Recently I read Bangkok 8, a novel by John Burdett. It was the third time I have read the novel and I liked it just as much as on the first or second read. It gives a view of Bangkok and nightlife that intrigues me. Yesterday I read The Last Six Million Seconds, also by Burdett. This one is about the weeks leading up to the transfer of Hong Kong to China. It's a fascinating novel, full of corruption and intrigue. Both novels came out a long time ago. I submit that they remain timely. C