019. Read 20 books: Manner of Death - 1

 

Title: Manner of Death (พฤติการณ์ที่ตาย)
Author: Sammon
Original Release Date (Thai): March 2017
English Release: 2020
Genre: Suspense, Romance, Crime
Length: 439 pages

Plot: Dr. Bunnakit Songsakdina Bunn) is a medical examiner from Bangkok, who begins working at a provincial hospital in North Thailand. When he's called to the scene of a recently deceased woman, Janejira, who has apparently committed suicide he starts to have suspicions that she was murdered. At first he suspects that her boyfriend, a teacher and part-time gangster called Tann, had something to do with it, and it soon becomes clear that meeting this man will change the course of Bunn's life forever.

Thoughts: Manner of Death - a novel by Thai author, Sammon, which was released in 2017 - is essentially a BL novel, but one with a complex plot that generally centres around the crimes not the romance. The version I read was the English translated version. I actually only heard of  the book because I am watching a Thai drama show of the same name, based on the book, that started airing last year. It's a little bit different than the novel, but I'll write about it more in another post. 

In the book, chapters consist of bits and pieces of Bunn and Tann's respective timelines (not always in chronological order), but it's easy to follow and it's interesting to have earlier parts of the story be given more significance once you have another view of them. I suppose it's a little like an investigation or a puzzle, which is a great storytelling device for the subject of the book. 

In addition, the main characters are likeable and always have a reason for doing the things they do, even if it's something irrational, fueled by emotions. Their relationship develops throughout the plot; going from strangers who don't trust each other at all, to having to rely on each other in life or death situations. Also, during the course of the book the two of them eventually develop romantic feelings for each other, but it's done very naturally and makes sense. As does Bunn's unwillingness to accept his feelings. 

Overall it was an enjoyable read and I recommend it.