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Making Ghosts Dance
US Embassy, Cambodia. Junior American diplomat Chris Kelly spends his days behind blast-proof glass interviewing visa applicants--not exactly the glamorous lifestyle he'd had in mind when he joined the State Department. And Cambodia, while not the worst place in the world to pay his dues on window duty, is not exactly Paris. The State Department considers Cambodia an "extreme hardship" post, and millions of its citizens can still recount atrocities of the Khmer Rouge era. But that's not what gives Kelly nightmares.
Chea Phyrom is the nephew of Cambodia's prime minister. He's what the American Embassy calls a classic MRE--morally repugnant elite--and is the undisputed king of Cambodia's vibrant sex industry. Protected by his uncle, he makes a fortune fulfilling the needs of a multinational flood of sex tourists that grows with every passing year.
Chea's nemesis is Sochua Nika, the only female general ever in Cambodia's armed forces. The prime minister found it politically expedient to make her head of his anti-human trafficking unit--with the tacit understanding she was supposed to look the other way. Sochua didn't get the memo. An ambitious political diva with a political power base of her own, she's made it her life's ambition to take Chea Phyrom down.
By night, Kelly secretly volunteers for IRM, an organization that rescues children from sexual slavery. Posing as a foreign tourist, he leaves his bubble of safety for the seedy nightlife of Phnom Penh in search of underage prostitution. When Sochua's elite anti-trafficking unit, acting on a tip from IRM, raids Chea Phyrom's flagship brothel, Kelly finds himself at the nexus of a deadly political power game he didn't bargain for. Chea vows to make an example of everyone involved--and he doesn't give a damn about diplomatic immunity.
Chea Phyrom is the nephew of Cambodia's prime minister. He's what the American Embassy calls a classic MRE--morally repugnant elite--and is the undisputed king of Cambodia's vibrant sex industry. Protected by his uncle, he makes a fortune fulfilling the needs of a multinational flood of sex tourists that grows with every passing year.
Chea's nemesis is Sochua Nika, the only female general ever in Cambodia's armed forces. The prime minister found it politically expedient to make her head of his anti-human trafficking unit--with the tacit understanding she was supposed to look the other way. Sochua didn't get the memo. An ambitious political diva with a political power base of her own, she's made it her life's ambition to take Chea Phyrom down.
By night, Kelly secretly volunteers for IRM, an organization that rescues children from sexual slavery. Posing as a foreign tourist, he leaves his bubble of safety for the seedy nightlife of Phnom Penh in search of underage prostitution. When Sochua's elite anti-trafficking unit, acting on a tip from IRM, raids Chea Phyrom's flagship brothel, Kelly finds himself at the nexus of a deadly political power game he didn't bargain for. Chea vows to make an example of everyone involved--and he doesn't give a damn about diplomatic immunity.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2017
121 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Gregory E. Buford
4 books56 followersGreg Buford has lived in the US, Dominican Republic, Japan, India, France, Cambodia, Switzerland, and Turkmenistan. His first memoir, Kept: An American Househusband in India, won the PNWA Zola Award, and his novel, Making Ghosts Dance, was both a Montaigne Medal and Eric Hoffer Award finalist. Learn more and keep track of Greg at gregorybuford.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 10, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A minor diplomat in Phnom Penh volunteers for an organization that rescues children from human trafficking. Of course, his adopted daughter is kidnapped.
From there, he and his wife argue and flail about uselessly.
Maybe a little too realistic.
A minor diplomat in Phnom Penh volunteers for an organization that rescues children from human trafficking. Of course, his adopted daughter is kidnapped.
From there, he and his wife argue and flail about uselessly.
Maybe a little too realistic.
January 27, 2022
My book club picked this book because we so thoroughly enjoyed Kept: An American Househusband in India, also written by Gregory Buford. Just as much as that book was so pleasantly enjoyable and amusing for a memoir, Making Ghosts Dance was a drama novel full of suspense (some action packed chapters), well developed characters, a corrupt government, a family in turmoil, and yes, a disturbing topic. I fully agree with the comments given by readers that gave 5 stars to this book which I won't repeat in this review. What I am going to add is that sex trafficking, which this book mostly revolves around, is as real and prevalent as our present opioid epidemic and domestic/child abuse problems to name a few. Making Ghosts Dance made both the Montaigne Medal and Eric Hoffer Award finalist and it deserves to be read to make us aware, open our eyes, and educate ourselves about the horrors of what corrupt governments can do to encourage and look the other way on such an atrocious acts.
January 16, 2023
Way too many plot threads to keep track of.
January 24, 2022
This is a wonderfully well written book about an extremely disturbing subject. It’s illuminating about a country and an issue that that doesn’t receive much notice or attention but that should, particularly from people with the wherewithal to effect change. Gregory Buford is an excellent writer, and this book deserves widespread attention.
October 13, 2017
Couldn't put this one down !
Well-told, believable story with amazing characters. Worth spending a quiet weekend curled up in a comfortable chair with your Kindle and favorite beverage.
Well-told, believable story with amazing characters. Worth spending a quiet weekend curled up in a comfortable chair with your Kindle and favorite beverage.
November 20, 2017
I received this book through a giveaway by the author.
This is a fascinating book. The only reason it took so long to read was the heavy content forced me to take time with each chapter. The themes presented in Making Ghosts Dance require contemplation to truly absorb. Despite the sensitive subject matter, author Gregory E. Buford avoids using titillation or graphic sexual situations to convey the scene, which is very difficult to do while still giving the horrific crimes their proper weight. This balance requires skillful writing that Buford obviously possesses.
The characters are unique and believable, two thing I consider the keystones of a good story. They have strengths, flaws, and understandable motivations. The only real criticism I can level at this book is a slight case of repetitious phrasing. Otherwise, this is an excellent book I highly recommend everyone read.
This is a fascinating book. The only reason it took so long to read was the heavy content forced me to take time with each chapter. The themes presented in Making Ghosts Dance require contemplation to truly absorb. Despite the sensitive subject matter, author Gregory E. Buford avoids using titillation or graphic sexual situations to convey the scene, which is very difficult to do while still giving the horrific crimes their proper weight. This balance requires skillful writing that Buford obviously possesses.
The characters are unique and believable, two thing I consider the keystones of a good story. They have strengths, flaws, and understandable motivations. The only real criticism I can level at this book is a slight case of repetitious phrasing. Otherwise, this is an excellent book I highly recommend everyone read.
January 20, 2018
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
17th Jan, 2018
TITLE: Making Ghosts Dance
AUTHOR: Gregory E. Buford
Star Rating: 5
‘Dark, often troubling. A powerful thriller set in a chilling world of suffering.’
REVIEW
For the last three days, I have been thoroughly immersed in Making Ghosts Dance. Let me begin by saying how gripping this story is. Not only is the plot packed full of twists and turns, but the setting – and the characters – are lovingly described. There is, I think, nothing better than a novel written by an author who knows how to balance setting, speech and plot.
So, what did I like? Well, the Prologue is a real ‘grabber’. I’m very fond of books which open with a ‘BANG!' and not with endless paragraphs of flowery prose. Well, trust me, this opens BIG, hooking the reader in.
But it is the characters and the way that they develop which I particularly enjoyed. It is here that the author excels, showing off not only his fluid style of writing but also his knowledge of Kelly, Phyrom and Nika. I often find with many novels, the author falls into the trap of bringing too many characters into the story which results in a confused reader and a watering down of the plot. Thankfully, this author did not do this and the central characters were well developed and impossible to mix up.
Now to the plot. Is there a plot? Yes, and it’s very good. This is often very dark stuff; the author is not frightened of showing the reader the world of human trafficking, from the dirty politics to the life of a child destroyed. This is not a light novel; there’s not a lot of cheer in it, but the subject is important, and the author shows his respect in every paragraph written
It is very much a J B Turner-style thriller and, in many ways: the intensity of the setting, the characters, it reminded me of A Hard Way, a book I recently enjoyed. But it wasn’t the plot of Making Ghosts Dance (fab title by the way) that I enjoyed the most. Though I did enjoy it. It was the characters. What you will find in this novel is a host of splendidly-developed characters that will not only fascinate you but will also force you to think. There’s a lot of commentary hidden in here, on Cambodia and the terrible sex trade there. But the author’s sly and has such competent writing skills, he can put over his message without the reader ever feeling (too) overwhelmed.
Now to setting. The author works particularly well with this. He understands how important it is not to just simply describe the setting but, rather, have the characters interact with it in a natural and unobtrusive way. This is particularly important in this story, where the setting is almost a character in the book.
Probably the strongest part of the book is the writing style. It is very accessible with plenty of descriptive prose which is well-written and imaginative. The author is also confident with ‘speech’ with plenty of ‘showing’ and not ‘telling’, a good sign of a confident author. Finally, the author is not scared to keep a sentence short and simple where it’s needed; and, by doing so, helping to improve the pacing where speed is important.
Finally, the cover; and, to be honest, not the best in the world. It lacks ‘oomph!’ It needs to be powerful, exciting, tempting the prospective buyer to lift it off the shelf and enjoy the wonders of a superbly written story. They say you can’t judge a book by the cover. Well, in this case, that is the truth.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
17th Jan, 2018
TITLE: Making Ghosts Dance
AUTHOR: Gregory E. Buford
Star Rating: 5
‘Dark, often troubling. A powerful thriller set in a chilling world of suffering.’
REVIEW
For the last three days, I have been thoroughly immersed in Making Ghosts Dance. Let me begin by saying how gripping this story is. Not only is the plot packed full of twists and turns, but the setting – and the characters – are lovingly described. There is, I think, nothing better than a novel written by an author who knows how to balance setting, speech and plot.
So, what did I like? Well, the Prologue is a real ‘grabber’. I’m very fond of books which open with a ‘BANG!' and not with endless paragraphs of flowery prose. Well, trust me, this opens BIG, hooking the reader in.
But it is the characters and the way that they develop which I particularly enjoyed. It is here that the author excels, showing off not only his fluid style of writing but also his knowledge of Kelly, Phyrom and Nika. I often find with many novels, the author falls into the trap of bringing too many characters into the story which results in a confused reader and a watering down of the plot. Thankfully, this author did not do this and the central characters were well developed and impossible to mix up.
Now to the plot. Is there a plot? Yes, and it’s very good. This is often very dark stuff; the author is not frightened of showing the reader the world of human trafficking, from the dirty politics to the life of a child destroyed. This is not a light novel; there’s not a lot of cheer in it, but the subject is important, and the author shows his respect in every paragraph written
It is very much a J B Turner-style thriller and, in many ways: the intensity of the setting, the characters, it reminded me of A Hard Way, a book I recently enjoyed. But it wasn’t the plot of Making Ghosts Dance (fab title by the way) that I enjoyed the most. Though I did enjoy it. It was the characters. What you will find in this novel is a host of splendidly-developed characters that will not only fascinate you but will also force you to think. There’s a lot of commentary hidden in here, on Cambodia and the terrible sex trade there. But the author’s sly and has such competent writing skills, he can put over his message without the reader ever feeling (too) overwhelmed.
Now to setting. The author works particularly well with this. He understands how important it is not to just simply describe the setting but, rather, have the characters interact with it in a natural and unobtrusive way. This is particularly important in this story, where the setting is almost a character in the book.
Probably the strongest part of the book is the writing style. It is very accessible with plenty of descriptive prose which is well-written and imaginative. The author is also confident with ‘speech’ with plenty of ‘showing’ and not ‘telling’, a good sign of a confident author. Finally, the author is not scared to keep a sentence short and simple where it’s needed; and, by doing so, helping to improve the pacing where speed is important.
Finally, the cover; and, to be honest, not the best in the world. It lacks ‘oomph!’ It needs to be powerful, exciting, tempting the prospective buyer to lift it off the shelf and enjoy the wonders of a superbly written story. They say you can’t judge a book by the cover. Well, in this case, that is the truth.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
March 6, 2018
An engrossing, sometimes difficult-to-read book (because of the subject matter) that deals with child sex slavery trades in Cambodia. Based on real events, (which is part of what makes this difficult to digest), the novel deals with an American diplomat who tries to rescue these children. Government corruption and other difficulties bar Kelly from saving his own daughter, taken as a means of revenge.
July 29, 2018
Greg Buford spins a spellbinding tale of an American professional couple working in Cambodia. It depicts the underground world of sex trafficking and the efforts of several Americans that attempt to save young girls from this abuse. It is a dark story but holds the reader's interest with strong and well-developed characters and scenes. As the story progresses the couple's young girl is kidnapped and from there on it's a roller coaster to the end.
May 30, 2023
Making Ghosts Dance
Too much talk about sensitive subjects. This book was rife with human trafficking, and various sex acts with children. It also described children being beaten and forced to use drugs. For me, it was too much and detracted from the story which was showing how governments are corrupt and there is no such thing as police justice in some parts of the world.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
Too much talk about sensitive subjects. This book was rife with human trafficking, and various sex acts with children. It also described children being beaten and forced to use drugs. For me, it was too much and detracted from the story which was showing how governments are corrupt and there is no such thing as police justice in some parts of the world.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
August 29, 2018
This book is a thoughtful and entertaining look into the world of diplomats fighting human trafficking. Extremely cinematic, the suspenseful writing captures the stress and suspense of fighting corruption in a foreign land. I very much appreciated the realistic exploration of a married couple and the thoughtful ending.
September 5, 2020
Hard subject to read about
I found this subject matter hard to read about , that is because this evil and horrendous business is still going on. In my state there have been two raids on human trafficking in the last month. A light has to be shone on this to make people more aware and what is being done all over the world. It's this book that makes a difference.
I found this subject matter hard to read about , that is because this evil and horrendous business is still going on. In my state there have been two raids on human trafficking in the last month. A light has to be shone on this to make people more aware and what is being done all over the world. It's this book that makes a difference.
March 27, 2022
A heartbreaking book about child sex trafficking, political corruption and suspense that will give you a run for your money. So well written that you feel like you are on the chase with them trying to save Mai and all the other little girls caught up in the tangled mess of corruption and lies. Excellent book.
August 29, 2021
A five star read
Action and adventure that engages the reader at every step. An American Embassy worker volunteers with an NGO to rescue children of Cambodia's prostitution business, leading to personal peril and adventure.
Action and adventure that engages the reader at every step. An American Embassy worker volunteers with an NGO to rescue children of Cambodia's prostitution business, leading to personal peril and adventure.
October 11, 2017
An OK read
June 17, 2018
Great read. I couldn't put it down during the action, and I was touched by characters' soft sides. It's not often (never) that I'm this impressed by a complete unknown.
July 1, 2018
Very good story, but all of the politics lost me.
February 9, 2018
Before I give my review, I'd like to mention that the author stated in his Foreward: "While this is a work of fiction, the situations described herein are inspired by actual events and circumstances."
This is a well-researched story about sex trafficking in Cambodia. For those unfamiliar with Cambodia, it shares a border with Vietnam and is a country about the size of our state of Oklahoma. Most of us only heard it mentioned in conjunction with the war in Vietnam several decades ago.
I had no idea that this relatively small country is home to approximately 3,000 brothels, which are its prime business. These brothels are home to girls of all ages, even those of pre-school age (though the government verbally says no children live in them). Pedophiles from all over the world converge on this country to satisfy their pleasures. Those girls that don't sell their assets within those walls, work the streets. The corrupt government, at all levels, turn a blind eye to it.
International groups work quietly to rescue children from this sexual slavery. They temporarily house them in a shelter & then free them. The only problem is periodically the shelters are raided, with the government looking the other way and the girls being returned back to the brothels.
This is the story of an American diplomat who worked to help rescue the girls and children. His 6-year old daughter was kidnapped from a school for diplomatic children by a vengeful man who was a relative of the prime minister. Because of that relationship, the diplomat had no success in getting his child back and was forced to take matters into his own hands. I was sitting on the edge of my chair reading the suspenseful ending.
Note to author: Without going into detail, I would've rated it a 5-star but the editing has room for improvement.
Follow up: Corrections later completed in revised edition and rating upgraded to a 5-star.
This is a well-researched story about sex trafficking in Cambodia. For those unfamiliar with Cambodia, it shares a border with Vietnam and is a country about the size of our state of Oklahoma. Most of us only heard it mentioned in conjunction with the war in Vietnam several decades ago.
I had no idea that this relatively small country is home to approximately 3,000 brothels, which are its prime business. These brothels are home to girls of all ages, even those of pre-school age (though the government verbally says no children live in them). Pedophiles from all over the world converge on this country to satisfy their pleasures. Those girls that don't sell their assets within those walls, work the streets. The corrupt government, at all levels, turn a blind eye to it.
International groups work quietly to rescue children from this sexual slavery. They temporarily house them in a shelter & then free them. The only problem is periodically the shelters are raided, with the government looking the other way and the girls being returned back to the brothels.
This is the story of an American diplomat who worked to help rescue the girls and children. His 6-year old daughter was kidnapped from a school for diplomatic children by a vengeful man who was a relative of the prime minister. Because of that relationship, the diplomat had no success in getting his child back and was forced to take matters into his own hands. I was sitting on the edge of my chair reading the suspenseful ending.
Note to author: Without going into detail, I would've rated it a 5-star but the editing has room for improvement.
Follow up: Corrections later completed in revised edition and rating upgraded to a 5-star.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews