This novel is unlike Stephen Leather's other books which tend to have some action and alot of violence in them.
The story centres around a guy called Peter who is sent to Thailand to write a travel guide. While there, he ends up falling in love with a local bar girl / hooker called Joy. The rest of the story is about the relationship between them as seen from various peoples viewpoint.

I liked the narrative style as it is not told from Peter's point of view throughout or from a 3rd person prospective. The story switches between different characters as if it were a off the wall documentary or if they were writing a diary entry. (It reminded me of Big Brother when the people in the house come and talk to BB by themselves, not that I watch it on a regular basis.) You get to see how and why each character does what they do. It switches between various characters including his 'girlfriend' Joy and other friends / acquaintances Peter comes in contact with throughout the book. This includes some local drinking buddies and Fat Ron who is the manager of a bar called Fatsos. This means you can see both the good and bad in each person.

The book is sort of a cautionary tale. I learnt a lot about the sex tourism in Thailand and the Thai culture including the way girls are treated by their families. You can tell the author has done his research. Some parts felt like a travel guide but it kept me gripped all the way through. There are a few Thai recipes dotted throughout the book, if you're into that kind of thing.

Definitely recommended! 5 stars from me.
Especially if you are planning to visit Thailand anytime soon.