2010: The City & The City

Imagine two cities that share the exact same geographic space, but do not interact with one another under any circumstances. Unless the government authorities grant permission, that is. If citizens of one city interact with the other city at without getting that approval, it is referred to as a "breach". When a murder happens in one city, the detective assigned to the case is convinced that a breach is involved. Usually, the entity that oversees the governments of both cities--itself called Breach--takes over. But there are, of course, complications that are factual, political and, potentially, supernatural.Why it's on the listChina Mieville's books are always fabulous experiences for a reader's imagination. The idea of the dual city is a fascinating premise, and the way Mieville builds a police procedural that successfully takes place within a dual city is a massive feat that he executes with great style.The City & The City is a crime novel at its heart with just enough glimpses of fantastical elements. This story is full of unexpected details and diversions, while being beautifully told, as the focus spreads from a simple crime story to an exploration of meanings. The reader starts to truly consider how deliberate choices limit our knowledge and cause us to miss out on the potential of what's in front of our noses and all around us.Read if you likePolice Procedural. Imaginative and Unique Fantasy settings.