Book Review: The Siri Paboun Mysteries by Colin Cotterill

Author: MiriamPublished: Sep 25, 2008 at 5:41 am 0 comments

Colin Cotterill has written a series of mysteries that are quirky and original, full of humor and pathos, and beautifully written. It was an unexpected treat for me to discover this delightful series, and I heartily recommend Siri Paboun and his intrepid crew.

There are five Siri Paboun novels at present, each complete in itself, but together presenting a snapshot of a place and an era. These stories start in 1975, when the Communists take over Laos to the immense surprise of everyone, not least themselves. At least 500,000 of the newly liberated citizens of this enlightened country have chosen to swim across the river or otherwise decamp to Thailand at the opening of the first book, The Coroner's Lunch.

When the story opens, the previous official coroner has fled elsewhere, so Siri P. Siri Paboun, an elderly doctor who fought for Laotian freedom, has been appointed the official coroner. Although he lacks the training and the equipment, refusing the job is not an option. A supporter of the new regime, Siri is hopeful that the Pathet Lao (the new Communist regime) will eventually get their act together and start governing efficiently, but skeptical of this happening any time soon. The new government is devoted to bureaucracy, requiring lengthy forms to be filled out for every trivial action, mandatory meetings, and pompous pronouncements. Under the new regime, Laotians are meant to "volunteer" for menial jobs, such as painting the new civic center, in their spare time. Vietnamese "advisors" are also present and must be reckoned with.

Siri improvises from day to day, performing his assigned duties to the best of his ability, ably assisted by his nurse, Dtui, and by Gueng, a Down's syndrome man who performs the menial tasks of the lab with great patience and zeal. The three of them manage to run the enterprise competently and resourcefully and to enjoy life despite obstacles put in their way.

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Article Author: Miriam

Miriam is a recovering librarian and sometime writer who wrote a book about African American aviators and astronauts cleverly entitled, "Distinguished African American Aviators and Astronauts." She's kind of stuck back in the twentieth century.

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  • The Coroner's Lunch The Coroner's Lunch

    “This series kickoff is an embarrassment of riches: Holmesian sleuthing, political satire, and [a] droll comic study of a prickly late bloomer.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “The sights, smells, ...

  • Disco for the Departed (Soho Crime) Disco for the Departed (Soho Crime)

    “Purely entertaining. . . . Elements of the ritualistic killings are pretty gross and the spooks can be scary; but as the author gently points out, life would be dreary without a few thrills.”—The New ...

  • Anarchy and Old Dogs (Dr. Siri Paiboun) Anarchy and Old Dogs (Dr. Siri Paiboun)

    “A series of terrifically beguiling detective novels. . . . Whimsical, more personal stories that feature Siri and an equally memorable set of supporting characters. . . . A wry, seasoned, off hand ...

  • Thirty-Three Teeth Thirty-Three Teeth

    Praise for Thirty-Three Teeth: “Paiboun’s droll wit and Cotterill’s engaging plot twists keep things energetic; the rather grisly murders are offset by comedy…. The elegant, elderly Paiboun seems an ...

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