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Inspector Samuel Tay #5
And Brother It's Starting to Rain
SAMUEL TAY HAS RETIRED from Singapore CID. It wasn’t entirely his idea, but that’s another story. John August is a guy who has saved Tay’s butt more than once over the years. He’s an American who may or may not do something for the CIA.
Now August wants to collect on all those favors Tay owes him. He needs Tay’s help to investigate a homicide.
‘Whose homicide?’ Tay asks.
‘Mine,’ August replies.
Tay’s little inner voice is shouting at him not to get involved. He’s a cop, he keeps telling himself, not a spy — well, at least he used to be a cop — but he’s bored and curious so how can he resist? Apparently, there’s a woman who knows who tried to kill August, and that’s a good place to start if only Tay can figure out who she actually is.
When Tay picks up the woman’s trail, he follows her first to a beach resort on the coast of Thailand that is surely one of the most notorious towns on earth, and then on to Washington DC, another town that is equally notorious, although perhaps for slightly different reasons.
Tay doesn’t want to go to Washington since he doesn’t like Americans very much, but he’s onto a murder plot that lies right at the heart of the American intelligence establishment, and Washington is where all the answers are.
Washington doesn’t frighten Samuel Tay. He’s the kind of man who lives to blow away the smoke and break the mirrors. This time, however, Tay is going up against people who may be too powerful to be exposed, people who know exactly how to protect themselves.
They’ll simply kill Sam Tay if he gets too close to the truth.
Now August wants to collect on all those favors Tay owes him. He needs Tay’s help to investigate a homicide.
‘Whose homicide?’ Tay asks.
‘Mine,’ August replies.
Tay’s little inner voice is shouting at him not to get involved. He’s a cop, he keeps telling himself, not a spy — well, at least he used to be a cop — but he’s bored and curious so how can he resist? Apparently, there’s a woman who knows who tried to kill August, and that’s a good place to start if only Tay can figure out who she actually is.
When Tay picks up the woman’s trail, he follows her first to a beach resort on the coast of Thailand that is surely one of the most notorious towns on earth, and then on to Washington DC, another town that is equally notorious, although perhaps for slightly different reasons.
Tay doesn’t want to go to Washington since he doesn’t like Americans very much, but he’s onto a murder plot that lies right at the heart of the American intelligence establishment, and Washington is where all the answers are.
Washington doesn’t frighten Samuel Tay. He’s the kind of man who lives to blow away the smoke and break the mirrors. This time, however, Tay is going up against people who may be too powerful to be exposed, people who know exactly how to protect themselves.
They’ll simply kill Sam Tay if he gets too close to the truth.
- GenresFiction
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
363 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Jake Needham
48 books395 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 30 reviews
October 20, 2019
Alright, at the risk of sounding gushy I'm going to say it: I love Jake Needham. I love opening a new book of his, or at least one I haven't read before, to find heart-pounding, nail biting thrills, or a huge explosion of a guffaw that almost, but not quite, knocks me out of my chair. It's what I call entertainment, and the man does know how to entertain.
In this episode, Sam Tay has to leave his beloved Singapore to do John August a favor. He actually ends up in Washington, D.C., of all places and is surrounded by his least liked people; Americans. They really are spoiled, or act entitled, and most of the time they are a pain in the neck. However, more about August's world is revealed and we find out who he works for and why.
Drats! There's only one more book left to read. I certainly hope Mr. Needham is finishing another that will be on the shelves soon.
In this episode, Sam Tay has to leave his beloved Singapore to do John August a favor. He actually ends up in Washington, D.C., of all places and is surrounded by his least liked people; Americans. They really are spoiled, or act entitled, and most of the time they are a pain in the neck. However, more about August's world is revealed and we find out who he works for and why.
Drats! There's only one more book left to read. I certainly hope Mr. Needham is finishing another that will be on the shelves soon.
February 10, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable read that makes me look forward to the next book!
November 17, 2025
There are nine novels in the Inspector Samuel Tay series, and I started with number seven: "Who The Hell Is Harry Black?" It was a great read, and I enjoyed it enough to want to learn who the hell Inspector Tay was, and how he came to be where and what he was. That's when I went back to the beginning to read the first of the series, "The Ambassador's Wife." I have just finished number five: "And Brother It's Starting to Rain."
Samuel Tay is now the former Inspector Tay of the Singapore Police's Criminal Investigation Division. He had been pushed into retirement as an alternative to accepting a promotion that would have turned him into a paper pusher, rather than a detective. A police detective was not only what Tay was, it was who he was, so he is now adjusting to a new life with absolutely nothing to do.
Tay has no real life other than the policeman he'd been for he'd been for twenty-seven years. So, when a shadowy character with whom Tay has recently crossed paths asks Tay for help, it doesn't take too long to convince himself to do it. That's particularly true as the "help" in question is to investigate the attempted murder of the man asking for help.
The man asking for help is an American who has helped Tay a couple of times, but Tay doesn't really know who or what he is. The man uses the name John August, but Tay thinks maybe that's an alias. What Tay does know is that August is loosely affiliated with the US Government in some unnamed capacity, and he kills people. Our story takes Tay first to Hong Kong and then to Washington, D.C. The locations take Tay out of his comfort zone, but his instincts kick in, and his investigation moves forward.
Needham is an excellent storyteller who holds the reader's interest throughout. As is the case with most good storytellers, he keeps the plot churning as the story moves to its denouement. The characters are likeable and unlikeable, just as they should be. Our protagonist, Sam Tay, is the most imperfect hero you can imagine, so filled with flaws and faults that he's almost a caricature of a bumbling detective. He has virtually no social skills, and his life experiences are pretty limited to his previously confined existence in his little cocoon in Singapore.
The best recommendation I can give you is that I've already started reading the next Sam Tay story. I'm pretty sure I'll read the next one after that, too.
Samuel Tay is now the former Inspector Tay of the Singapore Police's Criminal Investigation Division. He had been pushed into retirement as an alternative to accepting a promotion that would have turned him into a paper pusher, rather than a detective. A police detective was not only what Tay was, it was who he was, so he is now adjusting to a new life with absolutely nothing to do.
Tay has no real life other than the policeman he'd been for he'd been for twenty-seven years. So, when a shadowy character with whom Tay has recently crossed paths asks Tay for help, it doesn't take too long to convince himself to do it. That's particularly true as the "help" in question is to investigate the attempted murder of the man asking for help.
The man asking for help is an American who has helped Tay a couple of times, but Tay doesn't really know who or what he is. The man uses the name John August, but Tay thinks maybe that's an alias. What Tay does know is that August is loosely affiliated with the US Government in some unnamed capacity, and he kills people. Our story takes Tay first to Hong Kong and then to Washington, D.C. The locations take Tay out of his comfort zone, but his instincts kick in, and his investigation moves forward.
Needham is an excellent storyteller who holds the reader's interest throughout. As is the case with most good storytellers, he keeps the plot churning as the story moves to its denouement. The characters are likeable and unlikeable, just as they should be. Our protagonist, Sam Tay, is the most imperfect hero you can imagine, so filled with flaws and faults that he's almost a caricature of a bumbling detective. He has virtually no social skills, and his life experiences are pretty limited to his previously confined existence in his little cocoon in Singapore.
The best recommendation I can give you is that I've already started reading the next Sam Tay story. I'm pretty sure I'll read the next one after that, too.
August 13, 2022
Now retired from Singapore CID, Sam Tay has time on his hands. When John August comes calling asking a favour, Sam isn’t sure what to make of it. August needs help tracking down a woman involved in a murder plot – a plot to kill John August. Knowing August has done him a few favours in the past, Sam can hardly refuse, but with very little to go on – no name, no photograph, and no address, Sam can’t see what he can do. Luckily, curiosity gets the better of him and he agrees to do a little digging.
This is the book no 5 in the Inspector Samuel Tay series. Having now read the whole series, including book 6 – Mongkok Station, I’m familiar with the characters and love the author’s sharp and quirky writing style. Like the other books, this one gets off to an intriguing start, with Sam heading to Thailand to track down a woman who appears to be involved in the murder plot. However, the story then backtracks a little to reveal what led John August to believe someone is out to kill him. As always, the plot is clever and witty, guiding the reader through twists and turns that keep the tension simmering away while never quite allowing us to see what’s coming. As the story progresses, the scene moves to Washington and the CIA, with a level of detail that makes the whole thing utterly believable.
Another thrilling tale from this hugely talented author.
NB Book 7 in the series – Who the Hell is Harry Black – will be out later this year.
This is the book no 5 in the Inspector Samuel Tay series. Having now read the whole series, including book 6 – Mongkok Station, I’m familiar with the characters and love the author’s sharp and quirky writing style. Like the other books, this one gets off to an intriguing start, with Sam heading to Thailand to track down a woman who appears to be involved in the murder plot. However, the story then backtracks a little to reveal what led John August to believe someone is out to kill him. As always, the plot is clever and witty, guiding the reader through twists and turns that keep the tension simmering away while never quite allowing us to see what’s coming. As the story progresses, the scene moves to Washington and the CIA, with a level of detail that makes the whole thing utterly believable.
Another thrilling tale from this hugely talented author.
NB Book 7 in the series – Who the Hell is Harry Black – will be out later this year.
Read
April 19, 2024Sam Tay has been forced out of his police role into early retirement. He has enough inherited wealth not to need to work. But being a police officer in CID is what he is. John August arrives on his doorstep and offers tay a job: to find out who has just killed John August. Clearly they failed. Someone has contacted "the band", (an off the books organisation that secretly finds and kills people that the CIA can't touch at the request of someone high up in the USA, possibly the president) and sent them on a mission. But the mission is a set up with the aim being to get the band members to a Hong Kong hotel room with a bomb in it. August, Claire and Woods get out in time but there are others in the hotel who don't. It looks like the hot was organised by someone in the CIA. August wants Tay to investigate, not just because he is a talented investigator but because he is one of the few people August can trust. Tay soon finds himself out of his comfort zone in the USA and worried that he can't endorse August's methods.
April 11, 2019
A pretty good version of the time honored thriller classic of one intelligence agency warring with another group - even though they’re both American; bureaucratic turf wars turned deadly. Tay is a very engaging character and the leisurely set up (investigating a bomb intended to kill his spy friend who has been sent off on a bogus mission) is quite good. Once Tay and his friends discover the CIA link it goes a little flat and the ending is rushed so under 4 stars.
Also: when Caesar crossed the Rubicon he was taking his legions south to Rome to become emperor - not invading Gaul, which he had just conquered. And it’s 90 miles from DC to Richmond, not 50. Paul Mellon gave most of the money for it but the museum is called the National Gallery, not the Mellon.
Also: when Caesar crossed the Rubicon he was taking his legions south to Rome to become emperor - not invading Gaul, which he had just conquered. And it’s 90 miles from DC to Richmond, not 50. Paul Mellon gave most of the money for it but the museum is called the National Gallery, not the Mellon.
April 23, 2019
Jake Needham is an author that I like a lot. His Sam Tay, from Singapore is very quiet, understated but very likeable. He is retired now and has fallen with a bunch of Americans who are a very secret bunch. Above the CIA and no one but the president knows about them, well others do because they are trying to kill them. It may be a bit far fetch but it is amusing and hopefully Sam will keep doing what he does and keep the others in check. They think killing someone THEY think is very bad is called for. But Sam was and is a policeman, an honest policeman. He used to,talk to,his dead mother, fun! Not however in this latest novel. He is never in his garden in Singapore, perhaps that is why. Come on Mr Needham do your job! Write! And thank you
March 19, 2019
An unexpected gripping case for the retired Samual Tay
Tay is enjoying early retirement, well he thinks he is. Then fate comes knocking in the form of an American friend from the shadows, John August. August takes centre stage as he reveals his true self to Tay; no he is not CIA he is something much more sinister and he needs Tay's help! Our bumbling former homicide detective is torn and he owes his friend, several times over. An intriguing and gripping tale.
June Finnigan - Writer
Tay is enjoying early retirement, well he thinks he is. Then fate comes knocking in the form of an American friend from the shadows, John August. August takes centre stage as he reveals his true self to Tay; no he is not CIA he is something much more sinister and he needs Tay's help! Our bumbling former homicide detective is torn and he owes his friend, several times over. An intriguing and gripping tale.
June Finnigan - Writer
June 22, 2019
I first discovered Samuel Tay when I was researching fiction set in Singapore before travelling there for a holiday. He has been one of my favourite protagonists ever since.
I was really happy to find that Jake Needham had written another in the series. I'm not a great fan of spy fiction, but I liked the fast pace of the story and to see Sam Tay in a new setting. I am glad the ending has been left for more books to follow.
I was really happy to find that Jake Needham had written another in the series. I'm not a great fan of spy fiction, but I liked the fast pace of the story and to see Sam Tay in a new setting. I am glad the ending has been left for more books to follow.
July 27, 2019
Another good Sam Tay adventure!
Join Sam Tay and John August in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Washington DC as they solve a deadly mystery. Sam and John are an odd but effective duo coming from such different backgrounds but they get good results. I always learn something new about the local geographies in these Sam Tay novels. Jake really makes you feel like you are “there” when describing the different locales.
Join Sam Tay and John August in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Washington DC as they solve a deadly mystery. Sam and John are an odd but effective duo coming from such different backgrounds but they get good results. I always learn something new about the local geographies in these Sam Tay novels. Jake really makes you feel like you are “there” when describing the different locales.
January 11, 2026
A study in morality and power as seen through the eyes of an aging investigator: Inspector Tay vs the real world.
Inspector Tay graduates from his role as a righter of (some) wrongs as he brushes up against sticky situations and shady players. Nicely written, worth reading, and unforgettable tale that could become a dark film.
Inspector Tay graduates from his role as a righter of (some) wrongs as he brushes up against sticky situations and shady players. Nicely written, worth reading, and unforgettable tale that could become a dark film.
March 17, 2019
I love Sam Tay
I've read all five of the books In This series and love each one more than the last. I actually know the real story of how it became IHOP. When I read that passage, I laughed my fanny off. Start with book one. I promise you'll love Sam Tay, too.
I've read all five of the books In This series and love each one more than the last. I actually know the real story of how it became IHOP. When I read that passage, I laughed my fanny off. Start with book one. I promise you'll love Sam Tay, too.
March 19, 2019
Brother Tay!
Super read. Thank you for bringing Tay and August back
I hope you give us more of them. Tay definitely needs to fly more and have a great time with the rest of his life. He is so good at detecting.
Super read. Thank you for bringing Tay and August back
I hope you give us more of them. Tay definitely needs to fly more and have a great time with the rest of his life. He is so good at detecting.
March 21, 2019
Sam Tay is lured from his quiet forced retirement into the shadow world of international espionage.
As usual, the author does a great job with plot and action. His characterization of Sam Tay is spot on, with his ever-present humor.
I think it's one of Needham's best.
As usual, the author does a great job with plot and action. His characterization of Sam Tay is spot on, with his ever-present humor.
I think it's one of Needham's best.
February 24, 2020
A bit of a departure from the rest of the series. Sets up the continuing adventures of Sam Tay, which I am definitely all for. May add another star based on how the series progresses- this book marks a definitive turning point.
April 25, 2020
Day August claire
Somehow I passed to see or think gay would end his career but now he has a chance to right the wrongs of this world and settle the score for some ciao from costs Rica and I pray for the end of the pandemic be safe and be happy.....
Somehow I passed to see or think gay would end his career but now he has a chance to right the wrongs of this world and settle the score for some ciao from costs Rica and I pray for the end of the pandemic be safe and be happy.....
November 11, 2020
Another Great Jake Needham Book
Another excellent book in the mean Streets series. Detective Tay is an interesting character with plenty of insecurities and introspective thoughts that Mr Needham weaves throughout the book. He has become my favorite author.
Another excellent book in the mean Streets series. Detective Tay is an interesting character with plenty of insecurities and introspective thoughts that Mr Needham weaves throughout the book. He has become my favorite author.
March 2, 2024
Samuel Tay moves beyond Singapore
Tay is now retired but adventure is still seeking him out, first it Thailand, then Hongkong. Needham is good at describing real characters and situations. I love this series.
Tay is now retired but adventure is still seeking him out, first it Thailand, then Hongkong. Needham is good at describing real characters and situations. I love this series.
September 29, 2024
excellent
Very good story, the writing has improved. Great characters. August asks Tay to investigate a murder, and Tay gets drawn in to the underside of Washington politics. Very interesting story!
Very good story, the writing has improved. Great characters. August asks Tay to investigate a murder, and Tay gets drawn in to the underside of Washington politics. Very interesting story!
October 1, 2024
Hooked by The Laundry Man
I’ve burned through the Jack Shepherd books and am thoroughly enjoying Sam Tay. This one was very enjoyable. Looking forward to how Sam handles his next moral dilemma.
I’ve burned through the Jack Shepherd books and am thoroughly enjoying Sam Tay. This one was very enjoyable. Looking forward to how Sam handles his next moral dilemma.
May 3, 2019
Awesome and fun
Tay starts a new adventure away from the tiresome and corrupt Singapore police force. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Tay starts a new adventure away from the tiresome and corrupt Singapore police force. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
October 8, 2019
Excellent Read
This is the best Tay book to date, bringing him full bore into the world of the CIA, IHOP, and potentially a new career. Can’t wait for the next book.
This is the best Tay book to date, bringing him full bore into the world of the CIA, IHOP, and potentially a new career. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 23, 2020
Write Faster Please!
Excellent read. Tay & August make a great team with Claire & Woods as supporting players. Found Jake Needham by accident, & I’m now a loyal follower & reader.
Excellent read. Tay & August make a great team with Claire & Woods as supporting players. Found Jake Needham by accident, & I’m now a loyal follower & reader.
April 12, 2020
Another God n
Easy interesting and the whole series kept me engaged. Ignore the heading. For some reason Amazon won't let me edit.
Easy interesting and the whole series kept me engaged. Ignore the heading. For some reason Amazon won't let me edit.
April 25, 2020
Good read
Enjoy Jake needham books. Guaranteed a good read, sit with a coffee and be immersed in Asia. Descriptions make u feel u are there.
Enjoy Jake needham books. Guaranteed a good read, sit with a coffee and be immersed in Asia. Descriptions make u feel u are there.
July 17, 2020
Another hit
If your a fan of Asia and crime mysteries...you’ll love this book and the author! Can’t wait for next book to be published.
If your a fan of Asia and crime mysteries...you’ll love this book and the author! Can’t wait for next book to be published.
December 3, 2022
Perhaps the best of the Tay novels to date.
April 17, 2024
The best so far
A fine book that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is the best so far of a good series.
A fine book that kept me on the edge of my seat. This is the best so far of a good series.
August 27, 2024
I've read several of the 'Sam Tay' books. I enjoyed them all, this one especially.
February 16, 2025
Excellent addition to the wonderful Sam Tay series, and it heads off in an unexpected direction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews