What do you think?
Rate this book
The Father Ananda Mysteries #1
Mindfulness and Murder: A Father Ananda Mystery
When a homeless boy living at the youth shelter run by a Buddhist monastery turns up dead, the abbot recruits Father Ananda, a monk and former police officer, to find out why. He discovers that all is not well at this urban monastery in the heart of Bangkok. Together with his dogged assistant, an orphaned boy named Jak, Father Ananda uncovers a startling series of clues that eventually expose the motivation behind the crime and lead him to the murderers. "Mindfulness and Murder" is the first in the Father Ananda murder-mystery series.
An award-winning movie based on Mindfulness and Murder was released in 2011 by DeWarenne Pictures in Bangkok and nominated for Best Screenplay by the Thailand National Films Awards 2012.
An award-winning movie based on Mindfulness and Murder was released in 2011 by DeWarenne Pictures in Bangkok and nominated for Best Screenplay by the Thailand National Films Awards 2012.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2006
24 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Nick Wilgus
21 books204 followersI sold my first short story to The Horror Show Magazine at the age of seventeen and I've been writing ever since. An award-winning movie was based on my first novel, MINDFULNESS AND MURDER, and I was also nominated for a Lambda Award.
A former newspaper editor and author of more than a dozen novels and two screenplays, I currently live in Tupelo, Mississippi right down the street from the house where Elvis grew up..
A former newspaper editor and author of more than a dozen novels and two screenplays, I currently live in Tupelo, Mississippi right down the street from the house where Elvis grew up..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 15, 2013
Book Review
Mindfulness and Murder
Author: Nick Wilgus
I started Mindfulness and Murder not sure what I was going to find. I have read crime dramas before and books dealing with all manner of issues concerning Thailand, but never have I encountered one that blended these two together. Considering Mr. Wilgus has spent some time in the Kingdom, I was hoping for something more in tune with the realities of Thai culture, and not the typical Hollywood view of a morally baseless Bangkok as an adult wonderland or a hell on earth entrapping ‘innocent’ westerners. Mr. Wilgus not only stayed away from all the cliches but showed his readers an easily graspable view of Thailand without overwhelming or lecturing them, all the while telling the tale of an excellent murder mystery.
The story revolves around Father Ananda, a senior monk who used to a police officer. Ananda joined the order to escape dealing with personal problems that came from his career as police officer. One morning the body of a young man who is a part of a group of homeless boys that the temple is trying to help is murdered and left in a bathroom in a rather gruesome manner. The Abbot of the temple, knowing Anandas’ past asks him to investigate along with the regular police officers. This starts a larger ball of problems to unravel as Ananda gets closer to the truth, as he finds connections to a drug ring operating in his temple.
Mindfulness and Murder is an American novel, meaning that Mr. Wilgus takes the head on approach to storytelling much the same way many great American authors have, which is, tell the story. He doesn’t get bogged down in details that do not help the story. He shows you the characters through their actions rather than trying to tell you what is going on in their heads. Father Ananda is the only exception to this, as the story is told in first person, but Wilgus keeps Ananda focused avoiding internal ramblings. The keeps the novel moving at a good clip and keeps it interesting.
The stylistic approach goes hand in hand with the Buddhist themes and wisdom weaved throughout the novel. Being mindful of his state of mind keeps Ananda from his internal ramblings, for example. He always pulls away from thinking too much about something that is not a part of the case. Showing the people in action is a more Buddhist approach then telling the reader about them. The characters, from the Abbot, to Brother Kittisaro, the computer nerd monk who administrates the front desk, are filled out by watching what they do and how they speak, rather than explained. Buddhism goes deep into this novel. The main character bears the name of Buddha’s foremost student, which ties into Anandas‘ character as the novel goes on, he is but a student himself. Wilgus does a great job of working in the fundamental wisdom of Thai Buddhism without being preachy. Anandas’ investigation is a growing processes for him as well as seeking justice for a forgotten and abused young man.
I was also happy with how Mr. Wilgus dealt with the Kingdom of Thailand in his story. Thailand can be very confusing to many westerners and there are still many people who are completely unfamiliar with the country. Wilgus explains aspects of Thai culture clearly without turning the novel into a travelogue or cultural study. He sticks with what the reader needs to know about Thailand through Anandas’ eyes. This introduces Thailand to the reader and keeps them from getting trapped trying to understand many things that might be unfamiliar to them. For readers more familiar with Thailand Father Anandas’ adventures do not seem like a shallow scraping of Thai culture fished out of Lonely Planet guidebook. The depth is still there, but mindful of what needs to be understood for the sake of the story.
I am very pleased to have read this novel and recommend it for anyone wanted a fun, approachable and very human story. I say read it for the tale Mr. Wilgus tells but take away a glimpse of Thailand and it’s Buddhism when you are done.
Mindfulness and Murder
Author: Nick Wilgus
I started Mindfulness and Murder not sure what I was going to find. I have read crime dramas before and books dealing with all manner of issues concerning Thailand, but never have I encountered one that blended these two together. Considering Mr. Wilgus has spent some time in the Kingdom, I was hoping for something more in tune with the realities of Thai culture, and not the typical Hollywood view of a morally baseless Bangkok as an adult wonderland or a hell on earth entrapping ‘innocent’ westerners. Mr. Wilgus not only stayed away from all the cliches but showed his readers an easily graspable view of Thailand without overwhelming or lecturing them, all the while telling the tale of an excellent murder mystery.
The story revolves around Father Ananda, a senior monk who used to a police officer. Ananda joined the order to escape dealing with personal problems that came from his career as police officer. One morning the body of a young man who is a part of a group of homeless boys that the temple is trying to help is murdered and left in a bathroom in a rather gruesome manner. The Abbot of the temple, knowing Anandas’ past asks him to investigate along with the regular police officers. This starts a larger ball of problems to unravel as Ananda gets closer to the truth, as he finds connections to a drug ring operating in his temple.
Mindfulness and Murder is an American novel, meaning that Mr. Wilgus takes the head on approach to storytelling much the same way many great American authors have, which is, tell the story. He doesn’t get bogged down in details that do not help the story. He shows you the characters through their actions rather than trying to tell you what is going on in their heads. Father Ananda is the only exception to this, as the story is told in first person, but Wilgus keeps Ananda focused avoiding internal ramblings. The keeps the novel moving at a good clip and keeps it interesting.
The stylistic approach goes hand in hand with the Buddhist themes and wisdom weaved throughout the novel. Being mindful of his state of mind keeps Ananda from his internal ramblings, for example. He always pulls away from thinking too much about something that is not a part of the case. Showing the people in action is a more Buddhist approach then telling the reader about them. The characters, from the Abbot, to Brother Kittisaro, the computer nerd monk who administrates the front desk, are filled out by watching what they do and how they speak, rather than explained. Buddhism goes deep into this novel. The main character bears the name of Buddha’s foremost student, which ties into Anandas‘ character as the novel goes on, he is but a student himself. Wilgus does a great job of working in the fundamental wisdom of Thai Buddhism without being preachy. Anandas’ investigation is a growing processes for him as well as seeking justice for a forgotten and abused young man.
I was also happy with how Mr. Wilgus dealt with the Kingdom of Thailand in his story. Thailand can be very confusing to many westerners and there are still many people who are completely unfamiliar with the country. Wilgus explains aspects of Thai culture clearly without turning the novel into a travelogue or cultural study. He sticks with what the reader needs to know about Thailand through Anandas’ eyes. This introduces Thailand to the reader and keeps them from getting trapped trying to understand many things that might be unfamiliar to them. For readers more familiar with Thailand Father Anandas’ adventures do not seem like a shallow scraping of Thai culture fished out of Lonely Planet guidebook. The depth is still there, but mindful of what needs to be understood for the sake of the story.
I am very pleased to have read this novel and recommend it for anyone wanted a fun, approachable and very human story. I say read it for the tale Mr. Wilgus tells but take away a glimpse of Thailand and it’s Buddhism when you are done.
March 19, 2014
Fantastic first part in the Father Ananda mystery series set in Thailand by American writer Nick Wilgus. Father Ananda is a Buddhist monk of course and gets drawn into a murder case in his own temple in Bangkok. A young boy is found dead on the premises and all points to things not being well in either the temple or the Land of Smiles. Father Ananda and his young sidekick Jak set out to solve the crime while illuminating a pretty realistic, somewhat seedy Thailand and offering bitter-sweet insights into life in a Buddhist monastery. This is a classic, well written whodunit murder mystery, set in an exotic locale, in a world that few westerners have any knowledge of. Great read.
May 8, 2019
I picked up Mindfulness and Murder because I needed a book for a challenge--a book set in a church, convent, monastery, etc--and I hated that most people would automatically default to a Christian house of worship--so I deliberately sought out a book involving a different religion. While I prefer books by #ownvoices authors, and wonder how this book might have been different had the author been a native of Thailand (i.e. perhaps not using American/ English-focused turns of phrase, like referring to the Indianapolis 500 or the proof being in the pudding), I nevertheless really enjoyed this book, and feel like I learned a lot about Thai urban life, law enforcement, and monasteries, and about Buddhism and its practice in general. The descriptions were detailed, but in a way that brought the setting to life. I could practically smell the automobile exhaust, and feel the smothering heat and humidity around Father Ananda. Apparently this story was realistic enough for Thai audiences to even be made into a Thai movie (which I'm wondering if I could find to watch), so I consider that a recommendation.
I found the story to be a slow boil that nevertheless held my interest through, and by the end left me actually caring what happened to Ananda and Jak. I read the last 30-40% of the book in one sitting on a sunny weekend afternoon, and ended satisfied and happy. Perhaps some of Ananda's teachings and musings on Buddhist beliefs actually sank in a little too. Not that I'm Buddhist. I just appreciated much of what he explained. I even found myself using some of his instructions on mindfulness later in the week.
So this was overall a win--a serviceable murder mystery that kept me guessing as to the identity of the murderer, a hero who I came to care about, an adorable boy in need of familial affection, and a fascinating setting. I know that there are 3 more books in the series, and I will eventually be picking those up as well. I'll also try to find some more books in this setting, by #ownvoices authors, to see how they compare. If you're looking for a good murder mystery in an international setting with diverse characters, I'd definitely recommend Mindfulness and Murder.
I found the story to be a slow boil that nevertheless held my interest through, and by the end left me actually caring what happened to Ananda and Jak. I read the last 30-40% of the book in one sitting on a sunny weekend afternoon, and ended satisfied and happy. Perhaps some of Ananda's teachings and musings on Buddhist beliefs actually sank in a little too. Not that I'm Buddhist. I just appreciated much of what he explained. I even found myself using some of his instructions on mindfulness later in the week.
So this was overall a win--a serviceable murder mystery that kept me guessing as to the identity of the murderer, a hero who I came to care about, an adorable boy in need of familial affection, and a fascinating setting. I know that there are 3 more books in the series, and I will eventually be picking those up as well. I'll also try to find some more books in this setting, by #ownvoices authors, to see how they compare. If you're looking for a good murder mystery in an international setting with diverse characters, I'd definitely recommend Mindfulness and Murder.
August 12, 2016
First of all, "Mindfulness and Murder" is a cracking good mystery. Father Ananda, a former policeman turned monk, is confronted with two murders inside his temple in Thailand. No matter that he gave up police work, he can't turn away from this tragedy in what should be a holy place.
And so begins a story of religion, drugs, corruption, homeless youth, and sex, set in the bustle of Bangkok. The principles of Buddhism play a major part in the story, and are presented sympathetically.
One of the qualities I admire most in a book is the ability to make me see the world from a different perspective, and "Mindfulness and Murder" provides that in spades. It doesn't hurt that Wilgus' writing is clear, descriptive, and non-interruptive. There's just literally no reason to stop reading. I like that. Now I just have to dive back in for the other three adventures in Father Ananda's world.
And so begins a story of religion, drugs, corruption, homeless youth, and sex, set in the bustle of Bangkok. The principles of Buddhism play a major part in the story, and are presented sympathetically.
One of the qualities I admire most in a book is the ability to make me see the world from a different perspective, and "Mindfulness and Murder" provides that in spades. It doesn't hurt that Wilgus' writing is clear, descriptive, and non-interruptive. There's just literally no reason to stop reading. I like that. Now I just have to dive back in for the other three adventures in Father Ananda's world.
February 10, 2011
Spero che vengano tradotti presto anche altri titoli sulle indagini di Padre Ananda.
Ho apprezzato lo stile di Wilgus, che ci offre larghi squarci di una realtà lontana da noi, dando un forte risalto all'aspetto più umano delle vicende.
Molto azzeccati gli insight sul buddhismo e la vita dei monasteri.
Ho apprezzato lo stile di Wilgus, che ci offre larghi squarci di una realtà lontana da noi, dando un forte risalto all'aspetto più umano delle vicende.
Molto azzeccati gli insight sul buddhismo e la vita dei monasteri.
November 28, 2021
Well written murder mysyery
A murder mystery that doubles as a lesson about Buddhism and it's monks plus Bangkok. Well written and keeps your attention. Major character is well developed but minor characters less so. Moving on to next book in series.
A murder mystery that doubles as a lesson about Buddhism and it's monks plus Bangkok. Well written and keeps your attention. Major character is well developed but minor characters less so. Moving on to next book in series.
November 30, 2009
First Father Ananda mystery. Not all that mysterious, but the setting, locale, and religion are all interesting elements.
August 19, 2010
Not a great book, but a good mystery and worth the few hours it takes to read it.
April 12, 2013
It took a little bit to get into this book, but, once I worked out the characters, I couldn't put it down. Interesting and well-written.
July 14, 2016
A Buddhist Monastery in Bangkok has a dead body on their hands, and Father Ananda was an ex-cop, so naturally the Abbot asks him to investigate.
March 7, 2017
Lacked the humor of Colin cotterill
Would recommend as a quick read and clever monastery mystery in south Asia's bustling metropolis. But didn't get the writing quality, character development, or laugh lines of the Dr siri series.
Would recommend as a quick read and clever monastery mystery in south Asia's bustling metropolis. But didn't get the writing quality, character development, or laugh lines of the Dr siri series.
May 13, 2020
Nice style and very good plot for this original idea.
December 31, 2012
John Burdett's Bangkok Haunts whetted my appetite for more Bangkok mysteries, so I snapped up this one when I spotted it for the right price - it's another murder mystery, this time with a Buddhist monk as the detective. In some ways I felt like Wilgus is Burdett's opposite as a writer - where Burdett's book suffered from an absurd reliance on the supernatural as plot device and cheesy dialogue, Wilgus has written a sensible, but ultimately trite piece of detective fiction. Wilgus has clearly read the likes of Raymond Chandler and it's clear he understands the arc of the typical murder mystery, but there are numerous points where the plot doesn't make any sense (the motive for the murder, in particular, comes across as murky and half-baked). Overall it's a bit of a paint-by-numbers job.
Despite the problems, the idea of a detective in the monastery is interesting enough that I might pick up another of the books in the series at some point to see if things have improved.
Despite the problems, the idea of a detective in the monastery is interesting enough that I might pick up another of the books in the series at some point to see if things have improved.
October 12, 2012
Fantastic first part in the Father Ananda mystery series set in Thailand by American writer Nick Wilgus. Father Ananda is a Buddhist monk of course and gets drawn into a murder case in his own temple in Bangkok. A young boy is found dead on the premises and all points to things not being well in either the temple or the Land of Smiles. Father Ananda and his young sidekick Jak set out to solve the crime while illuminating a pretty realistic, somewhat seedy Thailand and offering bitter-sweet insights into life in a Buddhist monastery. This is a classic, well written whodunit murder mystery, set in an exotic locale, in a world that few westerners have any knowledge of. Great read.
January 5, 2013
Fantastic first part in the Father Ananda mystery series set in Thailand by American writer Nick Wilgus. Father Ananda is a Buddhist monk of course and gets drawn into a murder case in his own temple in Bangkok. A young boy is found dead on the premises and all points to things not being well in either the temple or the Land of Smiles. Father Ananda and his young sidekick Jak set out to solve the crime while illuminating a pretty realistic, somewhat seedy Thailand and offering bitter-sweet insights into life in a Buddhist monastery. This is a classic, well written whodunit murder mystery, set in an exotic locale, in a world that few westerners have any knowledge of. Great read.
June 9, 2013
Pensate che i monaci buddisti siano tutte delle brave persone, animi gentili che non farebbero mai del male ad una mosca???
Leggetevi questo libro e vi ricrederete.
L'idea non è male, e introduce in un ambiente, quello buddista, e ci aiuta a capire, molto leggermente, qualche dogma di questa religione e ci mostra aspetti da noi poco conosciuti.
Sotto l'aspetto giallo, il libro non è male, ma troppo facile capire chi è che ha organizzato tutto, anche se l'autore cerca di sviarti senza riuscirci troppo
Leggetevi questo libro e vi ricrederete.
L'idea non è male, e introduce in un ambiente, quello buddista, e ci aiuta a capire, molto leggermente, qualche dogma di questa religione e ci mostra aspetti da noi poco conosciuti.
Sotto l'aspetto giallo, il libro non è male, ma troppo facile capire chi è che ha organizzato tutto, anche se l'autore cerca di sviarti senza riuscirci troppo
April 1, 2014
Loved this book and started right away with the second book. I never visited Thailand and I think wouldn't this much insight as a tourist. I liked the nearly laconic style of writing. The mystery was interesting and I liked the protagonists.
August 4, 2016
I really liked the book and it was made into a movie in Thailand. The author spent close to two decades working for the Bangkok Post so he is familiar with the country. I have already recommended it to few people to read.
October 30, 2014
I kept waiting for the murderer to be found - as in any good mystery. Wilgus does a good job of using his setting of Bangkok. Not a bad read
June 1, 2015
This book is is a carefully laid out murder mystery where you will learn a bit about Buddhism and the life of a monk in a Buddhist monastery. Quite enjoyable.
January 5, 2017
Another new-to-me author. Excellent mystery set in Bangkok monastery. Very different
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews