We loved this as a family read aloud. We liked the pictures throughout the book. The characters were very funny and made us laugh!

4 stars for an engaging book about Dr. Siri Paiboun, retired chief coroner for Laos. This series is probably best read in order, but my library only has some of this series. In this book, #11 in the series, Siri and his friends solve three separate murders that have connections. The author is a British man who lives in Thailand. This book, like the others, provides some insight into Laotian culture with a bit of humor. Siri gets a plea from a Buddhist monk to help a fellow monk escape into Thailand. The monk was a guest in Siri's house, but has been mysteriously kidnapped. This quest sets off a chain of events, leading to a confrontation with the spirit world. If you don't like paranormal mysteries, you might not like this book. Two quotes: Author warning: "A mental health warning: Through necessity this edition is heavily spiced with supernatural elements. For those of you who prefer your mysteries dull and earthy, this is not the tome for you." "Siri put his hand to his chest where the white amulet hung from his neck. it was nothing elaborate: a hunk of white stone. But there was no question that, without it, he would have been long dead." This was a library book.

Murder mystery that began rather slowly but picked up speed quickly. Various interesting characters. Along with the murder mystery the topic of domestic violence was introduced and discussed by using examples. Thoughtful that a section on domestic violence was included at the end, including signs of abuse, ways to support the victim, etc..

I have wanted to read this book for years, but never made it much last where the movie ended. I regret that now! The rest of Bastian’s adventures were so fun, and I can see why the author was not a fan of the movie. (I still love it, though!) There’s so much more!!

Andrew and Russ’s friendship is torn apart when Russ gets interested in a girl- they have growing pains throughout the story as they create a homemade movie based on a local legend. I love Tatulli’s artwork throughout this great graphic.

It was hard to put down. I’m really enjoying this series and can’t wait to start the 3rd book.

An excellent historical fiction novel with a modern twist.

Update- July 24, 2020- If you do one thing, after readingThe One and Only Ivan, of course it should be to immediately listen to the audiobook version of Bob’s story narrated by the incomparable Danny DeVito! What an absolute treat! I’m changing my stars on this one! April,2020-mid pandemic- I recently attended a virtual workshop sponsored by School Library Journal and received an electronic ARC from Harper Collins for an honest review. I appreciated being able to read this early, but I will have to read a real copy, so that I can see the illustrations of Bob, and his crew. Just a truly enjoyable adventure story about Bob, Ruby, and Ivan, and a whole new cast of characters.

This is a moving tale of a Jewish family during WWII. I could not stop listening. This book broke my heart, had me cheering, holding my breath..so many emotions!

A warm & funny look at marriage. Proves that all patents ate really the same world over