The Cambodian Book of the Dead
By Tom Vater
TW: torture, murder
Tom Vater is an excellent noir writer, as he exhibits in The Cambodian Book of the Dead. Fans of the genre will appreciate his deftness, while newcomers can appreciate the way he draws his readers into his books like a spider collects prey in its web. Readers who enjoy reading Asian literature will find a compelling story but definitely not one for the faint of heart.
The story is set in Cambodia, where Detective Maier is sent to find the missing German heir of a coffee empire. Maier had been a war correspondent during the Khmer Rouge genocide in the mid-1970’s. Maier returns to Cambodia searching for Rolf and encounters the brutality and corruption that has emerged since the war ended. Will he successfully complete his mission? Will he even survive the mission?
What makes Vater’s writing addictive is how he draws a reader into his world. He says in 50 words what some writers say in 10. If he were to cut down his word count, the remaining story would be so dry it would turn to dust. You feel the booming of the nightclub speakers, smell whatever’s being smoked, and see nearby people struggling in his chaotically presented scene. He presents a vivid picture to readers even those who have never been to Cambodia, never tried to survive in a war zone, never been a detective.
Tom Vater won’t let you sit in the bleachers as he presents his tale – he grabs you and demands your attention to everything going on. The story is ugly, it’s cynical…and utterly riveting.
@TomVater won’t let you sit in the bleachers as he presents his tale - he grabs you and demands your attention to everything going on. #TheCambodianBookOfTheDead @BlackthornTours Share on XThank you, Blackthorn Book Tours for providing a copy of this book.
