First published 2009
Poke Rafferty thought he got lucky at a late night poker game in Bangkok. The American writer won the chance to pen the biography of Khun Pan, a crude billionaire with criminal roots and political dreams. But luck turns toxic fast in a city where nothing appears as it seems. Within hours, Rafferty finds himself trapped between Thailand's elite power brokers. Some want Pan's book buried forever. Others demand Rafferty expose the billionaire's secrets to destroy him before he threatens their control. Rafferty's wife Rose, adopted daughter Miaow, and police friend Arthit become targets in this deadly political chess match. The stakes climb higher when Miaow's street friend resurfaces, begging Rafferty to rescue a village girl caught in a baby selling operation. Drowning in conspiracy and violence, Rafferty faces an impossible choice. To save his family and friends, this foreigner must navigate Thai politics with the cool heart of a native.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, thriller, action, political-thriller
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Bangkok, Thailand
368 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperCollins Publishers
Content warnings: violence