Humans are being murdered on the planet Dirve. No one seems particularly bothered, except the humans of course, but they don't count. As long as the problem stays in the Human Sector it can take care of itself. But then the news leaks out, to Earth, to other galactic worlds. Tourism on Dirve begins to suffer, potential holiday makers worried the murders might spread to other races. Now Earth want to send a man of their own to investigate. Detective Inspector Tom Gates is perfect for the job. Currently suspended for killing a murder suspect and something of an embarrassment to his superiors, he is an ideal candidate for an off-world investigation. When he arrives on Dirve, two things are very quickly apparent to Tom. One, Dirves don't like Humans. And two, the killer is a professional assassin. Tom should know. He used to be one himself....