Why a Booktrail?
2000s: What do you do when your child goes missing in Thailand?
The Suspect
What you need to know before your trail
‘The police belonged to another world – the world they saw on the television or in the papers. Not theirs.’
When two eighteen-year-old girls go missing on their gap year in Thailand, their families are thrust into the international spotlight: desperate, bereft and frantic with worry.
Journalist Kate Waters always does everything she can to be first to the story, first with the exclusive, first to discover the truth – and this time is no exception. But she can’t help but think of her own son, who she hasn’t seen in two years, since he left home to go travelling. This time it’s personal.
And as the case of the missing girls unfolds, they will all find that even this far away, danger can lie closer to home than you might think . . .
Travel Guide
Travel to Thailand – Bangkok
For a novel largely set in the backpacking world of Bangkok and its seedy hostels, there’s not that much in the way of locations. There is more than a passing mention to the infamous Khao San Road where the hostel and bars are, the airport and Nana Plaza. This plaza is described as the world’s largest adult playground and the backpackers spend time here or know people who do.
The hostel where they stay is called Mama ‘s Paradise Hostel which is described as being more like Bates Motel than anything remotely paradise like.
There’s a lot of lessons to heed when seeing what the two girls travelling get up to. Where not to stay and what not to do are clear from the novel. One girl is there to travel and the other one just wants to sleep around and party so they’re not suited at all for duo travel. Then there’s a few guys in the hostel who want to make friends. The bright lights and the alcohol are enticing.
Parents with teenagers will be more than afraid. Teenagers should take this as a lesson of what not to do when in someone else’s country.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Suspect
Destination: Bangkok, London Author/guide: Fiona Barton Departure Time: 2000s
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