The Domino Pattern, Timothy Zahn
The Domino Pattern, Timothy Zahn
1 Rating(s)
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The Domino Pattern

Author: Timothy Zahn

Series: Quadrail

Narrator: Kevin T. Collins

Unabridged: 12 hr 23 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 04/08/2025


Synopsis

The Chahwyn created the Spiders to keep their intra-galactic transportation system, the Quadrail, safe and running smoothly, and contracted ex-security agent Frank Compton to protect its integrity. So far, Compton and his half-human, half-Chahwyn partner, Bayta, have had their hands full keeping this essential link between occupied worlds open and preventing the evil collective intelligence called the Modhri from using it to spread their mind-controlling infection. But now a new threat has boarded, one that troubles even the Modhri.

While the Quadrail is en route to the farthest edge of the galaxy, a murder by poison occurs—then another and another—dark happenings that are not only disturbing but also technically impossible. The system Compton and Bayta have been charged with protecting is in grave danger of derailment, and unless they can get to the deep roots of a sinister conspiracy, chaos will come to the ordered universe.

This tour de force from Hugo Award winner Timothy Zahn rockets the acclaimed Quadrail series to breathtaking new heights. The Domino Pattern is an ingenious amalgam of hard science fiction and locked-room murder mystery that would leave even the great Hercule Poirot bedazzled.

About Timothy Zahn

It is not often that you hear of someone going through several years of postgraduate education, who ends up turning a hobby into their life's, paying, productive work. Such is the unusual story of American author, Timothy Zahn, who was born in 1951, grew up in Lombard, IL and graduated with a B.S. Degree in physics from Michigan State University. He then proceeded to the University of IL where he received his M.S. Degree in 1975. After beginning his doctorate in physics, his advisor passed away, and he never did complete the studies.

Zahn had started writing as a hobby, so when his plans changed, he took his writing of science fiction to a higher level. Zahn is best known for his Thrawn Star Wars series of novels. He has also had other novels of fantasy and science fiction. There are also many works that he has penned in short story fiction.

Zahn and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon and have one son, Corwin Zahn.


Reviews

As with most of my resolutions (this one to put off this book until 2018), I have fallen short. You will recall that I started reading Zahn’s Quadrail series with book #3. The Domino Pattern is book #4. Having indulged myself, I have come to a greater appreciation of Frank Compton, the best trouble-......more

Goodreads review by Courtney on November 02, 2022

Yet another fantastic piece of work by Timothy Zahn!yes it’s taken me a while to get to this one. But it’s truly an incredible book! I’ve never been disappointed by any of his work.......more

Goodreads review by Jo on April 25, 2010

The Domino Pattern is the fourth book in the Quadrail Series. Think Murder on the Orient Express meets aliens group mind ( the Modhran) that wants to take over the galaxy, add a host of other aliens, a detective partnership made of up a human and a half human, and you have the books in the this seri......more

Goodreads review by Sydney on October 19, 2024

A science fiction who done it on a 'train'. Frank and Bayta are on a nonstop 6 week Quadrail ride to the Shorshian system where they get embroiled in a multiple murder mystery. With both their lives threatened and allies turning to enemies... They solve the crimes but uncover an even more sinister p......more

Goodreads review by Bradley on May 18, 2022

As well written as most Zahn, but I have never been a fan of mysteries -- always find it hard to keep track of the various suspects. This one fits that mould. Still, a worthwhile read, especially as part of the series.......more