Book Review: Skytrain to Murder

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Skytrain to Murder     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Dean Barrett
Class/Genre:   Mystery
2003, Village East Books, 261 pages

Scott Sterling is an ex-CIA agent, now living in Bangkok, in the Land of Smiles. He has become a scuba diving teacher, but he still does some investigative work on the side. Following a chance meeting in a bar one day, he finds himself drawn into a murder investigation involving kinky expatriate orgies and all sorts of trouble. Will he survive?

In ‘Skytrain To Murder’, Barrett’s strength is his vivid evocation of Bangkok and the surrounding area. He paints a powerful picture of a mix of positive and negative images, of seedy sex and incredible wealth. He shows the ubiquitous expatriates, enjoying a life of sun, sand, sea and sex, as well as Thai boxing dens, violence and murder. For this reason, ‘Skytrain To Murder’ may not be to everyone’s tastes, but if you want to read a thriller where the author does not gloss over the seamier side of life, then this could be the one.

The novel is a fast read and packed full of information on Thailand. Barrett, as an expatriate himself, clearly knows what he is talking about, and his descriptions of both Bangkok and diving feel authentic. The plot itself is a little weak, with Barrett perhaps concentrating a little too much on the sensationalistic approach, and the title of the novel is somewhat misleading, since the eponymous skytrain plays a minor role.

Nevertheless, there are much worse thrillers around. ‘Skytrain To Murder’ is enjoyable, simple to read and at time, surprising. If you want to read about Bangkok, try this one!

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com