I got this ex-library hardcover from Better World Books. I've enjoyed several books in this series now, including the first two, The Coroner's Lunch and Thirty-Three Teeth, and am picking up the rest as opportunity presents.

The series is about a 70-something doctor who finds himself appointed as the national coroner of Laos, and must do the best he can amid shortages of supplies - and lots of political pressure. Despite the often-harsh setting, the tone is very upbeat, with Siri's wit and humor shining through. And the supernatural touches add interest - and occasional confusion!

This book picks up after the events of Love Songs From A Shallow Grave, and touches on some very sensitive issues, including US involvement in the region and the search for a missing US pilot. It also features a dangerous but vastly entertaining field trip in which Siri, nudged to go along with the search for political reasons, manages to coerce his superiors into letting him bring his entire posse with him. There are loads of culture-clash fun, multi-lingual translation snafus and snarkiness, growing suspense as to who's behind a series of sudden deaths that are related to the missing pilot, and a spectacular conclusion in which some very unlikely heroes step up. Another very enjoyable entry in this series!

I left this book in the Little Free Library on my way home from enjoying the storm-tossed waves at the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine. Hope the finder enjoys the book!

Trivia note: as far as I can tell from my stats page, this is my 15,000th wild release since joining BookCrossing in 2002!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2019 e-less release challenge. ***