A reader reviews a mystery series with an Asian flavor

Submitted by:  Lynn Morgenstern. 9/6/2020

For anyone who loves mysteries and wants to try something in the genre that is quite different from the typical British and American who-done-its, I recommend a dip into Colin Cotterill’s Dr. Siri Paiboun series.

Cotterill’s investigator, Dr. Siri is in his 70’s and is a Paris-trained physician holding the title of National Coroner in Laos.  While I have only read a couple in the series so far, I can tell that the books span a dramatic period in Indochinese history.  They begin in 1976, just after Laos has overthrown its monarchy, and the communist Pathet Lao is in control, and series ends in 1981. Even so, many of the mysteries require investigation into events that took place farther back in time, such as the World War II and the Vietnam War eras, and involve trips into neighboring Thailand and Vietnam.

Each member of the usual cast of characters is truly unique.  For example, Siri’s wife, Madame Daeng is sharp as a tack, an intrepid warrior in her own right and never takes her husband too seriously.  Humor and tragedy are ever-present in this series, not to mention that Dr. Siri is periodically tormented by a spirit that will not take “no” for an answer.  Politics and national rivalries are also on display in the novels.  The Laotian characters distribute the barbs equally, since many conclude that the common man is never the winner, no matter who is in power.

There are always the necessary twists and turns for those seeking a mystery, but it is the characters and culture that enrich this series.  As reviewer Janet Maslin wrote in the New York Times on August 23, 2007 while discussing Anarchy and the Old Dogs: “But everywhere Mr. Cotterill’s characters go, they maintain a wry, seasoned, offhand style that has been the secret weapon of this unexpectedly blithe and charming series.”

As stated on a book jacket, author, Colin Cotterill lives in Chumphon, Thailand, with his wife and “a number of deranged dogs”.  He has won a Dilys Award and a Crime Writers Association Dagger in the Library award.  He has a fascinating background, including running an NGO in Phuket, Thailand, involved in child protection and founding the Books for Laos program.  The latter is described on its website as “a free floating project that supplements the work and funding of groups who are already dealing with the problem of providing books for children and institutions throughout the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos and offers scholarships for children who do not fit into existing government programmes”. (http://www.colincotterill.com/bfld1.htm)