All the Colors of Darkness - Lloyd Biggle - Bog

On the distant world of Timbra, communication is an art form-literally. The native Timbrian species expresses emotions and thoughts through shifting patterns of color on their skin, creating a language both beautiful and complex. When a human is found murdered in the Timbrian city, understanding the crime means understanding an alien culture where words do not exist. Assigned to the case, Investigator Harold Patton must navigate a world of color-coded secrets, diplomatic tensions, and hidden motives. But in a society where nothing is spoken, can the truth be seen before it's too late?