6th in the Dr. Siri Paiboun, national coroner of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, series.

Well, Laos in 1977 has made the big time--it has its first serial killer. The killer is a clever one, and at first even Dr. Siri, with all his connections to the spirit world (although they are never around when he needs them the most) is unaware that the murder of a pretty rural young woman, done in a ritual fashion, is one of many. And as usual winds up risking both life and 73 year-old limb solving the mystery.

Another fine installment in this light-hearted series, with much less of Cotterill’s usual exposition of Lao history than is usual. But if anyone can make a serial killer seem like a lot of fun, Cotterill can, and the series continues to delight with its cast of at times bizarre, feisty characters. Fans will be fascinated to know that Civilai has taken up baking, Phosy is going to be a father, and Dr. Siri is, as usual, messily involved with the PDRL bureaucracy in a dispute over where he really lives.

Good humor, good writing, interesting if not spectacular mystery. Highly recommended.