In poverty-stricken 1978 Laos, a man with a truck from the city was “somebody,” a catch for even the prettiest village virgin. The corpse of one of these bucolic beauties turns up in Dr. Siri’s morgue and his curiosity is piqued. The victim was tied to a tree and strangled but she had not, as the doctor had expected, been raped, although her flesh had been torn. And though the victim had clear, pale skin over most of her body, her hands and feet were gnarled, callused, and blistered.

On a trip to the hinterlands, Siri discovers that the beautiful female corpse bound to a tree has already risen to the status of a rural myth. This has happened many times before. He sets out to investigate this unprecedented phenomenon - a serial killer in this peaceful Buddhist area - only to discover when he has identified the murderer that not only pretty maidens are at risk. Seventy-three-year-old coroners can be victims, too.

Added to my "WORLD OF CRIME" Bookbox

Released as part of the NOVEMBER "THE" CHALLENGE (#1)

Picked from the World of Crime bookbox last week but only just catching up with admin duties as none happened during Christmas!

Well this did not manage to stay on tbr for long!

This was an intriguing tale which (unfortunately) I could believe may happen in these types of places but was nonetheless sympathetically treated throughout. it was only very close to the end that the twist was revealed and so well done too! Yes, this is well worth reading for the different look at life in a lesser known about society alone but it was beautifully written as well. I would read more of these if I saw them.

No real plan for this at present but who knows ...

Sent out in Round 5 of the Crime Bookbox.

Picked from the Crime Box

Very readable page turner.

Into the World of Crime Bookbox.

Chosen from the world of crime bookbox