Review: QUEEN OF PATPONG (William Morrow 2010)Author: Timothy Hallinan
QUEEN OF PATPONG is named for the wife of Poke Rafferty, a writer and the usual protagonist of Timothy Hallinan's Bangkok thriller series. Unlike the other books in the series, this story focuses on Poke's wife, Rose. The story gives readers a full picture of Rose's life (and it ain't pretty).
Although the book starts from Rafferty's point of view, it switches over about a third of the way through to Rose's viewpoint. Not only does this give readers a deeper look into Rose's past, but Hallinan manages to do so while maintaining the tension and humor (despite the bleak scenario described) that are his trademarks.
After a grabber of an opening scene that plays into the theme of the book, the main story begins with Rafferty, Rose and their ever-more-teenaged adopted daughter Miaow having dinner at a restaurant. The three are discussing the Shakespeare play, The Tempest, in which Miaow will appear and which Rafferty is adapting (i.e., truncating with extreme prejudice) to make it more palatable for the kids in Miaow's class to perform.
This semi-pleasant (as discussions with teenaged girls go) scenario is rudely interrupted by the appearance of a man. Not a nice man, either. The man and his not-so-nice friend emanate hostility toward Rose – and she makes it plain the feeling is mutual. Naturally, Rafferty goes on alert. When the man leaves, Rose confesses that she knew him years ago and thought he was dead. By her own hand.
The first third of the book shows Rafferty taking action to protect his family from this threat. Along the way, he takes in another victim – a young girl who (like Rose) seems to be heading for a squalid life as a dancer and prostitute in Bangkok's strip clubs. The man's threat creates pressure and a volatile dynamic among the family members. Miaow's turn as the moody and petulant teen puts her at odds with Rose because of her past life. Things reach a head and become explosive.
Read the entire review at: http://thriller-fiction.suite101.com/article.cfm/review-of-queen-of-patpong
Just for kicks, I've embedded this cool book trailer. Enjoy!
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