Laos, 1979: Dr. Siri Paiboun, the twice retired ex-National Coroner of Laos, receives an unmarked package in the mail. Inside is a handwoven pha sin, a colorful traditional skirt worn in northern Laos. A lovely present, but who sent it to him, and why? And, more importantly, why is there a severed human finger stitched into the sin’s lining?Siri is convinced someone is trying to send him a … trying to send him a message and won’t let the matter rest until he’s figured it out. He finagles a trip up north to the province where the sin was made, not realizing he is embarking on a deadly scavenger hunt. Meanwhile, the northern Lao border is about to erupt into violence—and Dr. Siri and his entourage are walking right into the heart of the conflict.
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All of Cotterill’s Dr. Siri Praban books are excellent. They describe a time in a part of the world very remote from American consciousness, then as well as now, but which was acted upon and deeply affected by American policy. I can’t recommend these books highly enough.
Laos, historical-research, history-and-culture, mystery, crime, suspense, verbal-humor, series
Warning! This series is addictive!
Dr Siri is still retired from being coroner, but not from being an obsessed detective. The first clue is a beautiful garment known as a sin which arrived in the mail, and had a preserved finger sewn into the hem. So, of course, he needed to make some interesting arrangements in order for he and Mme Daeng to follow the clues. The initial clue and half the sin were left with nurse Dtui for further study, and off they went, and were surprised along the way to encounter Mr Civilie. The major parallel plot is of Inspector Phosy who had been sent to the North to investigate a problem, and all aspects were decidedly impacted by the withdrawal of the Chinese from Laos as the Chinese invaded Vietnam. No spoilers here, just go ahead and get drawn into the book!
Clive Chafer continues to be excellent as narrator.
Always a treat to read, or reread.
I enjoyed learning something about post war Vietnam, through the eyes of these characters. Each book seemed to stand on it’s own pretty well, and in fact didn’t seem to connect to each other very well in timeline…or maybe I read them out of order. Would recommend and am planning on purchasing more by this author.
I really enjoy this series, but would prefer it not include the supernatural. However, if that is indeed part of the culture of Laos, then I’m learning more about that country. The coroner and his assistants are very interesting people, and the view of Laos just after the communist government came to power is very interesting. I suggest reading the books in order if possible.
I knew nothing about Laos when I began this series, but I have certainly enjoyed learning. Colin Cattrell’s Dr Siri is elderly, wise, sarcastic and sees ghosts. Quite helpful in his role as the only coroner in Laos, and very helpful when it comes to solving murders.
I love the Dr. Siri books. The books are filled with lovable (mostly) and colorful characters. The setting in Laos, both mystical and gritty, pulls me right into the stories. I love every book in this series!
I quit reading it.
Colin Cotterill is always revealing customs, mores and the unique mind sets of this exotic setting in S E Asia. Very enjoyable, so well written. It’s a pleasurable escape into his well-crafted mysteries, with Dr Siri and his very collectible assortment of quirky friends.
The usual good read for fans of Siri Pettibone.
All the DR. Siri books are wonderful. YOU HAve to love the characters and the setting
everything he writes is good reading
everyone loves Dr Siri
It’s always a good thing to learn about other cultures, and history from another point of view. We don’t tend to read much about Laos, the culture, how they fared during endless war, how the people view the world.
The Dr. Siri books ring true, and are a fascinating glimpse into another culture. The book is fast paced, involving, well plotted, and has a number of surprises. I love all the ones in the series that I’ve read, and plan to read more!