This has been the most disappointing book of the series so far for me. Rusch has an easy, readable style, but the the plot was less than gripping. It was more like a futuristic detective novel, rather than the exploration of alien culture that the other books have been. I guess because there were no real alien characters to meet and get to know, the book felt flat to me. I had not been very invested in the character of Paloma so her death was not shocking to me, per se. and the details that emerged didn't engage me more. It felt like a filler book - characters and relationships were solidified but the book is a bridge to the next book, and not an end in itself. ( )

I enjoyed this book, like all in the series. The story of how humans in the future live with aliens, and the compromise of what is legal and what is right.

The series deals with politics, public relations, and justice though in a very light way. In this story Paloma, the mentor of the POV character, Miles Flint, is murdered. Miles becomes not only a suspect, and un-official investigator, but the surprised beneficiary of her estate and her secrets.

The setting is great, the dome on the Moon. The recurring minor characters are good to see, and interesting.

The only fly in the ointment is the story is a bit thin and static. Miles spends most of his time hiding and researching, so minor characters handle the action and investigation. The pacing is off because there is a good bit of build up, but then the author seems to run up against some page limit, because the ending is wrapped up too quickly and much too neatly.

Still it was a quick and enjoyable read, and I am looking forward to the next one. ( )