire City, a town where weird science is the hope for tomorrow, it's hard for a robot to make his way. It's even harder for a robot named Mack Megaton, a hulking machine designed to bring mankind to its knees. But Mack's not interested in world domination. He's just a bot trying to get by, trying to demonstrate that he isn't just an automated smashing machine, and to earn his citizenship in the process. It should be as easy as crushing a tank for Mack, but some bots just can't catch a break.

When Mack's neighbors are kidnapped, Mack sets off on a journey through the dark alleys and gleaming skyscrapers of Empire City. Along the way, he runs afoul of a talking gorilla, a brainy dame, a mutant lowlife, a little green mob boss, and the secret conspiracy at the heart of Empire's founders - not to mention more trouble than he bargained for. What started out as one missing family becomes a battle for the future of Empire and every citizen that calls her home.

©2008 A. Lee Martinez (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Martinez tickles the funny bone in this delightful, fast-paced mishmash of SF and hard-boiled detective story.... Eccentric characters, all of whom are clever twists on stereotypes, populate a smart, rocket-fast read with a clever, twisty plot that comes to a satisfying conclusion." (Publishers Weekly)

“This combination sci-fi/hard-boiled detective story is a hoot….Narrator Marc Vietor approaches the story with a classic noir tone that is hilarious.” (AudioFile)

Martinez does it again.

Over the top stereotypes are something this author does exceedingly well. Narrator was well chosen. Characters are fun. Story puts together a forties feel with a science fiction spin. Great listen.

Excellent little twinkie…

Not high art, just a good old fashioned detective story with a fun setting and protagonist choice. Eminently enjoyable.

one on my favorites by this author

I like to listen to audio books while I clean, and I've listened to The Automatic Detective several times since buying it. The narration is great.

Awesome Book

If you like a good hard hitting detective book with a side order of science fiction then this is your book. Robots, flying cars, and mutants set in a futuristic roaring 20s garb and slang.

JetPunk Meets Noir

A good blending of Jet Punk and Noir detective story. It feels like Sam Spade as a bot.

Slow

started off like gangbusters. I was very interested. but it goes slower and slower and slower

Fantastic narration and an entertaining story

Possibly one of the most entertaining audiobooks I've bought in the last year. I'd never heard of this author before, and this was an impulse purchase based on the strength of some of the other reviews. It's a quirky new take on the classic noir genre.

Marc Vietor brings the story to life in a fantastic first person narration that captures the essence of the characters. I'll definitely be checking out other books by both the author and narrator.

Good New Author

I've never read any of Martinez's books before, but I definitely will be doing so more in the future.

Blast from the er.. Past, Future? or a combo

Fresh inventive work here. Mack is my hero! Hope to see much more from this author.

Martinez gives character development a whole new meaning.

Martinez puts heart before technology

Would you listen to The Automatic Detective again? Why?

This novel is told with the cleverness of the best short stories. The dialog implies so much plot and feeling, fleshing out the story. On first listen, the tale tumbles by--a futuristic setting when sentient robots can become citizens, but the environment is so poisonous that illness and mutations are commonplace. In fact, weirdness has become normal to the point that aliens just blend in. The result? Aliens with advanced technology are taking power before the humans realize it. It took a second listen to piece together all the clues explaining how a destructive alien robot becomes mankind's best hope.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Automatic Detective?

Mack, the huge robot, is given a set of clothes made by a tech genius. The suit has a jaw-dropping array of weapons and camouflage.

What does Marc Vietor bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Marc Vietor puts a little Mickey Spillane stiffness in the narration. This tone is perfect for our robotic tough guy who doesn't understand the subtleties of being human.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mack has such a moral core. He can be violent, but only to protect the vulerable. Us sentimental types can get a little choked up watching him choose the right path.