Author:	Isaac Asimov
Copyright:	1983
Date Reviewed:	2/12/84
Rating:	5.0

Synopsis: Plainclothesman Elijah Baily is sent to the planet Aurora to investigate the "murder" of a humaniform robot. Though a modest man, Mr. Baily is famous throughout the 50 worlds for his investigative prowess; he solved the murder two years ago of Dr. Sarton on Earth and then again of Gladia's husband on Solaris, both with the help of the humaniform robot R. Daneel Olivaw. On Aurora, many of the characters appear again. The story follows Mr. Baily as he tries to get to the truth concerning the murder. The solution to the mystery will decide how the galaxy is to be settled (by robots or by humans) and the fate of Earth. Mr. Baily is thwarted by most of the people he interrogates because of his lack of knowledge concerning Auroran culture. Never the less, he does finally find a solution, and later he discovers the right one.

Review: This is the second Asimov sequel that I have read in the last two months and also the second one which disappointed me. The story was all talk. Even though a mystery should be mostly talk, this one seemed to re-emphasis the same points over and over again. Mr. Asimov's definitely has a fixation with toilets here. A secondary fixation with sex is more acceptable. Throughout the story we are subjected to discussion of why an Earthmen would be so unaccustomed to Auroran customs. In real life, would anyone notice that often? The investigation never really leads anywhere and the victory of Dr. Fastolf seems almost random. The only saving grace of the novel is its last chapter, which although it comes out of thin air, is nonetheless fascinating. The murder, was actually caused by Giskard, a very old, intelligent and telepathic robot. This robot can read and tamper with human and robotic minds and has plans for all humanity. Perhaps if this part of the story had been emphasized throughout rather than being saved for the end, the book would have been more tolerable.