A Killing Smile [Paperback]

Christopher G. Moore (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 2000

The story is set along the fringes of Bangkok's Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy, and the late night meeting spot called HQ where spies, gangsters, pimps, diplomats, businessmen, travellers, teachers and writers gather alongside the women they buy for the night. Follow an international cast of characters through the labyrinth of Bangkok's underworld as they work and play in one of Asia's most famous cities.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I was knocked out by the sensitivity of the writing, the textures of the characters, the many levels of feelin." -- Stirling Silliphant, Oscar Winner for In the Heat of the Night

"Moore captures the bewitching spirit and rice-cooker passions of Southeast Asia." -- The National Post

"The whole effect is very real - particularly the revelation of those razor teeth back of the Smile." -- Gore Vidal

From the Publisher

Land of Smiles, Book 1 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 269 pages
• Publisher: Heaven Lake Press (July 29, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 9748599361
• ISBN-13: 978-9748599366
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Killing Smile" - A Unique, Horizon Broadening Novel, November 11, 2000

By 

j. murphy (Kauai, Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Killing Smile (Paperback)

The true purpose and potential power of a novel is to give the reader, in an intimate, truthful and exciting way, a unique experience and insight into life in general, or lives in particular. Christopher G. Moore's works, set in Thailand, are such novels, and do both.

"A Killing Smile" is a compelling story that will introduce the reader to people and places that are fictional, but absolutely real in that Mr. Moore pulls no punches and spares no detail in telling his and therefore the characters' story.

This book will not be enjoyed by everyone however. It contains a few real world topics, places and people undoubtedly some readers would rather not admit exist or read about. However, the novel is fascinating. The characters are compelling.

Mr. Moore's fortunate readers (I have read ten of his books - I am a fan) get an honest portrait of human lives, no matter how distant from their own they may seem, filled with hope, love, pain, desire and despair - in short, the entire spectrum of the human condition. The characters are presented without judgment as to their lives' validity and worth. They are accepted and reflected as they are. One comes away with the true belief Mr. Moore finds respect and merit in all of his characters, and through them a respect for the Thai culture in its entirety, and all of mankind for that matter.

Mr. Moore's work appears to be a true reflection, without editorial distortion, of what he sees after years of living in Bangkok. I, having spent some time in Bangkok, the Thermae, Nana Plaza, Patpong and throughout Thailand, as well as time with some of the residents and those just passing through, find Mr. Moore's books (dense with images as visceral and real as any documentary) serve as actual road maps for the reader through the vast, and initially incomprehensible, world that is Bangkok and Thailand.

While Mr. Moore's books may not cure whatever ailments you may have, reading them will make living with those ailments a lot more bearable and interesting. His insights and philosophy help put life in its proper perspective. Start with "A Killing Smile" and work your way through the entire series set in Thailand. It will be a unique education and great reading.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one that hooked me, November 20, 2000

By 

Keeley Timothy Dean (Fukuoka-ken Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Killing Smile (Paperback)

This is the first novel by Christopher G. Moore that I read. It hooked me. I have read all of Moore's books that explore Southeast Asia. I studied Slavic literature in Poland and Chinese literature in Japan. I must say that I enjoy Moore's novels just as much or more than many of the classics. I think it is they way he brings a character to life that keeps me glued to each page. He shares with the world his keen observations about Thailand and life in general through his characters and the narrative voice. It is a definite read for people who would like to experience some excitement, humor and wisdom, and of course sheer pleasure.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Realistic Trip To The Star Wars Bar!, May 13, 2002

By 

Sean Bunzick (Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Killing Smile (Paperback)

It was a little over ten years ago that I purchased "Spirit House" and "A Killing Smile" at DK Books on Sukhumvit Rd and I immediately fell in love with Christopher G. Moore's writing style. I always hunt down and consume his latest books when I return to my "second home" of Chiang Mai.
"A Killing Smile" is probably the best fictional version of a bible or guidebook to the Thermae that I have ever encountered and I highly reccomend it to anyone who would A.) love a wonderful story, B.)learn about the Thai/expat world and C.) go to visit Thermae for the first time. The characters are so much like the regular customers I've meet there since I first visited the original Thermae in 1995. If you haven't been to Thermae, Bangkok or Thailand itself, I'd say this is more-than-likely the best motivation for doing so.Moore's writing just grabs you and won't let you go until you hit The End and desperately wish you had another of his books to read.I went with a good British friend of mine down to Bangkok in February specifically to purchase "Minor Wife", his latest Calvino novel that I couldn't find in Chiang Mai, and found it within minutes of us getting rooms at Asoke Place. That little trip also included watching two Russian prostitutes, street vendors killing a LARGE rat and my friend and I visiting Soi Cowboy, Thermae and the Grace Hotel Coffee Shop. During my hangover, I once again realized that Moore's books are so much sanuk because all the odd-ball "normal events" I'd gone through the night before are part of the "usual routine" in his outlook on Bangkok and you feel right at home as you read them. If you haven't already read this, buy it and read it and do likewise with his other novels. Christopher G. Moore is truly an artist beyond belief and also a friendly, helpful man.