Shan was a detective. He didn't work within the system and has ended up working on a road gang largely populated by Buddhist Monks whose attitude has infected Shan and induced him to embrace Buddhism. It is a surprise to him that he's made to investigate a murder, but he's certain that the monk they've pinned for the killing is actually innocent. He's balancing himself between the two worlds and also trying to understand some Americans working in the area.
It's a good read but not a great read, it gets caught up in detail sometimes and the political message gets a little too much. Although there were lags I did enjoy it and ordered the next book in the series to follow up.
