A Review of Claudia Gray's "The X-Files: Perihelion"

Claudia Gray’s “The X-Files: Perihelion” adds another adventure to the lives of Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. I’m a huge X-Files fan, having watched the entire series two or three times straight through, seen the movies multiple time, and read a couple of other books from different authors as well. I really looked forward to this read. 

Now working for an independent genetics clinic that helps children, Scully finds she is pregnant again. She and Mulder move in together in an effort to finally create a normal family. Both are still mourning the loss of their first son, and Mulder is somewhat adrift when it comes to his career. When a mysterious assassin, who can disappear in a cloud of smoke, attracts the attention of the FBI, Mulder and Scully are called back to the agency. At the same time, however, a serial killer is brutally murdering pregnant women, and Scully has caught his attention. While torn between tracking down the two killers, Mulder and Scully also must address their relationship, their grief, and the strange new ability Scully seems to have acquired. 

This book hits all the notes when it comes to the X-Files mythos. A lot of things readers expect to happen in an episode or novel set in this world do occur. Claudia Gray started out writing fanfic in this setting, and it’s clear she has a strong understanding of the tropes. The ending, however, felt abrupt and seemed to lack a satisfying resolution. Perhaps this is in expectation of a sequel?

I generally enjoyed the story, though I think it could have used a little more finessing. I do look forward to seeing what Claudia Gray will do when she has the chance to spend some more time in this world of the X-Files. I received a copy from NetGalley.