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chrismartin76's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
eososray's review against another edition
4.0
In 1975 Laos, the Communist Pathet Lao has come to power and all the qualified coroner’s have escaped the country, so 72 year old Dr. Siri Paiboun is appointed despite his lack of training in this area. When Mrs. Nitnoy, powerful leader of the Laos Women's Union and wife of Member of Parliament Kham dies unexpectedly her body is sent to the coroner’s office for examination. Despite her husband’s insistence that she died of eating raw pork, Dr. Siri suspects the death is not that simple.
This book made me laugh so many times. Dr. Siri is an irreverent old man, determined to do things his way and ridiculous party politics aren’t going to get in his way. The setting was part of the story and the mystery in so many ways, that it was impossible not to get the feel for what it must have been like. There was a mystical part that didn’t appeal to me but it didn’t detract from the overall tale. The other characters; from the nurse and helper in the coroner’s office, the police officer, the Vietnamese coroner and the other hospital employees are all depicted well and add a lot to the story.
This book made me laugh so many times. Dr. Siri is an irreverent old man, determined to do things his way and ridiculous party politics aren’t going to get in his way. The setting was part of the story and the mystery in so many ways, that it was impossible not to get the feel for what it must have been like. There was a mystical part that didn’t appeal to me but it didn’t detract from the overall tale. The other characters; from the nurse and helper in the coroner’s office, the police officer, the Vietnamese coroner and the other hospital employees are all depicted well and add a lot to the story.
batbones's review against another edition
4.0
What a fun, thrilling mystery read with a supernatural twist, reminiscent of the culture of Southeast Asia. Finally a riveting mystery set in the mysterious villages and forests of Southeast Asia.
eiencafe's review
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nichola's review
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I think I need to read to this again because this was wild.
Very complex and challenging. Loved it though and the chatacters.
Also the setting. I don't know how authentic it is but it opened my eyes.
Very complex and challenging. Loved it though and the chatacters.
Also the setting. I don't know how authentic it is but it opened my eyes.
novel_nomad's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
A curious crime read that was at once refreshingly original and next outrageously odd. The character of Siri kept me greatly entertained, with his wit and sharp observations. However the plot became a little shaky in the middle, with the addition of a new set of murders unrelated to the initial investigation and rather fantastical in nature. Regardless, I still recommend this as a curious cozy for anyone wanting to escape the traditional settings.
A curious crime read that was at once refreshingly original and next outrageously odd. The character of Siri kept me greatly entertained, with his wit and sharp observations. However the plot became a little shaky in the middle, with the addition of a new set of murders unrelated to the initial investigation and rather fantastical in nature. Regardless, I still recommend this as a curious cozy for anyone wanting to escape the traditional settings.
appalonia's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really good mystery story set in 1970’s Laos. I enjoy reading about places I’m unfamiliar with, because I learn just a little bit about the place and its history. The primary character Siri is an older doctor in his early 70’s who was hoping to retire once the revolution was won and communism was in control of Laos. Instead they made him Coroner, a job he knew nothing about. Once involved in an actual investigation however, he is fascinated and is invigorated at the new challenge.
There is also a bit of the supernatural with this story, as Siri finds out he is a Shaman. He dreams of dead people who are able to communicate to him. Throughout this book he learns to accept and believe in his gift. His two assistants are interesting; one is a female nurse who becomes Siri’s protégé, the other a man with Downs Syndrome who greets visitors, keeps the lab clean and passes messages along. Both of these assistants and their unique gifts are treated with respect by Siri. Overall Siri was a very likeable and amusing protagonist, and I look forward to continuing this series. 4.5 stars
There is also a bit of the supernatural with this story, as Siri finds out he is a Shaman. He dreams of dead people who are able to communicate to him. Throughout this book he learns to accept and believe in his gift. His two assistants are interesting; one is a female nurse who becomes Siri’s protégé, the other a man with Downs Syndrome who greets visitors, keeps the lab clean and passes messages along. Both of these assistants and their unique gifts are treated with respect by Siri. Overall Siri was a very likeable and amusing protagonist, and I look forward to continuing this series. 4.5 stars
kimgabriel's review against another edition
4.0
I can recommend this one for its interesting setting: Laos just after the Communist takeover. The protagonist is loveable. He is an elderly doctor who is roped in to being the Chief Coroner. Good supporting cast. I hesitated to give four stars (am keeping five for the ones that knocked it out of the park) because it does have a deep streak of mysticism running through it and I am most definitely not a fan. But it actually worked and I was able to choke it down.
nheer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0