Thompson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Clarence Arnold Thompson (1897–1983) and Ruth Oswalt (1904–1983). He graduated from the University of Texas in 1955. He then worked as a reporter and editor at the Houston Press. [3] As usual when Sturgis has a difficult case he calls on his friend, LAPD consulting psychologist Alex Delaware, and the duo mount a fresh investigation into Dorothy Swoboda's death. Several times while reading “Serpentine”, my jaw hit the floor. Other times, I had to put the book down in disgust. But still, I soldiered on because I was reading a brilliantly written account of one of the most sociopathic, self-serving and evil conmen and murderer that’s ever walked this earth. It plods along as it tries to not tie itself in knots with all the potential suspects, red herrings, theories etc, all with that linear pacing. I found myself losing interest on numerous occasions. This book is more like a documentary of Charles Sobhraj’s life than a novel. The way Thomas Thompson has written it though, reads more like a murder novel.

Charles was astute. He was charismatic and charming to women and men alike. He had a mystical magnetism about him that led many to their deaths and left the ones whose life was spared, with deep mental and emotional scars. For a more tranquil visit, explore the winding paths and picturesque meadows in the north of the park or head for the rose garden, near to sandy Rotten Row – a historic route that ran from Kensington Palace to Whitehall. The park is a great place for a picnic! A selection of freshly cut sandwiches, artisan baguettes and drinks are available in our cafés and kiosks.This is not to say that I didn't have issues, but they weren't serious issues. For one, there were just too many descriptions-what they were eating, drinking, wearing, how much food was being consumed, and when. It finally just got on my nerves. I've seen female authors do this time and again, but this is the first time I've seen a male author do this. Our priority is customer safety at all time and our staff will accommodate customers with specific cultural, medical or other requirements where possible. Thomas Thompson ( né Thomas Van Thompson; October 3, 1933 – October 29, 1982) was a journalist and author. [1] [2] Career [ edit ] LAPD homicide lieutenant Milo Sturgis is a master detective. He has a near-perfect solve rate and he’s written his own rule book. Some of those successes—the toughest ones—have involved his best friend, the brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware. But Milo doesn’t call Alex in unless cases are “different.” In the 36th installment in the Alex Delaware series not much has changed. Alex still drives the same Cadillac Seville, he still has the same girlfriend ... Robin, and pet dog Blanche. And his friend, LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis, calls on him when there is an unusual case. Alex is a child psychologist and in the beginning of the series Milo called in Alex when there was case where there was a child and a crime. Nowadays it is just as likely Milo calls when there is anything unusual or out of the norm.

His book Hearts (1971) concerned the rivalry between Houston surgeons Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley at the dawn of the heart transplant era. Richie: The Ultimate Tragedy Between One Decent Man and the Son He Loved (1973) was the story of a Long Island man who killed his drug-addicted son. This was made into a TV-movie called The Death of Richie. [1]

Enjoying sport in the park

A good part of the narrative consists of Milo and Alex traveling around Los Angeles and its environs; interviewing people in homes and restaurants; looking up information on the internet; brainstorming about data they uncover; meeting with additional LAPD detectives; and so on. Until 1783, the infamous Tyburn Gallows sat just outside Hyde Park. Tradition dictated that everyone condemned to die there could make a final speech – and since you were about to die, you could say pretty much what you pleased. After the gallows were closed, the tradition for public speaking remained and the part of Hyde Park known as Speaker’s Corner became a popular place for Londoners to have their say.