A Good Death

“A story that channels Conrad, Kipling, and Francis Ford Coppola… An insightful, transcendent adventure. Cox, who has traveled Asia for three decades, creates a vivid sense of place, ties his characters’ rich backstories to the tragic war, and illuminates the current plight of Laotian hill tribes. A Good Death is another example of the only positive to emerge from the Vietnam War—fine writing.” –Booklist, starred review

“Cox’s action-packed debut is perfect for armchair travelers who will be amazed by the author’s ability to make gaudy Bangkok and the remote hill country of Laos come alive... Award-winning journalist Cox puts his travel writing skills to good use in a book that is perfect for fans of Tim Hallinan and Hilary Davidson.” –Library Journal, starred review

“Intrigue aplenty… Throughout it all, veteran journalist Cox’s first novel gradually and expertly turns up the heat, doling out the exotic details by careful teaspoons early on before plunging Sebastian into a world far from his comfort zone. A debut thriller whose predominant tone, as its title suggests, is a profound sadness that no death, not even for an insurance company’s client, is a good death.” --Kirkus

“Those fond of exotic foreign locales will welcome journalist Cox’s mystery debut, set in Southeast Asia… Vivid descriptive prose.” –Publishers Weekly

“A first rate mystery, beautifully crafted, fast-paced, and populated with the most vivid (and at times seamy) characters. But what lifts this novel way above most others are the exquisitely realized settings, from sizzling Bankok nightclubs to the deep, suffocating jungles of Laos. A bravura debut!” --Douglas Preston, #1 bestselling co-author of the Pendergast series of novels

“A Good Death takes readers into the wild, wild east of Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos—and keeps them there with an engaging mystery, told by compelling, complex characters. Like its exotic locales, Mr. Cox’s vibrant, colorful, and crisp prose will capture your attention from beginning to the end.” --Loung Ung, national bestselling author of First They Killed My Father

"Memorable characters riding a high-speed roller coaster of a plot against a backdrop that drips with the seductive scents and images of Southeast Asia--Cox's debut novel proves him to be a masterful storyteller." –Eliot Pattison, Edgar-Award winning author of Mandarin Gate

“Christopher R. Cox blends grit, heart, and a reporter’s eye to create unforgettable characters and a haunting story. He brings Bangkok alive in detail that will make you feel you’ve walked its perilous streets yourself. A Good Death is a great debut!” –Steve Ulfelder, Edgar-nominated author of The Whole Lie