Dean Barrett (author)

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Dean Barrett (b. 1942, Connecticut) is an American novelist, mystery writer and playwright. Most of his writing takes place in Asia.

[edit] Background

After graduating from university, Barrett joined the Army Security Agency and was trained as a Chinese translator. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. On leaving the Army, he received a Masters Degree in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii.

Barrett has lived in Asia for nearly 25 years, mostly in Hong Kong. His writing on Asian themes has won several awards including the PATA Grand Prize for Excellence.

[edit] Writing

Barrett is the author of five novels set in Asia - Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior; Hangman’s Point (Hong Kong); Kingdom of Make-Believe (Thailand); Skytrain to Murder (Thailand); Mistress of the East (1862 China).

A mystery novel set in New York City, Murder in China Red, features a Chinese detective from Beijing. Barrett has also written a humorous travel book on China, Don Quixote in China: The Search for Peach Blossom Spring.

His latest books are Murder at the Horny Toad Bar & other Outrageous Tales of Thailand and The Go Go Dancer who Stole My Viagra and other Poetic Tragedies of Thailand. Dragon Slayer is a book with three novellas on Chinese themes.

Barrett's plays have been performed in eight countries and his musical, Fragrant Harbour, set in 1857 Hong Kong, was selected by the National Alliance for Musical Theater to be staged on 42nd Street. He wrote a satirical column for the Hong Kong Standard for five years under the name Uncle Yum Cha (“Uncle Drink Tea”).

Website: http://deanbarrettthailand.com and http://deanbarrettmystery.com.