After knocking this book, I started it again with a different view. While a somewhat calm mystery, it gives an interesting look at Bangkok, one of my favorite cities. It has some interesting characters but I think the main character is Bangkok and its environs itself. While lacking the wit and punch of "The Basement" it is worth the time.

, which focused on the Bangkok sex industry as a disastrous honey trap for lonely Western males, and now reveals the fact that a foreigner ("farang") can acquire both a happy marriage and a fulfilling professional life in the Land of Smiles. That's good to know.

One of Bob's most endearing characteristics is that he's just a regular bloke with the normal quota of insecurities and fears. This is most evident when he must undergo the unpleasant inconvenience of a screening colonoscopy. I hear ya, Bob! Yup, every five years after you reach that certain age of maturity.

The one thing about Bob that I didn't find credible was his alleged U.S. roots. Please, he came across as American as, well, bubble and squeak. For one thing, he occasionally ended his requests for information with "Yeah?", something I've never heard any American say - at least in the West, Southwest or South - but which is pervasive in the speech of Leather's literary characters native to the United Kingdom in his other books, e.g. the Spider Shepherd series. And, for one claiming to be from N'awlins and a fan of the Saints, you'd think Bob would make some reference to that city's milieu and its football team with the same familiarity that he has of his adopted home, Bangkok. It just isn't there.

BANGKOK BOB AND THE MISSING MORMON is a very fast, light read - perfect for when doing the clothes washing down at the launderette, which is where I enjoyed it.

Stephen Leather has always been at his best when writing about Thailand and South East Asia and Bangkok Bob is a very welcome addition to past works such as Private Dancer and The Tunnel Rats.

I personally don't much care for reviews that basically rehash the plot so I'll instead tell you about the sublime narrative, great, believable characters and just-on-the-right-side-of-corny storyline. As central to the book as Bob and the Mormon is Bangkok itself. It really comes alive in the hands of Mr Leather - it's foibles, frustrations, heat and smells are all there on the page.

Bob himself is a refreshing change from the macho ex-cop, feel-no-pain Mel Gibson types you so often get in this type of book. He has a wry sense of humour and presents some nice hints at a past as an ex policeman in America that I look forward to being revealed.

If you've read Private Dancer you'll love this. If you haven't, go read Private Dancer then grab a copy of Bangkok Bob. Nice to see Big Ron and Bruce etc again too!

Jai yen yen :-)