Jack McDevitt

Let me begin by saying that Jack McDevitt is not my favorite author. He’s not even my favorite science fiction author. Still, he’s one of my heroes.

Here’s why.

He writes fascinating mystery stories that happen to take place in a well-realized future for humanity that I would like to see. Yes, I would like to interact with the characters depicted in his stories in a world where we can travel to many different planets!

I like that he represents spaceship pilots and scientists in a world where they are treated with respect. I like that his science fiction is on the hard side.

While it differs from Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future, I love Jack McDevitt’s perspectives on what’s possible for humans (and aliens).

The jacket blurb for his new story collection Return to Glory says it well.

Jack McDevitt’s passion for astronomy was recognized in 2008 when the International Astronomical Union put his name on an asteroid. NASA has given him an award for “keeping the science in science fiction.” Stephen King described Jack as the “natural heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.”

He’s written two series of books that I’ve particularly enjoyed.

The first is a series of books about Alex Benedict, a “prominent antiquities dealer” with a talent for solving mysteries. The second is a series of books about Priscilla Hutchins, a capable spaceship pilot with a penchant for going on adventures.

He’s also written several excellent stand-alone books.