This was sort of an odd entry in the series. Not bad for a novella, but it didn't seem like we got any of the character development we usually get from Murderbot as he continues interacting with humans, and it being chronologically before Network Effect just made the whole thing feel kind of forced in.

This was a fun addition to the Murderbot saga. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this book was written before the fifth title, "Network Effect," despite being published after it. That's not just because the events it depicts take place before the events of "Network Effect" but because the writing style to me feels more akin to that found in the first four books of the series. The main "twist" on the Murderbot formula in "Fugitive Telemetry" is that its proceedings are framed as a murder mystery, with MB effortlessly sliding into the role of a freelance sleuth in an effort to "crack the case." When viewed through that lens, it's a fairly straightforward gumshoe tale but the sci-fi and trademark Murderbot trappings help to give everything a unique and entertaining flair. For me, "Network Effect" is the standout highlight of the series to date, so it would have been tough for anything to follow that effort but "Fugitive Telemetry" definitely has its charms, one of which being that its a super quick read, which adds a lot in the way of interesting little details, further fleshing out what was already a compelling setting and cast of characters. I give it two arm-embedded energy weapons up.