Dr. Siri and the gang are here for another adventure that involves, murder, revenge, and civil disobedience. The skeleton of a woman is found on the town's main road. When sweethearts Tuki and Mr. Geum disappear, the community searches everywhere to find them. The stories are laced with humor, history, bravery, and compassion

Another good one from Dr Siri and crew.

I began this book because I thought it was about cannibalism. I was disappointed to find it is not; rather it's about animals eating people (and vice versa). But it was an excellent, compelling mystery with a good sense of humour and interesting characters. It is also probably the only book I've read to take place in Laos, so learning a bit about that culture was fun, too.

Having been hooked on the Siri Paiboun series since reading "Disco for the Departed", it's a pleasure to follow these quirky characters and the unique murders they solve in the late 70's/early 80's in the Lao PDR. Disappointed that Siri, his wife Daeng, and Civilai were (again) were written as supporting characters (paving the groundwork to hand the baton to Inspector Phosy and Nurse Dtui). The message that animal trafficking victims deserve the same compassion as their human counterparts got a bit preachy at the end, but overall was one well made. The trial was long-winded, and I've a hard time believing that high-ranking bureaucrats would be flexible to consider evidence against one of their own . In spite of this, it was an enjoyable read, and am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

One of the best twists in the series. Less ghosts less “those meddling oldies”, more plot and better villains.

A great addition to the Siri Paiboun series! After the disappointing Rat Catcher's Olympics, this book is back in Laos and all the characters are at their best. The mystery is satisfying, and I learned a LOT about international animal trade which really made this book different from the others.
Recommended for fans of Siri Paiboun series, people interested in Laos, and animal trading.

3.5 Stars.

This is a nice addition to the lives of our favorite characters. There’s some good news for some and bad news for others. Investigations into animal trade (via the death of an unknown woman) results in Cotterill becoming slightly preachy in tone about animal rights. While I agree with him about the need to respect animals, it feels a little heavy handed to have this message repeated multiple times. This is the first novel I’ve felt was somewhat preachy in its message. Usually it’s a satiric commentary on government bureaucracy in a communist regime, but this felt very contemporary in its message of “don’t eat or harm animals.”