4.5 stars

Magic realism + Silicon Valley might be my literary catnip, because thus far I've loved all the novels that fuse these two elements together (such as novels from Robin Sloan). The constant tug of war between technology (and profitability) and human connection is always ripe for deep dive and examination, and Please Report Your Bug Here is another worthwhile entry to this niche category.

While there's a central mystery at hand, Josh Riedel took a more literary route in its storytelling, focusing on the mundane, intimate moments, rather than emphasizing on twists and reveals. There's also an evident air of authenticity throughout; San Francisco feels lived-in and vibrant, and the Californian tech world quirks and attitudes have me chuckling at their realism (and how ridiculous when observed from afar). If you're listening through audio, Torian Brackett's performance is a perfect fit for this story.

There are moments here and there where I felt the story is repeating the same beat once too many, but it is a minor complaint considering how much I enjoy the quiet, yet stylish telling. The novel referenced the film Lost in Translation at certain point, and it is actually also the perfect 'vibe check'—if you enjoyed the calming, melancholic wit of the said film, Please Report Your Bug Here will definitely resonate.

**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**