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The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #2
Dark Clouds Over Nuala
Inspector de Silva’s back with a new case to solve when the arrival in the hill town of Nuala of the heir to an English earldom leads to a mysterious death. Throw in a mega-rich Romanian count, his glamorous countess and an enigmatic British army officer and the scene is set for another colourful and entertaining mystery.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
871 people are currently reading
702 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Steel
25 books164 followersHarriet Steel wrote several historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her website, https://harrietsteel.com/ to sign up to her monthly newsletter for information on new releases and offers.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 16, 2020
Book two in this charming series set in 1930's colonial Ceylon. Inspector De Silva represents the local police who investigate crimes but only within the boundaries allowed by the representatives of the English government.
Shanti De Silva is a delightful character. He is smart and knows how to do police work. He is ably assisted by his wife Jane, an English woman, formerly a governess. She of course understands the English psyche and frequently eases interactions between her husband and those in charge.
There is a wonderful sense of atmosphere in these books and a calmness which makes reading them a pleasure. I hope the author writes a lot more of them!
Shanti De Silva is a delightful character. He is smart and knows how to do police work. He is ably assisted by his wife Jane, an English woman, formerly a governess. She of course understands the English psyche and frequently eases interactions between her husband and those in charge.
There is a wonderful sense of atmosphere in these books and a calmness which makes reading them a pleasure. I hope the author writes a lot more of them!
October 24, 2024
Another lovely visit to Ceylon in the 1930s. This story shows some of the difficulties experienced by families when travel between continents took weeks, and communication was mostly by snail mail. A young woman dies in mysterious circumstances, exposing family feuds, secrets and obsessions. Besides this mystery, class and tribal differences cause issues for various regular characters.
December 30, 2019
I read the first book in the series Trouble in Nuala earlier this year and loved it.
I was not disappointed with the second book - I hate comparing books but it is very much in the style of the golden age of mystery writers - think Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Dorothy L Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.
Set in the 1930s Inspector Shanti de Silva libes with his English wife Jane in the sleepy hill town of Nuala up in the mountains of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known then). The heir to an English Earldom is visiting the area when his wife plunges off a cliff at a popular lookout. The local British hierarchy write it off as suicide - but the Inspector thinks something is fishy.
I adore the author's description of the exotic setting and the historical era, the colorful characters, and the gentle but clever mystery. The charming and very clever middle-aged Sinhalese detective, who sometimes gets his English idioms muddled up, is a perfect match for his English wife and they share a love of classic literature, cinema, dancing, and solving mysteries.
Can’t wait until the next one
I was not disappointed with the second book - I hate comparing books but it is very much in the style of the golden age of mystery writers - think Agatha Christie, Margery Allingham, Dorothy L Sayers and Ngaio Marsh.
Set in the 1930s Inspector Shanti de Silva libes with his English wife Jane in the sleepy hill town of Nuala up in the mountains of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known then). The heir to an English Earldom is visiting the area when his wife plunges off a cliff at a popular lookout. The local British hierarchy write it off as suicide - but the Inspector thinks something is fishy.
I adore the author's description of the exotic setting and the historical era, the colorful characters, and the gentle but clever mystery. The charming and very clever middle-aged Sinhalese detective, who sometimes gets his English idioms muddled up, is a perfect match for his English wife and they share a love of classic literature, cinema, dancing, and solving mysteries.
Can’t wait until the next one
April 1, 2021
Found it better than part 1. Another smooth listening session over audible.
March 8, 2022
This is a lovely series - the inspector is a kind and capable man and I really enjoy the relationship between him and his young English wife. I thought I would try the audio for this installment and regret the choice. The narrator did a fine job but I had a hard time keeping all of the many characters in the plot straight. I also found my mind wandering which is never a good thing. But I will be continuing the series, though I will return to reading them with my eyes rather than my ears. 3 stars
March 18, 2022
Love this series. Good story line and well written.
February 24, 2018
This book was a enjoyable respite for me, something akin to walking into the peace of a botanical garden. A murder mystery, really?! Yes...compared to another book I am reading that is so outrageously hilarious and vulgar that I had to break from it. Too much is too much.
Welcome to Nuala where visitors are not always who they seem to be. Inspector de Silva again benefits from his British wife's input, but that doesn't keep him from putting himself in great danger as he struggles to find the truth about a certain visiting aristocrat whose wife has already fallen to her death.
The 1930's era is well represented in these books with social events, music, films and manners. I look forward to reading the third book in the series.
Available through Kindle Unlimited
Welcome to Nuala where visitors are not always who they seem to be. Inspector de Silva again benefits from his British wife's input, but that doesn't keep him from putting himself in great danger as he struggles to find the truth about a certain visiting aristocrat whose wife has already fallen to her death.
The 1930's era is well represented in these books with social events, music, films and manners. I look forward to reading the third book in the series.
Available through Kindle Unlimited
May 6, 2023
This second book in the series was an improvement on the first. The mystery was much more mysterious. I could not figure out the culprit right away. The author brought out a great deal more about the British attitude of superiority toward the native Ceylon residents. And the characters are developing their personalities and charms. This will be a good series.
May 3, 2020
What fun to find a series set in 1930s Ceylon (Sri Lanka)!
April 22, 2019
After having read the first book in the series, Trouble in Nuala, I looked forward to reading the second entry. I was not disappointed. I enjoy the relationship between the biracial couple of de Silva and his wife Jane. They met and married later in life, and not only are they deeply in love, but de Silva also values Jane's opinions on all sorts of subjects. It doesn't hurt that Jane is an Agatha Christie fan so she can provide some help in solving her husband's mysteries.
Set in the 1930s, Steel's series shows some of the problems and culture clashes of colonial-era Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In Dark Clouds Over Nuala, these problems mainly consist of native-born de Silva circumventing the British Old Boys Network in order to solve a crime involving a prominent British family. The mystery is a convoluted one, but I recently watched an episode of Miss Marple that helped me find my way through all the clues. (No, I won't tell you the episode!)
The author does an excellent job of providing enough background in each book so readers won't feel lost if they pick up a volume in the middle. This also helps if a reader just wants to sample and not to commit to the entire series. Steel's books satisfy on several levels: characterization, mystery, and the food and culture of Sri Lanka in the 1930s. I'll be coming back for more, and-- if you sample one of Inspector de Silva's mysteries-- chances are that you will be, too.
Set in the 1930s, Steel's series shows some of the problems and culture clashes of colonial-era Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In Dark Clouds Over Nuala, these problems mainly consist of native-born de Silva circumventing the British Old Boys Network in order to solve a crime involving a prominent British family. The mystery is a convoluted one, but I recently watched an episode of Miss Marple that helped me find my way through all the clues. (No, I won't tell you the episode!)
The author does an excellent job of providing enough background in each book so readers won't feel lost if they pick up a volume in the middle. This also helps if a reader just wants to sample and not to commit to the entire series. Steel's books satisfy on several levels: characterization, mystery, and the food and culture of Sri Lanka in the 1930s. I'll be coming back for more, and-- if you sample one of Inspector de Silva's mysteries-- chances are that you will be, too.
June 30, 2017
4.5*
Inspector Shanti de Silva and his English wife, Jane, were attending Nuala’s very fashionable horse racing event, the Empire Cup, along with the assistant government agent, Archie Clutterbuck and his wife, Florence. William and Lady Caroline Petrie, were also in attendance with visiting family. The Wynne-Talbots, Ralph and Helen, were on their way from Australia, via Ceylon, to England to visit Ralph’s grandfather. Ralph is in line for the title of the 14th Earl of Axford and as his grandfather is not in the best of health, it seems he may inherit the title sooner rather than later.
At William Petrie’s request, Clutterbuck has organised a hunting party at Horton Plains, which included the Wynne-Talbots and several other people. When a death occurs at the most famous spot at Horton Plains, a precipice with a drop of thousands of feet, it’s generally assumed to be suicide. Shanti de Silva, with no head for heights, has to make a hair-raising trip up the mountain.
Dark Clouds Over Nuala is set in the exotic and evocative era of genteel 1930s Ceylon and is the second book featuring the courteous and engaging Shanti de Silva, along with a cast of delightfully diverse and wonderfully developed characters. As with the first book in the series, Harriet Steel paints a vivid picture of the area, the food, culture, and societal undertones and attitudes of the time in the small community, giving the story a real sense of time and place.
Another very enjoyable, cosy mystery, faster paced than previously, and de Silva finds himself in rather more danger as well. Alongside the main plot are a couple of side stories involving Constable Nadar, a new father suffering from sleepless nights, and Sergeant Prasanna whose mother keeps trying to marry him off. The narrative is well written and plotted, and flows smoothly as the mystery unfolds. The relationship between Jane and Shanti is lovely and portrayed well with the differing cultures melding together.
I chose to read and review Dark Clouds Over Nuala for Rosie’s Book Review Team based on a digital copy supplied by the author/publisher
Inspector Shanti de Silva and his English wife, Jane, were attending Nuala’s very fashionable horse racing event, the Empire Cup, along with the assistant government agent, Archie Clutterbuck and his wife, Florence. William and Lady Caroline Petrie, were also in attendance with visiting family. The Wynne-Talbots, Ralph and Helen, were on their way from Australia, via Ceylon, to England to visit Ralph’s grandfather. Ralph is in line for the title of the 14th Earl of Axford and as his grandfather is not in the best of health, it seems he may inherit the title sooner rather than later.
At William Petrie’s request, Clutterbuck has organised a hunting party at Horton Plains, which included the Wynne-Talbots and several other people. When a death occurs at the most famous spot at Horton Plains, a precipice with a drop of thousands of feet, it’s generally assumed to be suicide. Shanti de Silva, with no head for heights, has to make a hair-raising trip up the mountain.
Dark Clouds Over Nuala is set in the exotic and evocative era of genteel 1930s Ceylon and is the second book featuring the courteous and engaging Shanti de Silva, along with a cast of delightfully diverse and wonderfully developed characters. As with the first book in the series, Harriet Steel paints a vivid picture of the area, the food, culture, and societal undertones and attitudes of the time in the small community, giving the story a real sense of time and place.
Another very enjoyable, cosy mystery, faster paced than previously, and de Silva finds himself in rather more danger as well. Alongside the main plot are a couple of side stories involving Constable Nadar, a new father suffering from sleepless nights, and Sergeant Prasanna whose mother keeps trying to marry him off. The narrative is well written and plotted, and flows smoothly as the mystery unfolds. The relationship between Jane and Shanti is lovely and portrayed well with the differing cultures melding together.
I chose to read and review Dark Clouds Over Nuala for Rosie’s Book Review Team based on a digital copy supplied by the author/publisher
May 31, 2017
It was a pleasure to return to mid-1930s colonial Ceylon and reconnect with the courteous Inspector Shanti de Silva and his amenable English wife, Jane. A painstaking detective, De Silva manages to balance polite acquiescence to his pompous superior, government agent, Archie Clutterbuck, with a determined pursuit of justice.
We join society in Nuala at an exciting time, when a young couple from Australia are visiting Lady Caroline Petrie en route to claiming an inheritance. Ralph Wynne Talbot is the long-lost heir of the Earl of Axford. He is almost too charming and his wife Helen is stunning. Soon there is a tragic death, but is it murder or suicide? Meanwhile Sergeant Prasanna is distracted by the mistreatment of a young lady called Kuveni. She and her family have fled to Nuala from their village due to ill treatment by the headman whom she had refused to marry. This is outside De Silva’s remit but he will try to find a solution since the girl’s plight is so important to his young Sergeant.
The plot of this second volume is faster moving than the first and this time Shanti de Silva puts himself in considerable danger. Alongside the drama Jane manages social problems with great diplomacy and tact, giving us a window into colonial life in this era. This combination of social history, exciting crime solving and a delightful loving couple make Dark Clouds over Nuala a great pleasure to read. I am sure there will be more mysteries for Inspector de Silva to solve, but I also have a desire to read about how he met and wooed Jane when she was the governess to a colonial family.
We join society in Nuala at an exciting time, when a young couple from Australia are visiting Lady Caroline Petrie en route to claiming an inheritance. Ralph Wynne Talbot is the long-lost heir of the Earl of Axford. He is almost too charming and his wife Helen is stunning. Soon there is a tragic death, but is it murder or suicide? Meanwhile Sergeant Prasanna is distracted by the mistreatment of a young lady called Kuveni. She and her family have fled to Nuala from their village due to ill treatment by the headman whom she had refused to marry. This is outside De Silva’s remit but he will try to find a solution since the girl’s plight is so important to his young Sergeant.
The plot of this second volume is faster moving than the first and this time Shanti de Silva puts himself in considerable danger. Alongside the drama Jane manages social problems with great diplomacy and tact, giving us a window into colonial life in this era. This combination of social history, exciting crime solving and a delightful loving couple make Dark Clouds over Nuala a great pleasure to read. I am sure there will be more mysteries for Inspector de Silva to solve, but I also have a desire to read about how he met and wooed Jane when she was the governess to a colonial family.
September 8, 2019
Harriet Steel captures the lifestyle and setting of Kandy and Nuwaraeliya really well. That is what I like best about this series. There were also some red-herrings and twists and turns in this book. Spymasters in the years leading up to the second world war gave the story a twist.
However, the obvious answer was the answer at the end and there was no Big Reveal - just a long and winding way to the expected destination. So, read this book if you want an exotic setting rather than an unsolvable mystery.
However, the obvious answer was the answer at the end and there was no Big Reveal - just a long and winding way to the expected destination. So, read this book if you want an exotic setting rather than an unsolvable mystery.
June 3, 2021
I chose the audio version of this book because of the promise of fun accents and I wasn't disappointed. DeSilva and his wife are such lovable characters it will keep me visiting this series time and again. The only negative I found was with the storyline involving so many characters not being who they seemed I would have liked the physical book so I could go back and reference to keep them straight.
May 31, 2020
I really want to like these books. I like the characters but the author needs some serious work on plot. There was an abundance of characters and several plot twists--but I am totally lost as to what the hell happened--the situation was resolved and all lived happily but gees louise--what was all that about.
July 31, 2019
I'm having such a lovely relaxing time reading this series. There is a gentle humour in the stories and the mysteries have plenty of suspense. Recommended for those times when an easy, but interesting read is what's wanted.
April 18, 2020
Interesting book mostly because it is based in Ceylon in the 1930’s. The main character, Detective DeSilva is a local and he is married to an English governess. This plus local customs, the interplay between the English and locals all work together to make these books an interesting read.
June 3, 2021
After being enchanted by the first book in this historical cozy mystery series set in 1930's Ceylon, I was eager to push forward for the next Inspector De Silva mystery.
Dark Clouds Over Nuala turned out to be just as good as the first book, Trouble in Nuala. This time, Shanti is called in to investigate a suspicious death on a hunting trip hosted by the city's British government official for his high society guests. Shanti must once again carefully work as a Sinhalese among a group of entitled Brits. It angers him that he is beckoned peremptorily then thrust aside when his investigation pokes into secrets not meant to be found. Meanwhile, he is trying to help his sergeant settle a situation of injustice in one of the outlying villages. With help from his English wife, Shanti faces it all with aplomb.
I mentioned in my review of the first book how much I enjoyed the author's careful work describing the exotic setting and the historical era, the colorful characters, and the clever mystery. The same goes for this new installment that is just as fabulous as the first. But, yes, I continue to enjoy this clever middle-aged Sinhalese detective paired with his English wife who share a love of classic literature, cinema, dancing, and mysteries.
Matthew Lloyd Davies had the ticklish job to narrate a cast that showcases his flexible vocal ability: both genders, multiple classes, and multiple races. I like the way he voices Shanti with his deliberate calm, gentility, and caring nature, Jane's openhearted generosity and intelligence, his energetic sergeant, quirky and slow-paced constable, but also the stuffy Brits of Government House. There is humor and excitement, thoughtfulness and simmering anger all vocalized so well.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Clouds Over Nuala turned out to be just as good as the first book, Trouble in Nuala. This time, Shanti is called in to investigate a suspicious death on a hunting trip hosted by the city's British government official for his high society guests. Shanti must once again carefully work as a Sinhalese among a group of entitled Brits. It angers him that he is beckoned peremptorily then thrust aside when his investigation pokes into secrets not meant to be found. Meanwhile, he is trying to help his sergeant settle a situation of injustice in one of the outlying villages. With help from his English wife, Shanti faces it all with aplomb.
I mentioned in my review of the first book how much I enjoyed the author's careful work describing the exotic setting and the historical era, the colorful characters, and the clever mystery. The same goes for this new installment that is just as fabulous as the first. But, yes, I continue to enjoy this clever middle-aged Sinhalese detective paired with his English wife who share a love of classic literature, cinema, dancing, and mysteries.
Matthew Lloyd Davies had the ticklish job to narrate a cast that showcases his flexible vocal ability: both genders, multiple classes, and multiple races. I like the way he voices Shanti with his deliberate calm, gentility, and caring nature, Jane's openhearted generosity and intelligence, his energetic sergeant, quirky and slow-paced constable, but also the stuffy Brits of Government House. There is humor and excitement, thoughtfulness and simmering anger all vocalized so well.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2019
Very enjoyable
I really enjoyed a first book in this series and looked forward to reading this, the second and I wasn't disappointed it was even better. I really like the main character of Shanti De Silva and Archie Clutterbuck his boss provides added comic relief. The book is short but I like that,it fits the type of story well. The book is well written and with reading, the characters are engaging and seem to develop more as the series progresses. If you like good solid crime stories set in an exotic location with a charming detective, you can't go wrong with this, highly recommended. I look forward to reading the third instalment.
I really enjoyed a first book in this series and looked forward to reading this, the second and I wasn't disappointed it was even better. I really like the main character of Shanti De Silva and Archie Clutterbuck his boss provides added comic relief. The book is short but I like that,it fits the type of story well. The book is well written and with reading, the characters are engaging and seem to develop more as the series progresses. If you like good solid crime stories set in an exotic location with a charming detective, you can't go wrong with this, highly recommended. I look forward to reading the third instalment.
Read
March 4, 2021When the Petries come to town with her nephew and his wife, the English colonial community is on high excitement. However, a deadly fall bring a balancing act for da Silva--pursue the death as suspicious or appease his English bosses. Of course, there are other social and cultural subplots to keep this cozy moving along as Jane helps da Silva navigate the social and personal aspects of each conflict.
August 18, 2024
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Very Satisfied Stars.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
April 1935, Nuala area, Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) ~
Inspector deSilva is called to look into the inconvenient, and possibly diplomatically embarrassing, apparent suicide of a visiting English aristocrat’s young wife. A witness claims the lady was last seen falling off a 4000’ mountain precipice but her body hasn’t been found. Other visiting diplomats/aristocracy were present at the time. Inspector deSilva is charged with closing the case quickly, without further disrupting diplomatic relations.
Quote ~
> Following a frustrating experience with his superiors, “It is at times like these that I have to remind myself that if the British were not in Ceylon, we might never have met.” deSilva confesses to his (English) wife.
“I hope that’s company enough.” Jane, deSilva’s beloved wife, responds.
“You know that it is,” deSilva assures her with a light kiss.
Comments ~
1) DARK CLOUDS OVER NUALA is bk2 of 14 in Steel’s Inspector de Silva Mystery series set in Ceylon during the mid-1930’s. This is a new-to-me author my 2nd deSilva book. I am enjoying this Character Driven mystery series, rich in setting and atmosphere (activities, dress, personages, etc).
2) Inspector de Silva manages to solve the cases that arise in his territory by carefully balancing between diplomacy and discovering the truth. deSilva is a native of Ceylon and his, entitled & somewhat arrogant, superiors are Englishman of the aristocracy. Inspector deSilva reminds me of Peter Falk’s inspector character in Columbo, 1968-1978, 1989-2003 - Steady & sure, often underestimated.
3). The Inspector deSilva mysteries are thoughtful and slow moving with a positive tone. I am finding this series similar to watching the sun rise or set, a balm in the storm of life. I purchased a book set and look forward to continuing the series.
4) Matthew Lloyd Davis’ audiobook performance is excellent (accents and timing). I have both the digital version & the audiobooks. The latter are a particular delight.
5) Several times I thought I had solved the case but I enjoyed the journey and was still surprised (not entirely correct) at the end. A lovely read.
READER CAUTION ~ IMO, suitable for readers who prefer Clean mysteries.
PROFANITY - None. (I believe).
VIOLENCE - Not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
April 1935, Nuala area, Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka) ~
Inspector deSilva is called to look into the inconvenient, and possibly diplomatically embarrassing, apparent suicide of a visiting English aristocrat’s young wife. A witness claims the lady was last seen falling off a 4000’ mountain precipice but her body hasn’t been found. Other visiting diplomats/aristocracy were present at the time. Inspector deSilva is charged with closing the case quickly, without further disrupting diplomatic relations.
Quote ~
> Following a frustrating experience with his superiors, “It is at times like these that I have to remind myself that if the British were not in Ceylon, we might never have met.” deSilva confesses to his (English) wife.
“I hope that’s company enough.” Jane, deSilva’s beloved wife, responds.
“You know that it is,” deSilva assures her with a light kiss.
Comments ~
1) DARK CLOUDS OVER NUALA is bk2 of 14 in Steel’s Inspector de Silva Mystery series set in Ceylon during the mid-1930’s. This is a new-to-me author my 2nd deSilva book. I am enjoying this Character Driven mystery series, rich in setting and atmosphere (activities, dress, personages, etc).
2) Inspector de Silva manages to solve the cases that arise in his territory by carefully balancing between diplomacy and discovering the truth. deSilva is a native of Ceylon and his, entitled & somewhat arrogant, superiors are Englishman of the aristocracy. Inspector deSilva reminds me of Peter Falk’s inspector character in Columbo, 1968-1978, 1989-2003 - Steady & sure, often underestimated.
3). The Inspector deSilva mysteries are thoughtful and slow moving with a positive tone. I am finding this series similar to watching the sun rise or set, a balm in the storm of life. I purchased a book set and look forward to continuing the series.
4) Matthew Lloyd Davis’ audiobook performance is excellent (accents and timing). I have both the digital version & the audiobooks. The latter are a particular delight.
5) Several times I thought I had solved the case but I enjoyed the journey and was still surprised (not entirely correct) at the end. A lovely read.
READER CAUTION ~ IMO, suitable for readers who prefer Clean mysteries.
PROFANITY - None. (I believe).
VIOLENCE - Not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
November 11, 2017
Returning to 1930 Ceylon in the company of Inspector Shanti de Silva and his delightful wife, Jane, is rather like becoming reacquainted with old friends, in whose convivial company you enjoy a pleasant afternoon in a delightful setting.
It also sees a welcome return of all the lovely characters we met in the first book and it's a real pleasure to see how they are all progressing, especially, Constable Nadar as he struggles with the pitfalls of new parenthood, and Sergeant Prasanna's rather dangerous entanglement with a young lady from a neighbouring village gives us a rather shadowy side to the story.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is perhaps a little more complex in this second book and I enjoyed watching how all the clues pieced together. As always, Inspector de Silva is a shrewd operator, keeping everything perfectly in control and never giving too much away until all the pieces of the puzzle fit comfortably together.
The author writes well, both in terms of keeping a complicated plot ticking along nicely but also in the way the people and place come vividly to life so that it becomes very easy to imagine the genteel brightness of 1930s Ceylon. The whirl of social activities and the well mannered behaviour of the colonials is in direct contrast with the sinister activities in which Silva finds himself immersed in, especially when his investigation into an alleged suicide turns into something far more complicated.
There is no need to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this second Inspector de Silva mystery however, Trouble in Nuala is such a lovely start to the series that, for greater enjoyment, you would do well to follow the series from the beginning.
It also sees a welcome return of all the lovely characters we met in the first book and it's a real pleasure to see how they are all progressing, especially, Constable Nadar as he struggles with the pitfalls of new parenthood, and Sergeant Prasanna's rather dangerous entanglement with a young lady from a neighbouring village gives us a rather shadowy side to the story.
The mystery at the heart of the novel is perhaps a little more complex in this second book and I enjoyed watching how all the clues pieced together. As always, Inspector de Silva is a shrewd operator, keeping everything perfectly in control and never giving too much away until all the pieces of the puzzle fit comfortably together.
The author writes well, both in terms of keeping a complicated plot ticking along nicely but also in the way the people and place come vividly to life so that it becomes very easy to imagine the genteel brightness of 1930s Ceylon. The whirl of social activities and the well mannered behaviour of the colonials is in direct contrast with the sinister activities in which Silva finds himself immersed in, especially when his investigation into an alleged suicide turns into something far more complicated.
There is no need to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this second Inspector de Silva mystery however, Trouble in Nuala is such a lovely start to the series that, for greater enjoyment, you would do well to follow the series from the beginning.
September 25, 2017
Three Point Five Stars.
Dark Clouds over Nuala is book #2 of The Inspector De Silva Mysteries. Set in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 1930s at the time of British Colonial Rule, this book combines, contrasts and conflicts with traditional culture.
Inspector Shanti de Silva enjoys a quiet life in Nuala; his English wife, Morris car and garden are his delights. He works with Sergeant Prasanna and Constable Nadar, whilst reporting directly to British Assistant Government Agent Archie Clutterbuck.
Clutterbuck has organised a hunting party at a mountain camp known as World’s End, but the police are called in when a suicide occurs. The case is complicated when the body cannot be found and several members of the party come under suspicion. The investigation becomes hampered by de Silva’s British bosses, who have their own political agendas which leave de Silva frustrated. In a slow unravelling, de Silva perseveres until he has solved the mystery.
Beside the main plot, Steele weaves multi-cultural aspects showing examples of both work and marriage relationships. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of food and local scenery. The book also includes interesting snippets of the British Empire. The narration and dialogue are both typically polite and drawn out, perhaps as one would expect of the time and setting. I often felt unable to read the book any faster than the speed of life dictated.
This is a slow paced mystery and one I would recommend to readers who enjoy learning about historical settings and cultures in equal parts to their love of a cosy mystery.
Dark Clouds over Nuala is book #2 of The Inspector De Silva Mysteries. Set in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 1930s at the time of British Colonial Rule, this book combines, contrasts and conflicts with traditional culture.
Inspector Shanti de Silva enjoys a quiet life in Nuala; his English wife, Morris car and garden are his delights. He works with Sergeant Prasanna and Constable Nadar, whilst reporting directly to British Assistant Government Agent Archie Clutterbuck.
Clutterbuck has organised a hunting party at a mountain camp known as World’s End, but the police are called in when a suicide occurs. The case is complicated when the body cannot be found and several members of the party come under suspicion. The investigation becomes hampered by de Silva’s British bosses, who have their own political agendas which leave de Silva frustrated. In a slow unravelling, de Silva perseveres until he has solved the mystery.
Beside the main plot, Steele weaves multi-cultural aspects showing examples of both work and marriage relationships. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of food and local scenery. The book also includes interesting snippets of the British Empire. The narration and dialogue are both typically polite and drawn out, perhaps as one would expect of the time and setting. I often felt unable to read the book any faster than the speed of life dictated.
This is a slow paced mystery and one I would recommend to readers who enjoy learning about historical settings and cultures in equal parts to their love of a cosy mystery.
January 6, 2018
Oh my! I liked Harriet Steele's second Nuala book even better than the first, which was pretty darn good itself. In this one, we have English titled society with a mystery involving them with something that happened in Australia! The first chapter is a puzzle of identity--who are these men? But as all is slowly revealed to Inspector de Silva, this turns into a gripping story triggered by an "accident" at World's End, a precipice along a scenic route in Sri Lanka. The local color and detail of the horse races, so popular with everyone in Nuala, the gracious Lady Caroline whose family is the center of the mystery, and of course de Silva and his gathering of clues to the true identity of the nefarious characters, all braid into a page-turner of a book. I didn't see the solution coming and loved having it gradually uncovered. Unfortunately, uncovering it brings a bit of violence to de Silva that is unexpected!
The little sub-plot of Sergeant Prasanna and the village girl, Kuveni, gives fascinating insight into village politics and class prejudice and we cheer when Jane figures out a way to keep Kuveni close by until Prasanna can make his case.
I cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy!!
The little sub-plot of Sergeant Prasanna and the village girl, Kuveni, gives fascinating insight into village politics and class prejudice and we cheer when Jane figures out a way to keep Kuveni close by until Prasanna can make his case.
I cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy!!
July 25, 2020
This series has really grown on me. Well recommended.
At first, it did not please me as much as Ovidia Yu's books based in Singapore.
At least partly because I am well acquainted with Singapore and the Peranakan [Chinese of the Malacca Straits] culture in Singapore.
Whereas I've never been to Sri Lanka.
In fact, the closest I've ever been to the island, is the ca.1815 gentleman's pedestal table, with a solid Ceylonese ebony base, pedestal and tabletop surround, the centre inlaid with dozens of types of tropical hardwoods. The tabletop's diameter is 120cm [4 ft.].
It was made in then-Ceylon ca.1815-1817, shipped to London and found its way to Toronto, where my late mother of blessed memory bought it for our front hall, where it shone in the centre of a room 6m. [20 ft.] square
When we moved to Jerusalem Israel, it was relegated to a corner of the library; but I inherited it 16 years ago, and it is again centred in my study, again in a 6 m. squared room. And again it shines.
And as before, it has a large Waterford Crystal pedestal bowl, 25 cm [10 inches] across and 20 cm [8 inches] tall resting in the centre.
But I digress.
The primary characters are very enjoyable, and in every way the read is pleasing.
At first, it did not please me as much as Ovidia Yu's books based in Singapore.
At least partly because I am well acquainted with Singapore and the Peranakan [Chinese of the Malacca Straits] culture in Singapore.
Whereas I've never been to Sri Lanka.
In fact, the closest I've ever been to the island, is the ca.1815 gentleman's pedestal table, with a solid Ceylonese ebony base, pedestal and tabletop surround, the centre inlaid with dozens of types of tropical hardwoods. The tabletop's diameter is 120cm [4 ft.].
It was made in then-Ceylon ca.1815-1817, shipped to London and found its way to Toronto, where my late mother of blessed memory bought it for our front hall, where it shone in the centre of a room 6m. [20 ft.] square
When we moved to Jerusalem Israel, it was relegated to a corner of the library; but I inherited it 16 years ago, and it is again centred in my study, again in a 6 m. squared room. And again it shines.
And as before, it has a large Waterford Crystal pedestal bowl, 25 cm [10 inches] across and 20 cm [8 inches] tall resting in the centre.
But I digress.
The primary characters are very enjoyable, and in every way the read is pleasing.
December 12, 2018
British rule in Ceylon and Inspector de Silva must answer to the British superior officer. When a Romanian count appears in Nuala and a member of his hunting party seems to have committed suicide, it is a sticky wicket for de Silva. One mustn't ruffle the feathers of this noble with whom the British wish to remain allied and,yet, questions arise as to whether it was suicide. The situation is further complicated by the missing corpse--is the woman even dead?
Fortunately, the Inspector has two young assistants to aid in the investigation--if their personal lives allow them to be totally involved with their work. On the other hand, there is Jane, de Silva's English wife always there to correct his misquoted British idioms and to bring home the British gossip so essential to any investigation involving getting around the ever present threat of furor on the part of the superior British superior. LOL
Fun books with interesting cases that always seem to be meandering but eventually reach a satisfying resolution.
Fortunately, the Inspector has two young assistants to aid in the investigation--if their personal lives allow them to be totally involved with their work. On the other hand, there is Jane, de Silva's English wife always there to correct his misquoted British idioms and to bring home the British gossip so essential to any investigation involving getting around the ever present threat of furor on the part of the superior British superior. LOL
Fun books with interesting cases that always seem to be meandering but eventually reach a satisfying resolution.
February 19, 2025
I liked the first book in this series but was often confused by all the different characters, so I made it a point to pay closer attention this time, and it made a difference. I love the setting of 1930s Ceylon, but was frustrated on Shanti's behalf over the English attitudes toward not only the local citizenry but the local police as well. Shanti was better at investigating than his English superiors (bosses), but he was fearful of stepping on their toes and losing his job.
I like the way Shanti talks things over with Jane, his wife - everything ranging from his cases to issues faced by his deputies to cultural differences and more. They have a great relationship, and they make a great team in every aspect.
Although I thought I'd figured out the circumstances surrounding the unexpected death, I was only partially correct. The motive was as expected, but the identity of the culprit took me by surprise.
The next book in this series is part of my audiobook library, and I look forward to listening to it relatively soon.
I like the way Shanti talks things over with Jane, his wife - everything ranging from his cases to issues faced by his deputies to cultural differences and more. They have a great relationship, and they make a great team in every aspect.
Although I thought I'd figured out the circumstances surrounding the unexpected death, I was only partially correct. The motive was as expected, but the identity of the culprit took me by surprise.
The next book in this series is part of my audiobook library, and I look forward to listening to it relatively soon.
December 15, 2021
I think I was just confused by this book. There was the initial plot-line involving the suspicious death of a socialite, and then there was a sub-plot about why Inspector de Silva shouldn't look too closely at the prime suspects -- which was not revealed for a good portion of the book. That's not so bad, really ... but then everything became ridiculously convoluted, with situations involving inheritance and primogeniture thrown in. For good measure, one of DeSilva's constables wants help for the family of a girl with whom he's become enamored.
The convoluted nature of the story, including a "whydunnit" that just came out of left field, meant I just didn't love this book as much as I did the first one.
I do like the character of Inspector De Silva, and it's not that the story was poorly written or developed. I understand using red herrings, etc. At the end of the day, this just wasn't my cup of tea.
The convoluted nature of the story, including a "whydunnit" that just came out of left field, meant I just didn't love this book as much as I did the first one.
I do like the character of Inspector De Silva, and it's not that the story was poorly written or developed. I understand using red herrings, etc. At the end of the day, this just wasn't my cup of tea.
March 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, Trouble in Nuala. Very good character development and realistic descriptions of everything from flowers to clothing providing a vividly realistic vision as you read. The main character, Inspector Shanti de Silva, is a very enjoyable character with a calm and charming personality making you wish you could meet him. Unfortunately, no further eBooks are available to buy without a kindle unlimited subscription so I cannot finish the series and I will no longer read anything from Harriet Steel.
June 29, 2023
This is the second book in the Inspector de Silva mysteries, and like the first, the characters are very like those in the Golden Age. As Ceylon is under British police rules, de Silva has to continually report to Clutterbuck, the representative of Britain in this area, and I find some of the business between them quite humorous.
On this occasion the Clutterbuck has the heir to an English Earldom staying with him, and takes a party of men and women on a shooting trip. During this trip the wife of the Earl-to-be, has fallen over a steep cliff. It is assumed this was a suicide, but it is up to de Silva to investigate. Of course the investigation is not as straight forward as it should have been.
On this occasion the Clutterbuck has the heir to an English Earldom staying with him, and takes a party of men and women on a shooting trip. During this trip the wife of the Earl-to-be, has fallen over a steep cliff. It is assumed this was a suicide, but it is up to de Silva to investigate. Of course the investigation is not as straight forward as it should have been.
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