World Mysteries and Thrillers discussion

So glad there is a random chatter folder because that fits my mood right now! Nothing deep...just random. QUESTION: Which country are you yearning to read a book set in right now? Yes, you can only pick one. But for more fun, you can have 3 sentences to describe why you chose that one country.

((It is a deeper question than it first appears is it not?)) Also, by focusing on country -- with a mystery bent of mind of course, we stay away from mentioning authors/specific books which is overwhelming at times.

Scotland for me. I am confused right now why this is, I thought I was a little tired of it; but this forces me to ask the question...why? I think because it feels safe to me right now. Also, I saw a tv program which showcased a couple intriguing very remote by the ocean villages in which they are not accessible by cars...only boat.

Thailand or thereabouts. I have a book on its way to me now with that setting. One of the Quiller series--each one so good, I have to pace myself and not use them up too fast. I only tend to admire international settings, where there are 'few rules'. I like an environment where the protagonist has flexible laws, and less regulations to abide by, when he must get his job done. That's exciting because it means the hero is himself, more vulnerable to mayhem and attack as he pursues his quarry. Thrillers and mysteries set in the USA (where we are wrapped in red-tape like mummies) are often so dull!!

Feliks wrote: "Thailand or thereabouts. I have a book on its way to me now with that setting. One of the Quiller series--each one so good, I have to pace myself and not use them up too fast. I only tend to admire..."

Out of curiosity, have you been to Thailand Felix? Do the books 'feel' like the Thailand you experienced? Much more lighthearted, but the Mrs. Pollifax (Dorothy Gilman) set in Thailand...actually did a great job of representing the Thailand I visited on my honeymoon.

South Sudan. Youngest country on earth, filled with the biggest oil reserves in Africa. Also currently embroiled in a region destabilizing civil war, and a famine that is set to kill 5 million of the 20 million people estimated to die this year from humanitarian disasters this year.

Lots of narrative potential, it's geopolitically important and yet forgotten by the rest of the world.

Ann wrote: "Out of curiosity, have you been to Thailand Felix? Do the books 'feel' like the Thailand you experienced?..."

I've been to several destinations in SE Asia. Adam Hall and John LeCarre express it the best so far that I have seen...

I am working through a World Mystery Challenge. I acknowledge due to political strife, cultural restrictions and mere logic there I will not complete this challenge especially when I cringe reading books that are too political and full of war. Buying books is not an option.

But here is my wish list:
Timor-Leste: the books I found are either too violent or not available as ebooks or at my library
Cameroon ,
Albania everything on my list is either unavailable or sounds depressive
USA: to 100% complete the US Mystery Challenge I need a book based on Guam, St Thomad, and St. John,

Felix, I doubt you will get this since your post was over3 years ago.
Have you read John Burdett's books? I personally did not care for them, but you might. Also, Barry Eisler's Rain series may have his assassin in Thailand. I have not finished the series.