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Time, Blood and Karma #1
Everyone Burns
It is January 2005 and the charred remains of two Europeans have been discovered on the Thai island of Samui.
Local Police Chief Charoenkul, sidelined by his superiors, enlists the reluctant David Braddock, a burnt-out private detective, to assist in an 'unofficial' investigation.
But Braddock has problems of his own, including an affair with the same Police Chief's wife ...
Peppered with irreverent humour and some pithy comments on everyday life in the Land of Smiles, 'Everyone Burns' is much more than a crime novel. It is also a carefully-crafted psychological study of an anti-hero for our time.
Local Police Chief Charoenkul, sidelined by his superiors, enlists the reluctant David Braddock, a burnt-out private detective, to assist in an 'unofficial' investigation.
But Braddock has problems of his own, including an affair with the same Police Chief's wife ...
Peppered with irreverent humour and some pithy comments on everyday life in the Land of Smiles, 'Everyone Burns' is much more than a crime novel. It is also a carefully-crafted psychological study of an anti-hero for our time.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2012
296 people are currently reading
2932 people want to read
About the author
John Dolan
18 books259 followers"Makes a living by travelling, talking a lot and sometimes writing stuff down. Galericulate author, polymath and occasional smarty-pants."
John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.
John is the author of the Time, Blood and Karma; Children of Karma; and Crimes of Inhumanity series, as well as several standalone novels.
John Dolan hails from a small town in the North-East of England. Before turning to writing, his career encompassed law and finance. He has run businesses in Europe, South and Central America, Africa and Asia. He and his wife Fiona currently divide their time between Thailand and the UK.
John is the author of the Time, Blood and Karma; Children of Karma; and Crimes of Inhumanity series, as well as several standalone novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 23, 2013
It was a real treat for me to discover this 2012 entry to a new detective series. A detective with heart, a fascinating mystery, and an exotic location set in an island community in Thailand.
So what is there about this to distinguish it from the crowd? Our hero, a middle-aged Brit David Braddock, is easy to identify with, kind and literate, a man who empathizes with the downtrodden. He is no boy scout, as he is frequently subject to the human weaknesses of lust and the escape from internal stresses through alcohol. He is unusual as a hero in this genre by avoiding violence, yet he can prove himself brave without being macho. I love how he consorts frequently with a Buddhist monk for advice and how his playful mind reaches to examples from fiction to help with his challenges. The customers for his private detective business mostly involve investigations of suspected infidelity in love relationships. While the truths he uncovers provide a needed dose of reality for his customers, he gets more satisfaction from a separate business he runs in provide counseling and problem solving advice.
The steadiness of his life becomes unraveled when the police chief calls him in to help investigate a murder of a foreigner, a man found bludgeoned and burned. It turns out this is a second murder with the same MO. The first was suppressed, but it is now difficult to keep the press from raising the alarm of an active serial killer, news of which threatens the tourist trade. The other challenge for Braddock is that he is having an affair with the police chief’s wife. Do the murders represent a psychotic person’s hatred of foreigners, jealous rage, or financially motivated crimes?
Against the backdrop of this key case, Dolan shows great finesse in juggling the stories of a set of vibrant minor characters in Braddock’s life. A sexy and spiritual housekeeper from Java, a pragmatic and pregnant office manager, a blind old man embittered by the death of a son, and numerous cameo spots that help color in perspectives on Thai culture. The Buddhist themes that Braddock ponders are pervasive but not overdone; they represent a special source of pleasure to me. The monk exhorts him:
If you would only stop listening with your ears you might understand better. …Let me spell it out for you. …Everything is connected. Everyone is connected. Everyone and everything is interconnected. ..Your analysis of your problem will be based on individual things, but your solution will lie in the interdependency of everything.
Braddock has a self-deprecating form of humor that is refreshing in comparison to the irritating wise cracking common to many detective heroes. For example:
“I bet you get lots of women who cry in here.”
“Some. Most women only cry with me in the bedroom. Usually out of disappointment.”
The title of this gem highlights an organizing thread to the diverse elements of the novel:
Everyone burns, as the Buddha says, in their own way. Some burn with anger, some with lust, some with the desire for vengeance, some with fear. But inside us burn many fires, not just one. We are legion, we contain a multitude.
Dolan may be an unknown quantity for most readers, but I think he is worthy of a wider readership. If you stick with just best-seller authors, you will often end up with a lot of formulaic writing and recycled melodramatic plotting.
So what is there about this to distinguish it from the crowd? Our hero, a middle-aged Brit David Braddock, is easy to identify with, kind and literate, a man who empathizes with the downtrodden. He is no boy scout, as he is frequently subject to the human weaknesses of lust and the escape from internal stresses through alcohol. He is unusual as a hero in this genre by avoiding violence, yet he can prove himself brave without being macho. I love how he consorts frequently with a Buddhist monk for advice and how his playful mind reaches to examples from fiction to help with his challenges. The customers for his private detective business mostly involve investigations of suspected infidelity in love relationships. While the truths he uncovers provide a needed dose of reality for his customers, he gets more satisfaction from a separate business he runs in provide counseling and problem solving advice.
The steadiness of his life becomes unraveled when the police chief calls him in to help investigate a murder of a foreigner, a man found bludgeoned and burned. It turns out this is a second murder with the same MO. The first was suppressed, but it is now difficult to keep the press from raising the alarm of an active serial killer, news of which threatens the tourist trade. The other challenge for Braddock is that he is having an affair with the police chief’s wife. Do the murders represent a psychotic person’s hatred of foreigners, jealous rage, or financially motivated crimes?
Against the backdrop of this key case, Dolan shows great finesse in juggling the stories of a set of vibrant minor characters in Braddock’s life. A sexy and spiritual housekeeper from Java, a pragmatic and pregnant office manager, a blind old man embittered by the death of a son, and numerous cameo spots that help color in perspectives on Thai culture. The Buddhist themes that Braddock ponders are pervasive but not overdone; they represent a special source of pleasure to me. The monk exhorts him:
If you would only stop listening with your ears you might understand better. …Let me spell it out for you. …Everything is connected. Everyone is connected. Everyone and everything is interconnected. ..Your analysis of your problem will be based on individual things, but your solution will lie in the interdependency of everything.
Braddock has a self-deprecating form of humor that is refreshing in comparison to the irritating wise cracking common to many detective heroes. For example:
“I bet you get lots of women who cry in here.”
“Some. Most women only cry with me in the bedroom. Usually out of disappointment.”
The title of this gem highlights an organizing thread to the diverse elements of the novel:
Everyone burns, as the Buddha says, in their own way. Some burn with anger, some with lust, some with the desire for vengeance, some with fear. But inside us burn many fires, not just one. We are legion, we contain a multitude.
Dolan may be an unknown quantity for most readers, but I think he is worthy of a wider readership. If you stick with just best-seller authors, you will often end up with a lot of formulaic writing and recycled melodramatic plotting.
August 11, 2020
Everyone Burns by John Dolan is a criminally unknown novel. To think I might never have discovered it. It's set in Thailand. That mattered to me because I've never read a book rooted there. I warmed to the linguistically amalgating consonance of Indian sounding names. We need to keep revising our opinion of the main character, David Braddock. It's crazy how we need to update and collect new strands of info about him. Everything that happens here is plausible.
Apart from the murders, there's not one shot fired or explosion detonated. Braddock is a cultured character, and when he drives the narrative forward, we get to appreciate the author's mind via him. Braddock does not even have a PI license. That fact defines the direction of the case in question. David does not have any epiphany. In case you are beginning to think that there's only one person in the book, rest assured...having said that, the author has chosen not to delve into purple prose. Sometimes that pays, sometimes you feel further description has gone amiss.
Let me try and articulate why I like this book so much. The hero has flaws instead of eccentricities. The story sets up its red herrings with a seasoned, practiced signature. You don't get annoyed by the speculation arising in your mind, because guessing here is fun and you think you are on the money about some of your assumptions. I myself hit paydirt once in the book. The beginning burgeons with multiple cases for our antihero. That's it, or was it, for me. Maybe you'll unearth more reasons to like the book. Have fun.
A belated word of caution; not all facts in the book are true. Case in point, German is not the only language to have a single word meaning "schadenfreude". The English have a mirroring word of their own. Epicaricacy.
Apart from the murders, there's not one shot fired or explosion detonated. Braddock is a cultured character, and when he drives the narrative forward, we get to appreciate the author's mind via him. Braddock does not even have a PI license. That fact defines the direction of the case in question. David does not have any epiphany. In case you are beginning to think that there's only one person in the book, rest assured...having said that, the author has chosen not to delve into purple prose. Sometimes that pays, sometimes you feel further description has gone amiss.
Let me try and articulate why I like this book so much. The hero has flaws instead of eccentricities. The story sets up its red herrings with a seasoned, practiced signature. You don't get annoyed by the speculation arising in your mind, because guessing here is fun and you think you are on the money about some of your assumptions. I myself hit paydirt once in the book. The beginning burgeons with multiple cases for our antihero. That's it, or was it, for me. Maybe you'll unearth more reasons to like the book. Have fun.
A belated word of caution; not all facts in the book are true. Case in point, German is not the only language to have a single word meaning "schadenfreude". The English have a mirroring word of their own. Epicaricacy.
May 12, 2013
Wow.
This book had me constantly intrigued. Just when you think you've figured out the big "surprise", he hit you with another.
Not only this, the book was witty, and with a no bullshit approach main character, whom you loved but hated.
There were many dimensions to this book that all flowed together seamlessly.
This was a fantastically written book.
I'm not sure why this hasn't been recommended to me, or has more reviewers.
Five stars all around, it wasn't just good reading, it had plot, well written at that and research.
I will be looking for his next and upcoming book(s).
Bravo Mr. Dolan, you get it.
This book had me constantly intrigued. Just when you think you've figured out the big "surprise", he hit you with another.
Not only this, the book was witty, and with a no bullshit approach main character, whom you loved but hated.
There were many dimensions to this book that all flowed together seamlessly.
This was a fantastically written book.
I'm not sure why this hasn't been recommended to me, or has more reviewers.
Five stars all around, it wasn't just good reading, it had plot, well written at that and research.
I will be looking for his next and upcoming book(s).
Bravo Mr. Dolan, you get it.
July 22, 2013
‘I am not a god. I am simply awake.’
Paradox abounds in John Dolan’s wildly entertaining noir detective mystery thriller, Everyone Burns. The central character is one David Braddock, a forty-something Englishman, shadowy and transplanted to the island of Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Braddock is a borrowed convention from the film noir genre — cynical, Marlboro smoking, whiskey drinking: he is all man — powerless to the charms of a beautiful woman, full of integrity yet surrounded by deception. His job, in dual roles of private investigator and “therapist” is to find the truth beneath any veneer of artifice and he relies on his uncanny sense of intuition, coupled with a finely tuned power of keen observation and the outlines of strict logic. He is constructed as a paradox by Mr. Dolan — Braddock is a Buddhist, yet he can throw a punch; he is a model of discretion yet he advertises on billboards. This conflict serves as vehicle for the story but is just one layer of the contrasts which make the novel so entirely compelling to read.
Action in the story begins with a violent fight in the Mosquito Bar, complete with busy transsexual katoeys and imposing foreigners or farangs. Immediately the reader’s expectations are established and we easily trust our guide into this underworld. The novel is peppered with familiar archetypes but they are all related with the even humour which provides the levity to the darker scenes meticulously played-out for the reader. Mr. Dolan does a seamless job of motivating the action through the many locations that typify Thailand and there is a definite familiarity to these environments which offer enough detail to help a reader unfamiliar with the novel’s locale to understand the complexity of that world. From the seedy escort bars to meditative temples, Mr. Dolan weaves in keen filmic images; the ambience feels authentic and he understands just how much to show.
The narration mirrors a voice-over in film noir and Mr. Dolan has artfully incorporated the iconic aspects of the genre into his novel. Instead of rain soaked streets, we explore dusty Thai tourist promenades; there is a sense of corruption, of a seething underworld and Braddock is sufficiently psychologically torn to satisfy Howard Hawks and oh yes, of course there is a beautiful femme fatale or two. The details of the mystery aspect are laid out into a delicate puzzle and then adeptly re-assembled; we are never left hanging. The pace of Everyone Burns is brisk and entirety engaging. Much skill has been demonstrated to compel the reader through such an iconic landscape and Mr. Dolan has done the genre he reinterprets a gentle poetic justice.
This book is for the avid reader of mystery or for those who simply yearn to explore the underworld of a foreign land and to follow an anti-heroic guide along a labyrinth of corruption, murder and deception. It is a highly engaging existential puzzle box.
Paradox abounds in John Dolan’s wildly entertaining noir detective mystery thriller, Everyone Burns. The central character is one David Braddock, a forty-something Englishman, shadowy and transplanted to the island of Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Braddock is a borrowed convention from the film noir genre — cynical, Marlboro smoking, whiskey drinking: he is all man — powerless to the charms of a beautiful woman, full of integrity yet surrounded by deception. His job, in dual roles of private investigator and “therapist” is to find the truth beneath any veneer of artifice and he relies on his uncanny sense of intuition, coupled with a finely tuned power of keen observation and the outlines of strict logic. He is constructed as a paradox by Mr. Dolan — Braddock is a Buddhist, yet he can throw a punch; he is a model of discretion yet he advertises on billboards. This conflict serves as vehicle for the story but is just one layer of the contrasts which make the novel so entirely compelling to read.
Action in the story begins with a violent fight in the Mosquito Bar, complete with busy transsexual katoeys and imposing foreigners or farangs. Immediately the reader’s expectations are established and we easily trust our guide into this underworld. The novel is peppered with familiar archetypes but they are all related with the even humour which provides the levity to the darker scenes meticulously played-out for the reader. Mr. Dolan does a seamless job of motivating the action through the many locations that typify Thailand and there is a definite familiarity to these environments which offer enough detail to help a reader unfamiliar with the novel’s locale to understand the complexity of that world. From the seedy escort bars to meditative temples, Mr. Dolan weaves in keen filmic images; the ambience feels authentic and he understands just how much to show.
The narration mirrors a voice-over in film noir and Mr. Dolan has artfully incorporated the iconic aspects of the genre into his novel. Instead of rain soaked streets, we explore dusty Thai tourist promenades; there is a sense of corruption, of a seething underworld and Braddock is sufficiently psychologically torn to satisfy Howard Hawks and oh yes, of course there is a beautiful femme fatale or two. The details of the mystery aspect are laid out into a delicate puzzle and then adeptly re-assembled; we are never left hanging. The pace of Everyone Burns is brisk and entirety engaging. Much skill has been demonstrated to compel the reader through such an iconic landscape and Mr. Dolan has done the genre he reinterprets a gentle poetic justice.
This book is for the avid reader of mystery or for those who simply yearn to explore the underworld of a foreign land and to follow an anti-heroic guide along a labyrinth of corruption, murder and deception. It is a highly engaging existential puzzle box.
January 27, 2013
Everyone Burns by John Dolan is set in Thailand and he does a great job of bringing the book’s setting and environment to life. Against that backdrop, he proceeds to tell a tale of a double murder through a cast of great characters led by his eccentric, irreverent protagonist, David Braddock. Braddock is an extremely flawed individual and Dolan lets this element play out against a Buddhist monk in a wonderful counterpoint. Their interactions were both touching and very funny and, for me, some one of the book’s high points.
Mr. Dolan has a sharp voice and style. Fans of John Burdett’s Sonchai Jitpleecheep series, like me, will enjoy Everyone Burns. Where Burdett will often turn philosophical and melancholy, Dolan is more prone to head towards the irreverent and funny. This approach serves him well and is definitely in his strike zone. But like Burdett, Dolan knows how to tell a great story and I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and tension mounted.
I highly recommend this book without reservation. Well done, Mr. Dolan. I’m very much looking forward to the next installment.
Mr. Dolan has a sharp voice and style. Fans of John Burdett’s Sonchai Jitpleecheep series, like me, will enjoy Everyone Burns. Where Burdett will often turn philosophical and melancholy, Dolan is more prone to head towards the irreverent and funny. This approach serves him well and is definitely in his strike zone. But like Burdett, Dolan knows how to tell a great story and I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and tension mounted.
I highly recommend this book without reservation. Well done, Mr. Dolan. I’m very much looking forward to the next installment.
February 13, 2013
Where do I start? First scene: Bar fight, bar fight, bar fight! I have so many comments and questions for this author. John, what do they use besides rubber hoses? I totally agree with Wayan’s take on “Alice in Wonderland”. (That will be explained when you read the book)
The story begins with PI/counselor David Braddock who has moved to a small island in Thailand. He tracks down unfaithful girlfriends and occasionally gives marriage counseling. He has a penchant for cracking on his clients but being discreet is his creed. Without it, he wouldn't last on this tiny island.
I guarantee, when you read this book and you get to the part where you learn more about the lead character, David, an eyebrow will raise, you’ll cover your mouth with your hand and say, “Whoops!” David is a cad but a generous, lovable cad.
I really enjoyed David’s escapades through the land of Thai when he is “convinced” to aid the chief with a murder mystery. Is the chief soliciting David’s help because he’s setting him up or is does he really need the assistance of the PI/psychotherapist? These are just some of the things that make you go, “Hmmm”.
Read the detective’s story along with a great cast of side characters with enjoyable and hilarious dialog, which helps move the story along with top notch detective work, some giggles and wonderful depictions of Buddhists Temples and island scenery. If I ever visit, I will remember to not drink the coffee.
Get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions, cause it’s going to be bumpy. John Dolan has done a great job and I thank him for letting us readers be a part of his world.
The story begins with PI/counselor David Braddock who has moved to a small island in Thailand. He tracks down unfaithful girlfriends and occasionally gives marriage counseling. He has a penchant for cracking on his clients but being discreet is his creed. Without it, he wouldn't last on this tiny island.
I guarantee, when you read this book and you get to the part where you learn more about the lead character, David, an eyebrow will raise, you’ll cover your mouth with your hand and say, “Whoops!” David is a cad but a generous, lovable cad.
I really enjoyed David’s escapades through the land of Thai when he is “convinced” to aid the chief with a murder mystery. Is the chief soliciting David’s help because he’s setting him up or is does he really need the assistance of the PI/psychotherapist? These are just some of the things that make you go, “Hmmm”.
Read the detective’s story along with a great cast of side characters with enjoyable and hilarious dialog, which helps move the story along with top notch detective work, some giggles and wonderful depictions of Buddhists Temples and island scenery. If I ever visit, I will remember to not drink the coffee.
Get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions, cause it’s going to be bumpy. John Dolan has done a great job and I thank him for letting us readers be a part of his world.
June 10, 2013
Everyone burns says Buddha, and that certainly applies to this brilliant reinvention of the noir detective mystery thriller. Move over Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane, we now have John Dolan who sets a small Thailand island, sorry for that, on fire with political intrigue, grisly serial murders, unfaithful wives and husbands, gangsters, bent cops and just about the sleaziest detective ever. Said detective is David Braddock, down on his luck with work and women, who spends his time dirtying his hands and soul with the unsavoury aspects of humanity.
But when the chief of police invites Braddock, well not really inviting, more a stern demand or you will be deported kind of request, to help solve a grisly series of murders, the detective is thrust into a situation that could very well find his own body lying in a side street with its throat slit wide open.
Braddock is way beyond sleaze, in fact he makes sleaze the new black with his love 'em and leave 'em philosophy, but then surprises with his genuine acts of kindness such as restoring at his own expense an old man's eyesight. This Braddock is one helluva conundrum surrounded by an assortment of human detritus which he manipulates, cajoles and bends to at whim to suit whatever agenda suits him best.
Does Braddock solve the murder case - I ain't gonna tell you, so there! Read this slimy FIVE STAR GUMSHOE PIECE OF PULP FICTION and if you know how to whistle BLOW!
But when the chief of police invites Braddock, well not really inviting, more a stern demand or you will be deported kind of request, to help solve a grisly series of murders, the detective is thrust into a situation that could very well find his own body lying in a side street with its throat slit wide open.
Braddock is way beyond sleaze, in fact he makes sleaze the new black with his love 'em and leave 'em philosophy, but then surprises with his genuine acts of kindness such as restoring at his own expense an old man's eyesight. This Braddock is one helluva conundrum surrounded by an assortment of human detritus which he manipulates, cajoles and bends to at whim to suit whatever agenda suits him best.
Does Braddock solve the murder case - I ain't gonna tell you, so there! Read this slimy FIVE STAR GUMSHOE PIECE OF PULP FICTION and if you know how to whistle BLOW!
June 5, 2013
Hugely entertaining - Everyone Burns has something for everyone. Humour, drama, a likeable lead character, a deep knowledge and understanding of Thailand and a few lessons in Buddhism along the way.
I guessed the ending several times and got it wrong every time. Some nice twists and turns in a setting for which I have a particular affection.
This is clearly the first in a series and I started to look for the sequel as soon as I hit the last page. No higher compliment.
I guessed the ending several times and got it wrong every time. Some nice twists and turns in a setting for which I have a particular affection.
This is clearly the first in a series and I started to look for the sequel as soon as I hit the last page. No higher compliment.
May 30, 2013
Everyone Burns takes place in Thailand, a country I know well, and Mr. Dolan knows better. His attention to setting, language, and the accurate depiction of the Thai people drew me in from the start.
A cast of eccentric characters kept me riveted to the story, and none was more eccentric than protagonist, David Braddock. He roams the island of Samui as a farang (foreigner) but is intimately familiar with the culture, working as a private investigator and pseudo-therapist. He's a smartass with a razor-sharp intuition and a cocky son-of-a-bitch with a heart--a stand-up guy despite his shortcomings.
His encounters are discreet, honest, and oftentimes laugh-out-loud funny. It's during these interactions where Mr. Dolan's prose shines. Quick and witty dialogue helps the reader uncover the layers of a series of murders.
Though David Braddock could easily have become a caricature of any number of wisecracking main characters, Mr. Dolan does a few things to anchor his protagonist.
(1) He sets the story in Thailand - the "Land of Smiles" where even the hardest of men would succumb to some of its charm and magical mysticism.
(2) He creates an endearing relationship with David and a monk who becomes his moral compass, his superego, or a yin to his yang. Whatever he is, their relationship is a strong, complex union of two men not often found in fiction.
(3) He presents David Braddock as a flawed human being, someone we may not like but can certainly relate to. Despite his failings as a man, he is still someone you'd call if you were in trouble and needed to be bailed out.
Though I'm not usually a fan of the first person POV, in thrillers, it makes for an intimate and memorable tale so long as the narrator has a strong voice. Mr. Dolan has certainly created such a character with David Braddock.
I'm happy to say Everyone Burns is the first in a series. I look forward to many more books from Mr. Dolan.
A cast of eccentric characters kept me riveted to the story, and none was more eccentric than protagonist, David Braddock. He roams the island of Samui as a farang (foreigner) but is intimately familiar with the culture, working as a private investigator and pseudo-therapist. He's a smartass with a razor-sharp intuition and a cocky son-of-a-bitch with a heart--a stand-up guy despite his shortcomings.
His encounters are discreet, honest, and oftentimes laugh-out-loud funny. It's during these interactions where Mr. Dolan's prose shines. Quick and witty dialogue helps the reader uncover the layers of a series of murders.
Though David Braddock could easily have become a caricature of any number of wisecracking main characters, Mr. Dolan does a few things to anchor his protagonist.
(1) He sets the story in Thailand - the "Land of Smiles" where even the hardest of men would succumb to some of its charm and magical mysticism.
(2) He creates an endearing relationship with David and a monk who becomes his moral compass, his superego, or a yin to his yang. Whatever he is, their relationship is a strong, complex union of two men not often found in fiction.
(3) He presents David Braddock as a flawed human being, someone we may not like but can certainly relate to. Despite his failings as a man, he is still someone you'd call if you were in trouble and needed to be bailed out.
Though I'm not usually a fan of the first person POV, in thrillers, it makes for an intimate and memorable tale so long as the narrator has a strong voice. Mr. Dolan has certainly created such a character with David Braddock.
I'm happy to say Everyone Burns is the first in a series. I look forward to many more books from Mr. Dolan.
April 10, 2013
Everyone Burns by John Dolan is a must read in every sense of the word. A good looking, charming PI on an island of beauty, that runs both an investigative service and a counseling service, while juggling women, mystery and murder… I was hooked in an instant.
Surrounded in the lush beauty of Thailand, and intermixed in the local society, politics, and spirituality, this story focuses on one man’s journey to find the truth. Through the intermixing of storylines, we are led down a wonderful path of intermixed, complex relationships between murder, infidelity, powerful and dangerous men, and the human psyche. With characters that are well developed, a location clearly defined, and a plot that is cleverly orchestrated, this book keeps you engaged until the very end.
I found myself loving David Braddock… a charming, yet wounded man, with his own personal demons. I found his imperfections to be believable and relatable, and his insecurities, and inner dialogue refreshing and honest. Dolan has made his characters ‘real’ in their actions, interactions, and leaps of growth…
I can only rave about how amazing this book is. It is well written, gritty, thoughtful, and provocative. A definite must read!
Surrounded in the lush beauty of Thailand, and intermixed in the local society, politics, and spirituality, this story focuses on one man’s journey to find the truth. Through the intermixing of storylines, we are led down a wonderful path of intermixed, complex relationships between murder, infidelity, powerful and dangerous men, and the human psyche. With characters that are well developed, a location clearly defined, and a plot that is cleverly orchestrated, this book keeps you engaged until the very end.
I found myself loving David Braddock… a charming, yet wounded man, with his own personal demons. I found his imperfections to be believable and relatable, and his insecurities, and inner dialogue refreshing and honest. Dolan has made his characters ‘real’ in their actions, interactions, and leaps of growth…
I can only rave about how amazing this book is. It is well written, gritty, thoughtful, and provocative. A definite must read!
October 21, 2012
David Braddock, a private investigator in Thailand has many things going on in his life. Not only is he solving mysteries he’s been hired to investigate, but he’s also solving his own internal mysteries. David is a smart, realistic, cocky and trustworthy guy who many people flock to when they have issues requiring utmost discretion.
The story is told in his point of view, which I enjoyed very much. We like David straight away since many people trust him and he is a noble person to both his assistant and his maid. His folly lies in his acts of personal irresponsibility; he is both a heavy smoker and drinker, and his sexual habits certainly are not favourable to the average monogamous adult.
Trouble lies in both his clients and in his affair with the police chief’s wife. David lacks the will to make the right choices for his own good and frequently consults a monk to try and steer him in the right direction. Fortunately, his luck almost never runs out and he manages to keep clean.
The author, John Dolan sprinkles enough basic knowledge of Thai customs and language to help the reader relate to the story appropriately, without confusion. I especially enjoyed his relationships with people. He is a likable character and his humour is strategically placed within the story in unexpected but welcome places.
I found the story to be pleasantly heart warming. David wants to do the right thing always, but his inner demons sometimes prevent him. The reader gets to know his weaknesses and we feel for him.
If you enjoy traditional or even a different flavour in mystery, this book is definitely for you. The story and characters were strong enough that I would consider reading the sequel. Lots of hard work went into this novel, and that is clear through and through. Well done and looking forward to more.
The story is told in his point of view, which I enjoyed very much. We like David straight away since many people trust him and he is a noble person to both his assistant and his maid. His folly lies in his acts of personal irresponsibility; he is both a heavy smoker and drinker, and his sexual habits certainly are not favourable to the average monogamous adult.
Trouble lies in both his clients and in his affair with the police chief’s wife. David lacks the will to make the right choices for his own good and frequently consults a monk to try and steer him in the right direction. Fortunately, his luck almost never runs out and he manages to keep clean.
The author, John Dolan sprinkles enough basic knowledge of Thai customs and language to help the reader relate to the story appropriately, without confusion. I especially enjoyed his relationships with people. He is a likable character and his humour is strategically placed within the story in unexpected but welcome places.
I found the story to be pleasantly heart warming. David wants to do the right thing always, but his inner demons sometimes prevent him. The reader gets to know his weaknesses and we feel for him.
If you enjoy traditional or even a different flavour in mystery, this book is definitely for you. The story and characters were strong enough that I would consider reading the sequel. Lots of hard work went into this novel, and that is clear through and through. Well done and looking forward to more.
June 4, 2013
Simply brilliant.
The setting is Koh Samui, Thailand. I spend lots of time in Thailand, but only as a tourist. This story gives an excellent feel for what it would be like to be a Westerner actually living there.
It’s great to see an insider’s view of this life.
The characters come to life. They are created in a fashion that makes you feel you know them intimately – like them or not, you will know them. The protagonist is a flawed character that you grow to like, but would often like to throttle him.
The plot/story line is absolutely fascinating. The author takes you into a variety of interconnected subplots that keeps you guessing the whole time.
For anyone with an interest in Buddhism, (like my wife, who is currently engrossed in the book), there is lots of thoughtful and insightful philosophical passages. The hero is forced to engage in self-discovery throughout the whole story.
The ending is very satisfying and completes the picture making you glad you invested the time into reading the story.
As a slow reader, I would usually take a month to get through such a story, only being able to read a chapter or two each day. But this was one of the few books I had trouble putting down and finished in record time. I am now keen on reading more by John Dolan.
Highly recommended.
October 7, 2012
I met John Dolan on twitter, his tweets are consistently entertaining. I figured a guy with such wry wit might actually be able to write. It was a good guess. Mr. Dolan authored a highly engaging, entertaining, and at times hilarious novel.
The setting is exotic, slightly erotic, and filled with all the third-world Thai corruption you can handle. A great place to get down and dirty with a murder mystery.
His characters are fully three dimension, lively and perfectly imperfect in all the ways they should be. My hat's off to John Dolan. A very good read indeed.
The setting is exotic, slightly erotic, and filled with all the third-world Thai corruption you can handle. A great place to get down and dirty with a murder mystery.
His characters are fully three dimension, lively and perfectly imperfect in all the ways they should be. My hat's off to John Dolan. A very good read indeed.
June 3, 2013
"Everyone Burns" by John Dolan was recommended to me by several friends but since I am not a huge crime fiction fan I waited for an Amazon promotion before getting and reading it.
The story is about a British Private Investigator and counsellor David Braddock who lives in Thailand to make his money stretcj further. Braddock is a very interesting, washed out and overall really great character whom to follow is hugely entertaining. Although he has marital problems and a lot of depth there is a dubious and not so serious side to him.
Braddock gets asked by the police to assist in the investigation of a series of murders. At the same time he is being sent anonymous notes, suggesting blackmail, pointing at his affair with the wife of a colleague.
I can picture a film made from this book and I would ideally cast a Humphrey Bogard in B&W in it but fans of the genre will probably have better suggestions.
What I liked most about the book is Dolan's writing. He is clever, perceptive and very witty. Each chapter has literary or philosophical quotations as headings and they are apt to the chapters as they bear witness to a very well read and educated writer, almost "wasted" in a crime story. I am certain that I missed lots of great references and in-jokes that pay tribute to Sherlock Holmes and other famous crime fiction but I really enjoyed the book even without catching all of them.
This book should do very well.
The story is about a British Private Investigator and counsellor David Braddock who lives in Thailand to make his money stretcj further. Braddock is a very interesting, washed out and overall really great character whom to follow is hugely entertaining. Although he has marital problems and a lot of depth there is a dubious and not so serious side to him.
Braddock gets asked by the police to assist in the investigation of a series of murders. At the same time he is being sent anonymous notes, suggesting blackmail, pointing at his affair with the wife of a colleague.
I can picture a film made from this book and I would ideally cast a Humphrey Bogard in B&W in it but fans of the genre will probably have better suggestions.
What I liked most about the book is Dolan's writing. He is clever, perceptive and very witty. Each chapter has literary or philosophical quotations as headings and they are apt to the chapters as they bear witness to a very well read and educated writer, almost "wasted" in a crime story. I am certain that I missed lots of great references and in-jokes that pay tribute to Sherlock Holmes and other famous crime fiction but I really enjoyed the book even without catching all of them.
This book should do very well.
December 21, 2013
John Dolan's Everyone Burns is a delight to read - if you don't believe me, peek into those vital five or more pages given to us for a sneak preview. His main character is complex, an irreverent and intelligent man, who gets himself in and out of trouble as we gradually find out more about him and why he makes the decisions he does.
Dolan brings to life living in the tropics, always with a background of the sorts of goings-on for which Thailand has a reputation. But Dolan surprises the reader time and again - here I'd love to talk about a couple of important spoilers - just take my word for it: this book will grab your imagination and roar away with your time. Once started, you'll have to finish it. Already I have recommended this book to several friends - it is witty, fast-paced and utterly compelling. And I've just downloaded the next book in the series.
Dolan brings to life living in the tropics, always with a background of the sorts of goings-on for which Thailand has a reputation. But Dolan surprises the reader time and again - here I'd love to talk about a couple of important spoilers - just take my word for it: this book will grab your imagination and roar away with your time. Once started, you'll have to finish it. Already I have recommended this book to several friends - it is witty, fast-paced and utterly compelling. And I've just downloaded the next book in the series.
February 13, 2013
Great Read!
This is a great book. Once I began reading it, I had to know what happened next. David Braddock is an interesting and complex character who runs a private detective agency. The mystery keeps you guessing throughout and I had anticipated the next book in the series would be called 'Braddock's Enlightenment' (I cannot help but smile and did several times while I read this book) only to be proved wrong. At the end of the book there is a free chapter from the next instalment in this series and the book will be called Hungry Ghosts. Well Done John Dolan!
This is a great book. Once I began reading it, I had to know what happened next. David Braddock is an interesting and complex character who runs a private detective agency. The mystery keeps you guessing throughout and I had anticipated the next book in the series would be called 'Braddock's Enlightenment' (I cannot help but smile and did several times while I read this book) only to be proved wrong. At the end of the book there is a free chapter from the next instalment in this series and the book will be called Hungry Ghosts. Well Done John Dolan!
November 8, 2012
John Dolan has done it again. Everyone Burns is filled with complex characters that lead you through the somewhat corrupt and sexual setting of Thailand. You will be teased and frazzled by the girls and girlyboys, the farangs and David as they take you on a journey of twists, turns, and a few straight forward slams on your ass. As expected, the ending is amazingly satisfying as it surprises and dumbfounds you. Never a dull moment. Thank you, John Dolan.
March 23, 2024
Set in Thailand, this is a character driven thriller with intriguing twists and turns along the way as David Braddock, sometime private detective and therapist navigates the murder of three other foreigners.
The setting is exotic and John Dolan has clearly a well researched knowledge of the country and culture which provides an authentic background to the story and the characters.
I am suspicious of perfect protagonists and David Braddock is certainly not that. He is a complex mixture of empathy, doggedness and irreverence in the form of a smart mouth. Because of this complexity he comes across as realistic and quite endearing in a way. Particularly in his approach to those come seeking his therapy skills. His detective activities however require a different approach,as it brings him into contact with the more seedy elements of the thriving nightlife scene, as he navigates the love interests of foreigners who have fallen for those plying their trade in the clubs, and want to verify their intentions.
His own love life is by necessity secret, and likely to land him in very hot water if discovered by some powerful men in the city, but despite this he pursues his passion for the enigmatic and stunning Kat, pushing the boundaries as far as he can.
He applies this approach to his investigation into the death of three men in recent years who share not only their cause of death, but a tantalising link to one of his other cases he is following, if only he could figure out which one. There are numerous suspects and emerging clues but finding the connections proves frustrating.
Thankfully he is lucky to have those who care for him such as his Balinese housekeeper Wayan, an aged and wise monk who is determined to set him on the right path, and a wife passing in and out of his life for brief moments of comfort.
The author does an excellent job of bringing all the various threads of the story together and has created a cast of believable characters who each bring an important element to the plot. The story comes to a very satisfactory conclusion with just a small hint of what might be to come in the next book in the series. I highly recommend this first book and look forward to reading more.
The setting is exotic and John Dolan has clearly a well researched knowledge of the country and culture which provides an authentic background to the story and the characters.
I am suspicious of perfect protagonists and David Braddock is certainly not that. He is a complex mixture of empathy, doggedness and irreverence in the form of a smart mouth. Because of this complexity he comes across as realistic and quite endearing in a way. Particularly in his approach to those come seeking his therapy skills. His detective activities however require a different approach,as it brings him into contact with the more seedy elements of the thriving nightlife scene, as he navigates the love interests of foreigners who have fallen for those plying their trade in the clubs, and want to verify their intentions.
His own love life is by necessity secret, and likely to land him in very hot water if discovered by some powerful men in the city, but despite this he pursues his passion for the enigmatic and stunning Kat, pushing the boundaries as far as he can.
He applies this approach to his investigation into the death of three men in recent years who share not only their cause of death, but a tantalising link to one of his other cases he is following, if only he could figure out which one. There are numerous suspects and emerging clues but finding the connections proves frustrating.
Thankfully he is lucky to have those who care for him such as his Balinese housekeeper Wayan, an aged and wise monk who is determined to set him on the right path, and a wife passing in and out of his life for brief moments of comfort.
The author does an excellent job of bringing all the various threads of the story together and has created a cast of believable characters who each bring an important element to the plot. The story comes to a very satisfactory conclusion with just a small hint of what might be to come in the next book in the series. I highly recommend this first book and look forward to reading more.
June 13, 2013
David Braddock is a complex man with several problems, both personal and business. Mr. Dolan commences the intricate web of mysteries about to draw you in by introducing a couple of new clients to David's unusual business - he is a barely qualified personal counsellor and an unlicensed private investigator specializing in checking that tourists (farangs) in love with a Thai girl are not being taken for a ride. Enter the Police Chief of this Thai island needing David's help to solve a particularly gruesome murder. This is where it gets really interesting as we learn David has had an affair with the Chief's wife.
The story continues to reveal David's personal life in snippets. His wife, Claire, is rarely home at the same time he is. When she is home their conversations are difficult and unproductive. Yet I sense how deeply David loves Claire, which confuses me as his sexual liaisons are hard to reconcile with what I have learned about his character. The beauty of this story is how it gradually reveals exactly how complex David's character is. As clues from different parts of his life and business connect and disconnect, David also works to resolve his personal problems in a deep and thought-provoking way with a little help from a Buddhist monk. (I have to admit there are several high-brow pages that I only just about managed to keep up with.) For me, the highlight of the story was the jaw-dropping moment when my brain finally caught up with the numerous clues, but only thanks to David (read author) hitting me on the head with the terrible truth.
I won't say more for fear of spoiling the various little mysteries that David slowly unravels, but suffice to say this is an excellent, interesting (the story is set in a beautifully detailed Thailand setting with the occasional philosophical detour), and enjoyable read. There is one mystery still to be unravelled in the series, plus the resolution to this book starts a huge problem for the next David Braddock thriller, but fear not, this is a standalone novel, and one I highly recommend.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story continues to reveal David's personal life in snippets. His wife, Claire, is rarely home at the same time he is. When she is home their conversations are difficult and unproductive. Yet I sense how deeply David loves Claire, which confuses me as his sexual liaisons are hard to reconcile with what I have learned about his character. The beauty of this story is how it gradually reveals exactly how complex David's character is. As clues from different parts of his life and business connect and disconnect, David also works to resolve his personal problems in a deep and thought-provoking way with a little help from a Buddhist monk. (I have to admit there are several high-brow pages that I only just about managed to keep up with.) For me, the highlight of the story was the jaw-dropping moment when my brain finally caught up with the numerous clues, but only thanks to David (read author) hitting me on the head with the terrible truth.
I won't say more for fear of spoiling the various little mysteries that David slowly unravels, but suffice to say this is an excellent, interesting (the story is set in a beautifully detailed Thailand setting with the occasional philosophical detour), and enjoyable read. There is one mystery still to be unravelled in the series, plus the resolution to this book starts a huge problem for the next David Braddock thriller, but fear not, this is a standalone novel, and one I highly recommend.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2014
I loaded the book Everyone Burns into my iPad and carried it around for a couple weeks, attempting to read it when taking small breaks from my daily tasks and duties. It did not work out well that way. This book deserved my full attention. Finally, I resolved the problem by skipping a night’s sleep last weekend. I have to say it was all worth it. I finished the book right before dawn. My eyes popped out (or at least it felt like that way), my brain cells pumped up, and my heart was content from a great read.
Everyone Burns is the first installment of the Time, Blood and Karma series by John Dolan. The book is written in first person and has a sophisticated plot and setup. The protagonist, David Braddock, wears two hats: he's a therapist and private investigator. His dual professions gave him the opportunity to become acquainted with some significant local figures and inadvertently/involuntarily get involved in a serial murder case. David Braddock is an intriguing character--distressed, witty, kind, literary intellect and dangerous at times. He endeavors to emancipate himself from a dark secret from his past, yet muddles himself in a tangled relationship.
Everyone Burns falls under the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres. Still, Mr. Dolan infused the story with much humor and a philosophical point of view.
(By the way, I was born and grew up in Taiwan. Although Taiwan and Thailand are two different countries and Taiwan is much more conservative than Thailand, they both are part of Asia and have similar cultures. It’s amusing to see how Asian culture as a whole is depicted by an Englishman.)
After finishing the book, I took some time to ruminate on the messages that the author intended to convey beyond the murders and exotic scenery. I have to say that this book has layers. It’s up to the readers to dig in.
Everyone Burns is the first installment of the Time, Blood and Karma series by John Dolan. The book is written in first person and has a sophisticated plot and setup. The protagonist, David Braddock, wears two hats: he's a therapist and private investigator. His dual professions gave him the opportunity to become acquainted with some significant local figures and inadvertently/involuntarily get involved in a serial murder case. David Braddock is an intriguing character--distressed, witty, kind, literary intellect and dangerous at times. He endeavors to emancipate himself from a dark secret from his past, yet muddles himself in a tangled relationship.
Everyone Burns falls under the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres. Still, Mr. Dolan infused the story with much humor and a philosophical point of view.
(By the way, I was born and grew up in Taiwan. Although Taiwan and Thailand are two different countries and Taiwan is much more conservative than Thailand, they both are part of Asia and have similar cultures. It’s amusing to see how Asian culture as a whole is depicted by an Englishman.)
After finishing the book, I took some time to ruminate on the messages that the author intended to convey beyond the murders and exotic scenery. I have to say that this book has layers. It’s up to the readers to dig in.
March 30, 2013
Magnificently spun, gritty, witty page-turner...crime fiction at its best..
Sometimes it's difficult to find a crime novel that doesn't cling to the usual formulaic 'whodunit' exposition...not so with 'EVERYONE BURNS'...Author John Dolan has created a magnificent read, set in the beautiful Thai Island of Samui, where the natural beauty and gracious manner of its people clashes with a couple of grisly murders...the kinda down-at-heel private investigator, David Braddock gets involved in an attempt at profiling the possible perpetrator, much against his better judgement, as with most of what he gets drawn into...his reluctance wanes as more and more pointers and fragments of evidence begin to surface...as in all the best unravellings of such mysteries, nothing is ever quite as it seems...an introspective relationship with an old Buddhist monk runs through much of the narrative, without being proselytising...morals and ethics weave easily with Braddock's straying from the straight and narrow, particularly with the wife of the local Chief of Police...there are enough 'plants' and semi-obscure hooks for the reader to enjoy, and the language throughout is extraordinarily entertaining...I understand this is part of a package of at least seven stories, each of which I now eagerly anticipate...terrific, compelling read...
Sometimes it's difficult to find a crime novel that doesn't cling to the usual formulaic 'whodunit' exposition...not so with 'EVERYONE BURNS'...Author John Dolan has created a magnificent read, set in the beautiful Thai Island of Samui, where the natural beauty and gracious manner of its people clashes with a couple of grisly murders...the kinda down-at-heel private investigator, David Braddock gets involved in an attempt at profiling the possible perpetrator, much against his better judgement, as with most of what he gets drawn into...his reluctance wanes as more and more pointers and fragments of evidence begin to surface...as in all the best unravellings of such mysteries, nothing is ever quite as it seems...an introspective relationship with an old Buddhist monk runs through much of the narrative, without being proselytising...morals and ethics weave easily with Braddock's straying from the straight and narrow, particularly with the wife of the local Chief of Police...there are enough 'plants' and semi-obscure hooks for the reader to enjoy, and the language throughout is extraordinarily entertaining...I understand this is part of a package of at least seven stories, each of which I now eagerly anticipate...terrific, compelling read...
June 15, 2013
I was introduced to John Dolan when he graciously agreed to participate in a writing project on my blog earlier this year. I have been curious about "Everyone Burns" ever since. The charm, wit, and humor in John Dolan's Twitter, G+ feeds and blog are infectious, and his writing is rich without being heavy.
"Everyone Burns" is by turns gritty, tender, introspective, darkly funny, clever, sad, dangerous and sexy. Mr. Dolan draws the reader into the Thai landscape and culture, spins a tricky mystery, and releases into the story a wholly engaging and diverse cast.
I was particularly delighted with David Braddock's complex (and brilliantly flawed) relationships with the women in his life.
The first-person point of view is unabashedly intellectual; Braddock is a storyteller of a protagonist, taking the reader through the events of his life through the filter of a man who is literate, self-aware, kind, generous, coarse and full of human failings. In short, the best kind of man.
The resolution is satisfying without being obvious, with unexpected twists and timely reveals.
I am very much looking forward to the next novel in the series.
"Everyone Burns" is by turns gritty, tender, introspective, darkly funny, clever, sad, dangerous and sexy. Mr. Dolan draws the reader into the Thai landscape and culture, spins a tricky mystery, and releases into the story a wholly engaging and diverse cast.
I was particularly delighted with David Braddock's complex (and brilliantly flawed) relationships with the women in his life.
The first-person point of view is unabashedly intellectual; Braddock is a storyteller of a protagonist, taking the reader through the events of his life through the filter of a man who is literate, self-aware, kind, generous, coarse and full of human failings. In short, the best kind of man.
The resolution is satisfying without being obvious, with unexpected twists and timely reveals.
I am very much looking forward to the next novel in the series.
January 10, 2013
I found this book difficult to put down as the storyline had so many unexpected twists and turns.
The main character is David Braddock a counsellor and erstwhile private investigator and British expat living on the island of Sumai in Thailand.
This is a murder mystery that leaves you guessing right up to the last chapter as to whom the antagonist is, usually I have no problem in working out how a plot will unfold, and yet, on this occasion I could never have anticipated how this would end. I could only read and watch the story unfold and loved this book all the more for that reason.
Thailand is described in all its exotic and dusty splendour and the characters are truly an entertaining group of people. I particularly loved David a flawed character, with a sense of humour and a bit of "naughty boy" but who can resist a "rascal".
I won't spoil the ending for you all I can say is it was unexpected and that I have no hesitation in giving this a well deserved 5 stars and look forward to the next book in the series
The main character is David Braddock a counsellor and erstwhile private investigator and British expat living on the island of Sumai in Thailand.
This is a murder mystery that leaves you guessing right up to the last chapter as to whom the antagonist is, usually I have no problem in working out how a plot will unfold, and yet, on this occasion I could never have anticipated how this would end. I could only read and watch the story unfold and loved this book all the more for that reason.
Thailand is described in all its exotic and dusty splendour and the characters are truly an entertaining group of people. I particularly loved David a flawed character, with a sense of humour and a bit of "naughty boy" but who can resist a "rascal".
I won't spoil the ending for you all I can say is it was unexpected and that I have no hesitation in giving this a well deserved 5 stars and look forward to the next book in the series
July 26, 2013
Thai noir!
David Braddock, in his own words, is: "Hiding out, if you will, on a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. Living off the proceeds of earlier capitalist days and inherited money." Pursued by his own demons, he also runs an unlikely dual agency for which he is neither legally or professionally qualified, offering the locals psychological counseling, and visiting men his investigative services: spying on lovelies from girly bars that the suckers have met on vacation, then agreed to support from afar. It is when the latter client-types start getting offed that he is reluctantly drawn into the murder investigation.
This novel of the dark underbelly of Thai culture is well written, with great self-deprecating humor and heart-wrenching angst. There is an explicit sex scene, which to me seemed unnecessary, but didn't affect my overall opinion that this is a great read.
David Braddock, in his own words, is: "Hiding out, if you will, on a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. Living off the proceeds of earlier capitalist days and inherited money." Pursued by his own demons, he also runs an unlikely dual agency for which he is neither legally or professionally qualified, offering the locals psychological counseling, and visiting men his investigative services: spying on lovelies from girly bars that the suckers have met on vacation, then agreed to support from afar. It is when the latter client-types start getting offed that he is reluctantly drawn into the murder investigation.
This novel of the dark underbelly of Thai culture is well written, with great self-deprecating humor and heart-wrenching angst. There is an explicit sex scene, which to me seemed unnecessary, but didn't affect my overall opinion that this is a great read.
October 9, 2012
John Dolan takes careful aim at the reading intellect of Americans and does a wonderful job of spinning a thriller suitable for adult readers on all continents. His Mystery/Detective thriller "Everyone Burns" takes an almost washed up detective living on the Thai Island of Samui and stirs him into a boiling cauldron of breath taking troubles. All readers be aware this author takes no prisoners as you fly through the deftly created dangers and characters thrown out by this man's imagination.
For timid Americans, the accented author takes a few pages to latch onto but once you are comfortable, there is no turning back. You have to finish the book whether you want to or not. Suggested for mature readers only in both body and mind but "Everyone Burns" is a definite great read.
For timid Americans, the accented author takes a few pages to latch onto but once you are comfortable, there is no turning back. You have to finish the book whether you want to or not. Suggested for mature readers only in both body and mind but "Everyone Burns" is a definite great read.
November 8, 2012
Everyone Burns was a great read. My favorite character was the Old Monk. He had little patience for David's self-pity and when he conceded to guide his protégé, it was often in the form of vague spiritualism rather than straightforward answers. I loved it.
The story starts out a little confusing but once I got my feet settled firmly under me, I was good to go. There are a few twists and turns to keep the story interesting, along with wonderful scene development and witty dialogue between many of the characters.
Ok, some of it is kind of cheesy and reminds you of Sam Spade but I think it's intentional and brilliant. "Nevertheless, down these narrow streets a man must walk, even if it is in flip-flops." Who can't relate to that?
The story starts out a little confusing but once I got my feet settled firmly under me, I was good to go. There are a few twists and turns to keep the story interesting, along with wonderful scene development and witty dialogue between many of the characters.
Ok, some of it is kind of cheesy and reminds you of Sam Spade but I think it's intentional and brilliant. "Nevertheless, down these narrow streets a man must walk, even if it is in flip-flops." Who can't relate to that?
December 30, 2012
John introduced me to this book through Twitter and as someone that enjoys a good whodunit - I went for it. Okay so my version was downloaded from Smashwords and read on Kobo rather than Kindle.
Based in Thailand, I can only go with the stories I've heard of the country but it came across as well researched and so it should be since John lives there. The character is just that - a great character with its foibles as any good Brit expat would have.
The story moved well and kept you engaged. Shame I had so much going on and had to read it in instalments but I would recommend it. Looking forward to the next one.
Based in Thailand, I can only go with the stories I've heard of the country but it came across as well researched and so it should be since John lives there. The character is just that - a great character with its foibles as any good Brit expat would have.
The story moved well and kept you engaged. Shame I had so much going on and had to read it in instalments but I would recommend it. Looking forward to the next one.
May 30, 2013
What a terrific read! Particularly if you've spent any time in Thailand, and even more particularly if you've already read John Burdett's novels.
I was wildly enthusiastic about the latter, but frankly, Dolan's may be even better.
I remain infuriated by the design and typography, and it's a credit to the author that I persisted and finished the thing; I may now need to visit SpecSavers!
I just ordered the sequel, by the way. Keep 'em coming, John.
I was wildly enthusiastic about the latter, but frankly, Dolan's may be even better.
I remain infuriated by the design and typography, and it's a credit to the author that I persisted and finished the thing; I may now need to visit SpecSavers!
I just ordered the sequel, by the way. Keep 'em coming, John.
March 4, 2015
A pseudo-PI/counselor, a police chief, and a jâo phâw walk into a bar. Well, not exactly. Take these three characters, put them on a Thailand island (sounds better in your head than out loud), add family, friends, and clients, murder, sex, Buddhism, Alice in Wonderland, and rhinoceros beetles. What do you get? This hodgepodge of a book that was a fun read. Not something I would normally read, but I think I want to read the next book by John Dolan.
March 4, 2022
I was inspired to pick up a copy of Everyone Burns, first book in John Dolan’s Time, Blood and Karma series, after reading the prequel (The Poison Tree). It didn’t disappoint.
The blurb covers the main theme of the plot; however, there is so much more to this story as we come to fully understand the turmoil bubbling in the protagonist, David Braddock’s mind and how it threatens to derail him. It’s a slow unravelling of the complicated threads of his life that have led him to this point until he is inevitably forced to confront his demons.
Aside from the Thai murder investigation itself, there is a lot going on with plenty of twists and turns, Braddock’s dual roles as (unregistered) PI and counsellor, bringing into play a host of well-rounded characters, both good and bad. We’re taken to the girlie bars and seedy haunts of the capital, Bangkok, on stake-outs for jealous husbands/wives and meet some unlikely characters that go to his office to seek his advice. Throw into the mix Braddock’s reckless affair with the Police Chief’s wife – a potential recipe for disaster – and it’s easy to see why his mind is awash with anxiety. When summoned to Bophut Police station, on coming face-to-face with the chief, Braddock fears the game is up and ponders his fate...
‘I checked the chair was not attached to the mains and then sat.’
The dark humour wasn’t lost on me – one of the things I enjoy about this author’s writing. Even in the darkest moments, it shines through. Without a doubt, he is a great storyteller. Another thing that makes Dolan’s stories so interesting is the way they are interspersed with peaceful and poetic episodes that make for a striking contrast to all the drama....
‘The hot bright sky looks down on this impromptu ritual as the smoke rises upwards and the green leaves wobble distortedly in the haze.’
There is a true ring to all of the characters and the way they interact. Braddock’s housekeeper, Wayan, and his secretary, Da being, the most likeable – not forgetting the enigmatic old monk whom I loved!
Once you have sampled book 1 in this riveting start to the series, it’s a given that you’ll feel compelled to move onto the next, as I'm about to do. I can highly recommend this fine author’s work. 5*
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