Nobody's Baby

Dorothy Gentleman #2

by Olivia Waite

Becky Chambers meets Miss Marple in the second entry of this cozy sci-fi mystery series, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective

Welcome to the HMS Fairweather, Her Majesty's most luxurious interstellar passenger liner! Room and board are included, new bodies are graciously provided upon request, and should you desire a rest between lifetimes, your mind shall be most carefully preserved in glass in the Library, shielded from every danger.

A wild baby appears! Dorothy Gentleman, ship detective, is put to the test once again when an infant is mysteriously left on her nephew's doorstep. Fertility is supposed to be on pause during the Fairweather’s journey across the stars—but humans have a way of breaking any rule you set them. Who produced this child, and why did they then abandon him? And as her nephew and his partner get more and more attached, how can Dorothy prevent her colleague and rival detective, Leloup, a stickler for law and order, from classifying the baby as a stowaway or a piece of luggage?

Told through Dorothy’s delightfully shrewd POV, this novella series is an ode to the cozy mystery taken to the stars with a fresh new sci-fi take. Perfect for fans of the plot-twisty narratives of Dorothy Sayers and Ann Leckie, this well-paced story will leave readers captivated and hungry for the next installment.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction, Novella, Audiobook, Fiction, Queer, LGBT

136 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2026

About the author

Olivia Waite writes queer historical romance, science fiction, and fantasy. She is the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review.

Reviews

[Zoë]

I am begging to be put on this ship please someone

[Melanie (meltotheany)]

ARC provided by TOR - thank you so much

Murder by Memory ★★★★

this second installment in this delightful scifi mystery series was another success for me. while i might not have enjoyed this one as much, i still had such a good time exploring this space ship that contains libraries of memories, essentially allowing the residents to live forever, alongside dorthy. this time we are investigating the appearance of a new baby, which is extra concerning considering procreating is not allowed on this space ship.

a lot of good themes are explored within so few pages, from self identity to temporary group immortality, with thought provoking messages about fertility and parenthood. and again, all wrapped up in a very cozy package. i really hope tor publishes many more of these, but i am personally begging for more yarn store yearning.

trigger + content warnings: stroke, medical talk, talk of horrors of child birth, attempted kidnapping, talk of memory loss, talk of loss of partner, grief

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[Ruxandra Grrr]

[Now]:
I really love this series and this was a satisfying sequel! In a world that sometimes seems to hate babies (god, people are weird, like don't have babies, that's fine, but also, don't hate them?? Is that controversial to say?), it was absolutely sweet to see topics like parenthood and care and responsibility (and co-dependency) explored in such a fresh way and in every layer of the narrative! The solving of the case was so thematically good, I got teary-eyed.

Olivia Waite is super clever in finding new wrinkles to examine through this sort-of immortality conceit! Though it makes me think what will happen when this ship gets to its destination: will people suddenly be okay with dying?? Who knows. She is also clever in how it deals with a line that's important to me: the fact that Dorothy Gentleman is a cop, basically, so how do you deal with that - not doing copaganda, not forgetting that... ACAB, being aware that bureaucracies are also bastards? Having a foil like Violet (sexy suspect from the previous book), who constantly questions the need for paperwork, the laws and the police, actually, is super nice and refreshing.

Can't wait for the next one!

[Then]:
Ummmm, yes please, gimme more of these wacky scifi Dorothy Gentleman what-even-is-death-and-life-anymore mysteries IN SPACE.

[Katie (Semi Hiatus)]

Follows in the same style as the first and we get to spend time with all our favorite characters again! Not as complex (plot & themes) as the first one but sequels are hard! I enjoyed this & am looking forward to the next. Hoping the quality of book 3 takes a step forward instead of another step back.

[♥Milica♥]

This is my fifth scifi book this month, and it won't be my last. There's just something about reading scifi in March specifically that appeals to me.

So, I've been waiting for Nobody's Baby for over a year, but it feels longer. I tried to savour it, because who knows when we'll be getting the next one, but I couldn't help myself and finished it in no time at all (once again).

The audiobook was excellent, and such a fast listen. The mystery wasn't quite as good this time, but I still really enjoyed it, it was funny in all the right places, and I can't wait for book three!!!

3.5

[Ashley]

i love how befuddled everyone was by the existence of an infant

[Elle (ellexamines on TT & Substack)]

Nobody’s Baby is where I think this series has charmed me. This sci-fi cozy mystery series started with a solid intro, but it is this book that made me fall in love with its quiet humanity. Becky Chambers meets Miss Marple really is the perfect comp for this story. I've gotten far more invested in Dorothy Gentleman and particularly in Ruthie. Though I felt eh on Murder by Memory, I'm certainly sold now.

Olivia Waite really is a talent — I've loved her since I read The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics back in 2019 — and it's so exciting to see her thrive in the scifi-fantasy genre. Onto her next work!

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[Sunny Lu]

Great follow up !! Love the world & Ms. Gentleman

[Emma Griffioen]

Nobody's Baby was a great sequel to Murder by Memory! I grew even more fond of the characters from book #1, and really enjoyed the adorable new mystery.

I hope Olivia Waite writes more books in this cozy, sci-fi world, I will definitely be reading anything about Miss. Dorthy Gentleman!

[Raquel Flockhart]

1. Murder by Memory ★★

“One stitch each, every stitch a second, a single moment in time frozen in fiber. To give to an infant—because time was the real gift, passed from one generation to the next.”

I have to admit I hadn’t planned on continuing this cozy sci-fi mystery series after the first novella didn’t quite click with me. But I saw this second installment available on Everand while looking for a short audiobook, and remembering how much I’d enjoyed the narrator in the first one, I decided to read it. And I’m glad I did, because I enjoyed it even more than its predecessor. Nobody’s Baby follows Detective Gentleman trying to solve a new mystery aboard the interstellar ocean liner, this time with the sudden appearance on Dorothy’s nephew’s doorstep of the first baby born on the HMS Fairweather, since procreation is strictly prohibited. The culprit’s identity wasn’t a surprise, but I enjoyed exploring new parts of the ship, seeing Dorothy’s interactions with other characters, and getting a glimpse of the detectives’ work area. A fun sequel to what is now a series that I’ll probably continue.

[Angyl]

Still enjoying this series! The setting and characters are fun with compelling and unique mysteries - this one involving a baby that should not exist...

[Eric]

First off, it's worth noting that while this is the second novella in the Dorothy Gentleman series, it could easily be read as a stand-alone — which isn't too surprising, given the serialized nature of detective fiction. However, since the first one, Murder by Memory, was so good, I'd recommend reading both in order anyway.

The opening of this novella could be used to teach a class on exposition and hooking the reader. Here's the opening sentence:

The note from Ruthie arrived at breakfast with no preamble, flashing on the glowing face of my pocketwatch: At what age do human children grow teeth?

In this single sentence, we've set the scene — someone sitting at a breakfast table — told a great deal about the setting through the pocketwatch phrase — this is a world where a character might carry a pocketwatch, but one that glows and can convey instantaneous messages. At the same time, it also sets a great hook for the reader — why exactly is Ruthie asking this very specific question about human children growing teeth?

From here begins the latest adventure of our narrator, ship's detective Dorothy Gentleman, who discovers her nephew has had a mysterious baby delivered to his doorstep, aboard a generational spaceship where, allegedly, nobody can become pregnant. The only drawback of this setup was its lack of a singular focal point, as most detective yarns center around a dead body and only ask whodunit?, whereas this case leads to branching questions about the child's parentage, the circumstances of the birth, and the legal and ethical ramifications of who and how will a child that shouldn't exist be cared for, even occasionally brushing up on the philosophical.

While that may have made this story meander a touch more than expected, for as much as a tightly written novella can meander, it also gave it added depth to the protagonist, the supporting cast, and the list of characters suspected of hiding the pregnancy and resulting child, and to the Fairweather itself.

I've become quite attached to Dorothy, her nephew Ruthie, and the rest of the inhabitants of the Fairweather, and hope to read many, many more stories in this universe. I only hope that Olivia Waite is as excited to keep on writing them.

Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[gracie]

Very fun, quick read. I found this to be an equally enjoyable sequel to Murder by Memory and have grown even fonder of the characters, Dorothy most especially! I can't wait to read more from this world and author.

Thank you MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Kelly]

Ughhhh everything about this was perfect and filled my heart with joy and warmth. Dorothy Gentleman I will follow you to the end of the galaxy.

Thanks to Netgalley for the e-arc!

[Becky]

Lord Peter Whimsey’s adventures in space. Only queerer, gentler, and full of heart. I do love when everyone is a darling.

I did not read the first book in the series yet, but was provided this advanced listening copy through LIBRO Fm.
Rest assured I have already bought the first.

I received an advanced copy of the audiobook through Libro.FM and Pop Fiction Bookstore, an independent and woman-owned bookstore in Omaha. Order books (e/audio/print) online from Pop Fiction or your local bookstore at Libro.Fm and Bookshop.org

[Denise]

Nobody’s Baby by Olivia Waite is the second book in the Dorothy Gentleman cozy science fiction mystery series. It offers a new case for the detective, provides more growth for the other occupants within the HMS Fairweather and continues the slow burn sapphic romance that was briefly hinted at in the previous novella.

Detective Dorothy Gentleman is presented with a unique conundrum when a five-month-old human baby is found outside her nephew and his husband’s door, despite the fact that fertility is on hold as the ship continues its spacefaring journey to its destination.

I enjoyed the previous novella in the series-Murder By Memory-and while you can listen to Nobody’s Baby for the story, listening to the first novella helps to establish the characters and setting.

The narration by Blair Baker remains excellent, Dorothy continues to be engaging while still possessing slightly dry humor. I prefer her voices for the novella’s female characters slightly more than the male characters, though they did not detract from my overall enjoyment.

Dorothy remains a shrewd and meticulous detective and it was interesting following along as she put the pieces together surrounding the baby’s paternity and birth. Aboard a space ship where physical death isn’t permanent, the reactions of the other crew members to a new baby is a mix of uncertainty, joy and jealousy. It was also wonderful to see more of Dorothy’s nephew Ruthie and the enigmatic Violet St. Owen.

The utilization of technology to preserve, share memories and recreate bodies offers unique perspectives regarding life and death. It also provides new ethical questions as to where personhood would fall when creation is outside of the established means.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing this audiobook. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Elentarri]

Rating: 3.5 stars

A cozy, feel-good mystery novella exploring parenthood and responsibility on an interstellar passenger liner, when a baby gets found on a door-step. The creation of new babies is forbidden until the destination planet is reached - and enforced via technology. This story makes for an interesting examination of what to do with the baby and how to treat him in the future - as a person or a piece of luggage. Charming.​

3 April 2026

[CJ]

I enjoyed this one a bit more than Murder by Memory. With the worldbuilding already established by the first book, Waite focuses more on the narrative and characters, making for a more neatly written and engaging story overall. Bonus points for cuteness, queerness and coziness.

[Elizabeth McFarland]

Absolutely loving these novellas! The cozy mystery and sci-fi combo is everything I didn't know I needed. I was so excited to dive into the second Dorothy Gentleman installment! I actually think this one might be even better than the first.

This one was an interesting mystery around the origin of a baby left on Dorothy's nephew's doorstep. It's a great case with a bunch of fun side characters. I loved this story and I'm intrigued by their centuries long journey through space.

I'm really hoping this delightful series of short mysteries never ends!

My review is for the audiobook narrated by Blair Baker. It was very well performed and a quick listen.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for this complimentary copy!

[Kaia]

Another fun novella in this series. I hope that Olivia Waite keeps writing them!

[Trio]

Well this was a clever and creative "whodunnit"! I've never read Olivia Waite before, and I'll definitely look for the first book in their Dorothy Gentleman series. I read Nobody's Baby as a standalone with no problems.

The funny idea of a sci-fi cruise across the stars, where nobody is allowed to conceive a child, has all kinds of implications, and Olivia Waite explores them with a sense of humor which was a pleasure.

The audio version of Nobody's Baby is nicely performed by Blair Baker.

an audiobook version of Nobody's Baby was provided by Macmillan Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Pallavi]

4 stars
Nobody’s Baby is such a cozy, slightly weird sci-fi mystery. The whole premise is wild: on a spaceship where no one is supposed to have kids, a literal baby just shows up one day.

Dorothy Gentleman, the ship’s no-nonsense detective, has to figure out where the baby came from and who would abandon it. What I loved is how the mystery isn’t just “who did it” but also all the moral and legal chaos around the baby even existing. Like, people are seriously debating whether the baby counts as a passenger or basically luggage, which is both funny and kind of unsettling.

The idea of a spacecraft like “Fairweather” where people live for centuries and upload their memories into new bodies, is super cool and unique. Dorothy is such a great main character who is sharp, practical, but quietly caring underneath all that logic. Really liked the found-family vibes, especially with her nephew and his husband getting attached to the baby.

The mystery itself is a bit on the lighter side, so it’s more about characters and ideas than big twists. A warm, clever, enjoyable read.

Happy Reading!!

[Ami]

Reading about adults who have never experienced having a baby suddenly having to deal with a baby is always fun. This follow-up to Murder by Memory finds Dorothy Gentleman, ship detective extraordinaire, trying to figure out how a baby ended up on her nephew's doorstep- a baby who shouldn't even be on the Fairweather, because no human is supposed to be able to give birth in space!

I found it both funny and touching in some scenes, especially when Dorothy's nephew, Rutherford "Ruthie" Talmadge IV, and his husband started bonding with the baby. When Ruthie named the baby, I actually choked up.

Since this is a novella, Dorothy finds the answers to the baby's identity fairly quickly. She also discovers who was responsible for leaving the baby alone without his parents. It was an engaging, quick read, and I look forward to Dorothy Gentleman's next adventure, coming next year.

[emily]

The 52 Book Club : Three-syllable word in the title

I can confidently say I'll keep reading these books as long as the author cares to keep writing them. They're quick, cozy, interesting reads in a queer-normative society with some really cool technology bouncing around-- tech that has twice now been the source of much consternation and the mysteries Ms. Gentleman gets called out to solve. It's a really fun twist on the "older lady solves murders" genre and I'm frankly obsessed with Dot and her Woosteresque nephew.

[Emily]

would this hit quite as hard if I didn’t have a brand-new nephew in my life, adorable and beloved in equal measure? I mean, probably, tbh

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard]

Dorothy Gentleman is back, investigating the origins of a most unexpected baby

A gratifying sequel to last year’s Murder by Memory! The characters—first-person narrator and investigator Dorothy Gentleman, her nephew Ruthven, his partner John, and the AI starship Fairweather— continue to delight, as do the mystery and the worldbuilding. I particularly loved seeing Ruthie lose his heart to the unexpected baby. The mystery itself hinges on some intriguing concepts, and introduces several new characters. I felt the mystery plot wasn’t quite as strong as the puzzle in Murder by Memory, but the pacing is good and the need to know “who done it” kept me turning the pages. I inhaled the book in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the world and characters of the Fairweather. I’m already looking forward to the next book, and hope it won’t be long in coming!


Challenges: COYER 2026: Out to Lunch Again; NetGalley & Edelweiss Challenge 2026

Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.

FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.

[dobbs the dog]

Received from NetGalley, thanks!

*happy sigh...*

I really love this series of far future space mysteries. And you can tell that Waite is really enjoying what she's writing, because they are just so good.

So, Dorothy Gentleman is on a spaceship on its way to a new planet, which they will reach in approximately 1000 years. So, being a spaceship with limited space, the bodies that folks are in have been modified to not create babies, because there simply isn't space for any additional passengers. So, what happens when a baby mysteriously shows up on the ship???

I won't say too much, because this is a short little book, but I really loved some of the discussions around equality and rules/laws and who gets to apply which laws at which points to which people. I also got rather misty-eyed when Dorothy was thinking about handmade baby items and what they represent and why they're important.

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book I this series!

[Vanessa]

Olivia Waite returns us to the HMS Fairweather, and to the antics of Dorothy Gentleman and her favorite (and only) nephew, Ruthie. This time, a baby that shouldn't exist appears, and it's up to Dorothy to find out the who, the when, and most importantly, the how.

I felt like Waite really leans into the cozy aspect of this novella, and a little less so into the mystery aspect. I will say that this novella features less of a mystery to solve, and more of a search for a legal loophole. As a result, this felt a little low-stakes to me, so while the humor and coziness was entertaining and the characters were pleasant to revisit, I did feel that substance and plot in this were a little lacking and the pacing a tad abrupt.

Sadly, after this addition, I probably won't continue reading this series. Thankfully, I do think that folks who enjoyed the vibes of Murder by Memory perhaps more than I did (I liked it, but wasn't wowed), will still seek out this sequel.

[anna b]

oh this was even better than the first one! do I care about the mysteries being unraveled in these novellas? absolutely not. but the setting is fun, the stakes are low, and the characters (John! Ruthie!! DOROTHY!!!) are so so lovely. completely adored the interactions our main trio has throughout this story. I'll take about 10 more of these, thanks!

[Rian *fire and books*]

The perfect blend of sweet, cozy, and hopeful we all need to start the year off right.