Bangkok Noir

A BDSM Thriller

De: Lisabet Sarai

Narrado por: Jazmin Kensington

A BDSM thriller.

Diana Fanning, aka the Professor, runs The Academy, the only genuine BDSM bar in Bangkok. She's the first person police colonel Apichat Weeranwongsakul consults when a bar girl turns up brutally murdered, tightly bound, with clamped nipples and every orifice stuffed with sex toys. The colonel figures the killer might be one of her customers. But he has his own secrets. He needs Diana to satisfy his shameful dreams of being beaten and abused. Meanwhile, a mysterious American named Sam stalks Nok, the lovely natural dominant who is the Professor's star performer. Nok is used to being the one in charge. She can't understand why she craves the discipline Sam administers.

As more women are slaughtered, always in kinky circumstances, the Professor finds herself in an exclusive world catering to the perversions of Bangkok's wealthy and well-connected. Simultaneously looking for evidence and satisfying her own lusts, she doesn't realize until too late that the power she's used to wielding won't save her from becoming the serial murderer's next victim.

©2014 Lisabet Sarai (P)2017 Lisabet Sarai

A most original thriller!

One of the most original books I have encountered in quite some time, Bangkok Noir is a story that I felt was somewhat unbalanced in its straddling of genres, but well-told, and exquisitely detailed. Lisabet Sarai captures the essence of the Bangkok experience beautifully, delivering on the language quirks and cultural nuances that really serve to orient the reader in the world of Diana and her girls.

Let me address that straddling of genres first. This is a story comprised of erotica, murder mystery, and thriller, with the erotica looming large over the narrative, but with the murder mystery dominating the reader's thoughts. I actually expected more of the murder mystery, given the gruesomeness of the killings and the way they serve to bring all the characters together, but it remains in the background for much of the story. As for the erotica element, it (no pun intended) dominates the story, with several relationships, dominant figures of different genders, and as much pain as pleasure. It is there where Diana - the Professor - really comes into her own, although she is a caring woman and a smart businesswoman outside the dungeon.

As for the plot, it is somewhat serpentine, winding through different subplots along the way. Sarai does a fantastic job of maintaining the suspense, giving us just enough clue to suspect several different people of being the killer, yet never makes us feel cheated as the truth is revealed. The subplot involving the offer to buy Diana's bar, and the exploration of just how dark the upper class can be, is fascinating as well, introducing even more suspicions.

While I am sure the culture would have come across well in the reading, listening to Bangkok Noir as an audiobook really brings Bangkok to life. I struggled with it a bit as first, but once I settled in, it really worked for me, Jazmin Kensington does an amazing job of capturing the different voices and nailing the different accents, even varying the speed with which each character talks.

This is a dark story that takes a realistic look at the professional BDSM lifestyle, and which deals with the pressures that make such release valuable, if not essential to emotional survival.

An entertaining hot Thai thriller

Wow, what a book. I'm not a fan of thrillers, I'm not a fan of female dominants, but I would definitely listen to this book again. The story was well-written, the narrator was pleasant to listen to, and the BDSM was just enough.

The story was well written, and the pacing was just right. I thought the world the writer has created was very believable. I don't know much about Thai culture, but it sounded like the writer did. I truly felt like I was in that country, with just enough Thai words intermingled throughout the story and with many references to and explanations of the Thai culture to be entertaining. To me, it helped with the roundedness of the story. I felt immersed in the world.

The narrator has a pleasant voice to listen to. I wasn't too happy with the Thai accent of the girl Nok. I understand it was necessary, but that got on my nerve a little bit. The sex scenes were pleasant to listen to. There was one scene where you heard a girl moaning during a whipping, and I found that...arousing. The narrator voiced the different characters very well, especially the men were very well done.

The BDSM scenes were well-written. I believe the author has a good understanding of how a BDSM-relationship should work. The different power relationships between the characters were well described and believable. Sam was scary, but I could understand why Nok would fall for him. Maybe I even fell for him...

The thriller aspect of the book was good too. I guessed who the perpetrator was pretty early, which is rare for me, but I liked how his murders weren't described too graphically.

I would definitely recommend this book to everyone. It is well-written, well-narrated and arousing. Apart from the ending, there isn't much more I could ask for. Just go ahead and listen to it yourself.

Wow

What a story. Like it says this is a thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Full of sexy parts and mystery what's not to love. Jasmine does an amazing job giving life to both heroines.

This was a like for me

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I don't know if I'd change anything... I liked it.. just didn't love it.

Would you recommend Bangkok Noir to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend it to some friends, those who like more of the thriller books.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

I like the voice... but found it was sometimes a bit over the top performance-wise for me.

Do you think Bangkok Noir needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Yes.. it would be good to find out what happens!

Thrillingly erotic

This is one of those stories that stands out from the rest. A thrilling plot, compelling characters, fascinating setting, and outstanding narration all combine to make this a book that I didn't want to leave for a second until the end. My only complaint is that it ends with a cliffhanger and now I need to know the rest of the story.

A thrillng read you won't forget

I loved this book! This book is very well written and an absolute delight to listen to. The narrator had the right kind of voice for this book. It's more of a thriller than an erotica but I didn't mind. I loved the descriptions and the sex scenes. I found Thai references a little disconcerting and the ending of the story a little abrupt.
I definitely want to read more from this author and the narrator.

WOW

This one can bring chills and thrills. An unusual take on bdsm. Murder and sex intertwined.

Awesome BDSM book!!

This book gave a great look into the BDSM world. This book will get your heart racing and your libido revved, it's a Thai suspense and thriller. The author has a fascinating understanding of the BDSM world and this extremely well written. The ending left me wanting more.

Thriller in Bangkok

I haven't read many BDSM stories but I did enjoy this aspect of the story. I also like a a good murder mystery so together these were good. I thought the storyline of the murders could've been a little longer then it could've included more content. I did enjoy the story but I think it was too short. The audio is good though, I love audio books. I would listen to this narrator again.

Gritty Stories with a Strong Sense of Place

Bangkok Noir is a compelling collection that immerses listeners in the dark, shadowy corners of Bangkok. The stories are rich in atmosphere and culture, painting a vivid picture of a city where beauty and danger often walk hand in hand. Each tale offers a glimpse into the city’s underworld, with a mix of crime, mystery, and human drama.

The writing is strong and evocative, though a bit more detail in some of the stories—particularly in character development and setting—would have made the experience even more immersive. Still, the tone and pacing are well-suited to fans of noir fiction and international crime stories.

The narration is solid, but I found myself wishing for a different voice—something deeper and more resonant—to better match the gritty tone of the material. A voice with more gravitas could have elevated the storytelling and brought an added layer of intensity to the listening experience.

That said, Bangkok Noir is definitely worth a listen for anyone who enjoys moody, well-written crime fiction with an international flavor. A strong four stars.