'Bangkok 8' a great read

Life with sex, innuendo and Buddhist sensibilities, "Bangkok 8," the latest novel from established writer John Burdett, is a gripping mystery set in the pulsating city of Krung Thep -- more commonly known as Bangkok to us. While focusing on the seedy underbelly of the city, Burdett is careful to note that the sex trade in Bangkok, while world famous, is actually smaller than that of Taiwan, the Phillipines or the United States. \nThe first trek into Bangkok is on the tail of a detective, Sonchai. Born a half-caste -- half Thai and half white -- he is a "monk" cop with the corrupt Royal Thai Police, meaning he is one of the few Thai cops who won't accept bribes. His partner, also a "monk," is killed in a spectacular manner after they both witness the murder of a monolithic U.S. Marine, William Bradley, with a most unusual weapon -- pythons and cobras drugged with yaa baa, the Thai name for methamphetamine. \nSonchai vows revenge on his partner's death and begins to investigate the unusual killings; he immediately associates the style of killing with the gangs that run unfettered in the city. Now the question posed is why would a U.S. Marine, who is fabulously wealthy by Thai standards, be killed by a Thai gang?\nThe FBI cooperates with Sonchai's investigation, providing him with a partner who appears to have been shunted to the unfavorable posting. However, they balk when he uncovers evidence that an extremely wealthy and powerful American has more to do with the murder than meets the eye. \nWhat the FBI doesn't know is Sonchai's new partner is actually in Bangkok to find out what precisely the prime suspect is involved in.\nStanding in the way of the investigation into the murders are Bradley's brother -- a formidable drug dealer -- the corruption of the Royal Thai Police, the stonewalling of the FBI and the elusive identity of the exotic consort with whom Bradley kept company. Sexual perversion enters the mix; Bradley emerges as the complete opposite of a clean-cut marine. Twists and turns lead Sonchai in different directions, and the conclusion of the novel is the last thing you would expect. \nI thoroughly enjoyed "Bangkok 8." While set in a foreign land, Sonchai is very accessible as a character. While wild, the twists and turns of the mystery are feasible, making the story exotic and enjoyable. The reader is constantly peppered with reminders of Buddha and Eastern philosophy, making the trips into the Thai mind easier for the Western reader to understand. "Bangkok 8" is a murder mystery of the first order, and anybody who is interested in tales of police and mystery should consider picking it up.\n"Bangkok 8" lists for $24, but is available on Amazon.com for $16.