Review: "Analog" - September 2012 - Vol. CXXII, no. 9

The last issue of "Analog - Science Fiction and Fact" is better than what I expected. Usually I like one story or, at most, two. This time, I liked them all but only one by Brad Aiken is truly outstanding.

"Done that, never been there" by Brad Aiken is what science fiction is all about, especially for short stories. It is a murder mystery with strong technological implications and believable characters. It is a futuristic Sherlock Holmes in which deduction is the pillar over which the story is built. In addition, it provides a decent dose of adventure which is uncommon for 'brainy' stories. Good job Mr. Aiken.
I completely disagree with Locus's review, I found the story between Roger Bennett and Doris a good subplot - but it should have been developed a little bit more - which gave more depth to the main character.

"Elmira, 1895" by Michael F. Flynn... what if Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling not only discussed alien forms and spaceships but also dealt with them? This is a nice story featuring two great artists, definitely worth reading.

"The voices" by Alec Nevala-Lee is my least favorite in this issue. January, the main character, hears voices and is under therapy. She interacts with the voices and issues come along...

"Rent in space" by Susan Forest is about black holes in your own backyard. Well, they are not really black holes and they are in an office and in an apartment, however they can... be used as nuclear waste disposals. Is it a good idea or not?

"The long view" by Jerry Oltion narrates a moon landing in which the astronauts find an alien time capsule. The idea is pretty good but the story unfolds boringly and at times it seems as if the author is trying to pontificate "peace and love", which isn't a bad thing per se if done well.

"Mythunderstanding" by Carl Frederick is a ridiculous story on a church trying to evangelize/conquer alien planets and forms of life. It is enjoyable and funny enough to be read, but I would not consider it a masterpiece.
  
Analog Website: http://www.analogsf.com

NOVELETTES
Done That, Never Been There by Brad Aiken
Elmira, 1895 by Michael F. Flynn
The Voices by Alec Nevala-Lee
Rent in Space by Susan Forest

SHORT STORIES
Mythunderstanding by Carl Frederick
The Long View by Jerry Oltion SCIENCE FACT
Sigma: Summing Up Speculation by Arlan Andrews, Sr. READER’S DEPARTMENTS
The Editor's Page
In Times to Come
The Alternate View by Jeffery D. Kooistra
The Reference Library by Don Sakers
Brass Tacks
Upcoming Events by Anthony Lewis