Bangkok 8 (Sonchai Jitpleecheep Series #1)

Disappointment

Having read one of Burdett's novels about his detective who is trying very hard to be a good Buddhist, I was expecting to be entertained by this book. It turned out to be too "steamy" for me. People who feel that sex is not a spectator sport should avoid this story.

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

A riveting mystery of crime and of the soul

From the first page I knew I would enjoy this book. John Burdett does a great job writing a novel using the comparison made by Sonchai of Western logic compared with Eastern intuition. I loved the structure of Sonchai's mind, constantly detecting not only with classic pluck, research and interviews, but the communication with past lives, lost loved ones, and the teachings of Buddha. So personal was the narrative, and involving people from Sonchai's work and personal life, past and present, that it could have easily been a traditional novel instead of a mystery. This is writing that helps you instantly know things about characters---barring the mystery's revelations, of course. I loved the insight into the Western mind, in many aspects, but, especially, sexuality and corruption. This novel truly demonstrates how alien a culture can seem and how judgmental one can be when encountering it.
This novel was also very funny. You never know when impending doom becomes an uncontrollable guffaw. Also, seeing as how Sonchai's name really IS unique to the ears of Westerners, the old joke of his name frequently getting mispronounced does not get old.
In contrast to the humor, is the underlying sense of tragedy, and I don't mean an American perception of what tragedy or poverty entails for a Thai, but the characters' own perception of their unhappiness. The novel can be cerebral at time, diverging into monologues, but they are always riveting. And, unlike John Twelve Hawks' trilogy, the exposition needed to explain Sonchai's, and through him, any Thai's worldview, never seemed to break the mood, break character, or take us out of this captivating narrative. I don't know why I'm not giving this 5 stars. Maybe if there was a 4 ½.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very highly recommended!

I loved Bangkok 8 just as I loved the other three Sonchai Jitpleecheep books. They're all riveting. Sonchai's character is very well developed and you feel as though you know him. You get a feel for his constant struggle between being a devout Buddhist and being a detective with the Royal Thai Police, most of whom (all maybe?)are portrayed as being "on the take". If you're interested, you'll also learn something about Buddhism in this and the other Sonchai books.

Surreal and very atmospheric police procedural

East meets West, everyday violence meets a touch of the paranormal (or at least the obscure), and good solid detective work is underscored with Buddhism, drugs and alcohol to create a fascinating feast in John Burdett's Bangkok 8.

My husband really enjoyed this novel and recommended I should read it-a good recommendation, since I enjoyed it. My husband likes things logical, and the mystery at the heart of this novel is very logically resolved, though neither of us managed to guess the complete resolution before it was revealed. We both like introductions to different cultures, and, while I doubt if Thailand is a as corrupt as its fictional portrayal, the twists and turns of different values and morals are truly fascinating.

This novel's not one for the squeamish or for readers who prefer their good guys good and their bad guys bad, but it's a surreal voyage through sensual experience, mystical musings, good clean detective work and complex moral ambiguity, resulting in a really good read. I'm hoping my husband will buy and read the rest of the series soon so I can enjoy them too.



Disclosure: My husband bought, read, enjoyed and recommended this.

Not Your Basic Police Story

Book 1 in Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep series

This is a police story that stands above many mysteries I have read lately. Although at first glace it seems to rehash the basics found in other books, it was a pleasant surprise to find otherwise.

The story revolves around a police detective investigating a murder that claimed his partner's life and which the main suspect is a well-connected US businessman. Bangkok is the location; it is described as an exotic city where sex is sold on the street and where the police are seen more as businessman making money from crimes committed in their district and providing protection to keep order and peace.

The story opens with Sonchai and his partner Pichai on the trail of Bill Bradley an American marine stationed at the US embassy. They eventually found him trapped in his car with deadly snakes. In trying to get to him Pichai is bitten and dies. Partnerless and still in shock, Sonchai learns more about Bradley's shady dealings from an FBI legal attaché. It is soon evident Washington wants things hushed, not a problem for Sonchai...Different country, different rules ...when the guilty party is found; he will be eliminated... problem solved...

Sonchai is joined by FBI Kimberley Jones and the name of Sylvester Warren, a huge player in the jade market and a powerful man in Washington soon becomes the center of their investigation. The investigators soon realise they are on their own, Washington and the Thai police have cut them adrift.... What the detectives will face on the streets of Bangkok will be surprising to the reader......very interesting...

The clash in culture, police procedures and political influence adds many twists and turns to this mystery setting it apart from the usual humdrum police story. Through the eyes of Sonchai we see a whole different world, one with an unfamiliar social structure and religious beliefs, a place that has a prolific sex industry and an underground active in drugs and jade trading. Gender reassignment surgery is practiced and cheaply performed; bribery and protection favours are an accepted way of life for everyone. The diversified characters are cleverly developed with a good sense of humour that flows smoothly and brilliantly. This novel has its bizarre and macabre moments but is as interesting as it is captivating.

Breathtaking book

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up, but I was very quickly hooked. What brilliant writing! And you get a mini-lesson in Buddhism to boot. I'm recommending this book to everyone I can think of...

Unique plot; well-developed, sympathetic main character

What's not to like? A unique plot, set in Thailand; fast paced; very likable, sympathetic main character; a look into the Asian sex industry; unexpected resolution and identity of murderer; a worthwhile excursion into another culture. I've already bought the next two sequels.

Great book

This is a well written book, very visual, very good dialogue, fast paced, exotic. Very good book.

One Night In Bangkok

Exotic location, quirky humor and a truly twisted plot makes this a non-stop read. John Burdett is one of those authors you can't get enough of.

The best novel I read this year, almost

Bangkok 8 has everything you could want from a detective story. It features an exotic local, a fascinating protagonist and an interesting vehicle with which to compare Thai and American culture. The story centers around Royal Thai police detective Sonchai Jitplecheep who, with his partner Pichai, has been assigned the task of tailing a U.S. marine. The marine is found dead and crawling with poisonous snakes. In the process of dealing with the snakes, Pichai is killed and Sonchai now has to find out who did it so he can get his revenge. The investigation will give us a tour of Thailand¿s booming sex industry and lead us to a rich and influential American gem merchant. John Burdett has been compared favorably with Martin Cruz Smith, which is high praise indeed. Smith¿s Arkady Renko is considered the archetype for this type of foreign police detective and if you¿ve read Gorky Park you will see similarities with Bangkok 8. Both stories take you inside a foreign culture and show you a side of law enforcement most Americans never see. Both stories also provide an interesting view of American culture as seen by an outsider. As with many good books, what works in Bangkok 8 highlights what doesn¿t. At times it is evident Burdette isn¿t showing us the thoughts and feelings of Thai people but rather his interpretation of these thoughts and feelings. Also, the American characters are portrayed as one-dimensional. I know part of this was the point, Americans would seem dull to a Thai, but I think he could have developed the female FBI Agent who works with Sonchai a little better. She has the hots for him and immediately abandons western logic to adopt his eastern intuitive style of investigation. I think a more realistic approach would be for both of them to make contributions to the investigation based on the strengths of the systems they employ. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will look forward to reading it¿s sequel in the next year.

Five for Eight

This is truly a fascinating novel which takes a hard look at a Westerner in a Thai culture. I rarely give five stars, but for Bangkok 8 it is a given. Anyone who likes murder, intrigue, and tuk tuks will love this.

What a fun read!

As a Thai Buddhist, I've found this novel very refreshing and full of intriguing details. It's outrageous at times. Some parts are very funny (if you understand how Thai people think). It might be difficult to picture all the different scenes in your mind if you haven't been to Bangkok, Thailand, but the author's descriptions are vivid and quite accurate. I really like the ending although some might disagree. It resonates well with how many Thai people perceive the concept of karma and punishment (especially the payback we encounter in this lifetime). I hope there's a sequel coming up soon!

WOW WOW WOW

Great read, after spending some time in Thailand I found the authors insight to the way things work and how people think very refreashing. It is a great read. Great story with enough suspense to keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Story comes togather clean with no parts left unhanging. Wish the story did not end.... Thanks, Rick

Great suspense thriller

In Bangkok the corpse of African-American US Marine William Bradley is found in his Mercedes along with cobras and a giant python. Not long afterward, the partner of Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep is also found dead in a similar manner.

Because he speaks English, 'half-caste Third World' Detective Sonchai is assigned to investigate primarily the marine murder. However, he knows the hidden message that he must work closely with the Americans, which means don't let the facts interfere with the prime objective not to annoy the Yankee authorities. Sonchai escorts FBI agent Kimberley Jones through the nastiest part of town in quest of Bradley's female companion. As they inch closer to locating the missing woman, the half American Sonchai (unknown Yankee father) finds the Fed he is working with quite attractive, but his Buddhist beliefs keep him from crossing a line more dangerous than being stuck inside a car with deadly snakes as companions.

BANGKOK 8 is a refreshing police procedural due to the unique lead protagonist. The who-done-it is well written though the climax seems a bit forced and rushed. The insight into Buddhism is brilliantly interwoven into the tale so that the audience gains depths of knowledge that never slows down the story line. Also cleverly interlaced inside the investigation is a deep look at sex practices. The tale belongs to Sonchai, a vulnerable fatalist with an inner strength and self-deprecating humor that makes him an incredible character that hopefully has many future lives.

Harriet Klausner

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