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Thai Kiss
Paul Murphy desperately wants to be a big shot but the pursuit of fortune often comes with a heavy price. For Paul, it was the life of his best friend and partner, Tommy, apparently murdered for encroaching on a local drug gang's turf. Paul, a lowly hospital porter, fearful that he'll be next, flees to Thailand to lay low while reconnecting with Tommy's supplier in Pattaya. He meets the enchanting Yim and, veering from his intended plan, starts to rebuild his life running a chain of bars. Sonthi, a local heavy, offers protection for a price and the corrupt Mongkut ensures that the police will always turn a blind eye. So many want a share of Paul's success, but when greed prevails and they get tired of sharing, it's Paul's liberty and life itself that are on the line.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 15, 2013
Dark and Sobering
Totally engrossing, but not comforting. Like watching a train wreck in slow motion with all the details exposed for you to see.
Written in the first person from the perspective of two of the protagonists, you are never sure where the story is actually leading you. Just when you think you have the direction figured out, you change lanes and are on a different trajectory.
It is hard to sympathize with the main male character who is very flawed and quite a loser. But you are compelled to root for him anyway.
I have visited Thailand many times but only as a tourist. I see the surface of the local culture, but don’t even pretend to understand its depth. This story does a great job of painting a picture of a tourist locale exposing a side of life there that outsiders could never get to experience or comprehend. It’s not pretty.
I would highly recommend this book, but don’t expect to feel happy during or after. It’s a story that makes you think. It’s worth the price of admission and I’m glad I invested the time. I will view holidays in Thailand from a totally different perspective now.
Totally engrossing, but not comforting. Like watching a train wreck in slow motion with all the details exposed for you to see.
Written in the first person from the perspective of two of the protagonists, you are never sure where the story is actually leading you. Just when you think you have the direction figured out, you change lanes and are on a different trajectory.
It is hard to sympathize with the main male character who is very flawed and quite a loser. But you are compelled to root for him anyway.
I have visited Thailand many times but only as a tourist. I see the surface of the local culture, but don’t even pretend to understand its depth. This story does a great job of painting a picture of a tourist locale exposing a side of life there that outsiders could never get to experience or comprehend. It’s not pretty.
I would highly recommend this book, but don’t expect to feel happy during or after. It’s a story that makes you think. It’s worth the price of admission and I’m glad I invested the time. I will view holidays in Thailand from a totally different perspective now.
September 20, 2013
I won this book from goodreads giveaway.
This book is an interesting read and it gives detailed account of the lives of the bar girls in Thailand.
I enjoyed reading it and I might reread it sometime in the future.
This book is an interesting read and it gives detailed account of the lives of the bar girls in Thailand.
I enjoyed reading it and I might reread it sometime in the future.
June 1, 2013
I loved the first book by Matt Carrell, Thai Lottery. This is even better. lots of twists and turns and an excellent, page turner of an ending. Great stuff
September 17, 2013
I won this book through goodreads first reads for free.
A great story that is well written and fun to read.
A great story that is well written and fun to read.
November 30, 2019
Quite boring, I couldn’t get into the story and got lost in all the names of places and characters. Not very cheerful, either. Could be my fault, having expected something more of a thriller or a warm, flowery portrayal of Thailand.
It is however well written, and I can see how it might hit the spot for someone who might be in the right headspace for a gloomy tale of lost and hopeless losers.
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
3/5 sad, drunk stars
It is however well written, and I can see how it might hit the spot for someone who might be in the right headspace for a gloomy tale of lost and hopeless losers.
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
3/5 sad, drunk stars
July 8, 2013
Thai Kiss is the author's first novel, following hot on the heels of a highly acclaimed collection of short stories, also set in Thailand.
There are plenty of 5 star reviews on Amazon and the book has been in the upper reaches of the .com and .co.uk rankings since launch.
Highly recommended if you enjoy the darker side of Thailand - but want to read an author who has a deep affection for the country and its extraordinary people.
There are plenty of 5 star reviews on Amazon and the book has been in the upper reaches of the .com and .co.uk rankings since launch.
Highly recommended if you enjoy the darker side of Thailand - but want to read an author who has a deep affection for the country and its extraordinary people.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews