The Domino Pattern
The fourth Frank Compton caper begins as a locked-room mystery on an interstellar transport system’s express run. Frank and partner Bayta are aboard investigating the alien Modhri, who aim to rule the galaxy by controlling all its sentient minds, because Modhri agents are bound to be on the train, too. A day out from the station, passengers begin dying of poison, which is supposedly impossible. Frank and Bayta must find the murderer(s), respect at least three nonhuman species’ cultural taboos, watch for Modhri agents, and avoid getting killed. The plot grabs from the get-go, characters and style are well-wrought and complementary, so sf and thriller fans alike should be pleased. --Roland Green