This is the second book in the Jimm Juree Mystery series. Jimm, a former crime reporter for a Thai newspaper, is still living at the failed beach resort with her very eccentric family. The resort is in the south of Thailand where you can't find "decent cappuccino, pizza, wine, cheese, ice cream, black forest cake, or cherries--all those things that make a civilized society." It's monsoon season so, except for a somewhat suspicious mother and daughter, they have no customers. While on her morning walk, Jimm discovers a human head on the beach which the local police are not interested in investigating. Eventually Jimm is surrounded by multiple mysteries. Who is in her mother's room causing the headboard to bang against the wall at night? Who stole a local vendor's monkey? What is the real story behind the mysterious mother and daughter? How does the severed head connect to the illegal trade in Burmese slaves? And why has Jimm become obsessed with sex? The ending is a bit far-fetched, but the cast of quirky characters make this an enjoyable, if sometimes silly escapade.
As in the first book, Cotterill begins each chapter with an amusing "quote." In this case, they are mis-sung popular song lyrics from karaoke performances. My favorites are "All my jeans are filled" (Love me Tender) "Start spreading manure" (New York, New York).
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