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Inspector Singh Investigates #7
A Frightfully English Execution
Inspector Singh is irate. He's been instructed to attend a Commonwealth conference on policing in a job for paper pushers, not real cops, as far as he is concerned.And as if that isn't bad enough, his wife is determined to come along to shop for souvenirs and visit previously unknown relatives. But it isn't long before the cold case that lands on Singh's ample lap turns into a hot potato and he has to outwit Scotland Yard, his wife and London's finest criminals to prevent more frightful executions from occurring on his watch - or indeed, from being added to their number.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
57 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Shamini Flint
79 books323 followersShamini Flint lives in Singapore with her husband and two children. She began her career in law in Malaysia and also worked at an international law firm in Singapore. She travelled extensively around Asia for her work, before resigning to be a stay-at-home mum, writer, part-time lecturer and environmental activist, all in an effort to make up for her 'evil' past as a corporate lawyer!
Shamini writes children's books with cultural and environmental themes including Jungle Blues and Turtle takes a Trip as well as the 'Sasha' series of children's books. She also writes crime fiction featuring the rotund Singaporean policeman, Inspector Singh. Singh travels around Asia stumbling over corpses and sampling the food ...
Shamini writes children's books with cultural and environmental themes including Jungle Blues and Turtle takes a Trip as well as the 'Sasha' series of children's books. She also writes crime fiction featuring the rotund Singaporean policeman, Inspector Singh. Singh travels around Asia stumbling over corpses and sampling the food ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 31, 2017
What a change in a writer. Over the last few years I have read the 6 previous books in this series. Obviously I enjoyed them or I wouldnt have continueed.
The first few books were not unduly serious or heavy going. The murders were treated with due reverence but overall the books seemed to more about the overweight, hen-pecked Inspector Singh and his stormy relationship with his wife. It was Singhs relationship with his superior and the latters attempts to get rid of him that seemed to be the reason for his many overseas trips around South East Asia and indeed was the reason behind this trip to London for the latest story.
I think that it was in book 4, The Cambodian Crime Spree, that I thought that the author had changed and the book was much darker with the evils of war.
Whatever I had thought of the individual books of the series, when this one was published, it was a 'must read'. I dont know if it was because the story was set against a familiar backdrop of London or if it was the authors ability to paint such interesting/misleading charactors but this novel is, to my mind, the best so far and my first 5* for a while.
Ones knowledge of the Inspector Singh and the tragic/comic relationship with his wife gets the story off to a good start before it developes into a modern day crime drama. The final scenes are very nicely drawn out but even so you are never quite sure what the outcome will be.
A most enjoyable read - but only after reading the others, naturally.
The first few books were not unduly serious or heavy going. The murders were treated with due reverence but overall the books seemed to more about the overweight, hen-pecked Inspector Singh and his stormy relationship with his wife. It was Singhs relationship with his superior and the latters attempts to get rid of him that seemed to be the reason for his many overseas trips around South East Asia and indeed was the reason behind this trip to London for the latest story.
I think that it was in book 4, The Cambodian Crime Spree, that I thought that the author had changed and the book was much darker with the evils of war.
Whatever I had thought of the individual books of the series, when this one was published, it was a 'must read'. I dont know if it was because the story was set against a familiar backdrop of London or if it was the authors ability to paint such interesting/misleading charactors but this novel is, to my mind, the best so far and my first 5* for a while.
Ones knowledge of the Inspector Singh and the tragic/comic relationship with his wife gets the story off to a good start before it developes into a modern day crime drama. The final scenes are very nicely drawn out but even so you are never quite sure what the outcome will be.
A most enjoyable read - but only after reading the others, naturally.
May 7, 2016
First Sentence: “We know what we’ve got to do, right, lads?”
Inspector Singh may not be well liked by his superiors, but no one can deny his clear rate for murder cases. So why are they sending him to England where he’s to attend a conference on policing in London, and his wife is coming with him. There, he is supposed to investigate a cold case, but only in theory. Not one to be satisfied with that, Singh is on the trail of the actual killer and finds another similar case. Unfortunately, his wife decides to help her husband, and could well be the next victim.
Flint opens with a scene we all know is happening, yet dread. At least, in this case, it was stopped.
In spite of the seriousness of the theme, Flint is very adept at using humor as a balance. As Singh’s wife talks about George, third in line for the British throne—‘He’s not the heir then, is he?” ‘He will be when the rest die,’ which is then followed with a quote from Shakespeare, and her acknowledgement of lingering spirits—“There were no chalk marks on the wooden floor…nothing to suggest that a murder had once been done here. And yet, the hair on Singh’s neck stood up and he felt suddenly cold inside his heavy suede coat. Was the ghost of Fatima Daud tethered to this place…?”
There is nothing better than an author who makes one stop and consider—“Cold cases. The mark of Cain for a policeman, indicating a failure to achieve the one and only goal of policing—the apprehension of the person responsible for the crime. The right person, mind you, the guilty party.”
One of the most fascinating things about this look is that it provides a view of an urban Muslim community from the perspective of a Sikh. In one short exchange, Flink both defines the mindset of terrorists, and the fallacy of it. It is always fascinating learning information about other countries, particularly through the eyes of someone else who is foreign to that country, and it is equally interesting seeing Mrs. Singh’s perspective, as well. Singh’s method of assessing a new restaurant is worth remembering.
Although one could go one waxing rhapsodic, over Flint’s humor and dialogue, as well as the perspective of her characters, it is also important to mention her skill with the plot itself, and her use of well-timed, very good plot twists that continuously build the sense of tension and surprise as the various threads of the story being to join.
“Inspector Singh Investigates: A Frightfully English Execution” is so well done on every level; characters, humor, suspense, overall quality of the writing, and most of all, perspective of cultures unknown to, and misunderstood by, most of us. There is so much more here than there seems.
INSPECTOR SINGH INVESTIGATES: A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION (Pol Proc-Ins. Singh-England-Contemp) – Ex
Flint, Shamini – 7th in series
Piatkus, 2016
Inspector Singh may not be well liked by his superiors, but no one can deny his clear rate for murder cases. So why are they sending him to England where he’s to attend a conference on policing in London, and his wife is coming with him. There, he is supposed to investigate a cold case, but only in theory. Not one to be satisfied with that, Singh is on the trail of the actual killer and finds another similar case. Unfortunately, his wife decides to help her husband, and could well be the next victim.
Flint opens with a scene we all know is happening, yet dread. At least, in this case, it was stopped.
In spite of the seriousness of the theme, Flint is very adept at using humor as a balance. As Singh’s wife talks about George, third in line for the British throne—‘He’s not the heir then, is he?” ‘He will be when the rest die,’ which is then followed with a quote from Shakespeare, and her acknowledgement of lingering spirits—“There were no chalk marks on the wooden floor…nothing to suggest that a murder had once been done here. And yet, the hair on Singh’s neck stood up and he felt suddenly cold inside his heavy suede coat. Was the ghost of Fatima Daud tethered to this place…?”
There is nothing better than an author who makes one stop and consider—“Cold cases. The mark of Cain for a policeman, indicating a failure to achieve the one and only goal of policing—the apprehension of the person responsible for the crime. The right person, mind you, the guilty party.”
One of the most fascinating things about this look is that it provides a view of an urban Muslim community from the perspective of a Sikh. In one short exchange, Flink both defines the mindset of terrorists, and the fallacy of it. It is always fascinating learning information about other countries, particularly through the eyes of someone else who is foreign to that country, and it is equally interesting seeing Mrs. Singh’s perspective, as well. Singh’s method of assessing a new restaurant is worth remembering.
Although one could go one waxing rhapsodic, over Flint’s humor and dialogue, as well as the perspective of her characters, it is also important to mention her skill with the plot itself, and her use of well-timed, very good plot twists that continuously build the sense of tension and surprise as the various threads of the story being to join.
“Inspector Singh Investigates: A Frightfully English Execution” is so well done on every level; characters, humor, suspense, overall quality of the writing, and most of all, perspective of cultures unknown to, and misunderstood by, most of us. There is so much more here than there seems.
INSPECTOR SINGH INVESTIGATES: A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION (Pol Proc-Ins. Singh-England-Contemp) – Ex
Flint, Shamini – 7th in series
Piatkus, 2016
July 21, 2017
Having read all of the previous books in this series, Inspector Singh Investigates, when I saw this one, I decided without hesitation to get myself a copy.
The plot of this story isn't all that new, or even interesting, a couple of themes covered include Islamic terrorism, money laundering, stalking, etc. At times, elements of this plot seem a little forced, and if it wasn't for the main character, Inspector Singh, then it's highly unlikely I would have found this book of any interest. What does add an element of interest to this story is that it's set in England, and Inspector Singh, the unobservant Sikh, has to watch his behaviour carefully.
There's one amusing scene where he's about to buy some cigarettes he has to pretend they are for someone else for fear of being lynched by any nearby Sikhs who are highly offended by the sight of a Sikh buying tobacco.
I'm not sure anyone who hasn't read the previous books in this series will like this book, however, anyone familiar with the character of Inspector Singh will find this to be an enjoyable read.
The plot of this story isn't all that new, or even interesting, a couple of themes covered include Islamic terrorism, money laundering, stalking, etc. At times, elements of this plot seem a little forced, and if it wasn't for the main character, Inspector Singh, then it's highly unlikely I would have found this book of any interest. What does add an element of interest to this story is that it's set in England, and Inspector Singh, the unobservant Sikh, has to watch his behaviour carefully.
There's one amusing scene where he's about to buy some cigarettes he has to pretend they are for someone else for fear of being lynched by any nearby Sikhs who are highly offended by the sight of a Sikh buying tobacco.
I'm not sure anyone who hasn't read the previous books in this series will like this book, however, anyone familiar with the character of Inspector Singh will find this to be an enjoyable read.
September 19, 2023
This can't be Inspector Singh's last adventure, can it?
My expectations were really high for this one, and Shamini Flint delivered, as usual. Like another reviewer stated, the last few stories have been darker than the first ones, more in the way of terrorism and war and atrocities.
I do know London a bit and the hotchpotch of ethnicities there is well captured.
Thrilling to the last moment.
My expectations were really high for this one, and Shamini Flint delivered, as usual. Like another reviewer stated, the last few stories have been darker than the first ones, more in the way of terrorism and war and atrocities.
I do know London a bit and the hotchpotch of ethnicities there is well captured.
Thrilling to the last moment.
January 2, 2017
The seventh installment of the Inspector Singh Investigates series finds an irate Inspector Singh ordered to attend a Commonwealth conference on policing in London. His wife decides to tag along with Singh to shop for souvenirs and visit with previously unknown relatives -- two of his least favorite activities. At the conference, Singh is assigned a cold case for the purpose of identifying ways to improve community relations. However, the intrepid investigator does what he does best and tries to solve the mystery, bringing closure to the family and locking up a murderer. As the case unfolds, it seems that the killer may have not stopped with the initial victim and London may have a serial killer at large. Other factors that seem to be ripped from the headlines are in play, placing the city at even greater risk.
This was the first book in the series not set in Asia; however, the cultural issues featured in the earlier installments were evident in this one, which is a factor that I enjoy about this series overall. Although this is part of a series, I've found that each one can be read as a stand-alone mystery since each one is set in a different location that factors into the mystery Singh is trying to solve. This offering included all of the elements I've enjoyed the first six, especially the complex storyline, well-paced plot development, real world issues that are woven into the story, and the different locations. The series has likable recurring characters, and I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Singh's more prominent role in this plot. While this series is considered a "cozy" mystery series, the themes it tackles are quite serious. I like that the author doesn't shy away from those types of issues and feel she does an excellent job of weaving them naturally into the storylines. I look forward to finding out where Inspector Singh travels next!
This was the first book in the series not set in Asia; however, the cultural issues featured in the earlier installments were evident in this one, which is a factor that I enjoy about this series overall. Although this is part of a series, I've found that each one can be read as a stand-alone mystery since each one is set in a different location that factors into the mystery Singh is trying to solve. This offering included all of the elements I've enjoyed the first six, especially the complex storyline, well-paced plot development, real world issues that are woven into the story, and the different locations. The series has likable recurring characters, and I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Singh's more prominent role in this plot. While this series is considered a "cozy" mystery series, the themes it tackles are quite serious. I like that the author doesn't shy away from those types of issues and feel she does an excellent job of weaving them naturally into the storylines. I look forward to finding out where Inspector Singh travels next!
July 20, 2020
In the continuing adventures of Inspector Singh, our intrepid police officer is sent to England to attend a police conference. As part of the effort to improve community relations, the London Police Service is reviewing cold cases with victims from ethnic communities. Inspector Singh is asked to audit the file for Fatima Daud's murder. Fatima was a young Muslim woman in her twenties who was brutally murdered and whose case remains unsolved. As usual, Singh bumbles along and yet, manages to gather information from Fatima's family and friends that wasn't previously shared with the police. He is aided by Mrs. Singh, who has accompanied him to London, and has some theories of her own.
My favourite part of this series is a different international locale for each book. I prefer settings that I haven't travelled to. Although I love London, the more familiar environment was missing the allure of other entries. Still, an entertaining read and a series with books that can be read out of order.
My favourite part of this series is a different international locale for each book. I prefer settings that I haven't travelled to. Although I love London, the more familiar environment was missing the allure of other entries. Still, an entertaining read and a series with books that can be read out of order.
July 25, 2017
Brilliant!
June 3, 2021
Perfect ending, thanks to his grey cells! And of course not forgetting the wife, for her curiosity and ability to detect a murderer. I'm so going to miss him..
October 10, 2016
Inspector Singh's departure from his usual Asian adventures is an entertaining romp through the streets of modern London, brought about by his superiors sending him to a Commonwealth policing conference. When he's assigned the task of looking into how the British police could have better liaised with a minority community that closed ranks during an unsolved murder, Singh can't help but try to solve the murder himself. After he all, he's a murder detective, not a paper pusher.
Shamini Flint is a dab hand at writing books that blend light and dark, mixing comic elements and serious issues. Inspector Singh is a bit of a lovable grump, the kind of character it's hard not to fall for. A rotund, sneakers-wearing Sikh who loves eating, smoking, and drinking, he's a fresh twist on the intellectual detective of the Victorian and Golden Age. He's grumpy, but not at all dour. He loves life, and his job, even if he can't be bothered with the politics, or the henpecking of his wife.
One of the characters in A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION describes Singh as a bull in a china shop, and that's an apt description. He barrels about, setting his own course as he tries to catch killers, with little regard for politics or politeness. At the same time, he's a lot smarter than he seems - Columbo-esque in the way he's underestimated. After all, he has the best solve rate in Singapore.
The relationship between Singh and his wife is a delightful one. She's keen to bask in his reflected glory with her relatives, while at the same time wanting to underline that all his success is down to her influence, of course. Singh grumbles about his wife's intrusions and picadillos, but deep down it's clear how much love he has for her. As he investigates the death of a young Asian woman, they're each confronted with thoughts of what might have been in their own family.
As a foreigner now living in London, I found A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION particularly enjoyable in the way Flint brought the city to life through the eyes of an outsider. Singh is baffled by some of the things he witnesses, and the differences between London life and what he's experienced in his shiny and modern home city half a world away. Flint evokes some 'cultural differences', without seeming cliched or stereotyped, and the novel touches on some pretty serious modern-day issues, including the threat of homegrown terrorism.
Overall, A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION is a fun, engaging read centred on a terrific main character, well rounded out by a good supporting cast and a range of personal and social issues that give the book, and series, plenty of depth despite it's light-hearted tone in parts.
Shamini Flint is a dab hand at writing books that blend light and dark, mixing comic elements and serious issues. Inspector Singh is a bit of a lovable grump, the kind of character it's hard not to fall for. A rotund, sneakers-wearing Sikh who loves eating, smoking, and drinking, he's a fresh twist on the intellectual detective of the Victorian and Golden Age. He's grumpy, but not at all dour. He loves life, and his job, even if he can't be bothered with the politics, or the henpecking of his wife.
One of the characters in A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION describes Singh as a bull in a china shop, and that's an apt description. He barrels about, setting his own course as he tries to catch killers, with little regard for politics or politeness. At the same time, he's a lot smarter than he seems - Columbo-esque in the way he's underestimated. After all, he has the best solve rate in Singapore.
The relationship between Singh and his wife is a delightful one. She's keen to bask in his reflected glory with her relatives, while at the same time wanting to underline that all his success is down to her influence, of course. Singh grumbles about his wife's intrusions and picadillos, but deep down it's clear how much love he has for her. As he investigates the death of a young Asian woman, they're each confronted with thoughts of what might have been in their own family.
As a foreigner now living in London, I found A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION particularly enjoyable in the way Flint brought the city to life through the eyes of an outsider. Singh is baffled by some of the things he witnesses, and the differences between London life and what he's experienced in his shiny and modern home city half a world away. Flint evokes some 'cultural differences', without seeming cliched or stereotyped, and the novel touches on some pretty serious modern-day issues, including the threat of homegrown terrorism.
Overall, A FRIGHTFULLY ENGLISH EXECUTION is a fun, engaging read centred on a terrific main character, well rounded out by a good supporting cast and a range of personal and social issues that give the book, and series, plenty of depth despite it's light-hearted tone in parts.
June 15, 2016
I can't recommend this book more highly. It was a long wait for a new Inspector Singh mystery but it was worth it. Funny, nuanced, deep at points. Read it! I can't wait to see where Inspector Singh's superiors send him and his squeeky clean sneakers next.
June 10, 2016
Welcome Back
You have been missed Inspector Singh.I hope it won't be so long next time.This book has it all.A serious subject, a cracking who done it and a. Lot of humour.
You have been missed Inspector Singh.I hope it won't be so long next time.This book has it all.A serious subject, a cracking who done it and a. Lot of humour.
June 29, 2021
I liked this one - i enjoyed his wife being a part of it. I am sad that this was the last in the series.
October 3, 2021
I was about to give this book 5 stars because I thought she had really honed the story line and the Singh couple to perfection. I confess I showed my prejudice toward the general category and thought you cannot give "cosy" type books 5 stars. The suspense in this book had my heart pounding for a quite a few of the final chapters. I could have used a walk in the cool night air to calm myself down, in fact! I was too lazy for that. I guess my inner Inspector Singh told me to not exert so much effort. The book wraps up the series beautifully, although I am said to say goodbye to the inspector.
I haven't given many reviews to this series, but I wanted to add one to this last book to cover what the series meant to me.
This series could be light entertainment. You want a book that whisks you somewhere else for a while to get your mind off of work, dirty dishes, or whatever. The crime element, as opposed to a romance-type book, gives you a bit of a puzzle to work out so it is not like picking a boring piece of chocolate.
What makes this series stick out and not be a typical "cosy crime" series is the unique Inspector Singh and the social issues that come up in the story. With a crime-story setting, Shamini Flint can talk about racism, prejudice, sexism, social inequality, human rights violations, and more. Inspector Singh (and Mrs. Singh, too!) has prejudices and biases. However, the inspector finds them challenged time and again and has to rethink them. I think this is a nice touch. We see the Inspector is not infallible (except that he always solves the crime!), and that makes him a sympathetic character.
Some of the topics are also rather political, and that is fine by me. The previous one was about corruption in China, and this particular book was about suicide bombers. I think any reader who criticises any accuracies in details in her books is wasting their time. Shamini Flint is the author. She is writing a book to entertain us, and if she wants to change anything historical to make her point, I am fine with that. I do not know if she changed anything anywhere at all - I just remember seeing grumpy comments in some reviews of the various books, and I say "chill" to all of them.
I really enjoyed this series and recommend diving in.
I haven't given many reviews to this series, but I wanted to add one to this last book to cover what the series meant to me.
This series could be light entertainment. You want a book that whisks you somewhere else for a while to get your mind off of work, dirty dishes, or whatever. The crime element, as opposed to a romance-type book, gives you a bit of a puzzle to work out so it is not like picking a boring piece of chocolate.
What makes this series stick out and not be a typical "cosy crime" series is the unique Inspector Singh and the social issues that come up in the story. With a crime-story setting, Shamini Flint can talk about racism, prejudice, sexism, social inequality, human rights violations, and more. Inspector Singh (and Mrs. Singh, too!) has prejudices and biases. However, the inspector finds them challenged time and again and has to rethink them. I think this is a nice touch. We see the Inspector is not infallible (except that he always solves the crime!), and that makes him a sympathetic character.
Some of the topics are also rather political, and that is fine by me. The previous one was about corruption in China, and this particular book was about suicide bombers. I think any reader who criticises any accuracies in details in her books is wasting their time. Shamini Flint is the author. She is writing a book to entertain us, and if she wants to change anything historical to make her point, I am fine with that. I do not know if she changed anything anywhere at all - I just remember seeing grumpy comments in some reviews of the various books, and I say "chill" to all of them.
I really enjoyed this series and recommend diving in.
November 20, 2020
Unlike the rest in the Inspector Singh Investigates series, this takes place outside Asia. Since I have been to London I thought I'd get some imageries of all the touristy areas I've been to, but of course, I forgot that this is on murder investigations, so everything isn't all peachy.
I started reading this with a little apprehension, because I never like stories about Muslims especially when it's about terrorism. Being a Muslim myself, it's not just a sensitive topic, but also something I totally feel disheartened about because it is true that there are extremists out there who smear the name of the religion. And stories are likely to paint Muslims as mere extremists, when they're not one and the same.
But this story did so well to capture the fact that people are different even if they belong to the same religion.
As usual, the plot was solid, and I liked that Mrs. Singh was more involved in this story. Sherlock and Poirot were mentioned more in this one too, perhaps on account of the inspector being in the UK. And the ending, like all the other endings in the series, was brilliant. Although, I have to say my favourite is still the one with the case in Singapore.
I started reading this with a little apprehension, because I never like stories about Muslims especially when it's about terrorism. Being a Muslim myself, it's not just a sensitive topic, but also something I totally feel disheartened about because it is true that there are extremists out there who smear the name of the religion. And stories are likely to paint Muslims as mere extremists, when they're not one and the same.
But this story did so well to capture the fact that people are different even if they belong to the same religion.
As usual, the plot was solid, and I liked that Mrs. Singh was more involved in this story. Sherlock and Poirot were mentioned more in this one too, perhaps on account of the inspector being in the UK. And the ending, like all the other endings in the series, was brilliant. Although, I have to say my favourite is still the one with the case in Singapore.
December 21, 2017
I dunno. I liked Singh and his wife, and even the side characters were not bad at all.
But as I leave this book, what lingers is the "oh, come ON!" feeling when we repeatedly learn that
It's as if the first draft came in too long and everything had to be compressed, characters removed.
Also didn't care for the
But this was my first Singh, and I will search out #1 before deciding.
And early on ... Hanif being trained by a man with red hair. Surely this is the Red Rascal from Doonesbury!
But as I leave this book, what lingers is the "oh, come ON!" feeling when we repeatedly learn that
It's as if the first draft came in too long and everything had to be compressed, characters removed.
Also didn't care for the
But this was my first Singh, and I will search out #1 before deciding.
And early on ... Hanif being trained by a man with red hair. Surely this is the Red Rascal from Doonesbury!
August 20, 2020
The last in the series, I think.
An okay read but too predictable for me. I read a review of the China book by someone who loves in Shanghai, they said it was too cookie cutter - as if the author had read up on all the problems in China and forced them all into the book.
This one felt a bit the same...London....Islamic extremists.
Also the bit about logging onto a Hotmail account and opening the draft folder...reading what someone else had put in there because that way nothing ever went on the web! How does the author think it was recorded!
An okay read but too predictable for me. I read a review of the China book by someone who loves in Shanghai, they said it was too cookie cutter - as if the author had read up on all the problems in China and forced them all into the book.
This one felt a bit the same...London....Islamic extremists.
Also the bit about logging onto a Hotmail account and opening the draft folder...reading what someone else had put in there because that way nothing ever went on the web! How does the author think it was recorded!
March 28, 2022
This was my first Inspector Singh novel and I liked it very much. Inspector Singh is quite an unconventional policeman and Mrs Singh plays a rather important part in solving the mystery as well. This novel reminded me somewhat of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. But make no mistake about it. This story is a mix between funny/lighthearted stuff and much more serious things like the war in Syria, jihadists, ISIS, terrorists and beheadings. Ms Flint kept me guessing until the very last page. So many potential killers. Nice read.
October 12, 2022
Inspector Singh is a joy to read, from witty one liners to hilarious interactions largely between him and his wife. The book is a masterclass in showcasing ability to blend lighter and darker elements together, without compromising the story. While I did have some issues with the story in terms of certain elements that lack realism, like inspector Singh wife acting as pseudo detective and having access to confidential information, the antics and escapades that emerge as a result is so brilliantly entertaining that I could not complain.
Ps: The story also tends to jump perspectives which could be disorientating at times, so pay attention lmao.
Ps: The story also tends to jump perspectives which could be disorientating at times, so pay attention lmao.
June 14, 2017
Exciting ending
This story was slow at first, and I started to get bored. I kept up with it anyway and was rewarded with the great ending. I loved learning the different cultures and foods presented. I'm not sure whether I will go back to the first book in the "Inspector Sing Investigates:" series any time soon, but will keep it in mind when I'm looking for a new book to read.
This story was slow at first, and I started to get bored. I kept up with it anyway and was rewarded with the great ending. I loved learning the different cultures and foods presented. I'm not sure whether I will go back to the first book in the "Inspector Sing Investigates:" series any time soon, but will keep it in mind when I'm looking for a new book to read.
November 15, 2017
I love Inspector Singh so much. I’ve read all the books in the series and followed his antics through adventure after adventure without a moment’s hesitation. It’s impossible for me to think of anything I dislike about these books. The characters alone are unforgettable and lovable in their humanity and imperfections. The various viewpoints and strands of plot are never confusing or out of sync. I recommend these books to everyone and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
April 17, 2020
Love, love, love Inspector Singh. Have read all 7 installments and he has never failed to entertain. Behind that somewhat bungling exterior lies a sharp mind that is adept at solving heinous crimes.
A little bit comedy, a little bit political and social satire and a little bit murder mystery (and in this installment terrorism too!) make for a very enjoyable read.
Hope that this is not the last we will be seeing of him.
A little bit comedy, a little bit political and social satire and a little bit murder mystery (and in this installment terrorism too!) make for a very enjoyable read.
Hope that this is not the last we will be seeing of him.
October 22, 2020
This is the first book that I've read in the series and this is my favorite so far. The mystery for me is much more interesting and I love how much it involves Mrs. Singh in this one and also explores their relationship as a couple. The case that he works on is also a sad reality and with extreme high stakes with threats of terrorism. The plot twist really works with stereotypes subverting expectations.
January 24, 2021
Our corpulent copper and his squeaky clean sneakers has been sent to a police conference in London. Of course Mrs. Singh has finagled her way along. Despite being there for a conference, Singh gets involved with a cold case. Singh finds himself embroiled with Islamic terrorism, money laundering, and more. Not to mention Mrs. Singh takes on some detective work. A fresh murder and kidnapping happen on his watch. Will Singh save the day to enjoy another curry?
December 30, 2017
Would the cutting off of hands b3 called”exmanumation?” If so, Inspector Singh has uncovered a “pair” of such events, some dicey terrorists, and a a real estate agent whose money laundering is done with a wink and a nod from a sleazy barrister. Kidnapping, beheading, and London’s underground all play parts in this cleverly constructed mystery. Well done, Ms Flint!
April 27, 2018
I had trouble putting this book down. As it reached the final chapters, the suspense and danger grew. Shamini Flint weaves her plots around the news of the day, adding a contemporary edge to the mystery. Inspector Singh and his wife are lovable characters and the secondary players are well drawn and complex
September 30, 2024
The last book of the series, where the stakes are a little higher and the murders a little more chilling. I finished this book because I had it on my bookshelf and I wanted to finish this series, not because I particularly wanted to read it. It's not a bad book, maybe better for a younger audience or those who like simpler plots/language.
May 5, 2017
Of the 100+ books that I have read on Goodreads, this book has the highest average rating. It is a good mystery novel - suspenseful story, likeable and quirky detective, interesting minor characters and an exciting ending. However I was never fully convinced about why a Singaporean detective was solving an English mystery in London, and that bothered me through the whole book. So while a very good read, for me personally, it is not my highest rated.
September 20, 2019
Not the best book in the series as the plot was little messy and the twists were kind of forced. The ending was also a little too rushed and abrupt. However, writing style is great as always but I felt that the ending could have been better.
March 28, 2021
This time Flint moves the social conscience aspect of her work closer to modern day, as it involves Muslims, terrorists, and community policing in the UK.
I have enjoyed every Inspector Singh story to come out so far, and they keep getting better.
I have enjoyed every Inspector Singh story to come out so far, and they keep getting better.
March 15, 2023
My favorite so far. Probably because Mrs. Singh features more prominently than ever. I have to say I have really come to enjoy the Inspector and his curmudgeonly and savvy ways. I think this is the last in the series which is a little sad. Very quick, easy and fun reads.
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