Death Stalks the Khmer is a whodunit that entertains and enlightens. In the story, Bridget O'Hern, a nonprofit consultant,is known and trusted for her work in Seattle's Cambodian or Khmer refugee community.  When the Hahn Lys are found shot and killed in their apartment, the police find themselves stonewalled by the community.  The refugees fear the police because of their terrible experiences under the Khmer Rouge.  Jack Patrewski, the lead detective on the case, is forced to accept Bridget's help, as she serves as a liaison between the refugees and the police.  The Khmer community believes the Lys died because of their bad karma.  Bridget believes their deaths are rooted in the "Killing Fields."  To solve the crimes, she has to help the police to understand the culture, and in doing so, puts herself in danger.