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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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!
Many of us live in the world of CSI, Bones and other TV shows about forensic scientists who can solve the most obscure of crimes with the tiniest clues and a lab full of high-tech gear. Forget all that.
This coroner doesn’t really want the job, has almost no gear in what passes for his lab and yet he struggles to solve crimes as best he can.
Oh and by the way, the time is 1976 and the place is Laos. In addition to being a whodunit, this story is also a glimpse of a time and place with which most of us are not familiar.
This was a wonderful read. I learned a little of the country at the time of communist take over (political issues not surprising) but the characters of the doctor, his unusual assistants and the police man from another country kept me smiling thru the book. And it had a proper and great ending.
I read this while traveling in Laos. Very atmospheric with memorable characters.
Opened my eyes to a part of the world I knew nothing about. Very different but still a good mystery.
Loved the book. Great look into Post war Laos and life in a communist country.
Written of Vietnam, following a doctor turned coroner through solving what happen to the bodies brought in. Fowl play and his ingenuity to circumvent the powers that be to get to find answers. It has been a very long time that I have so enjoyed a book. My word of advise get it read it enjoy it . GREAT BOOK!
Interesting view of a milieu I know nothing about.
I enjoyed this book very much. I will definitely read more books by this author about this main character.
The setting and the characters made me want to read about this horrible time . It recreated that time in history , gave me new insights, and was so engrossing for a difficult time .
Great mystery and the start of a great series.