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| January 2026 Inspector de silva Mystery Book #16 My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book |
Ceylon has gained its independence from Britain and Inspector Shanti de Silva is adjusting to his new boss, Police Commissioner Fernando, who much to Shanti’s annoyance hints that he doesn’t have enough to do. Fernando is soon proved wrong when a deposed Indian maharajah who has come to live at the former Residence is murdered, and the Star of Ceylon, a priceless sapphire from his royal collection, is stolen. The jewel is reputed to be cursed and when more suspicious deaths occur, fears that supernatural forces are at work mount. With his wife Jane’s help, can Shanti break the spell and prove his worth to Fernando?
📖My Review..
With Ceylon’s new found independence things are inevitably changing for Police Inspector Shanti de Silva who is, sort of, getting used to working for a new Police Commissioner. When an Indian Maharajah is found dead in suspicious circumstances it takes de Silva back to the Residence where he used to meet his former boss, Archie Clutterbuck. With memories of previous visits to the Residence de Silva must concentrate on finding who could have wanted the Maharajah dead, and with the added complication of the disappearance of a priceless jewel, which is believed to be cursed, the case proves to be more complex than de Silva could have imagined.
Once again de Silva is plunged into a shady world of crime and with quite a few of the inhabitants of the Residence having reasons for wanting the Maharajah dead there are lots of twists, turns and red herrings to be negotiated before the complex crime investigation can be concluded. I always enjoy spending time in de Silva’s world which is brought so cleverly to life by an author who has created such lovable and believable characters that being with Shanti and his lovely wife, Jane is like spending time with old friends.
I found it interesting to see the changes which are being brought about by Ceylon’s independence and how it affects de Silva’s place in Nuala. The new Police Commissioner is an interesting addition and I hope to discover more about him. Although de Silva is perhaps starting to tinker on the edge of considering his eventual retirement, I really hope that there are still a few more cosy mysteries for him to solve before that day comes.
About the Author
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, Blog
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When Harriet is not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
Twitter @harrietsteel1
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