Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Crystal Avarice by Troy D. Wymer starts with Coradelle Hershall's search for a missing planetary deed linked to her late father's estate, which includes a disputed property on the planet Staraliss. Coradelle hires Wilcox Brown, a private investigator, to investigate after discovering the deed may have been fraudulently altered or stolen. As Wilcox and his colleague Nancy Louray probe deeper into the mystery, they uncover the stink of corruption. Their investigation leads them to a conspiracy involving stolen alien crystals, mysterious deaths, and an elaborate cover-up. When Coradelle is abducted, Wilcox and Nancy are thrust into a race against time to rescue her and bring those responsible to justice. Worse still, all this intersects with a larger intergalactic conflict involving the Sharrixians, their military, and a potential war with humans.

Troy D. Wymer does a spectacular job in the fast-paced space opera Crystal Avarice. The world-building is excellent, with a diversity of cultures and politicking. Wymer fleshes out a sophisticated social order of his own making, with power plays at the hands of the imposing Queen Empress Aminarra, who is worthy of a prequel in her own right. I love the subplot of a shady crystal trade, and the budding romance between Wilcox and Nancy gives readers a little more to chew on for emotional impact. Classic science fiction aficionados need not fear a lack of chase and action scenes; Wymer even blesses us with a shoot-out. The writing is sharp and Wymer weaves the three main story trajectories together into a tight finish that is neat, unrushed, and satisfying. Very highly recommended.