THE ULTRA LONG GOODBYE
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PATRICK SWENSON
Book Three of the Union of Worlds
In this conclusion to the Union of Worlds trilogy, one
detective embarks on an unprecedented journey to
be reunited with family, understand his identity, and
perhaps put to rest the enigma of the Ultras.
Dave Crowell and his partner Tem Forno take on a case to help a retired Envoy find an infamous veteran of the Ultra scares. The connection to Crowell’s past dealings with the enigmatic aliens makes the case extremely important, but the results could create political unrest on several of the eight worlds of the Union. Crowell is asked to not only find this veteran, but to bring him death.
With the help of Dorie Senall—now governor of the domed city of New Venasaille on the colony planet Ribon—and an incomplete but unusual set of Tarot cards, they travel through the jump slot to Barnard's Star and come across a shocking discovery. When Crowell realizes that newly gleaned information could aid in the previously impossible search for his dad, who is stranded on a far-off Ultra world, he considers making an ill-advised, sideways run at an antimatter universe.
With time running out and the consequences of traveling in and out of the Union of Worlds building, Crowell must answer the ultimate question: Can he finally make peace with the Ultras?
Also available:
The Ultra Thin Man
The Ultra Big Sleep
Slightly Ruby
You can purchase the full trilogy in either paperback or hardcover from here, or from any of the other two books' product page, via the dropdown Edition choice.
- November 2023
- 978-1-958880-15-9 (tp) 978-1-958880-10-4 (hc)
- Cover art by Artemis Swenson
- Author preferred definitive edition
- Order copies below, or buy print or ebooks of this title from these dealers.
Book Three of the Union of Worlds
In this conclusion to the Union of Worlds trilogy, one
detective embarks on an unprecedented journey to
be reunited with family, understand his identity, and
perhaps put to rest the enigma of the Ultras.
Dave Crowell and his partner Tem Forno take on a case to help a retired Envoy find an infamous veteran of the Ultra scares. The connection to Crowell’s past dealings with the enigmatic aliens makes the case extremely important, but the results could create political unrest on several of the eight worlds of the Union. Crowell is asked to not only find this veteran, but to bring him death.
With the help of Dorie Senall—now governor of the domed city of New Venasaille on the colony planet Ribon—and an incomplete but unusual set of Tarot cards, they travel through the jump slot to Barnard's Star and come across a shocking discovery. When Crowell realizes that newly gleaned information could aid in the previously impossible search for his dad, who is stranded on a far-off Ultra world, he considers making an ill-advised, sideways run at an antimatter universe.
With time running out and the consequences of traveling in and out of the Union of Worlds building, Crowell must answer the ultimate question: Can he finally make peace with the Ultras?
Also available:
The Ultra Thin Man
The Ultra Big Sleep
Slightly Ruby
You can purchase the full trilogy in either paperback or hardcover from here, or from any of the other two books' product page, via the dropdown Edition choice.
"Swenson's innovative blend of classic noir and science fiction rises to a perfect, twisty-turny crescendo to complete his trilogy."
— Beth Cato, author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge
"Swenson delivers a fast-paced story full of plot twists. A fascinating read."
— Brenda Cooper, author of Edge of Dark
"This is the third in a series that successfully takes elements of classic detective stories and imposes them on a future interstellar civilization, first shown in The Ultra Thin Man. The story continued in The Ultra Big Sleep. A plot summary is likely going to sound very confusing because the story is complex. In simple form, the protagonist is hired to track down — and assassinate — a person who could cause widespread damage within the community of worlds. But before he can carry out his job, he is sidetracked by a personal difficulty that leads him into a kind of alternate universe. This eventually leads to an end that ties up loose ends from the earlier books and resets the protagonist's life, although it does not appear that further sequels are pending. A pleasant mix of my two favorite genres."
— Critical Mass
Praise for the Union of Worlds novels:
The Ultra Thin Man
"This splendidly lively SF debut alternates between the narrations of Alan Brindos and Dave Crowell, two irreverent gumshoes who work for the Network Intelligence Organization of the eight-world Union in the year 2113. Swenson provides Shakespearean riffs on identity as Brindos is transformed and becomes a target for the NIO...Pig Latin, an exotic drug, a comic strip, and a retractable penis add colorful detail to a showdown that puts love and sacrifice at the heart of the self."
— Publishers Weekly , starred review
“Blending elements of noir crime and science fiction isn’t a new thing, but Patrick Swenson tackles the mashup with enormous talent and verve….[It’s] informed by a Chandlerersque sensibility, with its short, crisp sentences and snappy one-liners. It’s truly a terrific read. In short, to paraphrase and modify Woody Allen’s definition of sex and apply it to the novel: ‘It’s the most fun you can have while still smiling.'”
— John Dodds, Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing
"The Ultra Thin Man races like a bullet train from one adrenalin-arousing development to the next. It has everything—aliens, murders, interstellar conflicts, conspiracies—and none of them are what they first seem. Exciting, inventive, and explosive."
— Nancy Kress, author of Sea Change
“Patrick Swenson charts a twisty journey through a futuristic landscape of aliens, detectives, murder, political intrigue, grand space opera, and unforgettable characters. It’s great fun. Turn the first page and you’ll forget where you are.”
— Jack Skillingstead, author of The Chaos Function
The Ultra Big Sleep
"Swenson’s future-noir story of alien invasion is deep, vast, and fast. Full of high stakes, unexpected twists, and a truly evil force or two, The Ultra Big Sleep is a great read."
— Brenda Cooper, author of Edge of Dark
"The Ultra Big Sleep combines ultra big worldbuilding with an ultra fast plot. Sleep will be the last thing on your mind. An impressive sequel."
— Ted Kosmatka, author of The Flicker Men
"Swenson's thrilling sequel blends future sci-fi with the grit of a noir detective tale. Lost love, fine whiskey, quantum travel, alien conspiracies: The Ultra Big Sleep has it all."
— Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger series
"Patrick Swenson’s deft touch with complex themes of interstellar noir resonate in The Ultra Big Sleep. With mystery, danger, and intrigue on every shore, detective Dave Crowell is back and faced with new challenges. The Ultra Big Sleep again showcases Swenson’s skills with pacing that reveal those dark corners that exist when everyone thinks they’re safe. A great ride!”
— Fran Wilde, author of Updraft
Slightly Ruby
“A richly realized near-future noir tale . . . a potent cocktail of genre homage: equal parts bodies murdered and missing, corporate intrigue and synth-drug addiction, and finished with a dash of aliens and interstellar politics, and a twist of corruption.”
—Stephen Susco, writer of The Grudge and Flatliners
"A tempting glimpse at the mysterious, dark underbelly of a human and alien conspiracy. A dangerous and compelling story."
—Fran Wilde, author of Updraft
"Delightful short story/novelette, a prequel to Swenson's The Ultra Thin Man. I love the futuristic noir tone, dashes of humor, good mystery (with aliens!) Fun, quick read."
—Louise Marley, author of The Child Goddess
— Beth Cato, author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge
"Swenson delivers a fast-paced story full of plot twists. A fascinating read."
— Brenda Cooper, author of Edge of Dark
"This is the third in a series that successfully takes elements of classic detective stories and imposes them on a future interstellar civilization, first shown in The Ultra Thin Man. The story continued in The Ultra Big Sleep. A plot summary is likely going to sound very confusing because the story is complex. In simple form, the protagonist is hired to track down — and assassinate — a person who could cause widespread damage within the community of worlds. But before he can carry out his job, he is sidetracked by a personal difficulty that leads him into a kind of alternate universe. This eventually leads to an end that ties up loose ends from the earlier books and resets the protagonist's life, although it does not appear that further sequels are pending. A pleasant mix of my two favorite genres."
— Critical Mass
Praise for the Union of Worlds novels:
The Ultra Thin Man
"This splendidly lively SF debut alternates between the narrations of Alan Brindos and Dave Crowell, two irreverent gumshoes who work for the Network Intelligence Organization of the eight-world Union in the year 2113. Swenson provides Shakespearean riffs on identity as Brindos is transformed and becomes a target for the NIO...Pig Latin, an exotic drug, a comic strip, and a retractable penis add colorful detail to a showdown that puts love and sacrifice at the heart of the self."
— Publishers Weekly , starred review
“Blending elements of noir crime and science fiction isn’t a new thing, but Patrick Swenson tackles the mashup with enormous talent and verve….[It’s] informed by a Chandlerersque sensibility, with its short, crisp sentences and snappy one-liners. It’s truly a terrific read. In short, to paraphrase and modify Woody Allen’s definition of sex and apply it to the novel: ‘It’s the most fun you can have while still smiling.'”
— John Dodds, Adventures in Sci-Fi Publishing
"The Ultra Thin Man races like a bullet train from one adrenalin-arousing development to the next. It has everything—aliens, murders, interstellar conflicts, conspiracies—and none of them are what they first seem. Exciting, inventive, and explosive."
— Nancy Kress, author of Sea Change
“Patrick Swenson charts a twisty journey through a futuristic landscape of aliens, detectives, murder, political intrigue, grand space opera, and unforgettable characters. It’s great fun. Turn the first page and you’ll forget where you are.”
— Jack Skillingstead, author of The Chaos Function
The Ultra Big Sleep
"Swenson’s future-noir story of alien invasion is deep, vast, and fast. Full of high stakes, unexpected twists, and a truly evil force or two, The Ultra Big Sleep is a great read."
— Brenda Cooper, author of Edge of Dark
"The Ultra Big Sleep combines ultra big worldbuilding with an ultra fast plot. Sleep will be the last thing on your mind. An impressive sequel."
— Ted Kosmatka, author of The Flicker Men
"Swenson's thrilling sequel blends future sci-fi with the grit of a noir detective tale. Lost love, fine whiskey, quantum travel, alien conspiracies: The Ultra Big Sleep has it all."
— Beth Cato, author of The Clockwork Dagger series
"Patrick Swenson’s deft touch with complex themes of interstellar noir resonate in The Ultra Big Sleep. With mystery, danger, and intrigue on every shore, detective Dave Crowell is back and faced with new challenges. The Ultra Big Sleep again showcases Swenson’s skills with pacing that reveal those dark corners that exist when everyone thinks they’re safe. A great ride!”
— Fran Wilde, author of Updraft
Slightly Ruby
“A richly realized near-future noir tale . . . a potent cocktail of genre homage: equal parts bodies murdered and missing, corporate intrigue and synth-drug addiction, and finished with a dash of aliens and interstellar politics, and a twist of corruption.”
—Stephen Susco, writer of The Grudge and Flatliners
"A tempting glimpse at the mysterious, dark underbelly of a human and alien conspiracy. A dangerous and compelling story."
—Fran Wilde, author of Updraft
"Delightful short story/novelette, a prequel to Swenson's The Ultra Thin Man. I love the futuristic noir tone, dashes of humor, good mystery (with aliens!) Fun, quick read."
—Louise Marley, author of The Child Goddess
- ABOUT THE AUTHOR