Solid mystery with all the Francis touches. This was an interesting look at when things go wrong, and the way the culture of the races permeates into the lives of those who rely on it for their living.

Denoument is...interesting. The health care professional in me was horrified about how Francis did not seem to understand that asthma can be deadly and still kills people regularly. Also, the romance in this one is really a YMMV one that might be uncomfortable for some, particularly the way the female lead is worn down by the 'tenacity' of the hero.