Star Trek Nerd Seach by Glenn Dakin

It’s a puzzle book, Jim, but not as we know it. This is no conventional ’search-and-find.’ Each of its detailed, full-color pages is packed with out-of-context items and cosmic continuity errors that only a true fan can spot. It would be illogical to resist this challenge, when the accuracy of the whole Trek universe is at stake.

Captain Kirk, Mr Spock and the Enterprise crew have discovered that a series of exploding tribbles have been hidden by the Klingons in locations visited by the Enterprise. Kirk and his crew must seek and find each exploding tribble. At the same time, fans must spot items from every story in The Original Series, also concealed in the pictures. This is next-level Where’s Waldo for adult fans, plus a chance to save the galaxy into the bargain!

The book opens with an article exploring the grand tradition of fans spotting continuity gaffes in the world of Star Trek. Then this is followed by an explanatory spread telling the reader how to use the book. A feedback session at the back clears up all quibbles with tribbles and debates about the non-interference directive!

Three levels of engagement:
• TRIBBLE TREK: SPOT the all-important EXPLODING TRIBBLE
• NERD ALERT: Spot five continuity errors, mistakes within the featured episode itself.
• THE ARTEFACT INCIDENT: Find the out-of-context items from other episodes, ten to a spread.

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I wasn't sure what to expect of this; illustrated books don't always translate well to the Kindle, and in this one in particular it's very important that the pictures be right. At first I was disappointed; the first couple of spreads have pencils sketches, light on details. But then I discovered that those are only works in progress for the full, two page, completely coloured spreads.

I spent about half an hour scanning through it. I could easily have spent a lot more. I like the Original Series, but at heart I'm a Next Gen girl, so I didn't get all the answers. (I did see Data!) Although I did get about half! And I spotted the Tribble in each one.

Even though it translated well, this isn't really a book for the Kindle. This needs to be a physical, A4 or larger book, so that you can turn and squint and peer and really get up close with the spreads. It doesn't come with answers, or at least my copy didn't, but I'm happy with the answers I did find.

This is a great gift for any Star Trek fan. Fabulous.