Anarchy and Old Dogs

Anarquía y perros viejos is a Spanish-language novel by Colin Cotterill, published by Amok Ediciones in 2024.  It belongs to the Doctor Siri Paiboun series.
Set in Laos in 1977, the story follows Dr. Siri, a 73-year-old and reluctant national coroner of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.  When a retired, blind dentist is killed in a hit-and-run that may not be an accident, Siri is pulled into a case that refuses to stay simple.  A letter written in invisible ink and coded language—found among the victim’s belongings—pushes him into a delicate investigation where the wrong conclusion could be dangerous.
Siri doesn’t work alone: with help from a powerful friend in the politburo, a fearless nurse, a stone-faced police inspector, and a fortune-teller who sees more than she says, the search leads south—toward a suspected plot against the government of Laos.  The result is a page-turning blend of dark humor, tension, and political intrigue, delivered through a distinctive investigator who’s sharp, stubborn, and very human.
This novel is for readers who like smart international fiction, investigation-driven plots, and stories where history and power shape every clue. It’s also a strong pick if you enjoy character-led series with a sense of place—where the setting feels as vivid as the mystery. Expect suspense, atmosphere, and the satisfaction of watching an underdog truth-seeker untangle a conspiracy one risky step at a time.