Moon Moth

"A fascinating blend of murder mystery and high-concept science fiction, The Moon Moth has long been hailed as one of Jack Vance's greatest works. Edwer Thissell, the new consul from Earth to the planet Sirene, is having all kinds of trouble adjusting to the local culture. The Sirenese cover their faces with masks that indicate their social status. Shortly after Thissell arrives on Sirene, he finds himself embroiled in an unsolved murder case, made all the more mysterious by the fact that since everyone must always wear a mask, you can never be sure who you're dealing with."