"The Coroner's Lunch" by Colin Cotterill serves up a combination of quirky characters, recent Southeast Asian history, intriquing deaths in a manner that only serves to build an appetite for more stories about Dr. Siri, his assistants and friends (or are they enemies). Set in 1975 as Laos begins its struggles with independence, poverty and the need to mix Buddhism, Communism, and its largely poor and untrained population into a viable country. Dr. Siri is the appointed coroner who faces discovering the murderers of three men dumped in a river and one woman, dead of mysterious causes. It all sounds very heavy and dark but it isn't. The story is full of hope and optimism. Is Auntie Lah who sells sandwiches a love interest for 71-year-old Siri or a criminal in the making? That is the cliffhanger we are left with at the end. Lab assistant, newly promoted from secretary in this book, Dtui, represents the younger women in the country striving for better lives. Mr. Geung, who copes quite, makes a livelihood in the morgue that is suited to his Downs Syndrome issues. Cotterill has traveled widely in Southeast Asia and lived in Laos. His knowledge of the people and issues is obvious. He currently works for UNICEF and others to prevent child tracking. This book is one in a series and I can't wait for the next book. My fellow knitter and friend, Sue, from the Pomfret, CT Library suggested this and I thank her.
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