I got this softcover at a local Savers thrift shop for another release copy. It's the 8th book in the series that began with The Coroner's Lunch, and follows Love Songs From A Shallow Grave.

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 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!

The series continues with The Woman Who Wouldn't Die.

I left this book in the Little Free Library on this warm-for-November day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2022 e-less challenge. ***