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Inspector Samuel Tay #3
The Dead American
They steer a tight ship in squeaky-clean Singapore. No dissent, no opposition, no criticism. It’s like an entire country run by Walt Disney. Disneyland with the death penalty, somebody once called it.
A young American software engineer hangs himself in his Singapore apartment. At least that’s what the police say happened. Emma Lazar, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, thinks otherwise. She thinks Tyler Bartlett was murdered to keep him quiet, and the Singapore police are covering it up.
Emma Lazar asks Inspector Samuel Tay to help her investigate the young man’s death. Tay is a senior inspector in the elite Special Investigation Section of Singapore CID. He’s pretty much the best investigator the Singapore police have, but Tay’s father was an American and from him Tay inherited a strong streak of American individualism that has made him an outsider in relentlessly regulated and tightly wound little Singapore. That’s mostly why Tay has been placed on leave. Tay shot a man and everyone knows it was self-defense, but Tay’s enemies have seized on the incident and are trying to get rid of him once and for all.
Tay really doesn’t want to get involved in helping Emma Lazar with her story. It certainly won’t help him get his job back to challenge the government’s official narrative about the death of Tyler Bartlett. But the writer’s determination tickles his curiosity, and…well, the truth is he’s bored and she’s beautiful. So he does it anyway.
Learning that Tyler Bartlett’s death was no suicide is easy enough for Tay. What is far more difficult is finding out what the young man knew that made him worth killing. When Tay realizes both his superiors on the police force and the faceless men of the Internal Security Department are working behind the scenes to keep him from finding out, he becomes more determined than ever to discover what, and who, is behind Tyler Bartlett’s murder.
Of course, there’s a problem there. If Tay does find out, doesn’t that make him worth killing, too?
A young American software engineer hangs himself in his Singapore apartment. At least that’s what the police say happened. Emma Lazar, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, thinks otherwise. She thinks Tyler Bartlett was murdered to keep him quiet, and the Singapore police are covering it up.
Emma Lazar asks Inspector Samuel Tay to help her investigate the young man’s death. Tay is a senior inspector in the elite Special Investigation Section of Singapore CID. He’s pretty much the best investigator the Singapore police have, but Tay’s father was an American and from him Tay inherited a strong streak of American individualism that has made him an outsider in relentlessly regulated and tightly wound little Singapore. That’s mostly why Tay has been placed on leave. Tay shot a man and everyone knows it was self-defense, but Tay’s enemies have seized on the incident and are trying to get rid of him once and for all.
Tay really doesn’t want to get involved in helping Emma Lazar with her story. It certainly won’t help him get his job back to challenge the government’s official narrative about the death of Tyler Bartlett. But the writer’s determination tickles his curiosity, and…well, the truth is he’s bored and she’s beautiful. So he does it anyway.
Learning that Tyler Bartlett’s death was no suicide is easy enough for Tay. What is far more difficult is finding out what the young man knew that made him worth killing. When Tay realizes both his superiors on the police force and the faceless men of the Internal Security Department are working behind the scenes to keep him from finding out, he becomes more determined than ever to discover what, and who, is behind Tyler Bartlett’s murder.
Of course, there’s a problem there. If Tay does find out, doesn’t that make him worth killing, too?
322 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2014
444 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Jake Needham
48 books394 followersJAKE NEEDHAM received the Barry Award at Bouchercon 2024, the world's largest convention of mystery readers, for BEST PAPERBACK MYSTERY OF 2024. He is a three-time Barry Award nominee, as well as a nominee for the International Thriller Writers' award for BEST PAPERBACK THRILLER OF THE YEAR.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 27, 2016
Calling Samuel Tay the Harry Bosch of the Singapore police isn't far off the mark. Once he sinks his teeth into a case he is relentless in the pursuit of justice.
This third entry in the series doesn't disappoint. Sam is on temporary suspension due to events described in The Umbrella Man. He knows his bosses would prefer to see him off the force permanently. But as he works on some research for a reporter who asks for his assistance, his bosses bribe him to drop that task by offering him reinstatement if he complies.
Technology stumps Sam all along the way as he can barely use a cell phone. But technology is deep at the heart of the case. Read the book to discover how Sam deals with this problem as well as the ethical dilemma of pursuing a case he had agreed to drop.
Make sure you read the author's note at the end of the book for insight into the inspiration for the book. Part of what makes these Samuel Tay adventures so charming is Tay's love/hate relationship with Singapore. Those notes explain a lot.
Recommended for those who like police procedurals and books steeped in non-Western cultures.
This third entry in the series doesn't disappoint. Sam is on temporary suspension due to events described in The Umbrella Man. He knows his bosses would prefer to see him off the force permanently. But as he works on some research for a reporter who asks for his assistance, his bosses bribe him to drop that task by offering him reinstatement if he complies.
Technology stumps Sam all along the way as he can barely use a cell phone. But technology is deep at the heart of the case. Read the book to discover how Sam deals with this problem as well as the ethical dilemma of pursuing a case he had agreed to drop.
Make sure you read the author's note at the end of the book for insight into the inspiration for the book. Part of what makes these Samuel Tay adventures so charming is Tay's love/hate relationship with Singapore. Those notes explain a lot.
Recommended for those who like police procedurals and books steeped in non-Western cultures.
March 13, 2015
I was willing to look past how repetative this book was in its storytelling, however the ending was so lackluster that I just couldn't give it more than 3 stars. It ended so unresolved that I was caught by surprise by the "END"
July 7, 2016
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T h b by y h khan j ;) khan I h h h h .uk Kyoto h hui h
T h b by y h khan j ;) khan I h h h h .uk Kyoto h hui h
April 11, 2020
First Sam Tay book I've read. Didn't care for lead Charcter. I kept waiting for something bad to happen to him. No IT IQ. I hope he wore slip on's. Couldn't do anything couldn't shoot. Who was the August character? I've enjoyed other needam books but don't believe I'll buy another Sam Tay novel.
December 30, 2016
Weakest of the 3 books
I would have enjoyed the book better if whole sections of the previous 2 books hadn't been cut and pasted into this one. Did the author think the reader wouldn't remember? Too bad, it was shaping up to be a good series.
I would have enjoyed the book better if whole sections of the previous 2 books hadn't been cut and pasted into this one. Did the author think the reader wouldn't remember? Too bad, it was shaping up to be a good series.
December 31, 2017
This was a lot of fun. A suspended Singapore detective gets involved in a high technology mystery. As usual a woman is the reason for his involvement. Great characters along with a great story line make this book a great read.
Read
March 27, 2024It's good to read descriptions of Singapore. Similar formula to the previous 2 books. The higher ups in Singapore police want to cover things up, the Americans are involved, Sam investigates anyway, smokes a lot, sits in his garden a lot, is visited by his dead mother (or dreams about her), calls on the help of the long suffering but loyal Sargeant Kang, and somehow solves the case. He comes up against Singapore's ISD agent, Go and as some fairly one sided interactions with John August whom he trusts to help him but not to tell him the truth.
In this story a young US coder has been been poached to work for a company in Singapore ostensibly tested the security of the code for driverless cars. He is found dead after quitting his job and telling his girlfriend and family that he's found out something that's scared him. The death is deemed to be suicide but the evidence is clear that it's not. Tay is on suspension so not involved with the case but a US journalist asks him to investigate for her. Tay finds himself getting involved against his better judgement. It's soon clear that there are many people trying to stop him.
In this story a young US coder has been been poached to work for a company in Singapore ostensibly tested the security of the code for driverless cars. He is found dead after quitting his job and telling his girlfriend and family that he's found out something that's scared him. The death is deemed to be suicide but the evidence is clear that it's not. Tay is on suspension so not involved with the case but a US journalist asks him to investigate for her. Tay finds himself getting involved against his better judgement. It's soon clear that there are many people trying to stop him.
September 26, 2024
very good
This was a very good story, and I’ll tell you why I only gave it 4 stars in just a moment. The story has to do with Tay investigating the ‘suicide’ of a young computer coder because a beautiful woman asks Tay to do so. Lots of twist and turns, and action. I enjoy the character of John August very much. I feel sorry for Officer Kang. I gave this book 4 stars because the story is so much like the previous books. There are even whole paragraphs taken from the other books and inserted here. Lazy and disappointing. It’s still a good story though. Don’t know if I will read any more in the series.
This was a very good story, and I’ll tell you why I only gave it 4 stars in just a moment. The story has to do with Tay investigating the ‘suicide’ of a young computer coder because a beautiful woman asks Tay to do so. Lots of twist and turns, and action. I enjoy the character of John August very much. I feel sorry for Officer Kang. I gave this book 4 stars because the story is so much like the previous books. There are even whole paragraphs taken from the other books and inserted here. Lazy and disappointing. It’s still a good story though. Don’t know if I will read any more in the series.
October 23, 2024
Gets Better And Better
Just finished my third Samuel Tay book. He's an annoying sort of fellow, but the world often needs such people and Sam grows on you as the books progress. The depiction of Singapore, its people, geography, and politics, shows great authorial experience of the place, or a lot of in-depth research, or both. The behind-the-scenes involvement of intelligence agencies is vividly portrayed and is reminiscent of John le Carré. Needham has also been compared to Raymond Chandler. That's not as apparent when the series starts, but Tay becomes more Marlowe-esque as time goes on. He certainly gets hit on the head as often as his literary predecessor!
Just finished my third Samuel Tay book. He's an annoying sort of fellow, but the world often needs such people and Sam grows on you as the books progress. The depiction of Singapore, its people, geography, and politics, shows great authorial experience of the place, or a lot of in-depth research, or both. The behind-the-scenes involvement of intelligence agencies is vividly portrayed and is reminiscent of John le Carré. Needham has also been compared to Raymond Chandler. That's not as apparent when the series starts, but Tay becomes more Marlowe-esque as time goes on. He certainly gets hit on the head as often as his literary predecessor!
October 29, 2019
First I will say that I really enjoyed the plot. I found the interaction between the characters very well written.
!!! Now for the spoiler alert !!!
I can't understand how this book gets a higher review than Needham's previous Tay books. The main weakness of this novel is that it seems to be a copy of the first Tay novel. Many characters seemed to be blatant reproductions of earlier ones or simple duplicates of the "Beautiful Woman". I hope Needham bring a more diverse range of endings and characters into his next novels
!!! Now for the spoiler alert !!!
I can't understand how this book gets a higher review than Needham's previous Tay books. The main weakness of this novel is that it seems to be a copy of the first Tay novel. Many characters seemed to be blatant reproductions of earlier ones or simple duplicates of the "Beautiful Woman". I hope Needham bring a more diverse range of endings and characters into his next novels
April 13, 2018
I loved this book. It had me hooked from the begining and I didn't want to put it down. It has lots of twist and turns and a great plot.
It is set in Singapore where things work a little differently to what we accept as the norm. A young American is found dead and they say he comitted suicide. A reporter from the USA thinks otherwise and she enlists a police officer, Inspector Tay, who is currently on suspension for killing a man, to help her prove that the young American was actually murdered.
READ IT!
I am going to look for more Jake Needham books.
It is set in Singapore where things work a little differently to what we accept as the norm. A young American is found dead and they say he comitted suicide. A reporter from the USA thinks otherwise and she enlists a police officer, Inspector Tay, who is currently on suspension for killing a man, to help her prove that the young American was actually murdered.
READ IT!
I am going to look for more Jake Needham books.
January 12, 2024
The Dead American Review
Intriguing view of Chino-Asian culture/society and money driven government attitudes. I love the dynamic relationship between Tay & John and share Tay’s frustration at never being given the truth of the matter. Also find Tay’s mother’s visits most entertaining. Highly recommend.
Intriguing view of Chino-Asian culture/society and money driven government attitudes. I love the dynamic relationship between Tay & John and share Tay’s frustration at never being given the truth of the matter. Also find Tay’s mother’s visits most entertaining. Highly recommend.
January 24, 2019
Complicated Plot
For some strange reason I find Tay’s chain smoking and his endless indecision to be annoying. Yet, this was an interesting story. I just felt the ending did not fully resolve the issues being investigated.
For some strange reason I find Tay’s chain smoking and his endless indecision to be annoying. Yet, this was an interesting story. I just felt the ending did not fully resolve the issues being investigated.
June 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book and found the Singapore setting interesting and informative. The characters were interesting and created with insight. The murder was graphic but not gratuitously so. I recommend this book
January 13, 2023
TerrifIc work
If you're looking for a mystery with a lot of intrigue Excitement and challenges this the story for you are the best man character It's very well portrayed and keeps you interested all the ends just started you don't wanna put the story down there
If you're looking for a mystery with a lot of intrigue Excitement and challenges this the story for you are the best man character It's very well portrayed and keeps you interested all the ends just started you don't wanna put the story down there
August 29, 2018
The Dead American
Good fast paced reading, lots of mystery and suspense.
Recommend reading the first two books before reading this one, but not really necessary.
Good fast paced reading, lots of mystery and suspense.
Recommend reading the first two books before reading this one, but not really necessary.
November 19, 2021
Inspector Tay has been suspended over the shoot out at 5he end of n
Book 2. He is approached by a journalist to help her look into the supposed suicide of a young American computer specialist.
Book 2. He is approached by a journalist to help her look into the supposed suicide of a young American computer specialist.
February 14, 2024
These books are page turners and I'm getting through them. Great twist and turns and just want to keep reading.
April 20, 2024
Good read !!!
Third Sam Ray book I have read and will keep reading very entertaining and interesting I would recommend anyone to give it a shot
Third Sam Ray book I have read and will keep reading very entertaining and interesting I would recommend anyone to give it a shot
February 28, 2025
This should've been a 4* read but because of the ending (no spoiler) I marked it down to 3*. Apart from anything else, character development was negligible.
October 11, 2025
I am becoming a very big fan of Samuel Tay.
Loving these books. Learning a lot.
Loving these books. Learning a lot.
March 18, 2017
There REALLY SHOULD. be an option to leave NO stars
I picked this book because I lived in Singapore manny years ago and had happy memories of it.
The author has some grudge against the Singapore government, which is h is right, but his views have no place in what is supposed to be a mystery / thriller book.
I ploughed through this expecting something to happen, it didn't.
Life is too short to read this sort of dross.
I picked this book because I lived in Singapore manny years ago and had happy memories of it.
The author has some grudge against the Singapore government, which is h is right, but his views have no place in what is supposed to be a mystery / thriller book.
I ploughed through this expecting something to happen, it didn't.
Life is too short to read this sort of dross.
March 7, 2015
The Charming Samuel Tay
In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess I received this ebook free from Amazon. The first night of reading, I fell in love with Inspector Tay of the Singapore Police. Part of that instant infatuation belongs to the author making Tay prefer "squalling cats" to another sound.
Another reason is that about 35 years ago, I had an utterly charming Singaporean boyfriend who told me a great deal of the same picture this author paints of Singapore through his characters words and thoughts about it. Memories of Jal M. telling his stories became auditory as I read words he had spoken.
The next evening, after I had been reading what was already an intriguing mystery, in a setting I felt I had seen without ever being there, I had dinner with my brother and sister-in-law. I was just about to tell him about this new author, who shared the same last name as one of his female high school friends, which made it easy for me to remember the author's name. I said
"Do I understand you have a Kindle now?" Short version of his answer is
"Yes." So I start telling him about downloading free books, some of which I want to loan him because I think he will enjoy them. This is a tradition of at least 45 years, since he went off to college, and I began high school, this trading of authors' names and books. He interrupted my tale to give me a couple of books he had finished, a J. Kellerman and a Bosch by M. Connelly and then says
"I have some books on my Kindle by this friend that I didn't know was writing. He writes a lot of mysteries set in Asia."
The penny dropped. Jake Needham didn't just have the same last name as Carol; he was her brother!
"The Inspector Tay series?" My brother's face took on his "annoyed because my sister already knows something I was going to surprise her with" scowl.
"That's his second series. I have the first one." Again, in the interest of full disclosure, I have never, as far as I know, ever laid eyes on Jake Needham, and don't know if he is older or younger than his sister-- not even sure I ever met her. She was a name and some pictures, I think. Back in those days, my brother hated to be embarrassed by his little sister. Not even sure I ever heard about Jake's existence.
Why do I include this in my review? It's completely independent of the review, which is unbiased by my connection to the author, tenuous as that is. Moreover, I enjoy the irony of the situation.
Who would I recommend the book to? My brother, who enjoys finely crafted, absorbing mysteries, as I do, and anyone else who does. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, although as soon as I read the description of Goh, the Odd Job character of the Bond books, minus the hat, popped into my mind and would not leave. Not sure Jake Needham had that man in mind. The ending was a surprise to me, although it felt plausible. Well done, Jake
Needham, and I look forward to your other books!
In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess I received this ebook free from Amazon. The first night of reading, I fell in love with Inspector Tay of the Singapore Police. Part of that instant infatuation belongs to the author making Tay prefer "squalling cats" to another sound.
Another reason is that about 35 years ago, I had an utterly charming Singaporean boyfriend who told me a great deal of the same picture this author paints of Singapore through his characters words and thoughts about it. Memories of Jal M. telling his stories became auditory as I read words he had spoken.
The next evening, after I had been reading what was already an intriguing mystery, in a setting I felt I had seen without ever being there, I had dinner with my brother and sister-in-law. I was just about to tell him about this new author, who shared the same last name as one of his female high school friends, which made it easy for me to remember the author's name. I said
"Do I understand you have a Kindle now?" Short version of his answer is
"Yes." So I start telling him about downloading free books, some of which I want to loan him because I think he will enjoy them. This is a tradition of at least 45 years, since he went off to college, and I began high school, this trading of authors' names and books. He interrupted my tale to give me a couple of books he had finished, a J. Kellerman and a Bosch by M. Connelly and then says
"I have some books on my Kindle by this friend that I didn't know was writing. He writes a lot of mysteries set in Asia."
The penny dropped. Jake Needham didn't just have the same last name as Carol; he was her brother!
"The Inspector Tay series?" My brother's face took on his "annoyed because my sister already knows something I was going to surprise her with" scowl.
"That's his second series. I have the first one." Again, in the interest of full disclosure, I have never, as far as I know, ever laid eyes on Jake Needham, and don't know if he is older or younger than his sister-- not even sure I ever met her. She was a name and some pictures, I think. Back in those days, my brother hated to be embarrassed by his little sister. Not even sure I ever heard about Jake's existence.
Why do I include this in my review? It's completely independent of the review, which is unbiased by my connection to the author, tenuous as that is. Moreover, I enjoy the irony of the situation.
Who would I recommend the book to? My brother, who enjoys finely crafted, absorbing mysteries, as I do, and anyone else who does. I enjoyed the well-developed characters, although as soon as I read the description of Goh, the Odd Job character of the Bond books, minus the hat, popped into my mind and would not leave. Not sure Jake Needham had that man in mind. The ending was a surprise to me, although it felt plausible. Well done, Jake
Needham, and I look forward to your other books!
March 2, 2017
There is nothing I can point at and say is wrong with the book, yet I feel totally blah and indifferent to it. Low 3.
February 22, 2017
I thought this was a first book and was really surprised to see it was the third in the series and there is another series completely ... why? Because I found the writing amateurish.
The plot was okay, the mystery held and that is hard to do so credit where credit is due. But Samuel Tay, supposedly an experienced, effective policeman, doesn't come across that way at all. In fact he comes across as a bumbling idiot and everyone does all the work for him.
The repetition of his thought processes, constant smoking, coffee, thinking and mistrust of modern technology were really annoying and I found myself skimming through large chunks of writing... but I was intrigued enough to read to the end.
Basically it's all there but, in my opinion, needs a lot less words and a stronger finish.
The plot was okay, the mystery held and that is hard to do so credit where credit is due. But Samuel Tay, supposedly an experienced, effective policeman, doesn't come across that way at all. In fact he comes across as a bumbling idiot and everyone does all the work for him.
The repetition of his thought processes, constant smoking, coffee, thinking and mistrust of modern technology were really annoying and I found myself skimming through large chunks of writing... but I was intrigued enough to read to the end.
Basically it's all there but, in my opinion, needs a lot less words and a stronger finish.
May 12, 2015
When the penny dropped for me like a flower opening as it did for Tay, I was blown away, Brilliant writing. Bereft now. Jake Needham takes you on a meandering journey with Tay but as you turn each corner there is a new sometimes shocking sometimes not surprise awaiting you. You can never predict which path you will be taken on.
His descriptions of Singapore makes me want to go and sit in the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe and all the other places he visits to observe the world go by. The books are like a travelogue you just want to be there to absorb the sights and sounds of Singapore. The Singapore tourist industry should use Jake Needham for their marketing he brings it to life in a unique way acknowledging its shortcomings whilst like a quietly proud Father talking fondly of its uniqueness.
His descriptions of Singapore makes me want to go and sit in the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Cafe and all the other places he visits to observe the world go by. The books are like a travelogue you just want to be there to absorb the sights and sounds of Singapore. The Singapore tourist industry should use Jake Needham for their marketing he brings it to life in a unique way acknowledging its shortcomings whilst like a quietly proud Father talking fondly of its uniqueness.
February 23, 2016
Disneyland with the death penalty, somebody once called it. That’s Singapore, a city-state, sketched for us through the eyes of Inspector Samuel Tay, suspended from duty after a self-defence shooting, with time on his hands, between much coffee and cigarette smoke. An interesting picture indeed; the writing is warm and smooth. However, the story itself, intriguing as it is, is a trifle slow and tedious.
A journalist from the Wall Street Journal hunts Tay down to beg his assistance with her investigation into the so-called suicide of a young American software engineer - computer hacker - employed by a company supposedly developing the wherewithal to control driverless cars. Could they be researching the control of pilotless planes? Ha ha, of course not... But if you have not yet met Sam Tay, I think you'll like him. I did.
For the complete review, see www.bookpostmortem.wordpress.com
A journalist from the Wall Street Journal hunts Tay down to beg his assistance with her investigation into the so-called suicide of a young American software engineer - computer hacker - employed by a company supposedly developing the wherewithal to control driverless cars. Could they be researching the control of pilotless planes? Ha ha, of course not... But if you have not yet met Sam Tay, I think you'll like him. I did.
For the complete review, see www.bookpostmortem.wordpress.com
December 3, 2016
I received this for free through a promo, and though it's the third in the series it stands alone as it begins with plenty of backstory and exposition. This is a detective novel series set in contemporary Singapore, and the depth of sensory detail makes the city come alive. Tay has a dry humor that makes him an engaging narrator, and his discomfort with modern technology (which permeates the storyline) is quite entertaining. (Also, he talks with his mother's ghost, making him sort of an Asian Benton Fraser.) I thought it was a solid example of the genre, but when I put together the plot hints and realized the (real) event at the core of the book, it rose a bit in my estimation, as I was legit impressed.
February 17, 2016
3.5 stars
Call this a perfect beach read. A young American computer geek quits his job at a company in Singapore, telling his parents and girlfriend they he scared. The next day he commits suicide.
Enter a writer for the NYT who wants to hire the suspended Police Inspector Sam Tay to investigate what she is sure is a murder.
The writing is very good. Characterization is great. The story is wrapped up "satisfactorily" but you never do have a clue who did what or exactly why. But you do learn a whole lot about the weird little city-state of Singapore, and that alone is worth the read.
Call this a perfect beach read. A young American computer geek quits his job at a company in Singapore, telling his parents and girlfriend they he scared. The next day he commits suicide.
Enter a writer for the NYT who wants to hire the suspended Police Inspector Sam Tay to investigate what she is sure is a murder.
The writing is very good. Characterization is great. The story is wrapped up "satisfactorily" but you never do have a clue who did what or exactly why. But you do learn a whole lot about the weird little city-state of Singapore, and that alone is worth the read.
January 12, 2015
I waited for this novel for awhile. I've always liked Jake Needham's novels, with the Samuel Tay series near the top of the list. This novel was no disappointment in that regard. Tay....taciturn....laconic. I can see his eyes squinting from cigarette smoke and cynicism.
This novel is a quick read...not much more really needed to be said...although I would have stretched the ending a bit.
If you haven't read a Samuel Tay novel, go back to the beginning. Don't start here.
Good job Jake!
This novel is a quick read...not much more really needed to be said...although I would have stretched the ending a bit.
If you haven't read a Samuel Tay novel, go back to the beginning. Don't start here.
Good job Jake!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews