The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill
Soho Crime, 2015
A seventy-something veteran of Laos' guerilla war for independence is more or less forced to take the position of National Coroner in newly liberated Communist Laos. Dr. Siri meets the trials and tribulations of his position, the political subtleties and the real-world threats, with intelligence and a very Buddhist acceptance. It helps that he has had glimpses of the world beyond death; the individuals who are brought into his morgue frequently appear to him in dreams, often to offer cryptic clues about their demise.
I adored this first volume of what has to be one of the most original mystery series I've ever encountered. Having visited Laos several times (though well after the period covered in this novel), I could appreciate the cultural and geographic details. The book offers snappy dialogue, distinctive and appealing characters and frequent self-deprecating humor, with hints of more serious themes involving life, death and compassion.
Highly recommended!
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