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Toxic Spirits
For fans of John Burdett (Bangkok 8) and John Le Carre (The Constant Gardener): Toxic Spirits is a highly atmospheric thriller set in Thailand, a playground for colorful expats, beautiful women and limitless skullduggery. Narrated with insightful meditations on nature and biodiversity, interspersed with macabre violence and dark hilarity, the novel is also a brilliant, genetics- and AI-inspired take on multiculturalism and personal identity.
Advance Praise: "A complex and enthralling international intrigue with a treasure of remarkable detail neatly packed into a short novel that dances on the edge of John le Carré territory. A rich read from start to finish." Frederick Barthelme, author of New Yorker stories and eleven novels including There Must Be Some Mistake. "Mani writes Thailand beautifully with heart and a lot of souls." Colin Cotterill, author of The Coroner's Lunch, from the Dr. Siri Paiboun mystery series, and sixteen other novels set in Laos and Thailand. "Toxic Spirits is a striking debut. Its prose, fluid, will tug you along; its dialogue, rendered gracefully, sparkles with authority; its plot is loaded with much to love, plenty to leave you in the kind of wonderment your soul has sought in books." Mark Wisniewski, Pushcart-prize winning short story writer and author of Watch Me Go. "A fabulous writer whose sensuous and affecting prose both beguiles and transforms." Tom Vowler, author of story collection The Method and novel What Lies Within. Synopsis: Benton, a widowed African-American intelligence analyst from Washington D.C., retires to Thailand. At an expat bar, he is captivated by Siri, a beautiful tribal singer. When Siri disappears, he discovers that she had been speaking out about the side-effects from drug trials conducted on her hill-tribe. Benton's investigations draw him uncomfortably close to Pierre, the seriously disturbed Indo-Cambodian doctor running the trials. Becoming an unwilling guinea-pig in the trials, Benton is transformed by the genetically-engineered drugs and falls in love with Mimi, a stunning and gifted young Thai-Australian. As the genetic manipulations spiral out of control and spread to the botanical treasures of Thailand's Golden Triangle, the forces of tribal healing, high-tech medicine, and love battle to determine who will survive.
Advance Praise: "A complex and enthralling international intrigue with a treasure of remarkable detail neatly packed into a short novel that dances on the edge of John le Carré territory. A rich read from start to finish." Frederick Barthelme, author of New Yorker stories and eleven novels including There Must Be Some Mistake. "Mani writes Thailand beautifully with heart and a lot of souls." Colin Cotterill, author of The Coroner's Lunch, from the Dr. Siri Paiboun mystery series, and sixteen other novels set in Laos and Thailand. "Toxic Spirits is a striking debut. Its prose, fluid, will tug you along; its dialogue, rendered gracefully, sparkles with authority; its plot is loaded with much to love, plenty to leave you in the kind of wonderment your soul has sought in books." Mark Wisniewski, Pushcart-prize winning short story writer and author of Watch Me Go. "A fabulous writer whose sensuous and affecting prose both beguiles and transforms." Tom Vowler, author of story collection The Method and novel What Lies Within. Synopsis: Benton, a widowed African-American intelligence analyst from Washington D.C., retires to Thailand. At an expat bar, he is captivated by Siri, a beautiful tribal singer. When Siri disappears, he discovers that she had been speaking out about the side-effects from drug trials conducted on her hill-tribe. Benton's investigations draw him uncomfortably close to Pierre, the seriously disturbed Indo-Cambodian doctor running the trials. Becoming an unwilling guinea-pig in the trials, Benton is transformed by the genetically-engineered drugs and falls in love with Mimi, a stunning and gifted young Thai-Australian. As the genetic manipulations spiral out of control and spread to the botanical treasures of Thailand's Golden Triangle, the forces of tribal healing, high-tech medicine, and love battle to determine who will survive.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 8, 2019
I don't normally include a description in my reviews, because the question at hand , in my opinion isn't what the book was about. You can easily find out what story you're getting involved in without me. What I'm here for is to help you figure out if this book is worth your circle of a well rounded time, and if youre anything like me, your emotions as well. The answer is a resounding yes on both counts.
The imagery in this book is beyond reproach, steeped in the cultural of Thailand. Thailand, however may be the setting but it is not the only culture on display. The author delves into these just as well. Bringing the reader through a love story as well as a social commentary on top of multiculturalism. Mani also delivers us characters, some likeable some not so much, but all of them relatable with their depth and realism. With splashes of humor helping to complete the circle of a well rounded character, and bring relief from the complexity of the story you're reading.
This is all done, seamlessly so easily, due to the writing. Writing that is so well it perfectly executes making this a engrossing story that you simply can't put down
The imagery in this book is beyond reproach, steeped in the cultural of Thailand. Thailand, however may be the setting but it is not the only culture on display. The author delves into these just as well. Bringing the reader through a love story as well as a social commentary on top of multiculturalism. Mani also delivers us characters, some likeable some not so much, but all of them relatable with their depth and realism. With splashes of humor helping to complete the circle of a well rounded character, and bring relief from the complexity of the story you're reading.
This is all done, seamlessly so easily, due to the writing. Writing that is so well it perfectly executes making this a engrossing story that you simply can't put down
October 13, 2022
I quite enjoyed this story and, as a big fan of John Burdett's novels, this series may fill the empty space left by my having just read all of Burdett's books. "Toxic Spirits" is a mystery/medical thriller, set in the hill country of northern Thailand, where we follow Ben as he tries to unravel an illict drug research program, which is wreaking havoc on the local population -- and even the flora and fauna! The science is fascinating and complicated, but Mani does a credible job of explaining it and keeping the basic concepts within the reach of an average reader, not steeped in gene therapy applications. A final note must mention the details in the descriptions of the setting -- the Thai culture and countryside are almost their own characters in the narrative. At first, I didn't realize that this book was the beginning of a series, so now, after having read it straight through, I discovered that I must be patient, and wait anxiously for book two, to see if Ben got away with it! Highly recommended!
October 9, 2022
A very thrilling read providing great insight into many aspects of life in Thailand. For a non clinician the clinical and technical details are very well researched and presented. Not for the faint hearted.
December 20, 2019
I knew, before I started reading “Toxic Spirits, that my mind was in for a workout because the author, Inderjeet Mani, is an intellectual. He was a scientist and professor with ties to such institutes of higher education as Georgetown University, Cambridge University, Brandeis University and MIT. He retired to pursue creative writing and took his intelligence with him. I always know that I will be challenged as I face that sort of mind, because mine falls horribly short of those qualities. But I dove in.
The author is wise in the sense that he knew to talk down to my level and bring on some understanding and appreciation for his story. It goes like this. An intelligence analyst retires and moves to Thailand where he spends a lot of time hanging around bars, drinking margaritas, and lamenting over his dead wife, Sylvia. He discovers that a rock singer he’s become infatuated with has disappeared. He finds out that she has been a critic of certain drug experiments being conducted among her people, Thai hill dwellers, and, in his eagerness to find her, gets involved in the deadly trials himself. He begins to change in unexpected ways and gets more involved in the mysterious realm of hidden Thai plants and vegetation that form the base for the drugs. Not all of his experiences are personally enjoyable.
There are lengthy descriptions of physical side effects and tormenting mind changes that are occurring, some of which he experiences and others that he observes. Elaborate backstories and interests that seem a little ambitious dull the plot at times because the author seems to be trying to build a structure that gets unwieldy. But the adventures that raise questions about medical ethics and scientific technologies are interesting and, no doubt, were created using the author’s intellect.
Mani’s construction reminds me of the 3-piece walking cane I see advertised. Old codgers are depicted trying to assemble the 3 pieces into something that will support them as they toddle off, leaving all of us to wonder how far they’ll get before the device succumbs to their weight and disintegrates, leaving them sprawled on the floor. Nothing that drastic happens, but the thought was there for me.
I found the writing to be well done, and the dialogue to be adequately presented. Keeping my mind in step with the author’s was difficult at times, but I thought he was patient as he coaxed me along. I would recommend this book for its descriptions of Thailand, its food, the people, and vegetable drug experiences. Apparently the author has designs on creating a trilogy.
You might have to be a little more alert than usual if the nuances are to be enjoyed. But it is a good read.
October 30, 2019
Retired intelligence officer, Benton, attempts to find peace as an ex-pat in Thailand after his beloved wife dies. He soon realizes that finding even a modicum of peace is far from possible. Confronted in an ex-pat bar he is beguiled by the band singer, Siri. After becoming immediately infatuated with her exotic beauty and talent .. she mysteriously disappears. He discovers she has been speaking out about the serious side-effects of drug trials being foisted on members of her hill-tribe, the Palin. Nothing can stop his probing and personal investigation ... which implicates Pierre, a seriously disturbed Indo-Cambodian doctor, who heads the "Foundation" behind the trials.
Mani's evocation of the exotic world of Thailand is reminiscent of the best novels of John Burdett (Bangkok 8 & Bangkok Tattoo). His prose is densely atmospheric and immerses the reader into the unsettling world of Thailand ... filled with a foreboding sense of dread .. and populated by beautiful women, prostitutes, corrupt cops and military. Mani with masterful prose fleshes out multiple characters in a cinematic fashion.
The only weak point of this Debut Novel is the denouement ... which petered out rather than unwinding to a flourishing finish. I did not realize that this novel was the first in a contemplated trilogy ... perhaps a 5 Star rating would've resulted. Thanks to NetGalley and Calumet Editions for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Please check out my Book Review blog , at: readersremains.com
Mani's evocation of the exotic world of Thailand is reminiscent of the best novels of John Burdett (Bangkok 8 & Bangkok Tattoo). His prose is densely atmospheric and immerses the reader into the unsettling world of Thailand ... filled with a foreboding sense of dread .. and populated by beautiful women, prostitutes, corrupt cops and military. Mani with masterful prose fleshes out multiple characters in a cinematic fashion.
The only weak point of this Debut Novel is the denouement ... which petered out rather than unwinding to a flourishing finish. I did not realize that this novel was the first in a contemplated trilogy ... perhaps a 5 Star rating would've resulted. Thanks to NetGalley and Calumet Editions for supplying an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Please check out my Book Review blog , at: readersremains.com
November 27, 2019
I usually enjoy medical mysteries, if this can be classed as such, but this one just missed the mark. On principle it sounds like an exciting plot, a retired US government employee retires to Thailand, and becomes ensnared in a cutting edge gene editing program. An eccentric scientist named Pierre hopes to eradicate cancer by supplementing a rare protein into test subjects. The results can have deadly consequences. While the writing is competent and the descriptions of Thailand and the culture feel authentic, it also was very choppy, with certain characters entering out of nowhere and exciting just as quickly with little overall importance to the overall story. Some the motivations of the characters were also a little vague for me. I also found myself getting lost in vivid descriptions that seem to be hallucinations, but their placement mixed in with the rest of the text left me wondering what in the world was going on. Story is written as a trilogy and may indeed get better as the story continues. I will probably sit the sequels out myself. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2019
I was intrigued by the premise of this novel but was put off by the language and sexual content. I was particularly disgusted by the sexual relationship the much-older Benton ends up having with a young woman who’s only 17. Honestly, it felt like the novel was fantasy concocted by an older male writer, and while I appreciate that it’s (unfortunately) likely a reflection of the realities of what things are available in these developing areas, it was distasteful and I would have been happy not to read it.
On the story and the writing itself, I found the book to be filled with detailed descriptions of the countryside and Thailand’s inhabitants, which were often interesting but sometimes just a bit too much, and the plot uneven. It could have used a good editor reining it in and giving it some order and guidance.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com:
https://ratedreads.com/toxic-spirits-...
On the story and the writing itself, I found the book to be filled with detailed descriptions of the countryside and Thailand’s inhabitants, which were often interesting but sometimes just a bit too much, and the plot uneven. It could have used a good editor reining it in and giving it some order and guidance.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com:
https://ratedreads.com/toxic-spirits-...
Shelved as 'unreadable'
December 22, 2019I’m officially bailing on this book at page 83 on 12/21/19. I picked it up as a read now from NetGalley because the blurbed compared the quality to John Le Carre, whom I love, and because I’ve been dying for good espionage thrillers set in locales other than the US and Cold War Europe. I expected the story to take a while to develop, but for it to be compelling and engrossing. What I’ve read so far has been confusing and gross. I’ve struggled to follow the plot and I’ve just finished a chapter replete with detailed hallucinations after the main character is drugged. He knew he was probably walking into some kind of trap, but did it anyway. Why? His actions and motives so far have made no sense. The detailed descriptions of bodily functions and hallucinations are just more than I can stomach at the moment, and in seeing reviews that mention a “relationship” between this retired CIA agent and a 17 year-old that I haven’t encountered, yet, I think I can safely say this book has nothing of interest to offer me. I’m annoyed, horrified, and disappointed.
November 11, 2019
Given the author's bonafides and the topic chosen, this could have been quite a book. Perhaps my low rating is a reflection of the let down. The characters are fine and the setting probably accurate, but it's hard to give credibility to the Asian teenager- old white man true love story with its uneven power dynamics and perhaps unintended not-so-subtle exploitation. With its focus on the return of virility associated with a 17-year old girlfriend, it sounds like it's written in for lascivious men. And I could have done without the graphic hallucinations and descriptions, too. The genetic threads and the exploitation themes are the most interesting and could have been developed more. The writing itself is a mixed bag, sometimes decent and sometimes not. The 'cover' had a comparison to le Carré but neither the calibre of the writing nor the introspection of the characters nor the feel of the novel justify it in any way.
I read this courtesy of Netgalley.
I read this courtesy of Netgalley.
October 4, 2019
Haunting
After the death of his wife, Benton an African-American retiree with a background in intelligence retires to Thailand. His plans for a quiet life get quickly upended when he discovers an evil genetic engineering project that puts a hill tribe at risk. Benton is not jolly company and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between his nightmares and the real horrors that are described. The mix of expat and Thai characters is fascinating. The writing, which matches the luxuriance of the Thai landscape, makes for absorbing and disturbing reading. Recommended!
After the death of his wife, Benton an African-American retiree with a background in intelligence retires to Thailand. His plans for a quiet life get quickly upended when he discovers an evil genetic engineering project that puts a hill tribe at risk. Benton is not jolly company and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between his nightmares and the real horrors that are described. The mix of expat and Thai characters is fascinating. The writing, which matches the luxuriance of the Thai landscape, makes for absorbing and disturbing reading. Recommended!
November 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and feel comfortable with a 3 star rating. Some of the writing was really good, clear and descriptive. But some portions were a bit unclear, a bit 'muddy' and confusing. Since this was an ARC, and an uncorrected proof, I hope that the editing helps clean up and clear up the story. After publication, I would be interested in re-reading this - or maybe listening to the audio - to see what the final product is like. Lots of potential here.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and feel comfortable with a 3 star rating. Some of the writing was really good, clear and descriptive. But some portions were a bit unclear, a bit 'muddy' and confusing. Since this was an ARC, and an uncorrected proof, I hope that the editing helps clean up and clear up the story. After publication, I would be interested in re-reading this - or maybe listening to the audio - to see what the final product is like. Lots of potential here.
October 22, 2019
This book is written in the best style I have read in a while. The writing is clear and beautiful. The story is muddled. The main character, an expat, gets involved in an illegal medical trial that uses a local hill tribe for their residual genes. He has many adventures and experiences before the confusing ending. I wish I could have gotten more out of the story.
February 2, 2020
Talk about a very strange and interesting thriller! Bento loses his wife and retires and decides to move to Thailand. That’s where it all starts to get, let’s just say very interesting! This is the first book that I have read by this author but I don’t think it will be my last! Thank you Inderjeet Mani for writing such a great book!
December 27, 2019
Toxic Spirits was toxic to read. The relationship between a teenager and a middle aged man was a no go for no matter was country you are in.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews