Zahn has developed a talent for creating worlds with specific elements, then using those elements to build the story. Details count clues are everywhere, and Zahn's characters succeed or fail on their ability to note the puzzle pieces around them and assemble them into the larger picture. The Quadrail series takes that to new heights. Compton can comment on something in such a way that you don't realize the larger implications until he shows you how it all fits together later on in the story. If you enjoy murder mysteries and puzzles in general, you'll find plenty of that here, along with some good science fiction.