China Miéville

The body of a murdered woman is discovered in the crumbling city of Beszel. Such a crime is par for the course for Inspector Tyador Borlú, who is the premier talent of the Extreme Crime Squad – until his investigations uncover evidence that bizarre and terrifying forces are at work. He must undertake a journey across borders both physical and psychical, to the city which is both a complement and rival to his own, that of Ul Qoma.