When I had a chance to receive a copy, I didn't pass it up, even if I wasn't sure what to expect. But, it turned out to be a fairly predictable detective story, with all the twists and turns that books like these have. The good thing is that it doesn't take itself seriously. It makes fun of the whole detective genre and 50's science fiction movies, down to the moon is filled with beautiful ladies with a leader intent on destroying the earth. Its fun, not very deep, and a quick read - good for that lazy afternoon on a beach. ( )

What do you get when you mix Mooners, gorillas, the Earth's last private detective, and of course, a plot to destroy the Earth? Another Zachary Nixon Johnson mystery, of course.

Unfortunately, this one just isn't up to par. Too many blue haired beauties, a muddled plot, and the cleverness seems a bit forced. Killing off some of the characters from the first few series installments feels a bit heavy-handed, as well. ( )

It's once more into the breach for Zach Johnson, Earth's last private detective; or at least Earth's last competant private detective. All the usual elements are here. Are there femme fatales in trouble? Check. Is the Earth in danger from some crack-pot conspiracy? Check. Is the omnipresent media culture of the late twentieth century pressing down on our hero like a millstone? Check. Actually, this is something of a return to type, as there is rather more of the wackiness that made the first three novels so much fun as compared to "The Frost-Haired Vixen." I also get a little more sense of introspection on the part of our hero, but that is only to be expected in a man who is supposed to be a psychologist and is pushing middle age. ( )

The Blue-Haired Bombshell, by John Zakour, is a cleverly written science fiction escapade.

Private Detective Zach Johnson finds himself in the middle of a political battle between the Moonies and Earth. And the people from the moon are willing to do anything to win their freedom from Earth, including murder. When a young woman from Earth is framed for murdering three of World Council members, Zach follows his suspects to the moon. Zach must hunt down a murderer, while constantly on the lookout for those who want him out of the way.

A wonderful mixture of humor and adventure, this science fiction mystery was a fun treat. And though this is not the first in the series, I didn’t have any trouble jumping into the story. The character of Zach Johnson is extremely witty, compassionate, and a glutton for punishment. His AI, HARV, has an extremely sarcastic and arrogant personality which makes him almost Zach’s opposite. The rest of the characters are pretty satirical in nature, making for a humorous look into the distant future. ( )

Zakour has done a good job of giving the reader a humorous science fiction novel. What Terry Pratchett has done in using fantasy to satirize culture and the genre of fantasy, Zakour has done with science fiction. While the writing is perhaps not on par with Pratchett, the humor is close. The story is non stop action, as Zach bounces from one near death experience to another, all the while finding the clues that lead to the real culprit. I enjoyed it as great escapism for a cold and yucky Saturday.

Full Review at Grasping for the Wind ( )