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.