The City and the City is mainly a murder mystery, but is also a fantasy or sci fi story.    Most readers would edge toward fantasy, but quantum physics ideas could make this sci fi.   Two cities are both adjacent and overlapping in space and time.   Beszel and Ul Qoma are cities in the southeastern part of Europe and the citizens of each are required to unsee the other in overlapping or cross-hatched areas.   A murder is committed in Beszel and Tyador Borlu of the Serious Crimes Services is assigned to investigate the crime.   He follows the leads in Beszel and through “international” channels across the gate into Ul Qoma.    The whole effect is bizarre, but the storytelling is so disciplined and detailed that we follow this original and intelligent story with relish.

China Mieville is a talented writer and each of his books bring both  challenging ideas and rewarding  surprises for his  readers.    Perdido Street Station was a favorite, now joined by The City and the City.   Embassytown will be next.    This is a highly recommended book – 4.7 out of 5.0 stars4.7