In a far-future world of wizards and walled cities, Galabras Nachecko is a necromancer in the seaport metropolis of Golathreon, connecting the living with deceased relatives and associates to answer questions left unresolved at the time of death.

Then he is tasked by Duke Simisson's conniving seneschal to capture the ghost of a notorious land pirate scheduled for execution. He snags the spirit but finds that the assignment has made him a man who knows too much.

Nachecko is propelled into a new career—secret agent segueing into diplomat—that leads him far from home, plunges him into perilous adventures, and brings him both true love and tragedy.

WINNER: Global Book Award in the dark fantasy category

"Matthew Hughes does Jack Vance better than anyone except Jack himself." George R.R. Martin

"A towering talent." Robert J. Sawyer

"Hughes is a treasure." David Gerrold

"If you like vivid adventure science fiction and fantasy, of the sort written by Jack Vance, Poul Anderson, and Roger Zelazny, you'll like Matthew Hughes, too." Gardner Dozois