Tales of the Velvet Comet

A young detective probes a puzzling murder on board an intergalactic pleasure palace in this science fiction mystery by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. Welcome to the Velvet Comet, whose business is its patrons' pleasure. Owned by the vast Vainmill Syndicate, the space station caters to the rich and famous, boasting casinos, upscale restaurants, a two-mile-long shopping mall, and a team of highly trained sex workers. It's a well-oiled machine, functioning twenty-four hours a day-until one of its guests is murdered. The Syndicate dispatches its chief detective, Andrew Jackson Crane, to solve the case-and prevent a publicity nightmare. But the ambitious detective must navigate a twisted path to bring the killer to justice. The Comet's madam, the Black Pearl, is under orders to aid Crane's work-but with more than five hundred self-centered patrons remaining on board, she has other worries. The Dragon Lady, the Comet's head of security, is torn between her loyalties and her judgment. And the Comet's computer, which should be most helpful in the investigation, is actually more interested in psychoanalyzing Crane. But what's even more troubling to Crane is that the killer hasn't left the station. Perhaps they all have more work to do . . . "As good as its predecessor and in some ways even better. Well plotted, good characterizations, and an exotic setting. As good a mystery novel as it is science fiction." -Science Fiction Chronicle The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman.

A religious fanatic wages war on an intergalactic bordello in this classic space opera by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. The crown jewel of the Vainmill Syndicate's Entertainment and Leisure Division is Velvet Comet. This exclusive, extravagant, and exotic pleasure palace, orbiting Deluros VIII, is the go-to place for the rich and famous to play, relax, and indulge. But one of the guests has come for an entirely different purpose . . . The Reverend Thomas Gold-or Doctor Gold, as he prefers-is the leader of a fanatical religious sect. He is also a very vocal enemy of the Syndicate, eager to have them close the hedonistic Comet for good. But then Doctor Gold meets the Comet's two most popular employees, Titania and Oberon: two beautiful, blue-skinned, elfin Andrican aliens. They love their jobs, but Doctor Gold only sees their enslavement and declares their liberation to be his latest crusade. And so begins a war that will either end in the Comet's destruction . . . or his. The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman. Praise for the Tales of the Velvet Comet series "A goodie. . . . Buy it, and join me in wondering what Mike will do with the next volumes in the series." -Analog on Eros Ascending "Well plotted, good characterizations, and an exotic setting. As good a mystery novel as it is science fiction." -Science Fiction Chronicle on Eros at Zenith

A cynical writer uncovers the horrifying truth about an intergalactic brothel in this space opera series finale by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. In its heyday, the Velvet Comet was a lively space station synonymous with hedonism. From across the Republic, the rich and famous came to rest, relax, and indulge in the greatest of pleasures. However, unforeseen circumstances forced the Comet to close, and she remained empty for twenty-three years . . . until now. Novelist and award-winning librettist Nate Page has been hired to recreate the Comet's story as a full-scale, hit, multimedia musical to be staged on board. For two weeks, Nate will have the place to himself to research and write the show. He even has access to Cupid, the Comet's still-functioning, nearly self-aware onboard computer. It should be an easy job for Nate, but Cupid is determined that everyone knows the truth about the Comet-and it's far from pretty . . . The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman. Praise for the Tales of the Velvet Comet series "A goodie. . . . Buy it, and join me in wondering what Mike will do with the next volumes in the series." -Analog on Eros Ascending "Well plotted, good characterizations, and an exotic setting. As good a mystery novel as it is science fiction." -Science Fiction Chronicle on Eros at Zenith

The galaxy's greatest power struggle begins aboard a brothel in space in this classic science fiction series opener by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. "A goodie. . . . Buy it, and join me in wondering what Mike will do with the next volumes in the series." -Analogon Eros Ascending The Vainmill Syndicate owns a vast array of properties across the galaxy, and one of their biggest moneymakers is the Velvet Comet. A space station orbiting the planet Deluros VIII, the Comet is a luxurious pleasure palace, hosting the rich, the famous, and occasionally the infamous. It provides its customers with a private space in which to explore their deepest desires-and for one guest, a place to stir up trouble. With an internal power struggle for the top seat at the Syndicate underway, someone has chosen the Comet as the perfect weapon to eliminate the competition. Enter master saboteur Harry Redwine whose top-secret mission is to cook the Comet's books and leave it in financial ruin. Unfortunately for Harry, there are a few people in his way. While Harry may be a pro at manipulating numbers, the formidable madam, Leather Madonna, and her crew are experts at manipulating men and women, and they are ready to put up a fight . . . The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman.