I am a fan of Mr. Moore's writing and usually stick with his Bangkok based fiction. This time he took me to unfamiliar territory: Cambodia and I am glad I went along for the ride. Moore blends history, colorful characters, current events and descriptive narrative among the best of the Asian thriller and crime fiction writers. While ZERO HOUR was written a few years back the story-line and back story hold up well today and the latter is back in the news - an unresolved jewel theft by a Thai national of a Saudi Prince and the subsequent real life murders that remain a political embarrassment as well as a real life mystery that Calvino could probably solve in two weeks time. I like Moore's writing on a number of level's, mostly because he helps me know characters I would like to meet - Colonel Pratt and Calvino being just two - as well as enabling me to get to know places and people I prefer to avoid, but in the comfort of my lazy boy at home I find them both a pleasure. Moore does a great job in Zero Hour of depicting two places I hope to never be - a seedy lakeside brothel, which doubles as a murder scene and the inside of a real life Cambodian prison. If you are unfamiliar with Mr. Moore's novels start with Spirit House and then pick your poisen and pleasure after that. I also liked Pattaya 24/7; The Corruptionist and his latest: 9 Gold Bullets. I am now reading Comfort Zone which is off to fine start. Give him a go. You will be glad you did.
