Analog 5 is a collection of 9 short stories which were originally published in Analog Magazine. The stories are reasonably well written and I don’t begrudge the time spent reading them, however, most have not aged well and/or someone else has done a much better job with the same idea. Of the group I found Balanced Ecology to be the most enjoyable.

The stories are:

Coincidence Day – just another day at the alien zoo where the main question is – who are the visitors and who are the exhibits? 1.5 stars

The Adventure of the Extraterrestrial – Sherlock Holmes in his dotage is still a detective worthy of respect. 2 stars

Fighting Division – an enemy of my enemy is my friend. 1 star

Computers Don’t Argue – the trials and tribulations that can result from a data glitch. 1 star

Say it with Flowers – sometimes hiding a secret message in plain sight is the best way to keep it hidden. 2 stars

Mission “Red Clash” – Francis Gary Powers…the way we wish it would have happened. ½ star

Countercommandment – a short story variation of the general theme that became the basis for the movie War Games. ½ star

Balanced Ecology – when push comes to shove alien plants and animals know how to fight. 3 stars

Overproof – if you have a loose idea that is tightly held it will take an overwhelming amount of contrary evidence to get you to loosen your grip. – 1.5 stars ( )