Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Singapore 1910--Desperate for a fresh start and to distance herself from her tragic past, Harriet Gordon finds herself in Singapore at the height of colonial rule. Hoping to gain some financial independence, she advertises her services as a personal secretary. It is unfortunate that she should discover her first client, Sir Oswald Newbold--explorer, mine magnate and president of the exclusive Explorers and Geographers' Club--dead with a knife in his throat.
When Inspector Robert Curran is put on the case, he realizes that he has an unusual witness in Harriet. Harriet's keen eye for detail and strong sense of duty interests him, as does her distrust of the police and her traumatic past, which she is at pains to keep secret from the gossips of Singapore society.
When a second body is dragged from the canal, Harriet feels compelled to help with the case. She and Curran are soon drawn into a complex web of stolen gemstones and a mysterious gang of thieves who have no qualms about killing again to protect their secrets.
Genre: Mystery - Historical
Why I Picked This Book: I've been loving historical mysteries lately - especially those with strong female leads - so I couldn't resist this one!
My Impression: Well that was a good start to a series! We're thrown into the action right from the beginning when we meet Harriet just as she discovers a body. And not just any body but a body who has clearly had a violent death. As the investigation goes on we learn more about Harriet and her rather interesting backstory. She's not your usual heroine other than she's smart and quick on her feet. Inspector Curran is an unlikely perfect match. She's not to keen on him - especially not at first - but he recognizes just how practical and observant she is right from the start and takes her seriously which was nice.
The mystery was an interesting an usual one. How many secrets were lurking in the famed explorers past? And just who would want him dead? The exploration of early 20th century Singapore was a fascinating one and something I've never come across before. I love the world Stuart has created here and I'm so excited to see what Harriet Gordon and Inspector Curran get involved in next!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I'm already anticipating the next book.
Would I Recommend this Book? I would! If you enjoy historical mysteries I think you'll really enjoy this one.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Well sure looks like another great historical mystery series and the heroine sounds like one to admire and like.
ReplyDeleteThis is a book I have my eye on. I need to ask my library to order it, because it sounds so good. And I'm glad you liked it, Katherine.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you liked this one, Katherine. It is on my TBR pile and I look forward to reading it too!
ReplyDeleteGot this on my TBR. Gonna see if my library has it.
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