Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 5 stars

[Barbara M]

This is a series that needs more attention IMHO. When I discovered the first in the series had been so well reviewed (The Coroner's Lunch), I wanted to read it but was a bit concerned about the subject. This is a mystery series, with a side of humor, set in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War. I was in high school during the war with my male classmates called up in the draft or signing up in their chose branch of the military, as my brother did. Did I really want to read a book, in spite of review, where the main characters are the former enemy? Nah, no problem. I like books about other cultures. I'm so glad I decided to give it a start.

The main character is Dr Siri Paiboum, the coroner for the entire country of Laos. He has a meager budget, a very small staff, and a morgue that has practically no equipment. He should be retired, he's in his 70s, but he was pressed into the job and he's good at it. His wife is the one that got him into the rebellion that put them on the side of the Vietnamese, but Siri is "a reluctant communist." He's usually in trouble with the powers that be. Laos is actually under the thumb of the Vietnamese and not in a good way, at least as far as Siri is concerned. The really unique thing about Siri is that he has a very unwanted connection with the Laotian spirit world and that often gets him into trouble. The spirit world is mostly a subtle part of the book, it doesn't take over the story.

Throughout the books there are wonderful phrases that just make you laugh out loud. Like the time in this book when the helicopter landed near the morgue (an unusual occurrence since the war ended). The wind from the rotors tears out the chrysanthemums that had recently been planted. One of them landed at the front door "as if demanding an autopsy." What a turn of phrase!

In this book, Siri is kidnapped while returning from a conference he was required to attend. There are twists and turns to the story to keep you reading. Another story is going on at the same time, back at the morgue and the staff really need Dr. Siri but he hasn't returned from the conference. So they have to use their wits. I always put these books down with a smile when I've finished.

[Booknblues]

I've read a few in this series and enjoy them.

[Book Concierge]

I read the first one so far ... and definitely will keep reading. Thanks for the reminder.