The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles is the second novella in the Mossa and Pleiti series by Malka Older. We are once again in Valdegeld, the university city, on a colony around Jupiter (or ‘the Giant’ as referred to in the book. One again, there is a mystery to solve.

Much like the first novella, it’s a delightfully cosy read, with equal parts intrigue, mystery and the relationship rekindling between Mossa and Pleiti. This time, there’s students, teachers and other assorted individuals missing from the city, with not much to connect them.

What makes the novella work so well, is the relationship between Mossa and Pleiti. They have their own strengths, that help them eventually solve the mystery. They are just pleasant pair to spend some company with, even with their insecurities about each other. I also very much like Valdegeld, which is definitely a place I’d like to live. A cozy university town, with apparently great food. It’s such an interesting place to imagine, given it is one of the places that humans had to flee too after the catastrophic collapse of ecosystems on earth. It is nice to imagine a future where there is a catastrophe, but there is still hope that things can still survive, change and adapt.

It was also fun to go to another moon, Io, and understand greater context of the universe being created in the series. Just like the last novella, I’d really like more cosy mysteries in this series, please. If only to incorporate my favourite jovian moon of Europa.

Also, I learned a new word: grignoter! Which is to nibble or take small bits of. There was definitely more vocabulary stretching in this novella then I have experienced in a long time.

Anyway, fantastic read. Definitely devoured in one sitting, rather than in small nibbles. So delightful, cozy, hopefully, and really just a wonderful story.