Spirit House — Christopher G. Moore

The murder of a foreigner in Thailand kicks off this crime thriller, the first in the Shamus Award�"winning series by “a terrific writer” (T. Jefferson Parker).
 
A farang is dead, and the Bangkok police have a confession the next morning from a young paint-thinner addict. He claims he killed Ben Hoadly, an expat Brit -- but American PI Vincent Calvino has his doubts when he sees heavy bruises on the kid's face.
 
In no time Calvino is working both sides, out to find the killer for Hoadly's wealthy father, and eager to clear the addict's name for a beautiful friend who runs a charity in the slums. With the help of his best friend, Pratt, a Shakespeare-quoting Thai police colonel, and his loyal assistant, Ratana, Calvino plunges into the dangerous world of addicts, dealers, fortune tellers, inexpensive hit men, oversexed foreigners, and professional bar girls . . .
 
“Intelligent and articulate, Moore offers a rich, passionate, and original take on the private eye game” in this international bestseller (January Magazine).