The Physicians of Vilnoc

A deadly outbreak spreads through the military garrison of Vilnoc, baffling local healers and threatening to engulf the port city beyond. Temple sorcerer Penric arrives with his demon companion Desdemona to investigate the mysterious illness, but their magical abilities prove insufficient against this particular medical crisis. As soldiers continue to fall and panic mounts, Penric must rely on forgotten physician training and forge alliances with local healers who view his sorcerous methods with deep suspicion. The race against time becomes a test of both scientific reasoning and divine intervention.

Grover Gardner delivers another stellar performance in this eighth Penric and Desdemona adventure, capturing the scholarly sorcerer's dry wit and analytical mind with perfect pitch. His nuanced portrayal distinguishes between Penric's voice and Desdemona's sardonic interjections, creating a seamless dual personality that never confuses listeners. Gardner's measured pacing allows the medical mystery to unfold naturally while building genuine tension around the outbreak's progression. The audio format particularly enhances Bujold's detailed world-building, as Gardner's clear diction makes the complex magical and medical terminology accessible without sacrificing the story's intellectual sophistication.