It's not perfect, but it is a very good read. The first book in this series, Night Train to Rigel, is better, but I really enjoyed this sequel too. This book follows the continued battle of wits between the main character, Frank Compton, former intelligence agent, and the Modhri, the alien group mind that is trying to take over the universe. Compton has been hired by the Chahwyn, an alien race that few know exist, to battle the Modhri and prevent its secret takeover of every race linked by the Quadrail, the only known means of intergalactic travel available. The Modhri infects humans and aliens alike and can telepathically take control of them at any time. Therefore, the protagonists never know who might be an enemy until the Modhri reveals itself.
This book starts off with a murder on the intergalactic train and continues with the search for a stolen sculpture. The Modhri will stop at nothing to obtain the sculpture for reasons that you will discover later in the novel.
I've been reading and enjoying Mr. Zahn's novels since I started high school over 2o years ago. I think his Blackcollar and Cobra series were the first SF books I ever read. This is not hard SF (insofar as I understand the different SF distinctions). Rather, Mr. Zahn writes accessible and briskly-paced SF stories filled with action, interesting characters, alien technology, and fun plots with surprising twists. I highly recommend this book, but definitely start with Night Train to Rigel.