Another novel in the world of The Goblin Emperor, but entirely stand-alone, could be read in any order. The first novel was about the new goblin emperor himself; this one is about Thara Celehar, a Prelate of Ulis and a Witness for the Dead who was a side character in the first book. After helping the Emperor he is moved to another city and takes up a post there, where he makes other clergy extremely nervous due to his connection to the Emperor. The novel mainly follows Celehar as he solves a series of murders - which is his job, after all. Like the first book it's a fairly gentle main character who dutifully goes about his daily responsibilities. The world remains very detailed and interesting although still a little confusing at times with all the different titles thrown around. Despite various murders to solve, a ghoul attack, and lots of dropped details about a tragic gay romance in the past, the book somehow still leaves me with the impression of being a fairly gentle read without any huge emotional highs or lows.