The Last War : Detective Ferrets and the Case of the Golden Deed

Rating:
Summary: Special story
Review: On earth Shamrock Ferret has always answered questions almost from the day she was born so it is not surprising that she especially enjoys responding to those inquiries that seem impossible to obtain a reply. Her upbringing became her work and her skills have earned her a reputation as a successful sleuth. What Shamrock does is sit in the Cases Unsolved Chair to ponder the puzzle until she finds the solution.

Having just succeeded in solving the Case of the Curious Patterns for local farmers she accepts a partnership with Mr. Burroughs. However, she also begins her most difficult mystery. She "sees" a forlorn ferret hopelessly moaning on a dying world seeking someone or some way to save the survivors of the Ferret war that has devastated his people. Sitting in her chair she begins to wonder if this vision is a shadow from the past reaching out to her for help.

Besides the cleverly designed time paradox (not explained here), readers will appreciate Richard Bach's latest tale that clearly cries for give peace a chance. The story line focuses on Shamrock and her use of logic, psychometry, cryptography, and patterns to solve mysteries. Yet with all this Mr. Bach insures his audience understands his message that war is a last resort not a first preemptive strike because of the full impact on the innocent reminiscent of as Animal Farm in relation to Communism.