The Wenamak Web by Marie Howalt

A mysterious invitation from an old friend brings private investigator Richard, spaceship pilot Eddie, and travel guide writer Alannah to a gorgeous, bustling metropolis on a planet where the dominant species can literally smell fear and lies. Wenamak appears to be the picture perfect place, down to the finest detail, but dangers lurk beneath its pristine surface. When a flippant wendek undercover agent seeks assistance on a delicate job, the Colibri Investigations crew soon find themselves tangled up in a shady game involving a web of illegal trade and exploitation. Luckily, Richard’s military training, Alannah’s intimate knowledge of the local culture, and Eddie’s tough attitude give the team the perfect edge to meet their client’s needs… at least until they run into someone familiar whom none of them expected to see again. There’s no planet too distant, no job too strange, for Colibri Investigations!

Adult • Science Fiction/Comic and Light SF • Science Fiction/Space Opera • Diversity Representation • Science Fiction • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+/Own Voices

Content Warning: Mental illness, drug (ab)use, guns, medical procedures and trauma, ableism, blood, abduction, violence, panic attack, PTSD, fighting, abduction, coercion, reference to sexualization, injury, addiction, speciesism, cursing.

Reviewed by bkwrm1317 on 2025-08-04T15:41:12Z:

I quite enjoyed this little novella, and really appreciated the author's strength in creating space for readers to join the universe partway through the series quite flawlessly honestly. Lots to enjoy and grapple with here including tropes of found family, grief, forgiveness, etc

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