Sophia Rose Reviews: Taken in Nuala by Harriet Steel

Today Sophia Rose is back to review a WWII historical mystery
Enjoy!

Taken in Nuala by Harriet Steel

#8 Inspector de Silva Mystery

Historical Mystery

Publisher:  Self

Published: 4.18.20

Pages:  224

ASIN : B085QN99LF

Rating: 4

Format: ebook

Source:  borrowed

Sellers:  Amazon

Add To: GoodReads

 

Blurb:

When an American millionaire and his glamorous daughter visit Nuala, the splendour they bring to the town’s high society is soon tragically tarnished by a vicious crime.

With many avenues of inquiry to follow, including the involvement of a mysterious fortune teller, Inspector de Silva will need all his resources to unravel the evidence and avert further disaster.

A gripping mystery with lots of twists and turns set in the colourful and fascinating world of 1930s Ceylon.

 

Sophia Rose's Review:

While Hitler and his Nazi party are making the British uneasy and there is talk of India becoming independent, Inspector de Silva has his hands full with local affairs and a clever, ruthless kidnapper.  Once again, I was transported to Ceylon of the 1930's and on the hunt with a wonderful cast of characters.

 

Shanti de Silva is a veteran police detective and he quietly questions, sifts evidence, and puts up those who would ignorantly treat him as a local though he has earned the respect of the district British leadership and has their backing.  Shanti works out that there may be more to the kidnapping, ransom, and murder including the possibility that some local crimes are not unrelated.  I loved that his wife Jane gets to help in his detecting as do several of the regular characters.  Jane has a fun secret that gets Shanti jumping at shadows.  And, there were some exciting moments to heighten the suspense.

 

One of the best parts of this series is the local color and the author didn't stint on serving up more parts to Nuala and its diverse traditions as well as a good picture of local 1930's life.

 

Now, the mystery was a piece of cake for me.  I suspected from the beginning who and what was really going on and didn't get startled in the twists until nearly the end when something further came out about the culprit.  I was intrigued to see Shanti work it out and gain the proof.

 

In summary, it was another quick historical mystery from a sensational series that I'm always eager for the newest installment.  Those who enjoy historical mysteries set in possibly exotic locations should definitely give this series a go.

 

Author’s Bio:

Harriet Steel wrote four historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her blog to sign up to her monthly newsletter for news of new releases and great offers, harrietsteel.blogspot.co.uk/
She’s married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/harrietsteel1