INSPECTOR CORPS · STEADINGS DIVISION · FORM PO-1
A cozy sci-fi mystery. Terms and conditions apply.
What sort of person runs away from a utopia?
TOUCHDOWN · FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2026 · PRINT, EBOOK & AUDIOBOOK
Just buy the book. I have forms to file. — R.
SECTION 1 OF 1 · MANDATORY
Hardback, Paperback, ebook and audiobook all release on 23 October 2026. Choose your format once you get to the store. Somewhere else in the galaxy? Use the last button and it will find your nearest store, (hopefully, Amie did this website, so….)
Surveillance still, 14:02. Subjects appear to be advertising.
NOTICE OF INSPECTION
LOCATION / Mossy Point, a decommissioned warship
CLASSIFICATION / Steading (misfits, troublemakers)
ASSIGNED INSPECTOR / Ryken Clanterfox
INSPECTOR STATUS / One incident from being fired
Inspector Ryken really doesn’t want to audit your spaceship. Unfortunately, it’s his job.
He’s the guy who has to judge the viability of Steadings: autonomous communities made up of misfits and troublemakers. Ryken is burnt out, his ship’s computer has just hit the EDM-listening, door-slamming stage of robot puberty, and he is one incident away from being fired. He needs an easy job.
But when he gets to his new posting at Mossy Point, he quickly realises that something very strange is going on. There’s a drug-dealing robot postman, the world’s most famous video game designer who has no idea she’s famous, a teenage girl who won’t stop following him, and a glitchy sentient intelligence running the whole spaceship. The more he investigates, the less he understands. One thing is for sure: every steader on board Mossy Point has something to hide.
Ryken faces a choice: go off book and throw in with the loveable misfits, or lean into the bureaucracy of a utopia he no longer feels a part of. Either way, it’s going to be a lot of paperwork.
Exhibit A: persons of interest (the authors). Do not make eye contact.
EVERY STEADER HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE
FORM JF-2 · JOINT FILING
MARRIED / CONFLICT DISCLOSED
AMIE MCNEE
ROLE ON THIS CASE
Co-author. First offence in science fiction.
PREVIOUS FILINGS
To Kill a Queen; We Need Your Art, Regrettably, I am About To Cause Trouble; The Rules Upheld By No One; I Don't Want A Job
FIND HER
Instagram: @inspiredtowrite
JAMES WINESTOCK
ROLE ON THIS CASE
Co-author. Head of Catering.
PREVIOUS FILINGS
A thesis on inequality in the Roman Republic, Four Novels I for some reason refuse to publish, Pound Project Manifesto: I Don't Want A Job.
FIND HIM
RESTRICTED · UNSEALED ONE AT A TIME BEFORE LAUNCH
FILE 01
SEALED
Images released 23/10/26
RYKEN
Inspector, Steadings Division
Burnt out. Needs an easy job. Has not been given one.
UNSEALS: DATE TBA
FILE 02
SEALED
Images released 23/10/26
HOUSE
Postmaster
Delivers the Mail. Supposedly only the mail.
UNSEALS: DATE TBA
FILE 03
SEALED
Images released 23/10/26
MARY FYSH
Game designer, recluse
The most famous designer in the galaxy. Nobody has told her.
UNSEALS: DATE TBA
FILE 04
SEALED
Images released 23/10/26
DOT
Steader, aged 15
Will not stop following the inspector. Has questions.
UNSEALS: DATE TBA
FILE 05
SEALED
Images released 23/10/26
SHIP
Sentient intelligence
Runs the whole spaceship. Glitchy. Having a moment.
UNSEALS: DATE TBA
(unverified)
Ingenious.
AMIE’S DAD
Could’ve been a NYT bestseller if not for politics.
SOURCE WITHHELD
Actually hilarious.
AMIE (CO-AUTHOR)
Thoroughly enjoyable.
JAMES (OTHER CO-AUTHOR)
CONFLICT OF INTEREST NOTED
Reviewer independence not guaranteed. Real reviews will be filed here after 23 October, pending your cooperation.
SITE VISIT SCHEDULED
Evidence of the author/alien designation.
FORM RG-7 · VOLUNTARY (STRONGLY ENCOURAGED)
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