Phnom Penh Express

by Johan Smits

A young Cambodian returns home. A diamond shipment goes missing. A foreign assassin arrives in Phnom Penh. And then there's chocolate - lots of it.     Phirun is determined to make it as Cambodia's first chocolate chef. But things don't go quite as planned when he gets unwittingly caught up in a deadly turf war between rivaling diamond mafia and those who are after them. Falling in love with a mysterious Khmer-Australian doesn't help him.The novel takes us from Tel Aviv through Belgium and Bangkok right up to Phnom Penh. Throw in an overzealous post-9/11 American Intelligence officer and a corrupt Belgian ex-Colonel, in this fast read of crime and intrigue, chocolates have never tasted so good!

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Asia

Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sophie Lizeray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The pace is just nice not too fast, not too slow, and it's a great immersion into a southeast Asian city. And hey, who can resist another chocolate truffle?

[Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny and simple.

This book is about Phnom Penh, coklat, Hezabollah, Mossad and diamond.

Hope can get more book from this author.

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diamonds and chocolate in a thrilling tale set in Cambodia’s capital certainly makes for something a little different with Johan Smits’ debut novel. Phirun has a dream: he will make it as Cambodia’s first chocolate chef. His plans go awry when he stumbles into a violent turf war between rival diamond mafia. Getting romantically entangled with an intriguing Khmer-Australian doesn’t simplify matters.

Phirun is half-Cambodian and half-Belgian and looks to combine his heritage with a Chocolate Shop on a Phnom Penh heritage. But when a shipment of chocolates containing diamonds is mistakenly delivered there, Phirun suddenly finds himself dealing not with chocolate-loving customers but diamond smugglers, arms traders, and professional assassins. Danger and humor mix throughout PHNOM PENH EXPRESS. Smits, a Belgian who has spent years in Cambodia, gives his hero that same ‘insider-outsider’ sense and takes readers on a journey through modern Phnom Penh in all its fragrant glory and grime.

This is a good read; a rather straightforward story and writing style that’s boosted by the vivid setting, unusual characters and events, and sardonic humor. A fast read that careens around the globe a little, while giving readers a deeper insight into modern Cambodian city life. Smits gives readers a sensory experience, from the pervasive aroma of fermented fish to a karaoke soundtrack.

[Pascal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, we found the places and people known to expatriates in Phnom Penh, this is funny but also limit the perspective we get on Phnom Penh and its inhabitants. Anyhow, the intrigue is not too strong, but realistic enough to make us turn the pages. Summer read...

[Maria Georgieva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. It was funny and easy to read, very different and entertaining.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun relaxed read, especially for people that have visited, or lived in, Cambodia. You sometimes almost feel like you've lived part of the book. Very enjoyable!