A review by bridge_overbooked
The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill

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.

"Communism was the only way man could be truly content; and that man, given his selfish ways, could never practice communism with any success."