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Inspector Mislan Latif #2
Duke: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders
For fans of Jo Nesbø, Ian Rankin, and John Burdett, a gripping crime thriller that is steeped in the grit and feel of the
"Inspector Mislan Latif is my kind of detective. Harry Bosch would ride shotgun with him any time."—Michael Connelly
In the run-up to the Eid holiday, the police department is drained of staff and the DUKE expressway jammed with vehicles, as many in Kuala Lumpur leave the capital to join their extended families and celebrate the end of Ramadan. In the slow lane, a Mercedes E200 suddenly veers to the right after several bright flashes and comes to rest against the guardrail. When the highway patrol arrives, what looked like a traffic accident turns out to be an apparent murder-suicide of the driver and his female passenger, both having suffered gunshot wounds.
Yet, called to lend a hand with the investigation, Inspector Mislan finds something else again. The dead man and woman, a wealthy, politically connected entrepreneur and his business associate, were by all appearances engaged in a long-term affair, seemingly in love, and the crime scene doesn't add up for suicide. But then, if these two successful people were murdered, why? And how, when the car was locked from the inside? And why does the political establishment want the case closed in such an awful hurry? Once again, Mislan must find a way—with the help of his team and his politically savvy boss—to withstand the pressure from above, solve an impossible mystery, and ensure that justice prevails.
"Inspector Mislan Latif is my kind of detective. Harry Bosch would ride shotgun with him any time."—Michael Connelly
In the run-up to the Eid holiday, the police department is drained of staff and the DUKE expressway jammed with vehicles, as many in Kuala Lumpur leave the capital to join their extended families and celebrate the end of Ramadan. In the slow lane, a Mercedes E200 suddenly veers to the right after several bright flashes and comes to rest against the guardrail. When the highway patrol arrives, what looked like a traffic accident turns out to be an apparent murder-suicide of the driver and his female passenger, both having suffered gunshot wounds.
Yet, called to lend a hand with the investigation, Inspector Mislan finds something else again. The dead man and woman, a wealthy, politically connected entrepreneur and his business associate, were by all appearances engaged in a long-term affair, seemingly in love, and the crime scene doesn't add up for suicide. But then, if these two successful people were murdered, why? And how, when the car was locked from the inside? And why does the political establishment want the case closed in such an awful hurry? Once again, Mislan must find a way—with the help of his team and his politically savvy boss—to withstand the pressure from above, solve an impossible mystery, and ensure that justice prevails.
309 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2011
51 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Rozlan Mohd Noor
13 books57 followersRozlan Mohd Noor served as a police officer in the Royal Malaysia Police for 11 years as a crime investigator and court prosecutor before joining the private sector. He has published several crime/thriller novels. Six of them feature Inspector Mislan as the main protagonist, with Posthumous Child (2022) being the latest. The Inspector Mislan novels are now published internationally by Arcade CrimeWise, New York, starting with 21 Immortals in 2020 and DUKE in 2021. In 2022, the Inspector Mislan books were optioned as a mini-series by UK-based production company Envision Entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 22, 2020
Think Harry Bosch as a police inspector in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and you'll have some idea of what you are in for. Despite the exotic location, this story, the second in the series, is a police procedural similar in the sense of police procedural sin far more familiar climes. The city is rich, cosmopolitan, and the calendars are marked with Muslim holidays. Inspector Mislan Latif is a maverick, certain of his own detective skills, and always determined to ferret out the truth no matter where it leads. He doesn't play office politics well. Here, at issue is what appears to be a murder-suicide of a prominent businessman and his mistress in a speeding car on a busy highway. The murder weapon is present, victim one's own gun. The doors to the car were locked from the inside. Still, Mislan has his doubts and finds out what it's like to stand against the Deep State. For his own good, Mislan is advised repeatedly to close the case. And, the levers of the State begin to turn against him. All of this, of course, only makes Mislan dig in his heels and play like Sherlock Holmes with a few clues and a lot of speculation.
June 6, 2022
This series is definitely attention grabbing from begining to end. Very intriguing to continue reading the series
March 16, 2021
Duke: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders is the second police procedural featuring Inspector Mislan Latif of Kuala Lumpur’s Special Investigations Unit. A black Mercedes E200 is cruising in the slow lane of the Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE) heading towards the city. It's a hot and humid evening and the road is slippery after a light rain shower. All of a sudden the female passenger in the car behind is taken aback when she sees a bright, piercing red flash followed by a muffled bang coming from the Mercedes before it begins to lose speed and career dangerously across the highway. A few seconds later another flash and a loud band rattles from the vehicle and the car comes to a rest, hitting the safety guardrail at the road divider. It is at the eleventh milestone marker. As they manoeuvre past the car, the woman in the passenger seat sees a third bright reddish glow and hears the final muffled bang. She attempts to get her husband to stop and help but he poo-poos her since it is only a minor accident. Meanwhile, a Good Samaritan who does stop to render aid finds two bodies in the car covered in blood and rings 999 in a panic. Patrolman Lance Corporal Ali calls the district police headquarters, gives their location, and requests for the investigation officer on duty to report a possible double homicide. Enter Mislan and his reliable sidekick, Detective Sergeant Johan Kamarudin. The victims are a male, Mahadi Mokshin, sixty, executive chairman of MM Harapan Holdings, address in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur. And a female, Zaleha Jalani, thirty-four, managing director of Rakan MM Harapan Sdn Bhd, address in Beverly Heights, Ampang. What an odd scene: two corporate figures shot in a car, nothing stolen.
Money, cell phones, valuables all untouched. With the doors having been locked from the inside it seems probable that this is a simple open and shut case of murder-suicide. The holy month of Ramadan and the Hari Raya celebration, as Eid is known here, is one of the biggest events in Malaysia, as the majority of its population is Malay-Muslim. A week or so before Hari Raya most of the city dwellers, especially in Kuala Lumpur, start preparing and leaving for their hometowns, and Mislan posits that this is likely where they were heading. The man has a single GSW to the head and the female one GSW to the head and another to the chest. A Walther PPK .32 and three casings were discovered in the car beside the victims. Inspector Mislan is convinced there is more to this case than meets the eye and begins to consider how a perpetrator could've been or gotten inside the car and committed the murders before making a hasty getaway. But the investigation isn't going to be easy as Mislan is under unusual pressure from the families of the deceased and their associates to close the case quickly making Mislan even more suspicious and hellbent on solving the case properly. This is a riveting and compulsive procedural set against the refreshingly different backdrop of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the author immerses you in the culture and traditions of the area. It's a cleverly plotted and unusual locked room mystery where Mislan must fight to keep the case open and keep his focus on getting to the truth through both help and hindrances: obstructive interviewees, forensics, a plethora of motives and a large suspect pool. This is a gritty exhilarating and vastly underrated series. Highly recommended.
Money, cell phones, valuables all untouched. With the doors having been locked from the inside it seems probable that this is a simple open and shut case of murder-suicide. The holy month of Ramadan and the Hari Raya celebration, as Eid is known here, is one of the biggest events in Malaysia, as the majority of its population is Malay-Muslim. A week or so before Hari Raya most of the city dwellers, especially in Kuala Lumpur, start preparing and leaving for their hometowns, and Mislan posits that this is likely where they were heading. The man has a single GSW to the head and the female one GSW to the head and another to the chest. A Walther PPK .32 and three casings were discovered in the car beside the victims. Inspector Mislan is convinced there is more to this case than meets the eye and begins to consider how a perpetrator could've been or gotten inside the car and committed the murders before making a hasty getaway. But the investigation isn't going to be easy as Mislan is under unusual pressure from the families of the deceased and their associates to close the case quickly making Mislan even more suspicious and hellbent on solving the case properly. This is a riveting and compulsive procedural set against the refreshingly different backdrop of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the author immerses you in the culture and traditions of the area. It's a cleverly plotted and unusual locked room mystery where Mislan must fight to keep the case open and keep his focus on getting to the truth through both help and hindrances: obstructive interviewees, forensics, a plethora of motives and a large suspect pool. This is a gritty exhilarating and vastly underrated series. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2021
You don’t have to like it, and you don’t have to dislike it. You only have to accept it. - Supt. Samsiah
I love Puan Samsiah haha. Very cool, and very wise. Everything you ever hope for in a boss.
I love Puan Samsiah haha. Very cool, and very wise. Everything you ever hope for in a boss.
April 26, 2019
Always love the author's style-- smooth narration, descriptive inputs on the investigation, a bit personal stuff and family, some views on certain issues-- bribe, bureaucracy etc. The development of plot was nicely done, giving me a slight enjoyment at each chapter, fairly thrilled and suspense. I actually knew about the bad guy (was accidentally read a review of this book with the killer's name) but the thing about crime and investigation plot it will always triggered my curiosity on how it was done. Reading the whole process giving me such view on how Mislan and his team trying their best to uncover the truth. I actually love the characters that took part in this DUKE journey, even all the 'gelap' they did their part well. Johan and his shitty coffee also his touch with reality LHLS (very amusing!), Safia, Chew and some good police officers that I love (for being trustworthy). I don't really like Audi at first, but she was not bad after all-- quite useful and friendly, very straightforward. Her eagerness actually helped Mislan a lot.
There's something about the killer's motive that making me a bit dejected, if only the father has a bit of his conscience. What a pity but I agree with what Supt. Samsiah said-- "Nothing is beyond us anymore when it comes to money", and what the killer did was still unacceptable, nevertheless.
Another great crime and investigation book by the author!
There's something about the killer's motive that making me a bit dejected, if only the father has a bit of his conscience. What a pity but I agree with what Supt. Samsiah said-- "Nothing is beyond us anymore when it comes to money", and what the killer did was still unacceptable, nevertheless.
Another great crime and investigation book by the author!
June 2, 2025
My first Inspector Mislan's .
Surprisingly good.
Surprisingly good.
August 21, 2021
DUKE: Inspector Mislan and The Expressway Murders by Rozlan Mohd Noor is the second in the series that began with 21 Immortals: Inspector Mislan and the Yee Sang Murders. This book is also set during a holiday. In this case, it is about to be the Eid or the Hari Raya holiday at the end of Ramadan.
A crash on the DUKE Expressway is never helpful and certainly not now during the holiday period. A black Mercedes E200 crashed and a quick glance in the car indicates that a man and a woman are both dead by the amount of blood on their bodies. It soon becomes clear that they died by gunshots. Because the two deceased individuals were both powerful business people with serious connections, it is not long before the Special Investigations Unit, formerly known as Major Crimes, is brought into the case.
That means Inspector Mislan Latif and detective Sergeant Johan Kamarudin are on the case. From the first glance into the car, Inspector Mislan thinks that the deaths of sixty-year-old Mahadi Mokshin and thirty-four-year-old Zaleha Jalani, are far more complicated than a simple murder-suicide. The way the car crashed, the way the figures are in the car, and other aspects of the scene become critical pieces of evidence to Inspector Mislan that lead to his growing belief that there was a third person, the actual shooter, in the car.
The problem is that he has to not only prove there was a third person in the car, he also has to prove the identity of that person. As the pressure from the media and the police bureaucracy mount to close the case as a lover’s triangle gone wrong that led to a murder-suicide, it becomes clear that there are many powerful forces working against his and his team’s efforts to get to the bottom of what happened in that car and why. Things get complicated quickly when the rich and powerfully connected start exerting their influence upon all involved.
Once again, author Rozlan Mohd Noor brings the sights, sounds, and culture of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to life in this second book of the series. Along with the rich detailed setting of a land far away from American readers, the author details a police investigation that could just easily happen here in any city. Those who are connected to a crime and have the means to exert their influence, almost always try to insulate themselves from the investigation and the public scrutiny. It is a universal human condition and one that speaks across societal as well as cultural divides.
Greed, corruption, money and the power of politics to shape a certain result is a universal problem familiar to readers everywhere. DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders by Rozlan Mohd Noor is a solidly good police procedural well worth your time.
The third book in the series, UTube: Inspector Mislan and the Emancipatist Conspiracy, is now out and on order at the Dallas Public Library System. I have a hold on a copy when they get it in.
My copy came via the Martin Luther King JR Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2021
A crash on the DUKE Expressway is never helpful and certainly not now during the holiday period. A black Mercedes E200 crashed and a quick glance in the car indicates that a man and a woman are both dead by the amount of blood on their bodies. It soon becomes clear that they died by gunshots. Because the two deceased individuals were both powerful business people with serious connections, it is not long before the Special Investigations Unit, formerly known as Major Crimes, is brought into the case.
That means Inspector Mislan Latif and detective Sergeant Johan Kamarudin are on the case. From the first glance into the car, Inspector Mislan thinks that the deaths of sixty-year-old Mahadi Mokshin and thirty-four-year-old Zaleha Jalani, are far more complicated than a simple murder-suicide. The way the car crashed, the way the figures are in the car, and other aspects of the scene become critical pieces of evidence to Inspector Mislan that lead to his growing belief that there was a third person, the actual shooter, in the car.
The problem is that he has to not only prove there was a third person in the car, he also has to prove the identity of that person. As the pressure from the media and the police bureaucracy mount to close the case as a lover’s triangle gone wrong that led to a murder-suicide, it becomes clear that there are many powerful forces working against his and his team’s efforts to get to the bottom of what happened in that car and why. Things get complicated quickly when the rich and powerfully connected start exerting their influence upon all involved.
Once again, author Rozlan Mohd Noor brings the sights, sounds, and culture of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to life in this second book of the series. Along with the rich detailed setting of a land far away from American readers, the author details a police investigation that could just easily happen here in any city. Those who are connected to a crime and have the means to exert their influence, almost always try to insulate themselves from the investigation and the public scrutiny. It is a universal human condition and one that speaks across societal as well as cultural divides.
Greed, corruption, money and the power of politics to shape a certain result is a universal problem familiar to readers everywhere. DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders by Rozlan Mohd Noor is a solidly good police procedural well worth your time.
The third book in the series, UTube: Inspector Mislan and the Emancipatist Conspiracy, is now out and on order at the Dallas Public Library System. I have a hold on a copy when they get it in.
My copy came via the Martin Luther King JR Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2021
February 23, 2019
Benda pertama terlintas dalam kepala aku, “Macam kes 2010. VIP dengan assistant dia mati dalam kereta, tepi highway”
Seperti biasa, Inspektor Mislan dan Jo tak pernah mengecewakan. Ibarat Batman dan Robin. Sampai aku terfikir, ada berapa ramai ‘Inspektor Mislan’ dalam PDRM agaknya..
Seperti biasa, Inspektor Mislan dan Jo tak pernah mengecewakan. Ibarat Batman dan Robin. Sampai aku terfikir, ada berapa ramai ‘Inspektor Mislan’ dalam PDRM agaknya..
July 8, 2019
Habis juga.. Walaupun penamatnya pembunuh berjaya ditangkap tapi buku ini menyedihkan.. Motif pembunuhannya dan cara pemvunuhan dilakukan memang tak menunjukkan siapa pembunuhnya.. Tapi usaha inspektor Mislan yang tak berputus asa berjaya menemukan motif dan pembunuh..
June 14, 2021
Last year, when I started re-using NetGalley during quarantine, I discovered Rozlan Mohd Noor’s “21 Immortals” in the “Read Now” section of the “Mystery/Thriller” category. I had never heard of the book or the author, and I had never read any Malaysian police procedurals before, but I definitely lucked out when I decided to check it out. I loved it and its realistic characters, beautiful landscapes, and yummy foods. And little did I know then, but it was the first in a police procedural series, and now Inspector Mislan is back!
“DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders”, by Rozlan Mohd Noor, is the second book in the Inspector Mislan series. Set in Kuala Lumpur, towards the end of Ramadan, the story follows Inspector Mislan’s investigation of an apparent murder suicide on the DUKE Expressway. When higher ups start pressuring Inspector Mislan to close the case as soon as possible, and not look into any irregularities any further, the Inspector’s integrity and sense of justice is piqued and he sets off to uncover the mystery behind the case regardless of who gets affected by it. As expected from a sequel, supporting characters from the first book are back and encourage and work alongside Inspector Mislan towards solving the case.
Just like in “21 Immortals”, the procedural aspect of the book is more emphasized than the mystery/ thriller aspect. At times the investigation stalls and at times it picks up, but at all times we are privy to the small steps the Inspector and his colleagues take towards the final resolution. Issues with corruption and connections are brought back to life in the investigation, and test the characters’ integrity and determination to see the case truthfully solved.
I definitely enjoyed “DUKE” a lot, and would highly recommend it to fans of police procedurals. After devouring both “21 Immortals” and “DUKE”, I can confidently say I am a big fan of the “Inspector Mislan” series, and look forward to all the upcoming books. Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing (Arcade Crimewise) for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
“DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders”, by Rozlan Mohd Noor, is the second book in the Inspector Mislan series. Set in Kuala Lumpur, towards the end of Ramadan, the story follows Inspector Mislan’s investigation of an apparent murder suicide on the DUKE Expressway. When higher ups start pressuring Inspector Mislan to close the case as soon as possible, and not look into any irregularities any further, the Inspector’s integrity and sense of justice is piqued and he sets off to uncover the mystery behind the case regardless of who gets affected by it. As expected from a sequel, supporting characters from the first book are back and encourage and work alongside Inspector Mislan towards solving the case.
Just like in “21 Immortals”, the procedural aspect of the book is more emphasized than the mystery/ thriller aspect. At times the investigation stalls and at times it picks up, but at all times we are privy to the small steps the Inspector and his colleagues take towards the final resolution. Issues with corruption and connections are brought back to life in the investigation, and test the characters’ integrity and determination to see the case truthfully solved.
I definitely enjoyed “DUKE” a lot, and would highly recommend it to fans of police procedurals. After devouring both “21 Immortals” and “DUKE”, I can confidently say I am a big fan of the “Inspector Mislan” series, and look forward to all the upcoming books. Thank you NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing (Arcade Crimewise) for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2021
Rozlan Noor is a very talented novelist. He clearly enjoys writing. There is something about his stories that pulls you in, and you loose sense of time. He gives the reader an immersive experience that you seldom find in most fiction. His stories are fast paced, and the action starts from the first page. I find an immense joy in reading his novels. This was my second after reading his 21 immortals. Both are crime fiction about police investigation of a murder. In DUKE, inspector Mislan investigates the murder of two victims on an express highway. The story not only deals with police deduction and forensic investigation, but also delves into the pressure and meddling of influential politicians.
What I find particularly fascinating about Noor's novels, are the cultural references. The novels are set in Malaysia where you will find frequent references to local customs and habits, food and delicacies, history, and locale. Reading this novels transports you to the far/south east where you would enjoy a brilliant novel mixed with a cultural narrative about Malaysia.
The novel itself is worth five stars. The reason I gave it only four stars has nothing to do with the complexity or brilliance of the novel. Noor's novels are top notch and in my humble opinion should be ranked among the best crime fiction of all time. What I did not like about this novel is the portrayal of Inspector Mislan as a rebel, who goes against the cultural norms of his native Malaysia and his faith. The novel is set during the final days of Ramadan. While everyone is fasting, Inspector Misaln is shown ignoring the calls for prayer, not observing fast, and fornicating. Perhaps the author was modeling the inspector after himself, or perhaps he thought that a cool police detective should somehow be an agnostic macho. What a shame. I wish the author thought about the impact his novels might have on its readers. Is that that the kind of attitude he wants to promote to the Malaysian youth? What harm would there have been if he portrayed Inspector Mislan as a devote Muslim who observes fast and prays in congregation with his colleagues?
What I find particularly fascinating about Noor's novels, are the cultural references. The novels are set in Malaysia where you will find frequent references to local customs and habits, food and delicacies, history, and locale. Reading this novels transports you to the far/south east where you would enjoy a brilliant novel mixed with a cultural narrative about Malaysia.
The novel itself is worth five stars. The reason I gave it only four stars has nothing to do with the complexity or brilliance of the novel. Noor's novels are top notch and in my humble opinion should be ranked among the best crime fiction of all time. What I did not like about this novel is the portrayal of Inspector Mislan as a rebel, who goes against the cultural norms of his native Malaysia and his faith. The novel is set during the final days of Ramadan. While everyone is fasting, Inspector Misaln is shown ignoring the calls for prayer, not observing fast, and fornicating. Perhaps the author was modeling the inspector after himself, or perhaps he thought that a cool police detective should somehow be an agnostic macho. What a shame. I wish the author thought about the impact his novels might have on its readers. Is that that the kind of attitude he wants to promote to the Malaysian youth? What harm would there have been if he portrayed Inspector Mislan as a devote Muslim who observes fast and prays in congregation with his colleagues?
January 6, 2014
This is the first English book that I’ve read written by a Malay writer. It’s rare to find one. Inspector Mislan had to solve a murder case that had happened at an expressway in Kuala Lumpur (or highway, as Malaysian called it). It’s a locked room (or locked car, to be more precise) kind of murder. Where the corpses were found in a locked car (thank you, Captain Obvious); no break ins and outs.
There were so many hurdles to solve the case as many and many government faces interrupted the investigation. I know, a typical Malaysian murder case when a prominent government figure is involved. We get that a lot in Malaysia.
It keeps me guessing but along the way I kind of figured it out. But, there were some of his deductions that I can't quite understand. I don't know, I'm not a detective but his deductions sometimes made me scream "Wait what? Would you clarify that further, please?" I just couldn't get some of his deductions. The feel is different from Sherlock (curly hair Sherlock with modern gadgets version, BBC's TV series, guys), I get almost all of Sherlock's deduction and I was "Ohh ahh, I get it now." The feel isn't there. But then again, BBC's Sherlock is well, a TV series, whereby you get the visual aids, the editing, the musics, the awesome actors to play everything well so you get the feel. To compare the two is a bit off, Farhana. I know right.
I learnt a lot about the investigative procedure in Malaysia, polices' lingo and rank.
I enjoyed reading the book, it was a quick read. The only thing I disliked was the way Inspector Mislan is portrayed. I think the need of a faithless guy is unnecessary.
Farhana Reads
There were so many hurdles to solve the case as many and many government faces interrupted the investigation. I know, a typical Malaysian murder case when a prominent government figure is involved. We get that a lot in Malaysia.
It keeps me guessing but along the way I kind of figured it out. But, there were some of his deductions that I can't quite understand. I don't know, I'm not a detective but his deductions sometimes made me scream "Wait what? Would you clarify that further, please?" I just couldn't get some of his deductions. The feel is different from Sherlock (curly hair Sherlock with modern gadgets version, BBC's TV series, guys), I get almost all of Sherlock's deduction and I was "Ohh ahh, I get it now." The feel isn't there. But then again, BBC's Sherlock is well, a TV series, whereby you get the visual aids, the editing, the musics, the awesome actors to play everything well so you get the feel. To compare the two is a bit off, Farhana. I know right.
I learnt a lot about the investigative procedure in Malaysia, polices' lingo and rank.
I enjoyed reading the book, it was a quick read. The only thing I disliked was the way Inspector Mislan is portrayed. I think the need of a faithless guy is unnecessary.
Farhana Reads
December 18, 2025
This book reads like a late ’80s to ’90s detective TV show—loads of chain-smoking in the premise and a detective who is cunning but relentless in finding justice for the murdered victims. This book could make for a good TV movie.
I was hooked right from the start. The story begins with a couple driving behind a car that suddenly swerved after an odd popping sound was heard and crashed into the barrier.
I admire Inspector Mislan. The man isn’t easily swayed by political pressure or higher powers trying to close a case they barely started investigating. He already knew this case was going to catch everyone’s attention, especially when the two victims were identified as political cronies.
This book is a good introduction to Malaysia’s political landscape and police justice system. Furthermore, it is also good for readers who want to understand Malaysia’s major festival influences and get an introduction to Malaysian culture. I loved that all the routes, towns, districts, and states mentioned in this book are very familiar to me, as I travel to these places and use the same roads as the protagonist. It almost felt like I was in the car with them, LOL.
At first, the case seemed odd because the crime scene made little sense with the evidence presented. An experienced Inspector Mislan already suspected the crime was staged, but he had to find evidence to prove his theory. I also didn’t buy that it was a murder-suicide because of the way the bodies were found in the car. Furthermore, it made little sense how much GSR was found on the male victim’s hand compared to the number of shots allegedly fired.
I enjoyed reading about the investigation process, and it really boiled my blood how quickly political parties crowded in and pulled strings to close the case just because “they said so.” AS IF!! Nobody is above the law, homie!!! What was most disappointing was how the upper police jurisdiction was also swayed and bought out to close the case quickly to stay on the good side of powerful political figures. It pissed me off how they kept pulling rank and calling in “favours” from higher-ups to bully Inspector Mislan and Johan into buckling under pressure. I was especially appalled by how MACC Malaysia (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) was also played into pressuring Mislan to give in, especially when they should have given him the benefit of the doubt while handling such a high-risk case. It irks me that police from a completely different department openly tried to bribe Inspector Mislan with money and hinted at his family’s whereabouts when he refused. These are police!! Gosh, it’s very scary when you think about corrupt cops playing the devil’s advocate under the guise of the law.
I had already figured out who the killer was, but I was still curious about how Inspector Mislan was going to justify his theory with the evidence he found. The investigation process and evidence gathering were done very well, and I loved how the book kept pointing out that things don’t work the way they usually do in movies and TV shows. I also didn’t realize how much procedure is involved in getting evidence through the proper channels. You not only need to prove your theory, but you also need to do it lawfully. I had no idea that a murdered victim’s body could be released by order and that an investigating detective’s authority could be overridden even while an active investigation is ongoing. It must be tedious to work quickly before someone pulls rank and takes the body away, potentially losing valuable evidence.
I enjoyed reading about the strong friendship Inspector Mislan has with his CSI investigation team and his superior, Supt. Samsiah. I also liked the diversity of Malaysian culture and its people. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read. The only thing I felt wasn’t really needed was the Inspector’s personal life drama. The calls with his son felt pointless, as the child was always too busy to talk and barely any words were exchanged—there was hardly any connection. It might have worked better if he were a widower or an unmarried middle-aged man with a doctor girlfriend. The story was already packing, so there wasn’t much need for that subplot—just my two cents.
The only thing I found very dubious was how westernized these Malay cops were, especially the very Hollywood-style relationships with female “friends.” It’s odd that Johan was allowed to have a relationship with a potential witness, Jamie, who would still need to testify in court if the case went to trial. A defense lawyer could easily discredit her testimony due to her “fornicating” with an assistant investigating officer. I found that very odd. Secondly, what is it with all these women going for married men?! I get that Muslim men can have up to four wives, but I highly doubt the married men had consent from their current wives to seek new ones. It’s still cheating regardless. Would you trust a man who cheats? What’s to say he wouldn’t do it behind your back too?
I was hooked right from the start. The story begins with a couple driving behind a car that suddenly swerved after an odd popping sound was heard and crashed into the barrier.
I admire Inspector Mislan. The man isn’t easily swayed by political pressure or higher powers trying to close a case they barely started investigating. He already knew this case was going to catch everyone’s attention, especially when the two victims were identified as political cronies.
This book is a good introduction to Malaysia’s political landscape and police justice system. Furthermore, it is also good for readers who want to understand Malaysia’s major festival influences and get an introduction to Malaysian culture. I loved that all the routes, towns, districts, and states mentioned in this book are very familiar to me, as I travel to these places and use the same roads as the protagonist. It almost felt like I was in the car with them, LOL.
At first, the case seemed odd because the crime scene made little sense with the evidence presented. An experienced Inspector Mislan already suspected the crime was staged, but he had to find evidence to prove his theory. I also didn’t buy that it was a murder-suicide because of the way the bodies were found in the car. Furthermore, it made little sense how much GSR was found on the male victim’s hand compared to the number of shots allegedly fired.
I enjoyed reading about the investigation process, and it really boiled my blood how quickly political parties crowded in and pulled strings to close the case just because “they said so.” AS IF!! Nobody is above the law, homie!!! What was most disappointing was how the upper police jurisdiction was also swayed and bought out to close the case quickly to stay on the good side of powerful political figures. It pissed me off how they kept pulling rank and calling in “favours” from higher-ups to bully Inspector Mislan and Johan into buckling under pressure. I was especially appalled by how MACC Malaysia (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) was also played into pressuring Mislan to give in, especially when they should have given him the benefit of the doubt while handling such a high-risk case. It irks me that police from a completely different department openly tried to bribe Inspector Mislan with money and hinted at his family’s whereabouts when he refused. These are police!! Gosh, it’s very scary when you think about corrupt cops playing the devil’s advocate under the guise of the law.
I had already figured out who the killer was, but I was still curious about how Inspector Mislan was going to justify his theory with the evidence he found. The investigation process and evidence gathering were done very well, and I loved how the book kept pointing out that things don’t work the way they usually do in movies and TV shows. I also didn’t realize how much procedure is involved in getting evidence through the proper channels. You not only need to prove your theory, but you also need to do it lawfully. I had no idea that a murdered victim’s body could be released by order and that an investigating detective’s authority could be overridden even while an active investigation is ongoing. It must be tedious to work quickly before someone pulls rank and takes the body away, potentially losing valuable evidence.
I enjoyed reading about the strong friendship Inspector Mislan has with his CSI investigation team and his superior, Supt. Samsiah. I also liked the diversity of Malaysian culture and its people. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read. The only thing I felt wasn’t really needed was the Inspector’s personal life drama. The calls with his son felt pointless, as the child was always too busy to talk and barely any words were exchanged—there was hardly any connection. It might have worked better if he were a widower or an unmarried middle-aged man with a doctor girlfriend. The story was already packing, so there wasn’t much need for that subplot—just my two cents.
The only thing I found very dubious was how westernized these Malay cops were, especially the very Hollywood-style relationships with female “friends.” It’s odd that Johan was allowed to have a relationship with a potential witness, Jamie, who would still need to testify in court if the case went to trial. A defense lawyer could easily discredit her testimony due to her “fornicating” with an assistant investigating officer. I found that very odd. Secondly, what is it with all these women going for married men?! I get that Muslim men can have up to four wives, but I highly doubt the married men had consent from their current wives to seek new ones. It’s still cheating regardless. Would you trust a man who cheats? What’s to say he wouldn’t do it behind your back too?
September 16, 2013
How to describe, its awesome. Lot of malaysian-thingy showed in the book. I think DUKExpressway Murders is the best book among the other two. *not include Infantisid, which is the new baby from Mr Rozlan publish by FiXi* ,
I feel so touched at the end of the story. Yes, being the 1st children much burden. I know how exactly Hashim felt toward his family. Where the murder is the only option. But of course he's rich. It just he lacks of creativity and not so smart *he obviously the mastermind*. Thats why he is busted. Paling malang, polis yg menyiasat, is Inspector Mislan.
However, I like Insp. Mislan's personality so much. I totally forgot about CSI when I read the books (all series of Insp. Mislan).
I feel so touched at the end of the story. Yes, being the 1st children much burden. I know how exactly Hashim felt toward his family. Where the murder is the only option. But of course he's rich. It just he lacks of creativity and not so smart *he obviously the mastermind*. Thats why he is busted. Paling malang, polis yg menyiasat, is Inspector Mislan.
However, I like Insp. Mislan's personality so much. I totally forgot about CSI when I read the books (all series of Insp. Mislan).
April 6, 2014
Walaupun buku ni dalam Bahasa Inggeris, aku nak review dalam Bahasa Malaysia, boleh kan?...hehehe
Buku2 mengenai misteri2 jenayah dan thriller memang menarik perhatian aku. DUKE ni mmg sgt best bila di baca dan mudah dipahami ayat2 yg diolah dlm konteks Malaysian. Kisah jenayah di Malaysia yg sgt tipikal dgn kerenah birokrasi dan politikal. Cerita DUKE ni lagi hebat dari Gerak Khas dan hampir setanding dgn CSI, Inspektor Mislan ni mmg hebat dan mempunyai instinct yang kuat, lagi power dr Horatio...hahaha
Really2 enjoy this book.. TQ En Rozlan...
Buku2 mengenai misteri2 jenayah dan thriller memang menarik perhatian aku. DUKE ni mmg sgt best bila di baca dan mudah dipahami ayat2 yg diolah dlm konteks Malaysian. Kisah jenayah di Malaysia yg sgt tipikal dgn kerenah birokrasi dan politikal. Cerita DUKE ni lagi hebat dari Gerak Khas dan hampir setanding dgn CSI, Inspektor Mislan ni mmg hebat dan mempunyai instinct yang kuat, lagi power dr Horatio...hahaha
Really2 enjoy this book.. TQ En Rozlan...
May 16, 2013
I found this book at the library. never taught the story would be awesome. as an avid fans of CSI, i found this book is so much like the TV series. i can't stop from reading it. it took me less than 24 hour to finish. for me, this is an achievement. but, as i read the story/plot etc., the case seems familiar which had happened 3-4 years back. murder-suicide. this book give me the ideas what the policemen in Malaysia doing their daily routine. I also learned few terms i.e. IO, IP, GSD etc. So, 4 stars to the author.
October 23, 2013
It is really good to have a book on what a police officer have on mind while solving a crime. Along the way, it is like I myself am solving the crime alongside Inspector Mislan and Sergeant Johan.
I can figure out on my own on who is the culprit at the end and a little investigator in me too kind of can figure out how the crime has been done however, the way Inspector Mislan does his work amazes me.
Oh ya, the way the politicians and the wealthy having their way to be in Mislan way disgust me. Oh well, that is how the real world function anyway.
I can figure out on my own on who is the culprit at the end and a little investigator in me too kind of can figure out how the crime has been done however, the way Inspector Mislan does his work amazes me.
Oh ya, the way the politicians and the wealthy having their way to be in Mislan way disgust me. Oh well, that is how the real world function anyway.
January 2, 2015
Having to use the DUKE Highway daily to work, this book give me the goosebumps everytime I pass through the said 'crime' area. Could not put it down till the last page,Rozlan brought in an array of interesting Malaysian feel to the storyline. You get to see how police investigators work, and imagine them as characters in a CSI drama with a nasi lemak twist. Awesome read. Would recommend this to all Malaysians. Be proud y'all!
July 5, 2025
Very masculine and mechanical tone. The plot feels matter-of-fact and moves rather slow. Quite straightforward and predictable storyline with forgettable characters. It was fun to see relatable local references. While the plot took its own sweet time, the direction to the ending is quite predictable.
January 19, 2012
A sequel better than the first book. Rozlan brilliantly captures the nuances of Malaysian life amidst an engaging mystery
March 7, 2021
Having read and really enjoyed the first book in Rozland Mohd Noor’s Inspector Mislan series, I was happy to receive an advance review copy of the second book in the series, DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders. And I was even happier to find that I enjoyed this excellent police procedural just as much as the first one. (Note: just to set things straight for those, like me, who are not super familiar with Kuala Lumpur, author Noor tells us right up front that the DUKE is the Duta–Ulu Klang Expressway – the road of the subtitle - and not a noble Duke. So if you are looking for royalty, you won’t find it here!)
In DUKE, we once again have a nice puzzle to figure out along with Inspector Mislan and his team. Was the death of an older company executive and the much younger head of one of his company’s subsidiaries inside a locked luxury car on the DUKE a murder-suicide, as seems obvious, or is there more going on? Mislan’s instincts tell him things aren’t that simple, and we watch as he figures out how to keep the case from being closed prematurely. And there’s lots of pressure to get the case closed. The executive’s family wants to keep their patriarch’s personal life out of the news, and his business associates, some of whom seem to be a bit on the shady side, want it closed too. Mislan perseveres, the case stays open, and readers will enjoy the investigation that follows – a nice blend of competing departments, lab work, some outside help, some outside obstruction, multiple motives, and a lot of leg work – all with wonderful background snippets of KL and its environs. In the end, of course, Mislan figures out how the crime occurred, what the motive was, and who dunnit – albeit with a bit of a surprise at the end.
Readers also get a nice view of life in a majority Muslim city during Ramadan, with its daytime fasting, later-than-normal night life, eager anticipation of the breaking of the fast each evening, and even more eager anticipation of the Hari Raya (Eid) festival that marks the end of the whole month of fasting. And finally, I found myself to be quite jealous of “Ma’am”, Mislan’s boss, who seems like a perfect supervisor – she has good relationships with her team, some nice insights of her own, and is willing to go to bat for her subordinates, even at the risk of her own position. I wish some of my past bosses could have been more like Ma’am, and I hope she has a long life in the series!
Please keep in mind that I don’t give many five-star reviews – maybe only one in thirty or forty books that I read. So four stars is a very solid recommendation from me to read a book. And I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series enough that I’m really looking forward to the third one, which is due out in July of this year. Finally, my thanks again to the publisher, Arcade Crimewise, for the review copy.
In DUKE, we once again have a nice puzzle to figure out along with Inspector Mislan and his team. Was the death of an older company executive and the much younger head of one of his company’s subsidiaries inside a locked luxury car on the DUKE a murder-suicide, as seems obvious, or is there more going on? Mislan’s instincts tell him things aren’t that simple, and we watch as he figures out how to keep the case from being closed prematurely. And there’s lots of pressure to get the case closed. The executive’s family wants to keep their patriarch’s personal life out of the news, and his business associates, some of whom seem to be a bit on the shady side, want it closed too. Mislan perseveres, the case stays open, and readers will enjoy the investigation that follows – a nice blend of competing departments, lab work, some outside help, some outside obstruction, multiple motives, and a lot of leg work – all with wonderful background snippets of KL and its environs. In the end, of course, Mislan figures out how the crime occurred, what the motive was, and who dunnit – albeit with a bit of a surprise at the end.
Readers also get a nice view of life in a majority Muslim city during Ramadan, with its daytime fasting, later-than-normal night life, eager anticipation of the breaking of the fast each evening, and even more eager anticipation of the Hari Raya (Eid) festival that marks the end of the whole month of fasting. And finally, I found myself to be quite jealous of “Ma’am”, Mislan’s boss, who seems like a perfect supervisor – she has good relationships with her team, some nice insights of her own, and is willing to go to bat for her subordinates, even at the risk of her own position. I wish some of my past bosses could have been more like Ma’am, and I hope she has a long life in the series!
Please keep in mind that I don’t give many five-star reviews – maybe only one in thirty or forty books that I read. So four stars is a very solid recommendation from me to read a book. And I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series enough that I’m really looking forward to the third one, which is due out in July of this year. Finally, my thanks again to the publisher, Arcade Crimewise, for the review copy.
July 9, 2022
I have a fondness for watching police procedurals but reading one? Bolehlah as we Malaysians say. I picked up Duke: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders because I was intrigued by a thriller set in my home country. A local 'flavour'? Yes, please. There are many books set in Malaysia if I bothered to google away but there's a time and place for to enjoy each book. For now, it's Duke's turn.
The first few chapters were rough as I adjusted to the way Duke is written which is the present tense. It was easily shrugged off as I became engrossed with the case of the "double suicide" of Mahadi and Zaleha and Inspector Mislan's unrelenting quest for more, for the 'truth, for justice as he fulfills his role faithfully.
My suspicions of whodunnit was right. No big surprise there. Then, it was the matter of how the police could prove it by finding some connection/evidence. I found there was an imbalance between getting to know Mislan in his personal life vs the focus on the case. Perhaps that was the author's intention in the 1st place. I think I could have enjoyed his personal life even more if there was Something More.
What more is there though?
He's a single dad, newly divorced, mostly alone, eats out, smokes constantly, daring without being reckless, ballsy. I don't know, I guess I'm comparing it to other past works of other authors I've read. Overall, I am more into the investigation part of the book. Though towards the end, I did have to pause and take some time away because there was so much back-and-forth as the investigating force would deal with not only their immediate superiors but also the top brass and various other departments (in their evidence collection). Not even mentioning all the setbacks which backfired because our investigating force are oh-s0 clever to see 'beyond the veil'.
Duke is a decent police procedural, made great by all the local-isms. I can relate to a lot of stuff in Duke, the terms used, the climate the characters live in. Being written by an actual former police officer further heightens my regard for the Duke: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders for there is this sense of authenticity (What do I know anyways?).
The first few chapters were rough as I adjusted to the way Duke is written which is the present tense. It was easily shrugged off as I became engrossed with the case of the "double suicide" of Mahadi and Zaleha and Inspector Mislan's unrelenting quest for more, for the 'truth, for justice as he fulfills his role faithfully.
My suspicions of whodunnit was right. No big surprise there. Then, it was the matter of how the police could prove it by finding some connection/evidence. I found there was an imbalance between getting to know Mislan in his personal life vs the focus on the case. Perhaps that was the author's intention in the 1st place. I think I could have enjoyed his personal life even more if there was Something More.
What more is there though?
He's a single dad, newly divorced, mostly alone, eats out, smokes constantly, daring without being reckless, ballsy. I don't know, I guess I'm comparing it to other past works of other authors I've read. Overall, I am more into the investigation part of the book. Though towards the end, I did have to pause and take some time away because there was so much back-and-forth as the investigating force would deal with not only their immediate superiors but also the top brass and various other departments (in their evidence collection). Not even mentioning all the setbacks which backfired because our investigating force are oh-s0 clever to see 'beyond the veil'.
Duke is a decent police procedural, made great by all the local-isms. I can relate to a lot of stuff in Duke, the terms used, the climate the characters live in. Being written by an actual former police officer further heightens my regard for the Duke: Inspector Mislan and the DUKExpressway Murders for there is this sense of authenticity (What do I know anyways?).
October 19, 2024
Spoilers ahead. A fairly run of the mill police procedural involving Inspector Mislan. A May to November couple is found shot to death inside a moving car on the freeway. It comes to a stop at the side of the road. Investigators initially look at this as a murder suicide as no one else is in the car and the doors are locked from the inside.
However as Mislan starts looking at the case it doesn't add up. There are no indications of discord; the couple are happy and plan to marry. The older man already has a wife but in Malaysia, he is allowed another marriage. Furthermore, the physical evidence (such as the positions of the body and the gun) inside the car doesn't really conform to a murder suicide.
As Mislan looks into the case more he is bribed and warned, including warnings from his superiors not to investigate further. Money is deposited into his bank account and he even gets a visit from police Internal Affairs. It appears that the male victim is connected to powerful businessmen and political leaders and they don't want the spotlight in them in any way.
However Mislan is undeterred and continue to investigate. In the end forensic evidence, good old detective footwork, bloody-mindedness and perseverance solves the crime. This isn't an edge of the seat thrilling book, just police protocol. I enjoyed it as usual because the writing is easy to read and follow, I like the characters and the Malaysian culture and food that is described. I recommend this book for readers who like police procedurals and other countries and cultures.
However as Mislan starts looking at the case it doesn't add up. There are no indications of discord; the couple are happy and plan to marry. The older man already has a wife but in Malaysia, he is allowed another marriage. Furthermore, the physical evidence (such as the positions of the body and the gun) inside the car doesn't really conform to a murder suicide.
As Mislan looks into the case more he is bribed and warned, including warnings from his superiors not to investigate further. Money is deposited into his bank account and he even gets a visit from police Internal Affairs. It appears that the male victim is connected to powerful businessmen and political leaders and they don't want the spotlight in them in any way.
However Mislan is undeterred and continue to investigate. In the end forensic evidence, good old detective footwork, bloody-mindedness and perseverance solves the crime. This isn't an edge of the seat thrilling book, just police protocol. I enjoyed it as usual because the writing is easy to read and follow, I like the characters and the Malaysian culture and food that is described. I recommend this book for readers who like police procedurals and other countries and cultures.
November 29, 2024
This is a faster-paced book than the first Inspector Mislan novel, the Yee Sang Murders. I think this series' real strength is its solid secondary characters: Mislan's trusty assistant and friend, Sergeant Johan; his girlfriend and forensic pathologist, Dr. Safia; his awesome immediate boss, Supt Samsiah; and Forensics Chief Chew and his team.
Not to forget the many, many cups of coffee and teh tarik, the dozens of cigarettes, the mihoon goreng, mee goreng, nasi lemak, and mutton curry consumed during the investigation; without them, the case wouldn't have proceeded at all!
Favourite quotes:
1) "Money: pieces of paper with pictures of dead people that many will slave, lie, die, and kill for. It always has been, still is and will continue to be, the way."
2) "We live in a vicious world, Lan. Lives are worthless. Money has risen to the top. Nothing surprises me anymore."
3) "People always want to be heard, to say something, even when they have nothing of substance to say. They like to hear their own voices. That's how politics started," she chuckles. "Mostly, they make fools of themselves. I'm sure your suspect is no different. With his aggressiveness and flaming ego, he'll jump at the first opportunity to challenge your theory."
Not to forget the many, many cups of coffee and teh tarik, the dozens of cigarettes, the mihoon goreng, mee goreng, nasi lemak, and mutton curry consumed during the investigation; without them, the case wouldn't have proceeded at all!
Favourite quotes:
1) "Money: pieces of paper with pictures of dead people that many will slave, lie, die, and kill for. It always has been, still is and will continue to be, the way."
2) "We live in a vicious world, Lan. Lives are worthless. Money has risen to the top. Nothing surprises me anymore."
3) "People always want to be heard, to say something, even when they have nothing of substance to say. They like to hear their own voices. That's how politics started," she chuckles. "Mostly, they make fools of themselves. I'm sure your suspect is no different. With his aggressiveness and flaming ego, he'll jump at the first opportunity to challenge your theory."
March 6, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
One of the biggest thrills of being a mystery reader is not only finding a clever crime, but discovering a fascinating new series that is set in a location that is new and different. DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders by Rozlan Mohd Noor is the second book released in here in the series featuring Inspector Mislan Latif a police officer in Kuala Lumpur, divorced with one child and married to his job by both his sense of duty and interest in justice for those who suffer and are forgotten and past over by the rich and powerful. The crime is a take on the locked room murders, featuring a double homicide in a traveling car,a case that certain people would like to see disappear. Mislan is an interesting character, smart with a strong supporting cast, yet with enough moments of doubt and depression that gives him depth. The culture and food of Kuala Lumpur are another character, that helps define the characters and their actions, while the cuisine literally makes you hungry for more. I can't wait to read more in this series.
One of the biggest thrills of being a mystery reader is not only finding a clever crime, but discovering a fascinating new series that is set in a location that is new and different. DUKE: Inspector Mislan and the Expressway Murders by Rozlan Mohd Noor is the second book released in here in the series featuring Inspector Mislan Latif a police officer in Kuala Lumpur, divorced with one child and married to his job by both his sense of duty and interest in justice for those who suffer and are forgotten and past over by the rich and powerful. The crime is a take on the locked room murders, featuring a double homicide in a traveling car,a case that certain people would like to see disappear. Mislan is an interesting character, smart with a strong supporting cast, yet with enough moments of doubt and depression that gives him depth. The culture and food of Kuala Lumpur are another character, that helps define the characters and their actions, while the cuisine literally makes you hungry for more. I can't wait to read more in this series.
September 14, 2022
I had not touched books for a long time, being constantly distracted by digital devices to fill my post-work browsing.
I knew Inspector Mislan was the perfect remedy to hook me back to my first love of novel-binging - and this novel did me good. The characters were rich and painted well (I detest books with blatant one note characters). It had a pretty interesting plotline, though I do wish there could be more than just one continuous fixation on Inspector Mislan’s POV as the car investigation details got rather boring at times - its still a good, relaxing read anyway.
This review serves a dual purpose, as I confess my feelings of this rather concerning crush I’ve developed for fictional Inspector Mislan.
A crush on an emotionally disconnected cop with exaggerated machismo displayed continuously throughout the book? Check. Uncover a need to see a therapist? Check.
I knew Inspector Mislan was the perfect remedy to hook me back to my first love of novel-binging - and this novel did me good. The characters were rich and painted well (I detest books with blatant one note characters). It had a pretty interesting plotline, though I do wish there could be more than just one continuous fixation on Inspector Mislan’s POV as the car investigation details got rather boring at times - its still a good, relaxing read anyway.
This review serves a dual purpose, as I confess my feelings of this rather concerning crush I’ve developed for fictional Inspector Mislan.
A crush on an emotionally disconnected cop with exaggerated machismo displayed continuously throughout the book? Check. Uncover a need to see a therapist? Check.
December 9, 2020
Although it was a slow start, in part because I had to learn to pronounce the different location and character names, once I got the hang of it, this book took off.
An improbable murder suicide piques the curiosity of a detective who pursues the investigation despite all sorts of official and unofficial obstacles.. Between his supervisor, the forensics, the various political bullies and families, keeping everyone straight and following clues, the story takes a while to build momentum but once it does, the action moves quickly.
The one issue I had was the constant, unrelenting, one-after-the-other smoking. Utter yuck- it was nasty to visualize both how much he smoked, as well as how everyone else did as well.
Would. love to read more in this series, maybe with some nicorette.
An improbable murder suicide piques the curiosity of a detective who pursues the investigation despite all sorts of official and unofficial obstacles.. Between his supervisor, the forensics, the various political bullies and families, keeping everyone straight and following clues, the story takes a while to build momentum but once it does, the action moves quickly.
The one issue I had was the constant, unrelenting, one-after-the-other smoking. Utter yuck- it was nasty to visualize both how much he smoked, as well as how everyone else did as well.
Would. love to read more in this series, maybe with some nicorette.
July 8, 2021
Can’t appreciate the novel as I am unfamiliar with the country and the culture. This novel is centered around a holiday I know nothing about. It speaks of roads, regions, towns and cities of which I am ignorant. There are layers and layers of police departments that boggle the mind. The main character is constantly chain smoking. Why is this important to include into the story? Every meeting is held at a restaurant. There is constant discussion of food for which I am unfamiliar. All of these details are lost on me.
The detective is smart and dogged and determined. Several other characters are interesting too.
Hopefully, this type of crazy rich family dominance is just fiction. I just didn’t enjoy the book
The detective is smart and dogged and determined. Several other characters are interesting too.
Hopefully, this type of crazy rich family dominance is just fiction. I just didn’t enjoy the book
April 27, 2022
This was a difficult book for me to read. I never like to read books written in the present tense. "He gets out of his car. He crosses the street." I want "He got out of the car and crossed the street." Additionally, because it is a culture I am unfamiliar with, so many words are strange and hard to remember. I do love our hero, his partner, and his immediate boss. The OCCI is a total jerk and I'd love to see him stew in his own juices. The case is not an easy one to solve but our intrepid hero does not let the baddies get him down and keeps forging ahead. He must be a good guy to work with because the people he needs help from are willing to give him the extra time and get him the results he needs.
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