Goodbye, Mr. Boogie by Jake Needham

Goodbye, Mr. Boogie by Jake Needham

I’ve enjoyed Jake Needham’s quirky detective Inspector Samuel Tay and he’s back in the ninth entry in his series, Goodbye, Mr. Boogie.

The story revolves around finding a mysterious international assassin, called "the Boogieman.” The assassin’s signature approach, using a sniper rifle from long range, has led intelligence agencies to speculate about whether he is real or just a myth invented to explain unsolved killings.

The plot begins with the assassination of a Chinese admiral in Hong Kong, underlining the killer’s extraordinary skill. Captain Suwan from the Royal Thai Police requested Samuel Tay's help, a former detective now retired in Singapore, at the urging of Colonel David, drawing him back into investigation reluctantly. International intelligence, notably Mossad, believes the Boogieman is in Bangkok to target a high-ranking U.S. official attending an ASEAN conference. Tay must identify and stop the assassin before another global tragedy happens.

Tay, I call quirky, since he lives alone, reads no current news, has no TV, but loves books. He spends an appreciable amount of time smoking Marlboro’s and enjoys it when he encounters someone he can share a smoke with. Be prepared for a lot of lighting up.

The book explores Tay’s journey into the chaotic world of Southeast Asian politics and intelligence, marked by deceit and moral ambiguity. Tay must navigate a web of spooks and competing agendas. He must not only stop a legendary killer but also question whether the Boogieman truly exists or if it is all part of a larger intelligence game. The relationship between Tay and Suwan adds depth, comic relief, and heart, with hints of attraction and friendship simmering amid the deadly stakes.

The novel’s setting in Bangkok brings alive the rich contrasts of the city, its bustling modernity set against colonial elegance and offers sharp commentary on local politics and society. The conclusion is unpredictable and morally complex, fitting the story’s atmospheric, hard-boiled style reminiscent of Raymond Chandler, yet thoroughly modern in mood and detail.

Overall, "Goodbye, Mr. Boogie" is a suspenseful, character-driven mystery about trust, justice, and the blurred lines between legend and reality in international espionage.

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