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Inspector Samuel Tay #2
The Umbrella Man
The first bomb cracked the Hilton like an egg; the second gutted the lobby of the Marriott; and the third peeled the front off the Grand Hyatt. Three massive explosions, all at American hotels in the heart of the city, and all within a few horrifying seconds. Hundreds are dead and thousands are injured. Singapore is bleeding.
Inspector Samuel Tay is a senior inspector in the Special Investigation Section of Singapore CID, but he is frozen out of this investigation from the beginning. He's made serious enemies in Singapore's Internal Security Department, and he has even more enemies at the American embassy, so Tay is assigned routine cases while his colleagues join with the CIA and the FBI in a feverish search for the bombers.
Three days after the explosions, the smell of death still sticky in the city's air, Tay is sent to a run-down apartment near the Malaysian border where two children have found the body of a Caucasian male with a broken neck. Tay feels an immediate connection with the dead man, although he doesn't think he has ever seen him before.
As Tay searches the dead man's past for clues to who he was and who his killer might have been, Tay's own past begins to give up its secrets. A long-dead father he can barely remember reaches out of the grave to point to the truth about both the murdered man and the bombings. And the horror of Singapore's destruction becomes a personal horror for Samuel Tay.
Inspector Samuel Tay is a senior inspector in the Special Investigation Section of Singapore CID, but he is frozen out of this investigation from the beginning. He's made serious enemies in Singapore's Internal Security Department, and he has even more enemies at the American embassy, so Tay is assigned routine cases while his colleagues join with the CIA and the FBI in a feverish search for the bombers.
Three days after the explosions, the smell of death still sticky in the city's air, Tay is sent to a run-down apartment near the Malaysian border where two children have found the body of a Caucasian male with a broken neck. Tay feels an immediate connection with the dead man, although he doesn't think he has ever seen him before.
As Tay searches the dead man's past for clues to who he was and who his killer might have been, Tay's own past begins to give up its secrets. A long-dead father he can barely remember reaches out of the grave to point to the truth about both the murdered man and the bombings. And the horror of Singapore's destruction becomes a personal horror for Samuel Tay.
Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2012
535 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jake Needham
48 books394 followersJAKE NEEDHAM received the Barry Award at Bouchercon 2024, the world's largest convention of mystery readers, for BEST PAPERBACK MYSTERY OF 2024. He is a three-time Barry Award nominee, as well as a nominee for the International Thriller Writers' award for BEST PAPERBACK THRILLER OF THE YEAR.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
Needham is an American screen and television writer who has lived in Thailand for over thirty years. He started writing crime novels when he realized he really didn't like movies and television all that much. Since then, he has published fifteen popular mysteries and thrillers in two different series — The Inspector Samuel Tay Novels, and the Jack Shepherd Novels — as well as the international bestseller, THE BIG MANGO.
"Jake Needham is Asia's most stylish and atmospheric writer of crime fiction," says the Singapore Straits Times. "Jake Needham is Michael Connelly with steamed rice," says the Bangkok Post.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 10, 2013
You've got to love Sam Tay; simple yet complex, and doggedly determined. The story line is fascinating (typical of all Needham's books), supplemented with subtle humor and insights interspersed throughout. Very entertaining page-turner!
October 24, 2017
I immediately searched out other books by this author. Good writing and suspense.
August 16, 2020
Interesting detective's story with Singapore setting.
December 28, 2016
A better book
I like Inspector Tay and his sidekick. He makes more sense in this book than in the first. Knowing nothing about Singapore, the setting is different, it adds to the story.
I like Inspector Tay and his sidekick. He makes more sense in this book than in the first. Knowing nothing about Singapore, the setting is different, it adds to the story.
February 16, 2021
When bombs explode in three American hotels in the heart of Singapore, Inspector Sam Tay is close by – so close by that he is injured and spends several days in hospital. On waking, he is disturbed to learn that he won’t be involved in investigating the bombings and has instead been assigned to what appears to be a routine murder inquiry. But Sam discovers that the dead man is strangely familiar and is hiding a secret that only the pathologist can find. As his investigation progresses, the ISD (Internal Security Department) seem keen that he should wrap things up pretty quickly, but Sam has other ideas.
This is the second book in the Samuel Tay series and the third I’ve read by Jake Needham. As with the others, it’s a heck of a good read. The unfolding mystery weaves back and forth like a basket-maker on speed, throwing up ever-more increasing difficulties as Sam finds his investigation blocked by just about everyone in the city. Then, when he does get a breakthrough, it’s about as unexpected as you can get. What I love about this series is that Tay never tries to be clever and often appears out of his depth, struggling to know what he should say and do. And then there’s the rather unorthodox help he gets from his dead mother…
Mr Needham’s writing is clever without seeming to be and there’s an underlying vein of humour throughout the book that kept me amused while trying to work out the identity of the killer. If you love a cracking good mystery with an unconventional detective, dig into the Inspector Samuel Tay novels now.
This is the second book in the Samuel Tay series and the third I’ve read by Jake Needham. As with the others, it’s a heck of a good read. The unfolding mystery weaves back and forth like a basket-maker on speed, throwing up ever-more increasing difficulties as Sam finds his investigation blocked by just about everyone in the city. Then, when he does get a breakthrough, it’s about as unexpected as you can get. What I love about this series is that Tay never tries to be clever and often appears out of his depth, struggling to know what he should say and do. And then there’s the rather unorthodox help he gets from his dead mother…
Mr Needham’s writing is clever without seeming to be and there’s an underlying vein of humour throughout the book that kept me amused while trying to work out the identity of the killer. If you love a cracking good mystery with an unconventional detective, dig into the Inspector Samuel Tay novels now.
March 31, 2021
Singapore CID Inspector Samuel Tay is whiling way a muggy evening in his garden with his cigarettes(the novel is almost a treatise on smoking) when a series of blasts down the road evoke his curiosity. He walks in to the aftermath of the bombing of three prestigious hotels, tearing out the heart of the orderly city state. that the author depicts so eell Tay is no safe from harm as he gets caught in a second round of explosions targeting the first responders. After a brief hospital stay he is back at work eager to join the effort to track down the bombers. To his dismay he is shunted- along with the reader- into a seemingly minor investigation of an unidentified corpse found at the other end of town. Notably the deceased is caucasian, an oddity in a neighborhood that is strictly for locals. An autopsy finds a safe deposit box key inserted into the anus. After countless cigarettes, hallucinatory conversations with his deceased mother and dredging up family photos from his own attic, Tay becomes aware of his own personal connection to the case. The closer he gets to an answer the greater the interference he encounters , first from Singapore internal security and more persistently from a mysterious American.
April 14, 2018
Great follow up to The Ambassador’s Wife. A sort of 9-11 style disaster within the first few pages rocks Singapore, and Tay has to use his wits and resources to solve it. A great noir series, so far becoming better with each read.
I prefer this to Needham’s other series, the Jack Shepard mysteries.
As an American, Singapore is a part of the world I am largely unaware of. Needham, who lived in Asia as an international lawyer for his whole career, brings a sense of realism and love for the culture. Sammy Tay makes a great classic noir protagonist. I am excited to read the next one.
I was able to interview Jake Needham for a podcast (Amygdala Magazine) a few years ago, and he told me that every location is researched and personally visited by him. His descriptions are based on real locations, even down to descriptions of furniture within restaurants. The attention to detail helps to craft a realistic view of Tay’s world.
I prefer this to Needham’s other series, the Jack Shepard mysteries.
As an American, Singapore is a part of the world I am largely unaware of. Needham, who lived in Asia as an international lawyer for his whole career, brings a sense of realism and love for the culture. Sammy Tay makes a great classic noir protagonist. I am excited to read the next one.
I was able to interview Jake Needham for a podcast (Amygdala Magazine) a few years ago, and he told me that every location is researched and personally visited by him. His descriptions are based on real locations, even down to descriptions of furniture within restaurants. The attention to detail helps to craft a realistic view of Tay’s world.
Read
March 23, 2024Third in the Singapore based Samuel Tay series. Bombs go off in Singapore and all police are working on it apart from Tay whose previous case regarding the dead wife of the US ambassador had meant he has enemies but within the higher echelons of the police, the Singapore security forces and the CIA.
Initially disgruntled at being sent off to investigate a sudden death, Tay sin realises this is a murder and is sure that it relates to the bombings, and this is confirmed when he is warned of my the Singapore security forces.
Tay keeps investigating with the help of both his long suffering sergeant Kang, and the secret involvement of ex CIA man John August. But the roots of this case go back a long way and Tay's father, long dead, knew the victim. Tay wants justice but August wants a different kind
Initially disgruntled at being sent off to investigate a sudden death, Tay sin realises this is a murder and is sure that it relates to the bombings, and this is confirmed when he is warned of my the Singapore security forces.
Tay keeps investigating with the help of both his long suffering sergeant Kang, and the secret involvement of ex CIA man John August. But the roots of this case go back a long way and Tay's father, long dead, knew the victim. Tay wants justice but August wants a different kind
February 27, 2025
Inspector Tay is something of a thorn in the sides of his coworkers, but he's effective and somewhat obstinate, known for living by his creed of doing the right thing.
He's relaxing in his garden when he hears what possibly is three bombs going off. Going out into the street, he can see billowing smoke down the road and people fleeing. Apparently 3 American-based hotels have exploded.
Is it terrorism?
For whatever reason, it's all hands on deck with the exception of Tay, who has been assigned to investigate a dead body found in what should have been an empty condo on the outskirts of town.
He's quirky and secretive but he won't let go of finding out the cause of the bombings, no matter who tells him to leave it alone.....
He's relaxing in his garden when he hears what possibly is three bombs going off. Going out into the street, he can see billowing smoke down the road and people fleeing. Apparently 3 American-based hotels have exploded.
Is it terrorism?
For whatever reason, it's all hands on deck with the exception of Tay, who has been assigned to investigate a dead body found in what should have been an empty condo on the outskirts of town.
He's quirky and secretive but he won't let go of finding out the cause of the bombings, no matter who tells him to leave it alone.....
September 3, 2024
3.5 stars. Set in Singapore, which made it extra interesting, but there just wasn't enough there for a full four-star score. Still, I was interested enough to keep turning the pages. I liked the main character, though I would have liked him to have some more dimensions. The big crime to solve wasn't that interesting. This is the second in this series that I've read. I may not read the rest -- but then maybe I will, one day. Not rushing to do so, though.
August 24, 2021
The location (Singapore) is interesting and the protagonist commands our interest due to his jaded and cynical approach to the job. Inspector Tay has been around and has seen some successes, but has frustrated his superiors in the process. (Coincidentally, I also just finished a Rebus mystery (by Ian Rankin) and Rebus has similar characteristics.) I will read more of the Inspector Tay series.
October 14, 2024
I am hooked.
Ok so I read the first book and I was hooked. So I bought the next five. Just finished the second one. It is fast reading. I like the way the author writes. The plots so far are not bad either. I left Singapore when I was four years old so I don't have a lot of memory of Singapore. It is fun to read about it though.
Ok so I read the first book and I was hooked. So I bought the next five. Just finished the second one. It is fast reading. I like the way the author writes. The plots so far are not bad either. I left Singapore when I was four years old so I don't have a lot of memory of Singapore. It is fun to read about it though.
August 2, 2017
Did not like the writing style, although it got better towards the end. Prose is overly cynical, wearisome and repetitive. Sorely lacking in subtlety and nuance. Found myself skimming through various parts. Storyline is not bad though.
March 13, 2019
Just put this down...when is the next one coming out? Inspector Samuel Tay makes the backdrop of Singapore more interesting to look at than the post card. The CIA is everywhere on the international crime/spy scene.
July 4, 2019
The Umbrella Man
To date a book a 5 star it would have to be the caliber of Midnight in theGarden... ,The Godfather, Valley of the Dolls (years ago) etc. I certainly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one.
To date a book a 5 star it would have to be the caliber of Midnight in theGarden... ,The Godfather, Valley of the Dolls (years ago) etc. I certainly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one.
October 20, 2019
Quite simply one of the best books I have read in years. Needham's main character is wonderful and easy to read. The ending to this, the second Tay, book was a huge improvement over the first. I can't wait to start the third.
December 26, 2019
Will it ever stop raining
Once again I finished this book with a few bathroom Breaks and a shower it's really a good story not predictable enough of the twists to keep unbearable and alert
Once again I finished this book with a few bathroom Breaks and a shower it's really a good story not predictable enough of the twists to keep unbearable and alert
October 3, 2021
Sam Tay gets embroiled in the investigation of a mass bombing in Singapore even though he is threatened to stop. His findings lead to a whole other investigation that includes his own father who died when Tay was only eleven.
February 9, 2024
A complicated Man
Samuel Tay is a good policeman and a fussy man. He laughs at the fussy rules of Singapore but is really a good example of those very rules. A good and thoughtful story.
Samuel Tay is a good policeman and a fussy man. He laughs at the fussy rules of Singapore but is really a good example of those very rules. A good and thoughtful story.
September 25, 2024
great story
There were so many twists and turns it was hard to keep up! But lots of clues to follow, and I love how Tay’s mind works. But the part about talking to his dead mother?? That’s a bit too woo woo for me. Still, it was a good story.
There were so many twists and turns it was hard to keep up! But lots of clues to follow, and I love how Tay’s mind works. But the part about talking to his dead mother?? That’s a bit too woo woo for me. Still, it was a good story.
November 27, 2024
Another excellent Sam Tay Saga
I have kind of skipped around the chronological order on how I read these books. They all stand quite well alone. The “Umbrella Man”was another example of a well thought out stimulating bit of fiction. Enjoy.
I have kind of skipped around the chronological order on how I read these books. They all stand quite well alone. The “Umbrella Man”was another example of a well thought out stimulating bit of fiction. Enjoy.
January 30, 2025
Samuel Tay is true to himself.
He is a psychiatrist's delight, self-conflicted almost to obsessive proportions. His internal ruminations produce honest responses seldom heard in today's overly "politically correct", sanitized world.
He is a psychiatrist's delight, self-conflicted almost to obsessive proportions. His internal ruminations produce honest responses seldom heard in today's overly "politically correct", sanitized world.
March 4, 2025
Disappointing read. Too similar to the first book (why does the author go on so many rants about smoking?) Seems to have been written quickly, not crafted. No parallel plot lines, just a single story in which Tay doesn’t really do very much. And since when is “almost fifty” considered old?
November 28, 2018
OK.
I liked the protaganist, and the background of Singapore was interesting.
I liked the protaganist, and the background of Singapore was interesting.
January 14, 2019
Good Read
This second book in the series was stronger than the first, so I look forward to book three. With the story set in Singapore it allows insight into the SE Asian culture.
This second book in the series was stronger than the first, so I look forward to book three. With the story set in Singapore it allows insight into the SE Asian culture.
April 22, 2020
Jake Needham did it again.
Another Sam Tay book that’s tough to put down. Interesting characters and enough plot twists to keep you on your toes.
Another Sam Tay book that’s tough to put down. Interesting characters and enough plot twists to keep you on your toes.
July 31, 2020
No t quite clousseu
Cloisseau he is not. But close. Has a bumbling mind. Great humorous mystery. Well worth your reading time. Surprise aplenty.
Cloisseau he is not. But close. Has a bumbling mind. Great humorous mystery. Well worth your reading time. Surprise aplenty.
January 12, 2023
Good dialog, made me LOL a couple times. Well written. Will read more in this series.
November 16, 2023
Interesting story and characters. I think I will be looking for more books about this detective
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews