Harriet Steel

I came across Trouble in Nuala while looking for a “straightforward” cosy mystery. That is, one without witches or ghosts or cute pets that help find clues. (Nothing wrong with those, but I fancied something without fantasy elements.) Inspector de Silva’s case fits the bill nicely, set as it is in historic Sri Lanka.

It was an easy read with a gentle pace. There are plentiful descriptions of places and people, as de Silva ambles around (metaphorically) picking up various clues, with ample opportunities for refreshments. I have no idea what police protocols would have been in that time period, and sometimes his methods seemed odd (though I easily accept how a 12th Century Benedictine monk goes about his investigations). For example, I raised my eyebrows at the thought of evidence rattling around loose in the boot of de Silva’s car until he remembered it was there.

Overall, a pleasant cosy mystery in an unusual historic setting.… (mais)

Shanti is caught in a monsoon and hears a frightening sound that leads him back to the site and the discovery of a body in a shallow grave. Along with the body, he discovers some interesting gold trinkets, but a local expert assures him they are worthless tourist items. Yet, as he digs deeper more questions arise with the discovery of more items near the grave sight. A trip to Colombo proves dangerous and brings confirmation of the earlier analysis of the found objects. However, Shanti continues to feel uneasy as a friend experiences a terrible accident and unwanted participants enter the investigation which ultimately leads to an antiquities smuggling ring that de Silva can expose only if he survives long enough to do so.… (mais)