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I honestly don’t understand why the further development of the spiritual aspects of Dr. Siri that were sketched in the first book hasn’t made me crazy. I don’t usually enjoy paranormal mysteries except as the lightest fluff...this is somehow different, and engaging, and not twee, ridiculous, or totally overblown. It may be something about the setting in Communist Laos in the 1970’s—the indigenous traditions provide a satisfying counterpoint to the hazards of successful revolutions.
More magic and murder... and the cast of characters and humor keeps me hooked.
Very fun. Some interesting asides about life in Laos, different cultures in Loas... looking forward to more in the series
My 2nd read in the series. 1970s Laos...This one was a little slow to get through. It had thrilling and engaging moments such as the mystery beast making 3 attacks, the underground tunnels, and the puppets. The busy body Miss Vong is always around; Siri’s “favorite “ neighbor. Dtui still remains my favorite character for her diligence and determination. She complements Siri well in the morgue and in everyday living.
The climax was suspenseful (was it really a beast), and the explanation of how it came to be made perfect sense. But I will say I am glad Mr. Soth will suffer for his actions. Although, I’m still stumped on the meaning of having “thirty-three” teeth!
The climax was suspenseful (was it really a beast), and the explanation of how it came to be made perfect sense. But I will say I am glad Mr. Soth will suffer for his actions. Although, I’m still stumped on the meaning of having “thirty-three” teeth!
Not the best plot but the characters in this series are well worth reading about and the Laos setting during the 1970s is really interesting.
4 stars for book 2 in the Dr. Siri Paiboun series. Siri is one of the few doctors left in Laos after the Pathet Lao takeover. He is drafted to become Laos national Coroner, even though he is 72 years old and doesn't want the job. He was not trained to be a coroner, but does a conscientious job, often angering powerful people.
In this book, he is called upon to do autopsies on 3 people murdered by what appears to be an animal with large teeth. He does solve the murders, with help from some unlikely people, including those with connections to the spirit world.
One quote on a friend who helps him solve the murders: "He held out a sprig of finger bones that Siri shook carefully. The sound of the man coming to sit down beside him was like a wind charm lowered to the ground.."
It was an easy read--3 days. This was a library book.
In this book, he is called upon to do autopsies on 3 people murdered by what appears to be an animal with large teeth. He does solve the murders, with help from some unlikely people, including those with connections to the spirit world.
One quote on a friend who helps him solve the murders: "He held out a sprig of finger bones that Siri shook carefully. The sound of the man coming to sit down beside him was like a wind charm lowered to the ground.."
It was an easy read--3 days. This was a library book.
This Dr. Siri Paiboun series is proving to be quite fascinating: well written, full of wry humor, interesting time period and setting, and with just enough supernatural elements to keep you guessing. On to the next!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book felt more bity than the first one, lots of smaller stories happening all at once. I liked the fact that Dtui really developed in this book and did some investigating of her own. There is much more of a spiritual focus in this book than the last and we find out more about Siri's background and his shaman.
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes