Redshirts
Even though this is the first time I’ve physically read this book I already knew the story as I listened to it as an audiobook first.
What initially looks like an affectionate parody of Science Fiction TV cliches (mostly Star Trek) turns into a rather meta piece about the reality of fictional characters.
The main novel rattles along at a good pace and is very readable – just less clever than it thinks. The three codas are interesting experiments. The strongest one is easily the best thing about the book.
Recommended if you like Scalzi or media parodies.
I also note here that I recently read the first episode of the serial novel that Scalzi’s releasing this year (The Human Division). While I enjoyed reading it I decided to wait for the completed work, due out in May.