Anarchy and Old Dogs

The Dr. Siri Investigations, Book 4

By: Colin Cotterill

Narrated by: Clive Chafer

An elderly man has been run down by a logging truck on the street in Vientiane just opposite the post office. His body is delivered to the morgue of Dr. Siri Paiboun, the official and only coroner of Laos. At the age of 73, Siri is too old to be in awe of the new communist bureaucrats for whom he now works. Before he can identify the corpse, he must decipher a letter in the man’s pocket—it is written in invisible ink and in code. He was a blind retired dentist, his widow explains, and the enigmatic letters and numbers describe chess moves, but they are unlike any chess symbols Siri has previously encountered. With the help of his old friend, Civilai, now a senior member of the Laos politburo; Nurse Dtui; Phosy, a police officer; and Auntie Bpoo, a transvestite fortune-teller, Siri must solve the mystery of the note to the blind dentist and foil a plot to overthrow the government of Laos.

Crack another case with Dr. Siri.©2007 Colin Cotterill (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A series of terrifically beguiling detective novels…Whimsical, more personal stories that feature Siri and an equally memorable set of supporting characters…A wry, seasoned, offhand style that has been the secret weapon of this unexpectedly blithe and charming series." ( New York Times Book Review)

Another funny and interesting story.

I really enjoy the characters in this book. The stories are fascinating and eye opening. I was very young when all this happened so I'm really learning. Clive Chafer does a great job performing these books. Colin Cotterill does a great and very entertaining job on these books. I am enjoying them immensely. Thank you.

I love this series

Mr. Cotterill writes in a way that draws you into the conversations, not just reading about them. Dry wit and entertaining plots. Reader Mr. Chafer wonderful as always.

When love comes calling

So far I am not tired if the good doctor and his associates. I was surprised about his BFF not living up to Dr. S expectations

5th Book I've

listened to in this series. I actually love the stories and how the narrator performs the dialogues BUT the narrator brings them all down from 5 to 4 stars because of his boring monotone reading when he's not doing speaking characters. I have such a hard time anchoring my attention to his voice that I can't appreciate the whole story. Such a shame.

Wonderful author and series! Great history lesson.

Colin Cotterill is a brilliant, compassionate and incredibly witty writer. He takes us on a physical and emotional journey through Laos with each book. I love Dr. Siri and crew. Clive Chafer's narration is spot on. And the Bruce Lee movie... 🤣