Fatal Finds in Nuala

The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #4

by Harriet Steel

In this fourth instalment of the Inspector de Silva mysteries, it is monsoon season in the Hill Country. One stormy night, a ghostly encounter on a lonely road leads de Silva into a case of murder, and a mystery that stretches back to Ceylon’s distant past. To uncover the truth, he will have to face death and his inner demons.
Fatal Finds in Nuala is another absorbing and colourful mystery in this series that vividly portrays Sri Lanka’s Colonial past.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Crime, Historical, Cozy Mystery

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2018

About the author

Harriet 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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good series and one where I can rely on each book to be as good as the one before. Shanti de Silva and his wife Jane are a delightful couple. I really enjoy the setting in what was then Ceylon, nowadays Sri Lanka. I like the history and the gentle criticism of the English. The whole is a pleasure to read.

In this latest episode we visit Colombo, travel by overnight train and venture into a native village. This is a place and a time when the villagers, living in huts, are still afraid of predatory animals and snakes, while the English and the well off Ceylonese attend Country Clubs and live in beautiful homes. Crime is solved by investigation and lots of leg work - barely any telephones and definitely nothing more modern.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys a quiet, restful yet well written and very readable historical mystery.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series, and here again we have a portrayal of quiet living in Ceylon coupled with a challenging climate as the rains threaten the health of Inspector de Silva as well as his faithful Morris (automobile).

I have finally come up against a mystery of my own I don't have the solution for. I could swear that I have read this book before. Truly. I know it was only released today. so I looked in my emails and don't see evidence of having been given an early copy for review. Oh well -putting this dilemma aside before the little white men (only Nordic aliens will do) come to take me away...

The Inspector finds his British boss, Archie Clutterbuck considerably more convivial whilst his wife Florence is off on a cruise, even allowing some native policemen to ride in his car on a search for treasures in the woods. The old boy really gets into the action, and the Inspector's wife Jane also comes along, ready for digging. This treasure hunt was initiated by the discovery of some coins found on a dead body that had been buried in the woods.

This hunt for treasure uncovers many misdeeds and criminal ambitions, but all is saved in the end. For the Inspector, he would be satisfied with the luxury of a hot bath rather than meeting with officials who applaud his efforts that resulted in saving a significant statue for Ceylon.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fascinating mystery set in 1930s Sri Lanka, with a journey into archeology, and how some expats tried to exploit the locals. There is a good deal of atmosphere and suspense as our characters venture into the jungle to solve a perplexing mystery. I particularly liked the difference in the government agent, Archie Clutterbuck, with his wife away on a cruise.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series isn’t one to be rushed, it is one to be savoured. Set in Ceylon, Sri Lanka, in the 1930’s there is a different pace to life, protocol to be followed and advice to be listened to by Inspector Shanti de Silva from his, at times, much wiser wife Jane a former Governess. These are challenging times for de Silva as the Monson season hits Ceylon, he hits a spot of bother with his beloved Morris and a truly mystifying murder to solve.
Archie Clutterbuck, de Silva’s superior, takes a greater interest into this with a step further back in history revolving round lost artifacts. I really loved this ‘new’ Archie who was obviously missing his wife while she was holidaying on a cruise but it gave him new sort of laid back persona. This gave rise to promises of Shanti taking Jane on a cruise one day too. In the meantime a night away for this super couple, paid for by the police department, was a more than welcome treat for them, in exchange for Shanti paying a visit to an expert to value his find. Though the train journey did turn out to be quite lively and fatal for one traveller.
There are some real hold your breath moments in this story as de Silva seems to use up more than his share of nine lives of a cat. So much for moving to the quieter regions of Ceylon to take it a little easier. On each outing in these books I love Shanti a little more. A modern man of his times, with a love of his spicy foods, his car, music and his wife Jane.
You will fall in love with these books, which have the most beautiful covers, with the most wonderful descriptions of the most simplest things. Everything is brought to life with words that feed every single sense you have. So looking forward to more in this truly delightful series, in the meantime Shanti and Jane are going to stay dancing to the music they love in a little corner of my mind. This would make a wonder Sunday evening TV series.

[Jennifer S. Alderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this gentle mystery set in 1930s Sri Lanka. This time, an art-related theft drives the plot, one that I found quite intriguing. The setting is lovely and makes me long to visit the island one day.
Inspector di Silva and his wife Jane make a great team. This mystery is more complex than the first book in the series. It is not necessary to read the books in order.
I would recommend this novel to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy traveling by book.

[Stacie Haden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Inspector de Silva mystery series. I enjoy them, but I realize it might not be for everyone. It's...peaceful, for lack of a better word. I love the setting of Celyon (Sri Lanka). I look forward to the next in the series.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Inspector Shanti de Silva is already regretting the whim that made him arrange a visit to see his colleague Inspector Singh in Hatton during the monsoon season. A fallen tree had blocked the road since he passed through earlier on, which necessitated de Silva taking the old road back to Nuala. Before he’d gone very far his beloved Morris gave up the ghost and coasted to a stop. De Silva had two choices—walk into town or stay with the car in the jungle. He decided on the first option. After a little while he heard something that stopped him in his tracks.

'It came again, fading against the howl of the wind. He squared his shoulders. Perhaps he was imagining things and it was just the wind. Briskly he stepped out once more.

Then his heart started to pound. A pinpoint of white light was emerging from the darkness, dipping and swaying, emitting an inhuman wail that froze his blood.'

After his escapade in the jungle de Silva awakened the next morning feeling distinctly under the weather. Jane, his wife, tried to persuade him to take the day off but he didn’t want to miss his regular appointment with Archie Clutterbuck, the assistant government agent in Nuala and de Silva’s superior. On de Silva’s return to the police station there’s a report of a missing man from one of the villages and Sergeant Prasanna asks permission to search the area with Constable Nadar. Recalling the noises he heard the previous night, de Silva joins the search. They find more than they bargained for.

The investigation gains momentum, despite the monsoon making everything much more difficult. Jane and Clutterbuck, who is home alone while his wife is cruising, join in the search for artefacts in the jungle, bringing about what turns out to be a hazardous train journey to Colombo for De Silva and Jane.

It was lovely to be able to have a return visit to colonial 1930s Ceylon and catch up with the colourful, engaging and well-rounded characters peopling this series. It’s written well, incorporating the complexities of the social structure, the local dishes and vividly descriptive prose together with quite a fast moving and well thought through plot. De Silva and Jane moved from Colombo to Nuala for a slower, less fraught lifestyle but in this episode de Silva finds himself in some desperate situations, not helped by the dreadful weather conditions. I think he, and Jane, deserve the holiday they discussed.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, this book has got to be the best in the series!
The big reveal at the end was quite a surprise although there were hints earlier in the story. Also, although certain characters were behaving suspiciously, the ending built to a climax with a momentum that made you want to keep reading.
Definitely my favourite of the series.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found this series, it continues to be a delightful, easy read.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the latest Inspector de Silva mystery, set in the hill country of 1930s Ceylon, it is monsoon season, so travelling about to investigate a murder is particularly difficult.  Although already feeling unwell, Inspector de Silva is determined to brave the treacherous roads and dangerous criminals to solve the murder of an insignificant local villager.  This leads him to find unusual coins and the possibility of valuable artefacts, but on this occasion, it seems that he is mistaken.
In this novel, Shanti’s wife Jane and his boss Archie Clutterbuck take more active participation in the investigation.  Jane and Inspector de Silva have a hair-raising adventure on board a train to Colombo, equal to those of an Agatha Christie novel, while Archie makes the most of his wife’s absence on a cruise to help the Nuala police force, seeking treasure.  There are dastardly villains contributing to the excitement of this drama.
The effects of the monsoon weather and the dense, frightening environment are vividly described, in contrast to the de Silva’s calm homelife.  I am surprised that Shanti does not have more interaction with his servants, who are never named.  During the story, Shanti and Jane discuss going on a cruise one day.  Now that would provide a perfect setting for his detective skills.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Highly recommended

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have come to really enjoy this engaging historical cozy mystery series set in Ceylon of the 1930's. In this installment, Shanti, Jane, and Archie Clutterbuck engage in an archeological mystery in the jungle outside Nuala that involves murder during the height of the Monsoon season.

Fatal Finds in Nuala is the fourth of the Inspector de Silva mysteries. This is a series that is enjoyed best when read in order, but is versatile so it can easily be treated as a series of standalones, too.

There is a lovely blend of exotic location, time period, engaging characters, and a clever mystery. I love that the detective is non British and a native Singalese of middle-age. Shanti is thoughtful and clever. He respects others and struggles to be patient when he isn't accorded the same and it interferes with his work.

A chance breakdown begins the chain of events that leads him to investigating a villager's murder that seems to be connected with curious, but not necessarily priceless coins from the Kandy empire era. Or are they worthless? Shanti's instincts are aroused even with few facts. His boss, Archie, is in an expansive mood, so he pursues thread-like leads.

Unlike some cozies, this series have some pretty exciting moments of danger and action. I do enjoy seeing Shanti get himself out of some tight situations and the setting of jungle and the poor weather adds to the suspense. And, it's fun when the lightbulb comes on and he nails the villain. This was one where there is some foreshadowing that puts the reader onto some of the truth before the facts got there for the reveal. That said, I didn't have it all figured out.

There were a few sweet moments when Jane comes along with Shanti to find clues in the jungle and a trip on the train to visit the city where they met.

So, it was another solid entry in the series and leaves me eager for more. Definitely a recommended series.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed Harriet Steel's quartet of mysteries set in 1930's
Ceylon. If you are a fan of PBS shows, "Indian Summers" or "Jewel in the Crown", you may find these Nuala mysteries appealing.
Inspector de Silva is now one of my favorite detectives. This last mystery was complicated and kept me guessing until the end.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The monsoon season has arrived in the area of Nuala and a drive home leads to the discover of a body. But there is more to the death then at first seems. Inspector de Silva investigates but must widen his search for the truth further than Nuala.
Another enjoyable mystery in this well-written series, with its very likeable characters.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry but I just could not form an attachment to the characters in this story. I had to push myself to finish the book. It occurs Ceylon in the an earlier time when it was under British rule. A murder occurs of a peasant man and the detective believes he has the right to have his murderer caught and punished. The story moves very slowly.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Stars. I am enjoying this series as a relaxing break in my day, and FFIN, very much. I find this series refreshingly unique in its setting and characters. Steel often includes information I find either fascinating or amusing (literature, historical topics). Steel is a new-to-me author which I am happily devouring. (I seldom give a 5).

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 this; IT WAS GREAT FUN! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).

Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), July 1937, the Monsoon season -
Detector Inspector Shanty de Silva’s Morris auto breaks down on his return home from a meeting. While he is walking the remaining distance in a downpouring rain, de Silva believes he hears a cry, as if someone has been hurt and then shut-off. The next day, de Silva and 2 of his officers return to the spot and search the soaking jungle for signs of a man. De Silva had thought to find nothing or a person attacked by an animal. But they discovery a man murdered instead. And so begins de Silva’s investigation which escalates into corruption, artifact thefts and more murder.

1) FATAL FINDS IN NUALA is bk4 in Harriet Steel’s Inspector deSilva Mystery series, set in Ceylon/Sri Lanka, mid-late 1930’s. I imagine it is possible to read FATAL as a Standalone title but certain secondary characters & relationships (deSilva’s colleagues and family) feature in each book which have developed over time. I prefer beginning with bk1, TROUBLE IN NUALA.
2) Along with other genres, I enjoy reading Classic Crime Mysteries (set in the 1920’s+). Steel’s deSilva series occurs during this period, and with Ceylon a British Colony at that period, certain historical and societal elements overlap. I am finding this aspect of the series intriguing.
3) I enjoyed working out the mysteries. I had settled on certain characters yet was still nicely surprised in the end.
4) I like the character deSilva. I can identify with his preference for zesty rather than bland food, his reluctance to “dress up” for public occasions (in the heat!) and emphasize with certain social situations he must accept (as a Ceylonese inspector in a country ruled by the British). Occasionally awkward. His character, especially as performed by voice artist Davies, truly reminds me of Peter Falk in television’s Columbo (1968-1978+), a very likable man, imo. DeSilva is a quiet, “seemingly” plodding Inspector, thorough, observant, intuitive and tolerant of his (occasionally) condescending superiors. I find this series a restful read - a pleasant escape to another place and time. Virtual travel, in a sense. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
5) I understand only the first 4 books in this series are available as autobooks. The performance by Matthew Lloyd Davies is delightful although his accents for certain characters are quite strong (for my ears). I purchased the digital format, as well, so I can switch back and forth at will. I have already purchased the next 3 titles.
6) The mention of Inspector de Silva reading Agatha Christie’s Death in Mesopotamia and Sir Rider Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines (with its cultural missteps even in the late 1930’s) caught my attention as I enjoy Christie’s mysteries and have Solomon’s Mines waiting in my tbrs. :D.
7) Amelia Earhart is also mentioned as missing on her last (as we now know) ill-fated Around-the-World flight. The comments describing the Monsoon rains, how the season affects the lives of the people who must deal with it, had me imagining myself there (de Silva and his men are often completely soaked to the skin after investigating outdoors, w De Silva fighting colds repeatedly). Steel living/lived? in Sri Lanka paints quite the picture.
8) As I was explaining the plot and my favorite aspects to my husband, I again realized that I truly enjoyed this book (he’s a pilot and afterward further researched the Amelia Earhart reference).
I happily recommend Steel’s Inspector deSilva Mystery series to readers who enjoy:
> Classic British Mysteries
> British Mysteries set during the 1920’s-1940’s.
> Historical British Mysteries set in Colonial settings
> Mysteries set in unique locales
> Cozy Mysteries (slower paced but with fun adventures, Clean format)
> Seasoned main characters (who are surprisingly amicably married)
> Police Procedural mysteries
> Historical Mysteries
> Mysteries with historical and literature “goose eggs.”

READER CAUTION ~ Suitable for most readers who enjoy Cozy Mysteries
PROFANITY - None. If any, minimal. (I recall none).
VIOLENCE - This is a Cozy murder mystery with minimal graphic content.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love the setting and the characters in these books--30's in Ceylon. British rule is still there and Archie Clutterbuck is the chief poombah for the Brits. In this episode his snobbish wife, Florence, is off on a cruise so Archie can get out in the field and work closely with Inspector Shanti de Silva and his two officers. Shanti is Sinalhese Buddist married to his lovely English wife, Jane. Sgt Prasanna is in his 20's, recently married and also Sinalese while Constable Nadar, a Tamil Hindu, is a bit younger and a recent Dad.

On a dark and stormy night, LOL, de Silva find himself broken down on a muddy back road with no houses in sight. He is rescued by Clutterbuck's assistant who happens by, but not before he is spooked by strange sounds emanating from the surrounding jungle..

The next day Prasanna's wife comes with an older woman to the police station to report the lady's missing husband, a villager named Venu. Before long his body is found buried in the jungle not far from the site of Shanti's disabled car. There are old coins and pieces of what appear to be gold jewelry in the vicinity of the burial. What are they doing here, did Venu have them and if so, where did he get them? The investigation is is convoluted, the characters shady. The solution is surprising. All in all a good book for a rainy day!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've grown so accustomed to the intrepid adventures of Inspector de Silva that returning to his life in the hill town of Nuala is always like being reunited with a much loved friend. Fatal Finds gets off to a dark start with de Silva investigating a rather complicated murder involving a local man, and as the investigation deepens, so de Silva gets drawn further and further into the mystery.

As in previous de Silva mysteries, the author writes really well and brings such life to the characters that they are always fascinating, whether it be in observing de Silva's loving relationship with his English wife, Jane or his, often, complicated interaction with Archie Clutterbuck, the government agent in Nuala, there is never a moment when the story doesn't draw you into 1930s Ceylon.

As always, the mystery at the heart of the story is well explained and whilst the overall pace of the novel is one of elegant gentility, the investigation into the mystery surrounding the murder is done with fine attention to period detail. There is no doubt that this author has created a rather special series and I hope to share more adventures with the intrepid inspector in future stories.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It's not great literature, but the characters are clearly drawn and decidedly human, a difficult task in a detective novel with its clear emphasis on plot. Even the lesser characters, such as Archie Clutterbuck and Sergeant Prasanna, have enough individual traits to prevent them from falling into a neat stereotype. Shanti de Silva is a thoroughly creditable complex human being with both good points and bad. Although he is resentful of the British overlords who treat the native peoples and their cultures as if they were children, he has built enough of a relationship with them to work productively with them. The plots of all three books are relatively simple but completely enjoyable.

[Martha Burke-Hennessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth Inspector Da Silva mystery in Ceylon

Inspector Da Silva and his English wife Jane work together to track down the murderer of a poor villager in 1930's Ceylon. His eyes are kind, was how the Inspector was described, and his relentless pursuit of justice follows the Inspector as he tramps to archeological digs deep in the jungle, chases a robber through the luxurious train until the man falls or was perhaps pushed to his death, suspects treachery within the Colombo museum, extracts information from his friend in a coma, is held at gunpoint, escapes down a death-defying cliff, until he puts all the pieces of the puzzle together during the height of the monsoon season.

[Donna Church]

Shanti is caught in a monsoon and hears a frightening sound that leads him back to the site and the discovery of a body in a shallow grave. Along with the body, he discovers some interesting gold trinkets, but a local expert assures him they are worthless tourist items. Yet, as he digs deeper more questions arise with the discovery of more items near the grave sight. A trip to Colombo proves dangerous and brings confirmation of the earlier analysis of the found objects. However, Shanti continues to feel uneasy as a friend experiences a terrible accident and unwanted participants enter the investigation which ultimately leads to an antiquities smuggling ring that de Silva can expose only if he survives long enough to do so.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector detective Silva sure gets into lots of trouble this time

While I enjoyed this book, it would be helpful to have some kind of map of Ceylon included. This story took place in several different towns; it would be nice to have some kind of idea where everything was. You would think detective Silva should realize that he finds trouble when he goes off by himself but then again he doesn't have very many men to help him (2). With all the rain and mud and jungle, it's a wonder that anyone or anything gets found. The author does a good job of describing the country; I would love to see Sunnyside ( de Silva's home ) in person.

[Elizabeth Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually a restful read

I have enjoyed each of the books in the series , although this was the most exciting to date. Nuala and it's people are always a pleasure to visit; too bad there are not more books in the series . Shanti and his roses , Jane and her insights, and the rest of the Nuala crew seem like old friends now. Somehow the author's other books don't seem to attract me, but maybe I will give one a try.

[Carolo! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Period Mysteries

I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the four books in this series and cannot wait for more! I love a period piece mystery. I enjoy the tidbits of history learned along the way. It is a gentle read and the characters come alive. It was particularly interesting to see another dimension of Archie this read. He has a lot more spunk than I have given him credit for.

[Italo Italophiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional mystery set in 1930s Sri Lanka (Ceylon). I'm reading the series in order. Some nitpicking: the servants are not allowed to be human beings, the detective gets beat up often, the pace of investigation is very slow, the mysteries are not so mysterious. Some nice points: history and culture of Sri Lanka incorporated into each story, the detective's happy marriage, the stories are clean reads.

[PRK Oregon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing. Interesting stories.

Inspector Shanti da Silva is a winner! If you enjoy Louise Penney's Armand Gamache, you will enjoy Inspector da Silva and his wife, Jane. Set in Ceylon in the mid-1930's, the writing is true to period; there is little to no modern day language. The stories are interesting - Ms. Steel has researched her subjects well. There is a little science, a little action, and a lot of humor within a good detective story.

[Arliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way Harriet Steel used the real world historical aspects of this book to anchor the plot. It was clever and added to my interest significantly. I do wish she would fill in deSilva's character more. He is such a fascinating choice as a main character and there are many ways to go with him that could be driven by his personal history. Regardless, I'm continuing to get a lot of pleasure out of reading this series and am hoping for a new book soon.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shanti de Silva's quiet life is disturbed when he has to go to an outlying village and finds a dead man buried in a shallow grave. This leads to archaeological finds being kept secret—visits to Columbo and Archie Clutterbuck, the government agent, in good humour as his wife is away. Steady detective work finds a battered detective on the heels of the villains. Lots of action. Great description of the monsoon rains. A short but enjoyable read. 4 stars.

[Laura Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Series

I am a fan! I have read all the books in the series. The books have interesting characters and the setting is wonderful. Very entertaining. Ms. Steel is a good storyteller. I recommend especially if you enjoy a story without graphic violence, language, or sex. Hoping there will be other books in the series.

[Sarah Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at colonial India

Absolutely interesting look at a corner of India during Colonial times. It's mindful of descrimation that was accepted in those days and yet showing that even then not all people were horrible. Great husband \wife relations. Fascinating
Detail of India's past.