A Nebula Award finalist for Best Novel from the multi-award winning SF master Jack McDevitt. Third in the acclaimed Academy series.

'A writer who is a storyteller first and a science fiction writer second. In his ability to absolutely rivet the reader, it seems to me that he is the logical heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke' Stephen King

The universe has been explored - and humanity has all but given up on finding other intelligent life.

Then an alien satellite orbiting a distant star sends out an unreadable signal.

Is it the final programmed gasp of an ancient, long-dead race? Or the first greeting of an undiscovered life form?

"McDevitt will grab you by the throat of your curiosity and keep a firm hold until the final chapter" - Science Fiction Chronicle

"McDevitt continues his lovingly detailed exploration of interstellar reconnaissance and alien contact ... this one is really quite splendid" - Booklist

"Hutch is one of the most formidable - and credible - heroines in contemporary SF. Both she and McDevitt are at the top of their respective forms ... Chindi is one of his very best" - Locus