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A review by constantreader471
Bangkok Tattoo by John Burdett
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The author bio identifies the author as a non practicing lawyer who used to work for a British firm in Hong Kong. He now makes his living as a writer and has lived in France and Spain. I rate this book 4 stars for an intricate mystery with layers of surprises and an East Asian/Buddhist point of view. If you are an American, be prepared for a fair amount of criticism of western culture, especially the CIA.
The book opens with a very gory murder of a man at "The Old Man's Club" jointly owned by Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep's mother Nong and his boss Vikorn. The chief suspect is Chanya, the brothel's top earner. To add to the problems associated with the murder, the dead man worked for the CIA. Sonchai and Vikorn decide to cover up the killing and say that it was self defense by Chanya.
But then more problems arise. Muslims are worried that they will be blamed if the CIA undoes the coverup. The CIA sends several people to investigate. There is a tattoo artist who may have present during the murder.
How the mystery is resolved makes for a satisfying read.
One quote by Vikorn to Sonchai: The key to cover-ups is to leave the evidence alone, make thestory do the work. The trick is all in the the interpretation."
The book opens with a very gory murder of a man at "The Old Man's Club" jointly owned by Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep's mother Nong and his boss Vikorn. The chief suspect is Chanya, the brothel's top earner. To add to the problems associated with the murder, the dead man worked for the CIA. Sonchai and Vikorn decide to cover up the killing and say that it was self defense by Chanya.
But then more problems arise. Muslims are worried that they will be blamed if the CIA undoes the coverup. The CIA sends several people to investigate. There is a tattoo artist who may have present during the murder.
How the mystery is resolved makes for a satisfying read.
One quote by Vikorn to Sonchai: The key to cover-ups is to leave the evidence alone, make thestory do the work. The trick is all in the the interpretation."