Thai mysteries: Queen of Patpong

[+ newatthis]

Timothy Hallinan has a new Bangkok mystery out: Queen of Patpong. I'm only halfway through, but it's clearly up to the high standard of his earlier books (which have been discussed by Lucky and others on the MC).

 

This one has a long section telling the back story of Rose's journey from village girl in Isaan to bar girl in Bangkok which is riveting. What's not so riveting -- or rather, what makes me uncomfortable -- is the talk among the girls about how they operate and view their clients. If you frequent strip clubs, you'll find yourself wondering "is that what they're really thinking?"

[eeyore]

I'm reading it now. Excellent book. I think it's Tim Hallinan's best novel.