Shadow Play

Kain Songhet Mysteries #1

by Barbara Ismail

"Shadow Play" is the first in the series of “Kain Songket Mysteries” set in the northern state of Kelantan, Malaysia during the 1970s. Mak Cik Maryam, a smart and take-charge kain songket (silk) trader in Kota Bharu Central Market, discovers a murder in her own backyard, shattering the bucolic village world she thought surrounded her. While the new Chief of Police, a pleasant young man from Ipoh whose mother’s admonitions about the wiles of Kelantanese girls still ring in his ears, wrestles with the bewildering local dialect, Maryam steps up to solve the mystery herself. Her investigation brings her into the closed world of the wayang kulit Shadow Play theater and the lives of its performers—a world riven by rivalries and black magic. Trapped in a tangle of jealousy, Maryam struggles to make sense of the crime in spite of the spells sent to keep her from secrets long buried and lies woven to shield the guilty.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Detective

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Barbara Ismail spent several years in Kelantan, Malaysia in the 1970s and '80s, living in Kampong Dusun and Pengkalan Chepa, studying Wayang Siam and the Kelantanese dialect. She holds a Ph.D in Anthropology from Yale University, and is originally from Brooklyn, New York. Shadow Play is the first in Barbara Ismail's series of "Kain Songket Mysteries" based in Kelantan.

Reviews

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not technical or the most logical mystery thriller I've read, but still quite enjoyable! Few through it in a single setting. Also, loved the portrayal of the rural Malay crowd; despite living in Malaysia for sometime now, I'm embarrassed to admit that I hardly know anything of its history and people. What a shame! So definitely loved that detailing.

Thanks to Monsoon books for sending across the review copy.

Rating: 3.5🌟.

[Shuhada Ramli · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was written by Barbara Ismail. The set was in Kelantan. At the beginning, I was so eager to read this detective story about the murder of Ghani which then lead to another death and crimes. The storyline was not so bad. Reaching the 30% of the book, I get bored and disturbed by few matters. One, the frequent awkwardness usage of the Malay words like “alamak”, “kesian” and the Malay idioms and proverbs. The first few are acceptable, but the remaining was like SERIOUSLY? The way it was written, wasn’t totally blended with the storyline. Two, Barbara portrayed the people of Kelantan as those who were typically believed in “bomoh”. Why would she do that? Three, the profession of Chief Police was being taken over by a Makcik. LOL, absurdly hilarious. The rest of it has been just imbalance plot and a totally awkward role which I could not imagine much about the story. She wanted to make it surrounded by people with Kelantan culture and traditions, but it seems like too awkward for me to imagine this. Nevertheless, I struggled with the book and managed to finish it because I want to know who is the murderer. I am sorry, I don’t like the book much. I feel betrayed by the book because I love good things about Kelantan.

[Lulu Rahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has just got to be the most fun murder mystery I've ever read.

Imagine this - Ms Marple in a kebaya and songket ensemble, and adorned with lots of gold jewellery zipping through the remote villages of Kelantan trying to solve the murder of a handsome young wayang kulit performer. Her weapon - her wit and sassiness, plus those roll-up cigarettes she just can't get enough of.

Maybe the plot is thin and the characters are caricatures of the kampong folks but that's sufficient for someone like me who wants a break from heavy duty reading and just get into something light, fun and fluffy.

[Rumaizah Bakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The romantic landscape of Kelantan in the 70s and the adorable Makcik detective makes a good read. Wayang kulit, village life and local delicacies spice it all up. Look forward to reading more novels by the author.

[Izzati · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Let me be honest and admit that I did not have a high expectation for this book because the writer is not a fellow Malaysian. Of course I would be a bit skeptical when someone from another culture was to portray my own culture and experiences. But I did not realize that Barbara Ismail was an anthropologist who did live in Kelantan back in the 70s. After reading her short biography as I often do prior to delving into a book, I was more assured that she probably would know more about Kelantanese culture better than I do (I am not from Kelantan).

So, this book proved to be so much better than I expected. At first. We have a murder of someone in the wayang kulit troupe, a young policeman from Perak who was new to the Kelantanese ways and a songket seller Mak Cik Maryam who wanted to play Miss Marple. This was definitely a nod to Agatha Christie’s unassuming old woman sleuth and I am here for it!

However, the more I read, the more issues I found with the story. Don’t get me wrong, it was not a bad story as murder mystery goes, but it was a bit unnecessarily dramatic in some ways (Maryam got attacked about three times throughout the story) and yet the whole reveal was quite underwhelming. And then there was the everybody be tobacco swinging thing. I wasn’t yet alive back in the 70s, so I don’t know, maybe it was an accurate depiction of kampung people lives back then.

But what got on my nerves the most was the bad editing whenever Maryam addressed a character named Dollah. In one sentence she called him Pak Cik (literally uncle, but also used to call any much older men out of respect), in the very next sentence she called him Abang (literally brother, but also used to call any slightly older men out of respect). If I were to do this to anyone in real life, my goodness, the consequences! I can only shudder in embarrassment just imagining it. And yet in this book, this mistake happened every single time these two characters conversed.

Still, I would continue with this series because I already have the next few books but also because I enjoy the way the Kelantanese culture is depicted in here. It makes me feel like visiting Kelantan soon (I probably have been there only once)!

[Eyqa Zaque (The Hundred Pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This piece is one of a kind and I did enjoy the journey, that is why personally this book deserves five stars because it rekindles something in me that I did not found in modern investigation novels.
The first things comes to my mind by reading the blurb is, will this makcik get what it takes to step up? Well, thinking back that this event take place on 1970's, where internet are still alien things to them, they have only nearby person to get help with. If a police from Johor just posted into an unfamiliar place and had troubled to understand the local dialect and someone in the form of a motherly figure offer help in the investigation, how you can say no? Besides don't play-play with the power of makcik; "..an older woman could command younger men with just a stern look.." or younger women even.

Style of Writings

The style of the writing amuses me in many parts, such as the little detail that seems out of place but seems so true in so many ways such as; Maimunah flicked her cigarette over the side of the porch and lit another immediately. One of the goats came by to investigate. Such a curious goat and this kind of writing left me crack so much. I do imagine this story like what I saw in malay classic movies, the scarf around head, the makcik was shimmered with gold chains, bangles and earrings, calculating the sheer quantity of precious metal would intimidate their witnesses into speaking the truth. Its kind of funny to imagine how Malaysian woman back then in the 1970's because its sound so similar with the nowadays aunties usually wear, guess some things never change :D.

Characters Development and Background Settings

The story evolved by focusing on makcik Maryam investigating process and lifestyle as a Songket retailer. At some point of this book, we will question Maryam biggest motivation to continue helping the police, after so many negative things happen to her. I also found her support system is fascinating in so many ways. We will also encounter many kinds of people, the one who deserve some slaps and punches right on their noses, or the innocent people who happen to be in wrong place at the wrong time. In the end it will lead us to feel that this kind of person may exist in the real life, and some people are worth fighting for.

Before diving into a book, one must know how fiction books works, although parts of them are based on true things, but most of it are still fiction, the person or tragedy do not even happen. I am aware the folks in this book believe bomoh to be a part of solution, but not to mentioned bomoh in this story seems to know more than just selling spells, the knowledge they possess are nearly as a herbalogist. This bomoh things may seem an absurd due to Kelantan is some of the most religous part in Malaysia, but some things to remember, THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION and did not entirely resembles the local activities. For me, the witchcraft just spice the storytelling in this book, for entertainment purposes of course. Read can, believe we not.

Interesting Plot
This story also interesting plot that I love to savour, with the limit source of information, even amateur need to get into the basic stuff to extract information. That means go forth and north to interview people. I found this resonance with all the actions and questions comes out from the makcik. Politeness will find its way and I do like Maryam and Rubiah background as businesswomen, it shows 'they know how to do business' and put their knowledge in action. It kind of empowering women, we know multiple things its just we always stay low about it, do we? :P

Some Two Cents

I feel its not fair to compare these ladies with detective/investigators from the western world because Malaysian women have their politeness, they are more depending on their memory and intuition, not based on the things they read, more into based on the thing they heard. As far my experience in reading investigation novel, this story have more intimate reading that I never imagine I will had. That part of keep you move on no matter what obstacles and challenges you may face. That motherly figure that Maryam possess and all the illness she happens to get because of doing so but her will to get things done make me learn a thing or two.

I found this book such a fresh introduction to Maryam, without depending on any other popular investigation figure, she acts based on what other Malaysian women will do, instinct. Guess what my friend said is true, every book we read is based on what minds are searching for. I do read investigating stories a lot nowadays, I found many different story and method of investigating, with this book never did I disappoint even the method involve kind of orthodox already. The climax of this story was bitterly swallowed, its kind of accident that should not been there, people sometimes get over jealous and do the stupid things on earth.

I do recommend this reading if you want a strong women protagonist, amateur investigating process, if you are okay with witchcraft (not the kind of reciting spell, no, just some local witchcraft believer) and this book sure make you droll all the way. Mak Cik Maryam though appear polite like average makcik, but when it comes to fight what’s right, she gives her all. I happen to be a slow reader and perhaps the other reason why I indulge this reading so much, there are some things you can see only when you slow down right? Hope this little information will help you to consider this book as your next read.

Thank you Moonson Books and Pansing distributor for recommending and providing this copy of book in exchange for an honest review.

* Italic means its been quoted from the book itself.

[Baljit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too painful to complete!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always interested in reading about other cultures; I was an anthropology major in college and actually remember reading about the shadow puppets at one point (which, for all I know, was written by the author or her professor). Therefore, the locale and premise of the book were highly intriguing.

Pros: the insight into rural Malaysian life, including language (the glossary in the front was a really nice touch, even with the translations being provided during the story) and most especially the customs. It definitely seemed written with the intention of teaching about the culture, like the past anthropological novels.

Cons: the characters. Understandably, many of the side characters are rude or annoying (they are murder suspects). However, Maryam and her cousin got on my nerves. I do appreciate her braveness; at some point her nosiness turned into true desire to figure things out. Though it seemed like a lot of her discoveries were by luck rather than actual investigation. Also, I really dislike changing point of views. While usually from Maryam's perspective, it would jump to other characters without breaks or chapters demarcating the new person. It's one of my biggest pet peeves with writing - in my opinion, different point of views are only acceptable when they are separated by breaks.

I won a free copy in a giveaway. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be reading the sequels.

[Jasmin Mohd-zain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like mystery, thrillers, murder and mayhem books. Hmmm..but in Kelantan?. Ok, why not.

The alternate cover of the book I have is pretty and I was impressed that there was a Malay Glossary provided at the start before the tale unfold. So good so far.

But but ...not for a seasoned reader like me is this tale. Its pretty "fluffy" although some parts are quite hilarious (mak cik jatuh tangga..alamak!) and plot was interesting a little bit.

However it could be just that I'm not the target market audience for this book. Someone younger (12+?) or a fast mindless read by the seaside or train commute might be what you need to go with this book.

It's not bad...but not good for me. Finished it because I speed read this.

[Minahsuka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a leisure book. Although there are some plot twists but it doesn’t really gave me the ‘wow’ effect.
The story is based and set in Kelantan and I do think that the author did a pretty good job portraying the Kelantanese and its culture.

However, what I don’t really like is that the unnecessary usage of Malay idioms, phrases, and words. Mostly throughout the book, for example the word ‘alamak’ has been used multiple times but it an awkward way (sometimes to me it has been used wrongly). The other thing I don’t like is some stereotypes that have been put throughout the story (example: author put as if all Kelantanese women in that era smokes cigarettes)

Other than that, I do think the book is a good book to read ❤️

[Gabriela Galescu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t even finish the book

Placing a murder mystery in an exotic location and writing about local culture and customs is a wonderful idea. However, this book does not deliver at all. The characters are no more than cardboard cutouts. Everybody drinks coffee and smokes all the time, clothes and physical appearances are duly noted and that’s that. I got so frustrated with the hollowness of the characters that I gave up on the book in the middle of Chapter 12.

[Grace Foo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the Kelantanese culture and I still felt a sense of pride to have the chief police from Ipoh my hometown. though the plot didn't always gel, there were sufficient twists that allowed each character's story to be explored. It wasn't a 'realistic' story, but I enjoyed the world of the mak cik Maryam regardless. I did not expect the murder mystery ending.

[Amanda Vrany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first in this series..... it's Murder She Wrote set in the 1970s in Malaysia. You learn a great deal about Malaysian culture as you romp through Maryam's attempt to solve a murder. Super quick read that I found hard to put down yet also found it charming and sweet. I think I'll read others in this series.

[Louisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting to read a book based in another way of life. How Maryam figured who the killer was is still unbelievable to me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay this book was delightful
the mystery was satisfying, the setting was fantastic, and the protagonists were deeply charming.
like. Maryam, Rubiah, and Mamat are a great crime-fighting trio

[Fachrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I like:
1. The setting. Especially portrayal of the daily life of the Kelantanese.
2. The realistic figure of the amateur detectives. I gotta admit, sometimes Mak Cik Maryam's blunders in investigating annoyed me, but considering she's a songket seller her whole life, it makes sense that she's not always cunning enough to outwit her suspects.
3. Rubiah and Mamat. Sure, they're not three-dimensional (Mamat especially might as well called Supporting Husband), but together they complimented Maryam nicely.

What I don't like:
1. Osman. He's supposed to be a rising star, right? Young but already a Chief of Police, must be brilliant enough in his work to merit such a position. But there's hardly any evidence supporting this. The reader never really see Osman showing why he was promoted at such a young age.
2. The mystery wasn't really solved, more like it resolved itself. Mak Cik Maryam did solve part of the mystery, but not the whole thing. And the solution wasn't satisfying enough. No one would see it coming, but not in a good way.

Overall, it's a light, fun read. Mak Cik definitely reminds me to some of the Malay women I know!

[Letter From Afifah (Afifah) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1970s Kelantan, the book is about the songket trader Mak Cik Maryam that become a detective after a murder was committed in her own backyard. The victim is one of the musician in wayang kulit troupe that she hired for her son’s circumcision.

In my opinion, the crime is simple but there is a lot of suspects and threats. There are also black magic elements inserted here. What I like about this story is how detailed the author explained the scenery. It helped me to understand and imagined the story better. There is some not really accurate usage of Malay words used in the writing but did not really affect the storyline.

As the conclusion, I like this story because I can’t stop reading it! Always makes me excited to know what’s next. Maybe this book is not really many people cup of tea but it suits me.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Following in the wake of Miss Maple and all the nosy, bumbling woman self-proclaimed detectives such as McCall Smith, the asian slant in this novel doesn't really reveal much for the psyche of 70s Kelantan village life (or maybe it does but then the plot suffers because of all the trappings of ethnicity) or the intrepid nature of the main protagonist.

I tried to be open minded about it but the pacing was almost dead in the water and in the end, the solving of the murder didn't even matter at all to me.

There are more books in the series (at least 5-6 more) so I am giving it a chance to find its footing. Or be lost in the jungle.

[Kathy Chung · Rating 2 out of 5]

for me this is something like Miss Maple story.

i like that it is set in Malaysia and have put in some of the local custom here.

what i didn't like is that there is just too much interviews. yes, in an investigation it is supposed to have interviews but too much of it put me off. it would be nice to add in something else which the author did near the end of the story (che maryam nearly run over by a car).

the ending seems to be too simple.

overall, it was ok. just wish there is something more to chew on.

[Lee Hethcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a newcomer to Malaysia, I enjoyed learning more about a different area (I've mostly seen KL). The writing was of good quality. (But it left me with questions. Are Malaysian men really that malleable and dependent on their mothers? Has Kelantan changed a lot since then? What are the rates of lung cancer and diabetes there?) The story itself doesn't make me want to buy #2 and instead I'll search for a different series to learn more about current day Malaysia.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for a good, simple who-dun-it. I bought this book because it's set in Malaysia and my interest is always piqued by books about home. The author, is probably one of few who has given an authentic portrayal of the Malaysian way of life. Will probably read the next one in the series.

[alhafizol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this piece. The setting is Kelantan! My family's hometown. Thought it's not a well written mystery investigation thriller, I have to give credits to Barbara Ismail for combining the cultures and mystery together. It is a fresh idea and it is fun.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a non-Malay/ Malaysian writer, the book is very well writen. The author has a good understanding of Malay Kelantenese culture, people and language. I love the settings! Shadow Play is not your complicated mystery-thriller, but it still deserves 4 stars.

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line itself was just okay. But i like how descriptive the story is when it comes to describing Kelantan in the 70s. I can picture myself walking in the markets and enjoying yet another kuih with a mug of sweet milk tea.

[Patricia P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an easy read, but I found a few things which irked me as a Malaysian. However, there's enough in here to keep me interested in her second book, and so I might get that before deciding whether this is a follow or forget series.

[Ann Tonks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating because of the setting and the clear presentation of the cultural environment in which the protagonists live - Kelantan, Malaysia in the 1970s. It's not the world's most well written or structured murder mystery but worth reading in order to get insight into a totally different world.

[Debs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I Really wanted to love this book as I am quite fascinated by Malaysia. Hoped it would be an Alex McCall Smith type story. Sadly it was not. Vharacters and plot just were not very interesting. So sorry...

[Fina S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book manages to bring me back to the Kelantan during the 60s. I could imagine it by the descriptions provided by the author. I love the fact that the author portrays the politeness of the Kelantanese because it is still exist up to these days.

[Mohd Nordin Che Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't stop reading . Mak Cik Maryam is the super detectives @ CSI, he he.

[Julien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good setting and atmosphere. Nice characters. Entertaining mystery but the end is a disappointment.