Blaine Donne, a literate and sophisticated Sam Spade, earns his living investigating lost heirs, business misdeeds, and unresolved matters in The Elysium Commission, L.E. Modesitt's newest offering. Set in a far future world, Modesitt uses plenty of names, titles, and customs linking it to French and Italian words and names. His homage to the sleuths of the Thirties and Forties gives a nod to action spy thrillers as well.

(Source: Tor Books)