The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov

The Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov - 448
Book 3 of The Robot Series

Once again, Elijah Baley is called in to solve a murder.  He is requested on the planet Aurora by some characters from the previous two books.  R. Daneel Olivaw helps Baley solve the murder once again, but this time, the victim is another humanoid robot.  Their mission is politically touchy and is likely destined to fail, but with Baley's differing Earthly views, will he solve the murder?

The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov

The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov - 288 pages
Book 2 of The Robot Series

Elijah Baley and his partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, are once again called in to investigate a murder.  This time, they are assigned to Solaria, a planet that has taboos against physical contact and other "Earthman" oddities and is the most advanced planet in regards to robotics.  If Solarians refuse to see each other in-person, then who committed the murder?  Robots are the only other "living" entities around Solarian estates capable, but what about the Three Laws of Robotics?  If robots can't let harm come to a human, how did a man get killed?

The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov

The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov - 288 pages
Book 1 of The Robot Series

Elijah Baley is a New York police officer assigned to solve the murder of a prominent Spacer scientist.  Also assigned to this murder is R. Daneel Olivaw, a humanoid robot who looks like the real deal.  Baley isn't fond of robots, but he and R. Daneel explore and adventure together to solve the murder.  They struggle with a group of Medievalists who believe all robots should be permanently shut down, a group of people with prejudices against robots.

The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov

The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov - 235 pages

Biron Farrell, a college student at the University of Earth, has his life turned upside down as he deals with an assassination attempt on his life.  Simultaneously, his father is murdered.  Biron becomes grief-stricken and tries to discover who killed his father.  Because of his searching, Biron becomes involved with rebellion and espionage.  The mystery of his father's death takes him into deep space, where he finds himself trapped in a power struggle between the Tyranns and a secret rebellion.  His situation is no longer just life or death for him, but is now a situation where the universe could lose its freedoms.

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
400 pages / 9 hrs, 2 mins

"A wealthy woman strangled six hours after she's arranged her own funeral.  A very private detective uncovering secrets but hiding his own.  A reluctant author drawn into a story he can't control.

"What do they have in common?  Unexpected death, an unsolved mystery and a trail of bloody clues lie at the heart of Anthony Horowitz's page-turning new thriller."  --from the publisher

This is a classic crime/mystery novel with subtle clues that reveal the truth, but only if you're sharp enough to put them all together.  The book received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist.  It's a winner!  On a personal note, the characters weren't particularly likable and that always lessens my enjoyment of a story.