Heather’s Bookshelf: The Finding Machine
Author: Lucy Lyons
Released: 02/27/23
Genre: Cozy mystery with a hint of Scifi
“A weird feeling comes over me as I look through the photos, like a door is opening somewhere far away.”
“The Finding Machine” takes place in 1998 and introduces Alex Martin, a young woman working as a temp after graduating and trying to find work as an artist. She’s living with her roommate Antony on the outskirts of London with a broken down car, seemingly going nowhere when she receives a package from her mother.
Inside the package is a mysterious device made by her father who passed away years ago. Alex and Antony try to figure out what the machine does, eventually finding some old photos of her family. They soon find the machine has the ability to locate animals and people from images—-and they can be alive or dead.
Alex puts the machine to work by finding a lost cat for a neighborhood woman. But then there’s a lost puppy… and then countless other requests for help. Thankful she’s able to help others, there are repercussions for her actions, leading her to the decision to hide the finding machine away again until a young man goes missing…
Meanwhile, there’s a mysterious picture that seems to have a family connection and may be the reason for her dad’s invention. Will Alex figure out the mysteries of the finding machine while keeping herself and Antony safe or will her whole life fall apart?
Trigger Warning: violence, sexual situations, drug use, animal abuse
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The story is told through one POV- that of Alex- as she discovers the finding machine and then settles into the one risky adventure after another. Underlying everything is a personal/family mystery that pushes her out of her comfort zone and ultimately into danger. I couldn’t imagine the responsibility she feels as people desperate to find their beloved pets reach out for help. Not being able to help everyone and the possible consequences of her actions would be both intimidating and depressing. Her friendship with Antony is organic, sweet, and natural. I enjoyed their back and forth and how Antony tried to keep Alex more grounded. I thought the author did well in “explaining” the technology of the finding machine just enough to keep the story going without seeming absurd or dragging down the pacing. The book kept moving forward with a good combination of fast-paced, high anxiety plot with more emotionally driven reflective prose. I also enjoyed that there was an underlying mystery throughout the story with smaller mysteries strewn throughout. This structure also helped with the pacing. The ending wraps everything up nicely while also leaving it open for future tales if the author wanted to delve into future stories with Alex and Antony. I would absolutely be up for it.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
Mysteries upon a mystery with a strong protagonist, good pacing, and a touch of romance.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Lucy Lyons
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Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited
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