The Coroner’s Lunch: The Dr. Siri Investigations, Book 1

I haven't enjoyed a book this much in quite a while. It's southeast asian magical realism. both the magical part and the realistic part are exquisitely drawn. Better yet, I laughed out loud at some of the descriptions of bureaucratic foolishness. And it's a wonderful mystery to boot. Two mysteries, actually. I hope Audible audible records all of Cotterill's books

A delightful story with a truly delightful main character, Dr. Siri. Trying to navigate his simple way through the Communist Laos of the post-Vietnam War era, the good doctor battles murderers and bureaucratic nonsense with common sense and a very quick wit. You will find yourself laughing out loud at a few parts and having the hair on the back of your neck raised at others. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and giving them each a distinct personality. Overall, a very enjoyable read. I hope that the follow-up books in this series become available soon.

*fresh writing (Cotterill is master of the grusome but original simile)
*setting details make Laos come alive
*mystery is engaging (though secondary to quirky characters)
*humorous without belittling the situation of 1970s Laos
and well-priced!
I plan on listening to the entire series

At first I thought the narrator was monotone but that was before he got to Dr Siri's voice. Dr Siri was so dry and amusing that the contrast between the narration and Dr Siri's actual voice really worked so stick with it for that first half hour and you will be rewarded.

The mystery was interesting but not all that mysterious. This story was all about the interesting characters and their interactions.

Listen to this book and you won't regret it.

The New York Times review (above) got this book exactly right: It works on multiple levels and makes for an exotic and entertaining read. The narrator performs brilliantly, giving each of the book's characters the kind of subtlety and affection needed to create a warm and deeply satisfying listening experience. It took me a few chapters to get used to the book's unusual rhythm, characters, and setting (1970s Laos), but before long I was hooked. The main character is funny, smart, and has a few "super" powers not typically found in the detective genre. And best of all, he refuses to kowtow to the humorless Communist Party hacks whose intrigues drive the action.

Being a John Burdett fan, I had to check this one out. It was really good! We want more! Get the whole series pleeeeeze!