Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan - 4 stars

[annapi]

I read the original story long ago in 2007, and it was a short novel then, but already had garnered several awards - Philippine National Book Award, Carlos Palanca Memorial Award, and Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Award. Billed as the first Filipino crime novel, it features two Jesuit priests, one of whom has training in forensic anthropology, who pursue a serial killer when the corrupt local police will do nothing for the victims because they are poor boys who lived in the slums.

When I learned that the author had released an expanded volume, I was eager to revisit it. Unfortunately I can't find my original copy for comparison. I don't know if it's the years that have passed, but I can remember very little of the original story, so this read almost like a new book to me.

It has a lot to say about Philippine society, the corruption in government and law enforcement (or lack thereof), and the condition of the very poor. Although I feel compelled to state the caveat that I have no personal experience with Philippine high society, the government, law enforcement or the destitute, I feel the book portrays all that accurately.

The mystery itself is pretty solid, although I am not sure how plausible the murderer's psychological motivations for killing are. But it's easy enough to suspend disbelief and enjoy the thrill of the chase, even though there was no real attempt on the author's part to throw red herrings to mislead the reader - as soon as the killer and our protagonists meet, it was pretty easy to guess right away whodunnit.

I hope this turns into a series, as it is certainly set up for that. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers in exotic locales.

[Cora]

This sounds interesting. I really enjoy books that are set in a culture different than my own, especially when they are written by someone from that culture. Although I don't read a lot of mystery thrillers, you have peaked my interest with this one. Thanks for the review.

[annapi]

I would be interested to read your review on it if you read it. I don't know any non-Filipinos who have read the book and I'm curious about how it comes across to you.

[Booknblues]

This sounds like something I would enjoy. I like the idea of Jesuit priests as protagonists.