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fiddler76's review against another edition
4.0
Colin Cotterill's books are not only mysteries or whodunnit's, but a journey into the fascinating culture and history of the South East Asian countries where they are based. These books are filled with a wry sense of humour, often laugh-out-loud funny.
This book is the first in the Dr. Siri series, about a 72 yr old doctor who suddenly finds himself appointed the Chief Coroner of the newly created Communist republic of Laos. In addition to the obstacles the bureucracy throws his way, he also has to contend with the ghosts who seem to find him and wordlessly offer him baffling clues on their untimely demise.
This is one of the best series I have ever read, and deals with several serious issues in a mostly light, humorous style. It is almost diametrically opposite to all the Scandi-crime series which tend to be over serious at times.
Highly recommended.
This book is the first in the Dr. Siri series, about a 72 yr old doctor who suddenly finds himself appointed the Chief Coroner of the newly created Communist republic of Laos. In addition to the obstacles the bureucracy throws his way, he also has to contend with the ghosts who seem to find him and wordlessly offer him baffling clues on their untimely demise.
This is one of the best series I have ever read, and deals with several serious issues in a mostly light, humorous style. It is almost diametrically opposite to all the Scandi-crime series which tend to be over serious at times.
Highly recommended.
heidi_jane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Torture
Minor: War
surfmadpig's review
5.0
Dr. Siri is certainly one of the most memorable characters I've read in a while. I usually don't like deus-ex-machina moments (and this book certainly has some), but Cotterill has managed to actually work them into the very interesting plot, while his writing feels so smart, effortless and entertaining that I couldn't make myself put the book down before I was finished.
rozereads's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lehvv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
immielester's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
annettefunnycello's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, audiobook version that's improved by increasing speed to 1.2. Slow start, gets better half way in. Not sure if I'll continue the series. Pretty good mystery, and fun coroner/forensic + detective + police stuff.
bridge_overbooked's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I enjoyed the historical context and the mystery of this book, but it was a bit confusing at times and I had a hard time keeping track of what was important to which mystery and why. My favorite piece was Dr. Siri's ability to see spirits in his dreams and I enjoyed how much that tied into the story. The side character that help Dr. Siri in the coroner's office were great and overall this was a fine mystery.
"The Coroner's Lunch" is a mystery novel set in 1970s Laos, featuring Dr. Siri Paiboun, the country's only coroner. Despite being 72 and wanting to retire, Dr. Siri is thrust into a series of investigations involving a suspicious death by poisoning and a mysterious body found in a reservoir. Through his keen intellect and supernatural visions, Dr. Siri uncovers political conspiracies and navigates the complexities of a post-revolutionary society.
"The Coroner's Lunch" is a mystery novel set in 1970s Laos, featuring Dr. Siri Paiboun, the country's only coroner. Despite being 72 and wanting to retire, Dr. Siri is thrust into a series of investigations involving a suspicious death by poisoning and a mysterious body found in a reservoir. Through his keen intellect and supernatural visions, Dr. Siri uncovers political conspiracies and navigates the complexities of a post-revolutionary society.
"Communism was the only way man could be truly content; and that man, given his selfish ways, could never practice communism with any success."
lindz42's review against another edition
4.0
I don't often read books from this genre, but I found this one to be particularly well-written--Delightfully sardonic and irreverent.
domicspinnwand's review against another edition
5.0
Schön! Lebt von der exotischen Szenerie - Laos, never heard of it before - aber die Charaktere sind sehr liebenswert beschrieben, die Story hinreichend spannend und Jan-Josef Liefers liest ordentlich. Hat mir sehr gefallen, werde die anderen Bände sicher auch noch hören.