No, it's not a bean soup recipe.
I'm always sad when I finish the latest book by one of my favorite authors because I know it will likely be at least a year before a new one hits the shelves. I’m sad today.
I’m not sure why I bought John Burdett’s first book, Bangkok 8, back in 2003. I think I saw a review somewhere and it interested me. When it comes to fiction I usually read mysteries by British authors that are set in Britain. Hey, too many books and too little time so I go with what I love. It’s true that Burdett was born in England but as you can tell from the titles of his books Jolly Olde England isn’t where the action takes place.
His protagonist is Sonchai Jitpleecheep, a half-Thai half-American detective on the Royal Thai Police force. The sub-genre of his books is “police procedural” but Burdett likes to color outside of the lines. Way outside of the lines. Think mystery, fantasy, travel guide, history, and Buddhist philosophy. The thing I like best, though, is Burdett’s writing. I often stop at a period and think, “Damn, that was a great sentence”.
If you are interested start with Bangkok 8 and if you get hooked move on to Bangkok Tattoo, Bangkok Haunts, and The Godfather of Kathmandu.
