Bangkok Haunts

Books

John Burdett, a British writer living in Asia, adds another intriguing mystery/noir novel to the genre with Bangkok Haunts. Like its two predecessors, the novel melds Eastern and Western culture while taking readers on a wild ride through Bangkok's seamy underworld, where morality takes on shades of gray. "Imagine a Conrad novel transformed into a video game," notes the Boston Globe, replete with all of the successful clichés of the genre, including fast-paced action and heart-turning plots. Sonchai becomes deeper and more intelligent with each novel, as do Burdett's portrayals of a city where ambiguity reigns. A less-than-convincing ending and some stock characters bothered a few critics, but overall, Bangkok Haunts is a compelling, worthwhile read.