This is book 12 of the "Vlad Taltos" series.

This note contains spoilers for the book.

Vlad is back in Adrilankha!

And scheming to get Aliera out of prison. Where Zerika has had to put her. Norathar, now warlord (and still Dragon heir), is also finding this a bit of a problem.

Apparently it relates to a Jhereg/Orca plot to make drugs illegal, so that they'll profit heavily from them. Clever idea!

It's interesting to see a bit more of the inner workings of the legal system in the Empire. Also to see Vlad with his son.