If you enjoyed Bangkok 8, which is the previous book by this author and features many of the same characters, or if you like well crafted detective stories steeped in local (Thai, in this case) color with generous helpings of raunchy sex and graphic violence, there’s some fun to be had with this book. Others should probably stay away, because the book is flawed. Sonchai, the main character of the first book and one of the main draws, sits on the sidelines in this book for long stretches as a flawed narrator, a beautiful young-ish Thai prostitute, relates how she became involved with the CIA agent who turns up dead in the beginning of the book. Thai prostitute adventures in the USA are fun and all, but I prefer Sonchai’s world to the one I live in seen through the eyes of another. The writing style’s the same, there are plenty of laughs, and there’s still enough Thai color to keep it interesting, but I’d probably give this one a pass if I could choose again.

Bangkok Tattoo over on amazon, if you’re still interested..