When Poke Rafferty wins, in a late-
night, alcohol-fueled poker game, the
right to write the biography of an
eccentric and mysterious Thai billionaire,
he has no idea what's in store. Within 24
hours, the lives of his family are threatened
if he writes the book, and two hours after
that, the lives of his family are threatened if he
doesn't write the book. As Poke tries to pick his
way through the minefield, it becomes apparent
that he's a pawn in a battle between some of the
most powerful and unaccountable people in Thailand,
and that his only real allies are some of the Kingdom's least
powerful inhabitants -- beggars, runaways, and street children. The central question seems to be, can the small bring down the great? And Poke's life, as well as those of Rose and Miaow, are riding on the answer.

Here are some early reactions to BREATHING WATER by some fine writers:

"BREATHING WATER crackles with the intrigue and danger of the streets and sanctums of modern-day Bangkok. Like a twenty-first century Maltese Falcon laced with Bangkok 8."

-- Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of The Blue Zone, The Dark Tide, and Don't Look Twice

"Another masterpiece of contemporary crime fiction. Hallinan takes us on a thrilling Tuk Tuk ride into a city seemingly always on the verge of chaos that somehow always manages to hold together-if you like tautly plotted, intelligent crime fiction do yourself a favor and jump on board."

-- Adrian McKinty, author of Dead I Well May Be and Fifty Grand

"The best thriller of the year. Smart, fast, exotic."

-- Larry Beinhart, author of Salvation Boulevard and American Hero (AKA Wag the Dog)

"Humor and horror expertly play off one another in Tim Hallinan's rapid-fire story of political intrigue and murder most foul. Top form writing set in Bangkok, a great place for action and a backdrop Hallinan uses to superb advantage."

-- James Church, author of A Corpse in the Koryo and Bamboo and Blood

"BREATHING WATER is a stunning, beautiful, and gripping thriller. Hallinan weaves together an engrossing story with prose that jump off the page, and makes you feel like you are actually there. No question, this is one of thebest books of the year."

-- Brett Battles, author of Shadow of Betrayal and The Cleaner

"Cleverly crafted, masterfully written, characters and dialogue rooted in reality, BREATHING WATER offers fascinating insights into the dark side of crime in another culture. Written with the authority of one who knows life on the hard edge in southeast Asia. Another wonderful read from an author who knows his business."

-- Steve Martini, New York Times bestselling author of Shadow of Power and Compelling Evidence

BREATHING WATER will be in stores on August 18.