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Su Lin #2
The Betel Nut Tree Mystery
'Great protagonist, great setting - this is a delightful book' Morning Star
The second novel in Ovidia Yu's delightfully charming crime series set in 1930s Singapore, featuring amateur sleuth Su Lin.
What we came to think of as the betel nut affair began in the middle of a tropical thunderstorm in December 1936 . . .
Singapore is agog with the news of King Edward VIII's abdication to marry American heiress Wallis Simpson. Chen Su Lin, now Chief Inspector Le Froy's secretarial assistant in Singapore's newly formed detective unit, still dreams of becoming a journalist and hopes to cover the story when the Hon Victor Glossop announces he is marrying an American widow of his own, Mrs Nicole Covington, in the Colony. But things go horribly wrong when Victor Glossop is found dead, his body covered in bizarre symbols and soaked in betel nut juice.
The beautiful, highly-strung Nicole claims it's her fault he's dead . . . just like the others. And when investigations into her past reveal a dead lover, as well as a husband, the case against her appears to be stacking up. Begrudgingly on Le Froy's part, Su Lin agrees to chaperon Nicole at the Farquhar Hotel, intending to get the truth out of her somehow. But as she uncovers secrets and further deaths occur, Su Lin realises she may not be able to save Nicole's life - or even her own.
'Charming and fascinating with great authentic feel. This book is exactly why I love historical novels' Rhys Bowen
'I really enjoyed this wonderful gem of a book. The diversity and rich history portrayed in the book are what make The Frangipani Tree Mystery a brilliant read. The fact that it's a fusion of crime and historical fiction adds brownie points to the package!' Bookloves Reviews
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2018
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758 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 14, 2021
October 2021 News The series has been optioned for television with an eye to a two-season arc!
The last half of this book was a fast ride, and a lot of fun. I will most likely continue the series, but we're talking about cocktail-peanut books...much of a muchness. This book did nothing not done in the first book, and the series is the series so take it as you find it.
Not much horsepower expending in the read or the review. But more than adequate for time-passing, with a charming sleuth. Though I'd strongly prefer the absence of an established framing device, the "remembering in leisure what was lived in haste" trope. Almost never, at least since Rebecca, has that felt necessary or fresh.
The last half of this book was a fast ride, and a lot of fun. I will most likely continue the series, but we're talking about cocktail-peanut books...much of a muchness. This book did nothing not done in the first book, and the series is the series so take it as you find it.
Not much horsepower expending in the read or the review. But more than adequate for time-passing, with a charming sleuth. Though I'd strongly prefer the absence of an established framing device, the "remembering in leisure what was lived in haste" trope. Almost never, at least since Rebecca, has that felt necessary or fresh.
September 30, 2025
This second book in the Su Lin series of Singapore mysteries is by far better than the initial one. The biggest improvement comes with the atmosphere Ovidia Yu creates for her world of the 1930s. It seemed somewhat lacking in The Frangipani Tree, the first novel in the series. But here she installs it through smaller steps (except for the several paragraph "lessons" on the Japanese in Manchuria and Singapore) and inferences rather than outright labelling. So much improved. Frankly, I look to these sort of books more for the atmosphere many times than the actual mystery. This volume doesn't disappoint.
A few things however. At the end, Yu credits help for understanding the difference between British and American phrases she used to call out here villain. He was an American, instead of British, she says because of the typewritten uses of "sweeping under the carpet," instead of "sweeping under the rug," and "a new lease of life," instead of the British "a new lease on life." As for the latter, as an American, I've never heard anyone say "a new lease of life." And for the former, it is almost always "sweeping under the rug." Most Americans didn't even have carpets until after the second world war, when tacked down carpeting spread throughout the new suburbs. In fact, rug cleaner was an occupation in pre war America. Too, a couple of times Yu mentions taking tape recorders to crime scenes. There were no portable tape recorders in the 1930s. Sony came out with the first portable reel to reels in the 1960s. That's when I got one. These are picky things (along with never referring to men's hats in the novel) that stand out as mild anachronisms. But that's okay, becaues the book itself overall is excellent.
A few things however. At the end, Yu credits help for understanding the difference between British and American phrases she used to call out here villain. He was an American, instead of British, she says because of the typewritten uses of "sweeping under the carpet," instead of "sweeping under the rug," and "a new lease of life," instead of the British "a new lease on life." As for the latter, as an American, I've never heard anyone say "a new lease of life." And for the former, it is almost always "sweeping under the rug." Most Americans didn't even have carpets until after the second world war, when tacked down carpeting spread throughout the new suburbs. In fact, rug cleaner was an occupation in pre war America. Too, a couple of times Yu mentions taking tape recorders to crime scenes. There were no portable tape recorders in the 1930s. Sony came out with the first portable reel to reels in the 1960s. That's when I got one. These are picky things (along with never referring to men's hats in the novel) that stand out as mild anachronisms. But that's okay, becaues the book itself overall is excellent.
December 7, 2024
I discovered Ovidia Yu’s Crown Colony (Su Lin) mystery series about six months ago thanks to an online reading group, and enjoyed the opening book, The Frangipani Tree Mystery, quite a bit. Much like the first book, the second installment features our amateur sleuth, Su Lin.
While there is a definite charm about the series so far, I can’t help but feel that The Betel Nut Tree Mystery was a slight letdown compared to the first book. The overall plot and its unravelling mystery felt a little messy and convoluted.
The second book begins where the first left off as far as our principle character is concerned. Su Lin is working as secretary for Chief Inspector Le Froy at Singapore’s Detective and Intelligence Unit.
In the opening, it seems everyone is getting ready for a high-profile wedding of Victor Glossop with rich widow, Nicole Covington. However, a monkey wrench is thrown into that plan when the ultimate prankster Victor is found dead at the Farquhar hotel in a rather odd, bizarre manner. Now it is up to Le Froy and company to come in and figure this mess out…
The characters were a mixed bag in total. It's interesting how some of the familiar faces from book one, including some of Su Lin’s family and other minor characters make an appearance. However, some of the minor characters who are central to the plot are somewhat underwhelming, particularly the likes of Nicole Covington, Dr. Covington, and Kenneth Mulliner among others, who are of the stock variety: unreasonable, overdramatic, predictable, irritating, and forgettable. These characters mainly serve to get us from Point A to Point B.
As far as the pacing, the mystery peaked too early, and then seemingly fizzled out. When we get deeper into the plot, the investigation gets a little repetitive, drawn out, and convoluted. We are just tapping our feet waiting for the big reveal.
I do, however, like how Su Lin has more of a prominent and assertive role in the crime investigation. Another job she has (other than having to deal with perennial drama queen Nicole Covington) is to keep her naive friend Parshanti out of harm’s way while she wades through the various suspects and their motives. It feels like Le Froy takes a lesser role, and is often missing in action while many key events are taking place.
Another notable trait (and plus) is the author’s ability to create a vivid setting of 1930s Singapore and give the story a historical element.
In the end, I feel like the mystery was serviceable, but fairly pedestrian. I will most likely read the next one in the series, but I am not in as much of a hurry to get there.
While there is a definite charm about the series so far, I can’t help but feel that The Betel Nut Tree Mystery was a slight letdown compared to the first book. The overall plot and its unravelling mystery felt a little messy and convoluted.
The second book begins where the first left off as far as our principle character is concerned. Su Lin is working as secretary for Chief Inspector Le Froy at Singapore’s Detective and Intelligence Unit.
In the opening, it seems everyone is getting ready for a high-profile wedding of Victor Glossop with rich widow, Nicole Covington. However, a monkey wrench is thrown into that plan when the ultimate prankster Victor is found dead at the Farquhar hotel in a rather odd, bizarre manner. Now it is up to Le Froy and company to come in and figure this mess out…
The characters were a mixed bag in total. It's interesting how some of the familiar faces from book one, including some of Su Lin’s family and other minor characters make an appearance. However, some of the minor characters who are central to the plot are somewhat underwhelming, particularly the likes of Nicole Covington, Dr. Covington, and Kenneth Mulliner among others, who are of the stock variety: unreasonable, overdramatic, predictable, irritating, and forgettable. These characters mainly serve to get us from Point A to Point B.
As far as the pacing, the mystery peaked too early, and then seemingly fizzled out. When we get deeper into the plot, the investigation gets a little repetitive, drawn out, and convoluted. We are just tapping our feet waiting for the big reveal.
I do, however, like how Su Lin has more of a prominent and assertive role in the crime investigation. Another job she has (other than having to deal with perennial drama queen Nicole Covington) is to keep her naive friend Parshanti out of harm’s way while she wades through the various suspects and their motives. It feels like Le Froy takes a lesser role, and is often missing in action while many key events are taking place.
Another notable trait (and plus) is the author’s ability to create a vivid setting of 1930s Singapore and give the story a historical element.
In the end, I feel like the mystery was serviceable, but fairly pedestrian. I will most likely read the next one in the series, but I am not in as much of a hurry to get there.
July 1, 2020
I absolutely adored the first novel in this fascinating cozy mystery series, and the sequel didn’t disappoint. Chen Su Lin — inquisitive, extremely clever, well-educated, with a command of English and several other languages — finds herself with a dream job: secretarial assistant and cultural liaison at Singapore’s new Detective and Intelligence Unit, working for Chief Inspector Thomas Le Froy. She finally has the independence and mental stimulus she’s been longing to have.
In this novel, a self-centered, widowed beauty from the American South arrives in Singapore to be married to a wealthy English playboy. When he ends up dead, Su Lin and her colleagues need to tread carefully because the young man had close friends in high places. Readers will determine who the killer is before Su Lin does, but author Ovidia Yu endows The Betel Nut Tree Mystery with all the sights, smells and colors of 1936 colonial Singapore; you simply won’t care. Another page-turner from Yu.
One fun tidbit: One of the character is named Sir Roderick Glossop, a censorious psychiatrist who is a recurring character in P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster comedic novels, while another’s name echoes that of Sir Oswald Mosley, a Nazi-loving baronet and Member of Parliament who led the British Union of Fascists (a.k.a. the Blackshirts). Thomas Le Froy himself bears the same name as Jane Austen’s lost love, the inspiration for Mr. (Fitzwilliam) Darcy, the hero of Pride and Prejudice. So many wonderful homages!
In this novel, a self-centered, widowed beauty from the American South arrives in Singapore to be married to a wealthy English playboy. When he ends up dead, Su Lin and her colleagues need to tread carefully because the young man had close friends in high places. Readers will determine who the killer is before Su Lin does, but author Ovidia Yu endows The Betel Nut Tree Mystery with all the sights, smells and colors of 1936 colonial Singapore; you simply won’t care. Another page-turner from Yu.
One fun tidbit: One of the character is named Sir Roderick Glossop, a censorious psychiatrist who is a recurring character in P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster comedic novels, while another’s name echoes that of Sir Oswald Mosley, a Nazi-loving baronet and Member of Parliament who led the British Union of Fascists (a.k.a. the Blackshirts). Thomas Le Froy himself bears the same name as Jane Austen’s lost love, the inspiration for Mr. (Fitzwilliam) Darcy, the hero of Pride and Prejudice. So many wonderful homages!
February 26, 2019
“There is definitely an element of luck in our lives. Or you might call it an element of chance that you can’t control, no matter how hard you work. It’s never certain whether, in the long term, something will turn out bad or good.”
A cozy mystery 📖 // a fun and entertaining instalment of a detective series set in British Colonial Singapore around the 1930s, with light social commentary on social issues of the time, and subtle indications of how society lived under its white governors. Chen Su Lin makes for an interesting protagonist, an ambitious young woman with a disability due to childhood polio, with powerful family connections, having landed herself a job with the Chief Inspector. She doesn’t know it all, but it’s fun thinking about the mystery as she discovers new clues. I did think she told her good friend Parshanti a bit too much about what the detective unit was up to! Not like she worked there lol. Wasn’t a big fan of the developing relationship between Parshanti and the ‘white saviour’ type male character either, even as it could be appreciated how difficult it might be for a biracial teenaged girl to find a love match within the confines of social structure in those times. It didn’t quite develop in the way I expected it to either!
I also liked how the author incorporates local plants/foods in the story, as with the Aunty Lee series. In this case, the old regional practice of betel nut chewing plays a part in the plot! The first book was called The Frangipani Tree Mystery - curious to know what local tree might feature next 😉
A cozy mystery 📖 // a fun and entertaining instalment of a detective series set in British Colonial Singapore around the 1930s, with light social commentary on social issues of the time, and subtle indications of how society lived under its white governors. Chen Su Lin makes for an interesting protagonist, an ambitious young woman with a disability due to childhood polio, with powerful family connections, having landed herself a job with the Chief Inspector. She doesn’t know it all, but it’s fun thinking about the mystery as she discovers new clues. I did think she told her good friend Parshanti a bit too much about what the detective unit was up to! Not like she worked there lol. Wasn’t a big fan of the developing relationship between Parshanti and the ‘white saviour’ type male character either, even as it could be appreciated how difficult it might be for a biracial teenaged girl to find a love match within the confines of social structure in those times. It didn’t quite develop in the way I expected it to either!
I also liked how the author incorporates local plants/foods in the story, as with the Aunty Lee series. In this case, the old regional practice of betel nut chewing plays a part in the plot! The first book was called The Frangipani Tree Mystery - curious to know what local tree might feature next 😉
November 22, 2024
Enjoyable mystery set in 1930s Singapore. Su Lin Chen is working for the police as a kind of administrative assistant/general dogsbody, while still having dreams of becoming a journalist, and she now becomes involved in the murder of a wealthy American who was about to be married. All the members of the wedding party come under suspicion and each of them is hiding something.
The setting is a great strength of these novels, for both time and place, and I appreciated how the references to Edward and Mrs Simpson, the threat of Nazism and the tensions between China and Japan were woven into the story. Su Lin is a likeable protagonist and we also get to see more of her friend Parshanti, although her boss Le Froy still remains a frustratingly shadowy character.
The plot was sound enough if a little confusing early on and a few more suspects would have helped to keep the reader guessing, although there were a few extra twists along the way. Good fun and an interesting series - 3.5* for this story, I’ll round up for the setting and Su Lin.
The setting is a great strength of these novels, for both time and place, and I appreciated how the references to Edward and Mrs Simpson, the threat of Nazism and the tensions between China and Japan were woven into the story. Su Lin is a likeable protagonist and we also get to see more of her friend Parshanti, although her boss Le Froy still remains a frustratingly shadowy character.
The plot was sound enough if a little confusing early on and a few more suspects would have helped to keep the reader guessing, although there were a few extra twists along the way. Good fun and an interesting series - 3.5* for this story, I’ll round up for the setting and Su Lin.
August 3, 2025
I enjoyed the setting in this novel but unfortunately found that it was screamingly obvious who the murderer was. Su Lin basically suspected everyone except for the actual perpetrator, while the Chief Inspector was distracted by other issues and barely involved at all. A bit disappointing overall. I did get a chuckle that a character was named Roderick Glossop, which I can only assume was a nod to PG. Wodehouse."
September 21, 2018
I so enjoyed this one. Ovidia Yu gets better and better. In addition to a good story, it is a nuanced portrayal of characters and culture. It is also a convincing evocation of the world just before WWII, from the perspective of those living in the remarkable crucible of Singapore.
This is a great way to reflect on the history of South East Asia (or, as the English saw it, the Far East), the Asia-Pacific, and the movements and thinking that resulted in World War II. It is not only historically interesting, but resonates with much in our own time when viewed, as it is here, through the eyes of ordinary people, from varied backgrounds, as they go about making a living and maintaining their families.
Ovidia Yu has an accomplished, powerful and elegant pen, clearly wielded by a sharp intelligence. There are so many layers of thought, observation and analysis applied to characters with whom we identify, a setting that many of us recognise with joy, and a story we want to hear.
My only reservation is wanting more - but not wanting these fictional friends to be caught up in the tragedy of Singapore in WWII.
This is a great way to reflect on the history of South East Asia (or, as the English saw it, the Far East), the Asia-Pacific, and the movements and thinking that resulted in World War II. It is not only historically interesting, but resonates with much in our own time when viewed, as it is here, through the eyes of ordinary people, from varied backgrounds, as they go about making a living and maintaining their families.
Ovidia Yu has an accomplished, powerful and elegant pen, clearly wielded by a sharp intelligence. There are so many layers of thought, observation and analysis applied to characters with whom we identify, a setting that many of us recognise with joy, and a story we want to hear.
My only reservation is wanting more - but not wanting these fictional friends to be caught up in the tragedy of Singapore in WWII.
April 13, 2019
2019 bk 78. The second of Ovidia Yu's books featuring Chen Su Lin. In the first book, Chen Su Lin worked in government house, after being involved in a mystery where she was almost murdered, she now appears as the Detective Chief Inspector's secretarial assistant. A group of jokester Americans have to come to Singapore, ostensibly to wed, but when the bridegroom is murdered everything goes array for them. Su Lin involves her self in solving the mystery of these strange people. Ovidia Yu reveals details of life under the British empire and the way rules differ for ethnic groups in China in the 1930's. I know of no other author who writes about Singapore with such attention to details. I enjoy both her contemporary and this historical series of mysteries.
July 19, 2018
Set in 1937 Singapore, our protagonist, Su Lin, is now Chief Inspector Le Froy's secretarial assistant in the newly formed detective unit and finds her second opportunity to help investigate a crime when the Hon Victor Glossop is found dead in his hotel room, his body covered in strange symbols and soaked in betel nut juice.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight the book provided into life in colonial Singapore and the attitudes and interactions between the foreigners and the locals. A wonderful blend of mystery and history, fast paced and filled with humour, this is a book I would recommend to anyone, more so if you live in Singapore.
I thoroughly enjoyed the insight the book provided into life in colonial Singapore and the attitudes and interactions between the foreigners and the locals. A wonderful blend of mystery and history, fast paced and filled with humour, this is a book I would recommend to anyone, more so if you live in Singapore.
May 8, 2021
Set in Singapore in the 1930s, Chen Su Lin is a charming character who assists Chief Inspector Le Froy at the new Detective and Intelligence Unit. Interesting characters, local cultural details and historical references make this mystery series and fun and quick read.
April 30, 2021
This is a gently paced historical mystery. Kind of like Maisie Dobbs, but featuring a young disabled Chinese woman in 1930s Singapore.
August 5, 2018
I have to say that I enjoyed this story even more than the first in the series. Su Lin has really developed into a deep character and masterfully managed her way through the web of suspects on route to finding the murderer.
No spoilers here, but again her ability to uncover the true nature of people through their facades was enjoyable to watch.
Su Lin is an unexpected heroine in 1930s Singapore. She should be invisible to the British but refuses to act subservient. She weaves her way through her own and other family personalities to always take advantage of the best in others. I can’t wait to see where she goes next. Hopefully another investigation with Inspector LeFroy.
Well done, Ovidia Yu!
No spoilers here, but again her ability to uncover the true nature of people through their facades was enjoyable to watch.
Su Lin is an unexpected heroine in 1930s Singapore. She should be invisible to the British but refuses to act subservient. She weaves her way through her own and other family personalities to always take advantage of the best in others. I can’t wait to see where she goes next. Hopefully another investigation with Inspector LeFroy.
Well done, Ovidia Yu!
October 21, 2022
This was enjoyable but it suffers from second book syndrome. The setting is brilliant — Yu paints a vivid picture of 1930's Singapore — and the characters are compelling as always. I particularly loved spending more time with Su Lin and Parshanti. However, the mystery is thin and the writing would have greatly benefited from a good editor. I hope things pick up for book 3.
November 3, 2024
I have enjoyed the first two books in this series, and want to read on. The author brings 1930s Singapore to life, almost too well. The casual racism and ignorance displayed by several obnoxious suspects in this outing really bugged me! About three quarters through I jumped ahead to find out who the killer was, then went back and doubled the audiobook speed to fill in the blanks.
An American socialite is in Singapore to marry her wealthy British fiancé, but he’s found dead at the hotel. Was it a stag party gone off the rails or murder? Su Lin Chen, now administrative assistant to Inspector LeFroy of the newly formed colonial police detective unit, convinces her boss to let her go undercover as company and watchdog to the spoiled, flirtatious, obnoxious former bride-to-be. The entire wedding entourage are awful, but Su Lin is a great character. I’m still not a fan of the somewhat elliptical dialogue this author gives her characters, I still feel like LeFroy is a blank page. I hope he becomes more fleshed out in future books - and I want to see more of Su Lin, her grandmother, uncle, and friend Parshanti. Also, as WWII is approaching, I look forward to seeing how that affects the island and people.
An American socialite is in Singapore to marry her wealthy British fiancé, but he’s found dead at the hotel. Was it a stag party gone off the rails or murder? Su Lin Chen, now administrative assistant to Inspector LeFroy of the newly formed colonial police detective unit, convinces her boss to let her go undercover as company and watchdog to the spoiled, flirtatious, obnoxious former bride-to-be. The entire wedding entourage are awful, but Su Lin is a great character. I’m still not a fan of the somewhat elliptical dialogue this author gives her characters, I still feel like LeFroy is a blank page. I hope he becomes more fleshed out in future books - and I want to see more of Su Lin, her grandmother, uncle, and friend Parshanti. Also, as WWII is approaching, I look forward to seeing how that affects the island and people.
June 25, 2019
Chen Su Lin hasn't given up her dream of being a journalist, but sometimes she's not sure her new job, as "cultural assistant" for the head of the detective bureau in 1930's Singapore is the right step for her. When a glamorous American widow, newly engaged to an English playboy, arrives, however, Su Lin sees her chance to make a splash with a story about someone very much like Mrs. Simpson, whose relationship with the King is of great interest. Then the playboy dies under mysterious circumstances, and his family wants the whole thing covered up. Su Lin must also face her own limitations, and the American and British with their casual racism. When her best friend falls in love with a suspicious Englishman, Su Lin is at her wits' end until another death turns the problem upside-down.
December 16, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series of mysteries set in late 1930s Singapore. The mysteries themselves are always interesting but what keeps me mesmerized is the vibrant life of the Chinese, Malay, and English people living together in the Crown Colony. There’s a mix of languages, cultures, religions, and all the attendant prejudices and presumptions.
In this book Su Lin has become a civilian member of the detective department of the police. She’s clever and resourceful, and knows when to hold her tongue to keep the whites calm and reasonably happy. Given the racism and ongoing insults, I’m amazed at her tolerance. I cringe every time someone curses at her and calls her stupid. Stupid she is not.
I’m glad I bought this series for myself as a present. It’s an entertaining and educational - if occasionally horrific - look into a time and place I don’t know. I’m glad I’m learning about it.
In this book Su Lin has become a civilian member of the detective department of the police. She’s clever and resourceful, and knows when to hold her tongue to keep the whites calm and reasonably happy. Given the racism and ongoing insults, I’m amazed at her tolerance. I cringe every time someone curses at her and calls her stupid. Stupid she is not.
I’m glad I bought this series for myself as a present. It’s an entertaining and educational - if occasionally horrific - look into a time and place I don’t know. I’m glad I’m learning about it.
December 15, 2018
An entertaining murder mystery set in 1930s Singapore. I found the mystery itself a little bit hard to follow and had to reread the conclusion a second time but I greatly enjoyed the historical setting and the narrator's dry humour. The novel incorporates the events and popular culture of the time from a Singaporean perspective including the Abdication of King Edward VIII to marry Wallis Simpson, the Japanese invasion of China and the growing threat of war in Europe. Yu captures Singapore's cultural diversity including different approaches to the English language, which plays a key role in solving the mystery. I look forward reading other novels in the series.
August 10, 2020
Another good addition to this series. I really do enjoy Su Lin and her calm, practical personality. Le Froy is also a favorite, and the Chens. I figured much of the mystery out halfway through but had miscalculated one part. Reading about the extreme racism of some of the colonial administration and population is really horrifying, but at least there are some people who aren't like that, like the Governor's wife.
I'm sure I'll keep going with the series.
I'm sure I'll keep going with the series.
July 16, 2018
So good, such fun! Great characters and setting, simple writing; an all round enjoyable read. The portrayal of colonial Singapore is very interesting, as is the glance at the connections between the British ruling class and German/Japanese fascism/militarism in the 1930s.
April 14, 2019
❤️❤️ I’m loving this series! Gentle, historical mysteries with plenty of intrigue.
January 11, 2023
Loved it. Old Singapore never looked better! Great Pacing and fine writing!
September 13, 2024
Love this series,
This series is so engaging and fresh. Nothing is new,the setting ,the characters ,its a mystery,but the author has given the story a viewpoint . The tale is relayed thru the eyes of the heroine of the book and her vision of the world. Its interesting,astute and charming.
This series is so engaging and fresh. Nothing is new,the setting ,the characters ,its a mystery,but the author has given the story a viewpoint . The tale is relayed thru the eyes of the heroine of the book and her vision of the world. Its interesting,astute and charming.
April 30, 2020
This is a tricky one for me to review. I skipped the first book in the series, because of the poor audio sample and comments that the character of DeeDee was difficult to deal with in audio format. Here, I felt that the narrator nailed Nicole's narcissism a bit too well, cringing at her regular tantrums; otherwise, the narration was decent.
I felt the book did work okay as a stand-alone story; however, I'll probably go back and read a print copy of the first book for background on characters such as Harry, Kaiseven, etc. where Su Lin hints at things that were likely revealed earlier. She is a truly fascinating sleuth!
I felt the book did work okay as a stand-alone story; however, I'll probably go back and read a print copy of the first book for background on characters such as Harry, Kaiseven, etc. where Su Lin hints at things that were likely revealed earlier. She is a truly fascinating sleuth!
July 10, 2018
Ovidia Yu, the Singaporean author and playwright, has a new series of cozy mysteries, -"The Crown Colony" - to go along with her four book "Aunty Lee" series. This series, set in mid-1930's Singapore, features Chen Su Lin, a young woman from a wealthy family, who wants to be independent and yet is still bound to her traditional Singaporean family and the mores of the time. At this point, Su Lin was hired by Police Chief Le Froy as his secretarial assistant, More of the back story is told in the series' first book, "The Frangipani Tree Mystery". This book, "The Betel Nut Tree Mystery", is the second in the series.
I've read the four books of her "Aunty Lee" series and found them all charming and mostly compelling. The food described is mouth watering and the plots usually give the reader a good time. But this book, "The Betel Nut Tree Mystery", is a complete mess - plot-wise. Both the crime characters and plot points make very little sense. I'm still confused on who murdered who and why and I really don't care. That's the bad part of the book. The good part is that the Singaporean characters are interesting and I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Su Lin, her friend Parshanti, Le Froy and his police squad, and Su Lin's rather interesting family. Also, the time 1937 in a British crown colony is a good setting. Author Yu does bring in the international situation into the picture.
I'm going to read the first book in the series, "The Frangipani Tree". Hopefully, it's better. But I'll keep Ovidia Yu's writing at hand. This one might be a bummer of a book.
I've read the four books of her "Aunty Lee" series and found them all charming and mostly compelling. The food described is mouth watering and the plots usually give the reader a good time. But this book, "The Betel Nut Tree Mystery", is a complete mess - plot-wise. Both the crime characters and plot points make very little sense. I'm still confused on who murdered who and why and I really don't care. That's the bad part of the book. The good part is that the Singaporean characters are interesting and I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Su Lin, her friend Parshanti, Le Froy and his police squad, and Su Lin's rather interesting family. Also, the time 1937 in a British crown colony is a good setting. Author Yu does bring in the international situation into the picture.
I'm going to read the first book in the series, "The Frangipani Tree". Hopefully, it's better. But I'll keep Ovidia Yu's writing at hand. This one might be a bummer of a book.
December 16, 2019
I really wanted to like this, but I found this mystery deeply exasperating, because:
February 6, 2019
I read somewhere once that the success of Agatha Christie's cosy murders lay not so much in the author's ability to write a mystery story, but more in her understanding of human nature, and her ability to convey her understanding through the characters she created. I feel that this may also be said of Ovidia Yu's murder mysteries. I could guess who the murderer was quite early in the book, but was interested in watching the characters develop and the human passions play out. I wasn't disappointed.
August 4, 2019
3.5/5 Betel Nut is an improvement over the entry into the series, and focuses on detective work to a better degree than the predecessor. The highlight of this book is the atmosphere of old Singapore, to a degree where it can overshadow the mystery. The cast of characters are lively and entertaining to follow, though a couple of them could have used a little more depth. I am looking forward to see how Yu develops the series as the Colony of Singapore slides into Japanese occupation, and if the characters survive the war and continue into the post-war era.
January 22, 2024
balancing a story of multitudes is not easy. while at its core, the book is a mystery/ true crime story, the author has managed to discuss and/or portray the effects of colonialism, racism, sexism immigration, assimilation, culture, language, history, even bits and pieces of IRL political conflicts. it's not an easy achievement, and the book can be quite difficult to read at time. however, with the setting being Singapore, it is a fitting backdrop to all these "blending" of cultures and identities.
TW for racist/ sexist language, microaggression, SA, sexual harassment.
TW for racist/ sexist language, microaggression, SA, sexual harassment.
March 10, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series. A good mystery full of prejudices of all kinds.
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