Jack Reynolds worked for the Bangkok Post and other journals as writer and editor, sandwiched between further unaccompanied postings with the UN in the Far East and Africa. He finally returned to journalism in Bangkok in the seventies and was a favourite contributor of articles on a range of local topics with a strong popular following in Thailand.

A well-written and poignant story of a young Englishman's descent into the world of Thai brothels ... the best novel yet published with this theme.--Joe Cummings, authorAmong the ten finest novels written about Asia.-- "The Asian Wall Street Journal"At times the lying, grasping, impenitent and wholly immoral Vilai becomes twenty times larger than life. She is the real thing.-- "The New York Times"Fascinating ... intensely readable.--Gore VidalMore than half a century ago, Jack Reynolds wrote the original Bangkok bargirl story.--Stephen Leather, authorOne night in Bangkok, so the song goes, makes a hard man humble. The city is, in fact, a combine harvester for the expat male heart. Jack Reynolds captures the ethos perfectly in this, the definitive account, written 50 years ago.-- "The Guardian (UK)"Pulls no punches ... a book to remember.-- "The Age (Australia)"