Laos, 1978: Dr. Siri Paiboun, a 72-year-old medical doctor, has unwillingly been appointed the national coroner of the new socialist Laos. His lab is underfunded, his boss is incompetent, and his support staff is quirky, to say the least. But Siri’s sense of humor gets him through his often frustrating days. When the body of the wife of a prominent politician comes through his morgue, Siri … Siri has reason to suspect the woman has been murdered. To get to the truth, Siri and his team face government secrets, spying neighbors, victim hauntings, Hmong shamans, botched romances, and other deadly dangers. Somehow, Siri must figure out a way to balance the will of the party and the will of the dead.
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f you like your crime with a hint of magical realism and a good dash of humour, these will be for you! Set in Laos in the 1970s (a place I knew hang all about), they feature Dr. Siri Paboum and his staff – he is a reluctant octogenarian coroner with odd links to the spirit world. The setting is strong (beautiful country, crumbling infrastructure, political uncertainty), the characters stronger (including his wonderful nurse, Dtui, who faces all the troubles of her life with stoical humour). These are books I have serious difficulty putting down – I usually read them in one go!
A fantastic start to an engaging series. Highly recommended!
An excellent, quirky mystery, as quirky as the country in which it is set. I love Laos and I really like this book.
I read this book in 4 days. It was an easy read and a solid 4 stars. Dr. Siri Paiboun is a doctor who has been appointed the chief (and only) coroner of Laos. He is 72 and had planned to retire, but was not given a choice. He has 2 assistants, 1 of whom has Down’s Syndrome. He has almost no equipment–an ancient microscope, a few books and no way to test for poison. Despite all these handicaps, he manages to solve several murders and make some nasty enemies at the same time. He has to deal with Laotian communist politics and corruption while finding ingenious ways to solve his cases.
I liked the writing. I liked the characters.Though not a fantasy, it did take me to a different world than I enjoy. It kept my interest and made me like the characters
Exotic setting, fascinating characters
This is a great story/series. I have never lived in a communist, war torn , impoverished country. The very idea makes it hard for me to breath. The good the bad and certainly the ugly. I thought it was amazing that he just excepted the environment and had devoted friends as he was devoted to his co-workers and shop keepers. Loved the mysterus.
Love the whole series.
Its style is very different, intriguing, sometimes I was not sure if I ‘got’ the significance of something that happened. I would definitely read another book by this author
This whole series is marvelous. To make a hero out of a dedicated communist revolutionary who is the national coroner of Laos! Masterful!
This story is a slow burn. The characters are different, but the time line is plodding at times. I kept at it, but it was work sometimes. In the end I enjoyed it, but I had to persevere to find this out.
Interesting in that it gives a bit of historical perspective of Laos when it transitioned to a communist state.
Fabulous series
historical-research, historical-novel, history-and-culture, communism, Laos, mystery, murder
Excellent mystery and characters! Grabbed my interest and just wouldn’t let go! Siri has been a doctor for many years, but suddenly the regime demands that he become coroner for the whole country. With no proper advanced education. He is able to locate some old texts in a language he understands, and makes the best of things while ably assisted by the helper of the former coroner and a wise cracking young nurse, but little in the way of equipment. Despite party philosophy, the people maintain their religious beliefs in spirits, and this is very significant to the story. So, without spoilers, I heartily recommend this book!
I got the audiobook on sale, and Clive Chafer is remarkable as narrator.
Fascinating look into late 1970’s communist Laos. The main character is a coroner who is unwilling appointed to the position. Of course, he manages to be the best person for the job. While most cases are solved by forensics and logic, a supernatural element is present. Skip this book if that’s a deal breaker for you-but you’ll be missing out on a great book with a memorable hero.
entertaining
I enjoyed the characters and the Dr.’s talents and insights both in investigation and polical comments. I will read more in this series.
What a delightful way to see a bit of what life must have been like in Laos in the 70’s. The main character, who unwittingly becomes the coroner for an entire country is baffled by his new position but carries out his duties faithfully even though it quickly becomes obvious that that is not what is required. Utterly engaging people and places. Highly recommend.
Wonderful writing and compelling characters, with a most engaging story and nicely plotted mystery. Cotterill always delivers a special book.
Can’t wait to read Collin’s other books!