"Set in a vividly realized world where Machiavellian intrigues are played out behind a facade
of aristocratic discretion, this novel, like its predecessors, blends high adventure with wry commentary on
the seemingly unbridgeable gulf between human ideals and political realities."Publishers Weekly

"[Even] readers who normally eschew science fiction will delight in Bujold's intriguing plots, appealing
characters, and wry humor."Library Journal

"As witty and well-handled as is usual for Bujold.In the wake of Bujold's new Hugo, even greater swarms
of readers will flock to this book and swell even more the number of her fanswhich is only what she richly
deserves."Booklist

When the Cetagandan empress dies, Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda for her
funeral as diplomatic representatives of Barrayar. Upon arrival, the two men are inexplicably attacked by a
servant of the late empress. When the same servant turns up dead the next day, Miles and Ivan find
themselves in the middle of a mystery.

Miles tries to play detective in a strange, complicated, and deceptively alien culture, while lascivious Ivan
manages to get himself involved with several noble females at the same time, a diplomatic no-no of the first
order. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that it's up to Miles to save the empire.

With her usual skill, Bujold addresses timeless issues of human identity through the personal dramas of her
characters.

Lois McMaster Bujold burst upon the science-fiction world in 1986 with Shards of Honor, the first of the Vorkosigan Saga novels. She has won the Hugo Award four times and the Nebula Award twice. The mother of two, she lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Grover Gardner, named one of the "Best Voices of the Century" by AudioFile magazine, has recorded more than five hundred audiobooks. He is the recipient of more than thirteen Earphones Awards, an Audie Award, and was chosen as narrator of the year by Publishers Weekly magazine. In addition to narrating, he has an active career as an actor and stage director. He lives in Washington, D.C.