In Jupiter's orbit, a mysterious death propels an astronaut into the investigation of a lifetime Partway into a years-long journey, an interstellar research expedition takes up orbit around Jupiter and begins to explore the gas giant's moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and-most importantly-the ice ball known as Europa. For centuries, scientists have wondered what strange alien life forms may lurk beneath the frozen surface of Jupiter's most mysterious moon. And tragically, the men and women aboard this ship are about to find out. Two scientists go down to the surface of Europa in a small craft piloted by the beautiful, fiery Evangeline Chatelain. After an accident on the surface, only she returns. Her crewmembers suspect her of murder, but Evangeline tells a wild tale of an attack by a terrifying space monster. The astronaut charged with investigating the incident must decide-is she a crazed killer? Or has she just made the greatest scientific discovery in history?
"Steele's science [is] harder than Heinlein's . . . His breakneck pacing and gift for characterization are reminiscent of the late master's best work."
The Washington Post
"The best hard SF writer to come along in the last decade."
