Ninth Step Station by Malka Ann Older

A Neon Hemlock Novella

Set in a near-future Tokyo, this gripping narrative unfolds in a city divided between Chinese and American control, where political tensions simmer beneath the surface. The story follows two detectives, one American and one Japanese, as they navigate a complex web of crime and international intrigue. Their partnership is tested by cultural differences and personal secrets, but they must work together to solve a series of mysterious murders that threaten to destabilize the fragile peace. With a backdrop of advanced technology and a richly detailed world, the tale explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.