First published 1976
Fred Cassidy finds himself at the center of a cosmic mystery when a precious alien artifact disappears. The theft sets off a frantic search that pulls him into the dangerous world of interstellar politics. Rival alien communities clash over the missing object, each driven by their own greed and ambitions. Fred must navigate a web of deception as alien police work undercover and galactic powers engage in cosmic blackmail. The stakes escalate as foreign policy intrigue threatens to destabilize relations between worlds. Fred races against time to locate the artifact before the competing factions tear apart the delicate balance of interstellar diplomacy. His search becomes a fight for survival in a universe where trust is scarce and betrayal lurks behind every alliance.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, mystery, aliens
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Interstellar
185 pages · Hardcover · Harper & Row (NYC)