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Harriet Gordon #2
Revenge in Rubies
When Harriet Gordon receives word from a friend about a tragic death, she and Inspector Curran are thrust into a web of family secrets that threatens to destroy them both in this all-new mystery from the author of Singapore Sapphire. Singapore.
1910 Singapore. Harriet Gordon has found fulfillment at last. Her young ward, Will, has settled into his new home with Harriet and her brother, Julian. And Harriet’s employment as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force has given her an intriguing way to occupy her time and some much-needed financial independence. But when her friend and employer, Inspector Robert Curran, is called to the scene of a brutal murder and Harriet is asked to comfort the victim’s family, her newfound sense of contentment is abruptly shattered.
Sylvie Nolan, the new and much-younger wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan, has been bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. The tightly knit military community in Singapore quickly tries to close ranks to hinder Curran’s investigation. Harriet has ties to the Nolan family and realizes that her friendship with the colonel’s sister might prove useful to Curran’s efforts to find the culprit. But to get close enough to the family’s secrets, Harriet must once again face her painful past and Curran is forced to dredge up some long-buried secrets of his own.
And when more shocking deaths occur that all seem linked to Sylvie’s murder, Harriet and Curran realize that they too are in the sights of a callous killer. . . .
1910 Singapore. Harriet Gordon has found fulfillment at last. Her young ward, Will, has settled into his new home with Harriet and her brother, Julian. And Harriet’s employment as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force has given her an intriguing way to occupy her time and some much-needed financial independence. But when her friend and employer, Inspector Robert Curran, is called to the scene of a brutal murder and Harriet is asked to comfort the victim’s family, her newfound sense of contentment is abruptly shattered.
Sylvie Nolan, the new and much-younger wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan, has been bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. The tightly knit military community in Singapore quickly tries to close ranks to hinder Curran’s investigation. Harriet has ties to the Nolan family and realizes that her friendship with the colonel’s sister might prove useful to Curran’s efforts to find the culprit. But to get close enough to the family’s secrets, Harriet must once again face her painful past and Curran is forced to dredge up some long-buried secrets of his own.
And when more shocking deaths occur that all seem linked to Sylvie’s murder, Harriet and Curran realize that they too are in the sights of a callous killer. . . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
160 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Stuart
6 books451 followersAustralian author, A.M. Stuart's love affair with Singapore began in 2000 when she moved, with her family to Singapore, where she lived for 3 years, throwing herself into exploring the history and the different cultures of the island.
The idea for the Harriet Gordon Mysteries was born in the microfiche room of Singapore's National Library when she came across an advertisement in a 1905 edition of the Straits Times… "An Englishwoman undertakes Typing and Shorthand… She guarantees… absolute secrecy"!
The first Harriet Gordon Mystery, SINGAPORE SAPPHIRE, was published in 2019 and has been followed by REVENGE IN RUBIES, EVIL IN EMERALD, TERROR IN TOPAZ and AGONY IN AMETHYST. There will be more to come!
Born in Kenya, her family came to Australia when she was ten years old. Outside writing, she enjoyed a varied career as a lawyer in a wide number of fields including the military and as a senior executive in the fire services. She also writes historical fiction as ALISON STUART.
The idea for the Harriet Gordon Mysteries was born in the microfiche room of Singapore's National Library when she came across an advertisement in a 1905 edition of the Straits Times… "An Englishwoman undertakes Typing and Shorthand… She guarantees… absolute secrecy"!
The first Harriet Gordon Mystery, SINGAPORE SAPPHIRE, was published in 2019 and has been followed by REVENGE IN RUBIES, EVIL IN EMERALD, TERROR IN TOPAZ and AGONY IN AMETHYST. There will be more to come!
Born in Kenya, her family came to Australia when she was ten years old. Outside writing, she enjoyed a varied career as a lawyer in a wide number of fields including the military and as a senior executive in the fire services. She also writes historical fiction as ALISON STUART.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
October 14, 2024
Revenge in Rubies (Harriet Gordon Mystery #2) by A.M. Stuart Author
I enjoyed this second dive into the world of Harriet Gordon, now employed as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force, in Singapore. She still works part time for the boys' school that employs her brother, in order to earn her place in his school provided household. And she and her brother are the guardians of ten year old Will, which helps to ease the pain of Harriet's loss of her husband and son, to typhoid three years ago.
Harriet is summoned to the home of a friend whose sister in law has been brutally murdered. As Harriet's employer, Inspector Robert Curran, investigates the murder, he runs into the obstacle of the military community closing ranks against any outside investigation of the death since the young woman was the wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan. Another obstacle is that the military community will not consider any interference by Curran's native police officers. Even Harriet's military attached friends are obviously hiding secrets that could help with the investigation but Harriet is able to dig deeper into what is going on, in an effort to help Inspector Curran, whose recurring illness is hampering his ability to work.
As they dig, the murderer(s) may be striking again. Even with this additional threat the military continue to close ranks. I enjoyed this police procedural and seeing just how little the investigators have to work with to solve this crime. Autopsies aren't a pleasant experience in even the best of conditions so hot, humid, fly infested Singapore, where a body is decaying the minute the life has left it, makes for gag worthy scenes, which doesn't help an already sick Curran. And both Harriet and Curran are dealing with their pasts, Harriet, the loss of her little family, and Curran, the vicious rumors of his long lost father being a traitor to his country. I look forward to book three, as we continue to learn more about Harriet and Curran and the world of 1910 Singapore.
Pub Sept 15, 2020 by Berkley Books
I enjoyed this second dive into the world of Harriet Gordon, now employed as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force, in Singapore. She still works part time for the boys' school that employs her brother, in order to earn her place in his school provided household. And she and her brother are the guardians of ten year old Will, which helps to ease the pain of Harriet's loss of her husband and son, to typhoid three years ago.
Harriet is summoned to the home of a friend whose sister in law has been brutally murdered. As Harriet's employer, Inspector Robert Curran, investigates the murder, he runs into the obstacle of the military community closing ranks against any outside investigation of the death since the young woman was the wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan. Another obstacle is that the military community will not consider any interference by Curran's native police officers. Even Harriet's military attached friends are obviously hiding secrets that could help with the investigation but Harriet is able to dig deeper into what is going on, in an effort to help Inspector Curran, whose recurring illness is hampering his ability to work.
As they dig, the murderer(s) may be striking again. Even with this additional threat the military continue to close ranks. I enjoyed this police procedural and seeing just how little the investigators have to work with to solve this crime. Autopsies aren't a pleasant experience in even the best of conditions so hot, humid, fly infested Singapore, where a body is decaying the minute the life has left it, makes for gag worthy scenes, which doesn't help an already sick Curran. And both Harriet and Curran are dealing with their pasts, Harriet, the loss of her little family, and Curran, the vicious rumors of his long lost father being a traitor to his country. I look forward to book three, as we continue to learn more about Harriet and Curran and the world of 1910 Singapore.
Pub Sept 15, 2020 by Berkley Books
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed this second foray into the series even more than the first!
Revenge in Rubies starts off immediately in the thick of things: Sylvie Nolan, the new and much-younger wife of a commanding officer, has been brutally bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. At first, it seems like a simple case, but it quickly becomes clear that something altogether more complex and malicious is afoot. Soon, more tragedy follows, and Inspector Curran and Harriet Gordon must act quickly if they are to prevent additional deaths.
This story has so many characteristics of the Golden Age of Mystery. There is a small set of characters, so whoever is responsible must be among them. There are clues galore, so I can put on my detective hat and puzzle out the mystery right alongside our main characters. And there are plenty of red herrings and startling twists, so every time I thought I had it all figured out, an unexpected happening would force me to rejigger my entire theory.
One reason I fell for this series is its compelling lead characters. Set in colonial Singapore, Harriet Gordon is the exact sort of strong and unflinching female character I adore. In this book, we learn more of her backstory and her courageous involvement with the suffrage movement, which makes her even more endearing. And Inspector Curran continues to be kind and sharp in his investigation of the crime.
I thought the first book in the series was a little uneven in pacing due to the introduction of all the characters and backstories, but that's all been ironed out in this one. Stuart's clear and straightforward writing style keeps the pacing taut and the focus on the unfolding mystery. It was a page turner from the beginning to the end. It also, yet again, captures the lush humidity and oppressive heat of this region. Reading it, I felt transported to this time and place.
I'm always searching high and low for anything that resembles Agatha Christie, and this series is a worthy contender. It has all the elements I enjoy from a proper cozy mystery, and I'm thrilled I came across it. I wait with bated breath for the next book, and can only hope it's not too long.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. Singapore Sapphire
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Revenge in Rubies starts off immediately in the thick of things: Sylvie Nolan, the new and much-younger wife of a commanding officer, has been brutally bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. At first, it seems like a simple case, but it quickly becomes clear that something altogether more complex and malicious is afoot. Soon, more tragedy follows, and Inspector Curran and Harriet Gordon must act quickly if they are to prevent additional deaths.
This story has so many characteristics of the Golden Age of Mystery. There is a small set of characters, so whoever is responsible must be among them. There are clues galore, so I can put on my detective hat and puzzle out the mystery right alongside our main characters. And there are plenty of red herrings and startling twists, so every time I thought I had it all figured out, an unexpected happening would force me to rejigger my entire theory.
One reason I fell for this series is its compelling lead characters. Set in colonial Singapore, Harriet Gordon is the exact sort of strong and unflinching female character I adore. In this book, we learn more of her backstory and her courageous involvement with the suffrage movement, which makes her even more endearing. And Inspector Curran continues to be kind and sharp in his investigation of the crime.
I thought the first book in the series was a little uneven in pacing due to the introduction of all the characters and backstories, but that's all been ironed out in this one. Stuart's clear and straightforward writing style keeps the pacing taut and the focus on the unfolding mystery. It was a page turner from the beginning to the end. It also, yet again, captures the lush humidity and oppressive heat of this region. Reading it, I felt transported to this time and place.
I'm always searching high and low for anything that resembles Agatha Christie, and this series is a worthy contender. It has all the elements I enjoy from a proper cozy mystery, and I'm thrilled I came across it. I wait with bated breath for the next book, and can only hope it's not too long.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. Singapore Sapphire
~~~~~~~~~~~~
November 1, 2021
The second book in this series set in Singapore in 1910, and it was every bit as good as the first.
In Revenge in Rubies Harriet plays her part in discovering the murderer of a young army wife. There are quite a few possible suspects and by the end of the book everything seems to point to one, but then the author puts in a very nice twist to the end of the tale. It was cleverly done.
I am really enjoying the characters in these books. Harriet is a strong woman who is as independent as she can be in the society she lives in. Curran is a very sympathetic character and I really see him as Harriet's partner at some future time, although a few things need to happen before that can occur. At the moment he is very attached to someone else and Harriet is playing the field.
Now I am looking forward to the next book which I believe is not far away.
In Revenge in Rubies Harriet plays her part in discovering the murderer of a young army wife. There are quite a few possible suspects and by the end of the book everything seems to point to one, but then the author puts in a very nice twist to the end of the tale. It was cleverly done.
I am really enjoying the characters in these books. Harriet is a strong woman who is as independent as she can be in the society she lives in. Curran is a very sympathetic character and I really see him as Harriet's partner at some future time, although a few things need to happen before that can occur. At the moment he is very attached to someone else and Harriet is playing the field.
Now I am looking forward to the next book which I believe is not far away.
February 13, 2021
Don't understand the high ratings. What a rip-off. The writing is good, but it looks like marble was used to build a grain silo.
The book seems very well grounded in its time frame. As a historical fiction, it hits the target. But as a police procedural and as an adventure it falls flat.
My interest in this series killed right here. Instead of solely concentrating on who wore what fabric, efforts should have been made in giving life to the characters. The best books do that.
The book seems very well grounded in its time frame. As a historical fiction, it hits the target. But as a police procedural and as an adventure it falls flat.
My interest in this series killed right here. Instead of solely concentrating on who wore what fabric, efforts should have been made in giving life to the characters. The best books do that.
September 14, 2020
With Harriet Gordon accompanying her employer, Inspector Robert Curran, to the home of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan to provide comfort to the family of the victim, she had no idea of the horror and grim circumstances which would confront them. Nor what it would lead to. The brutal murder of Nolan’s young wife was a shock which rippled through the community and Curran’s job would be a tedious and drawn out one.
With the military closing ranks on all concerned and Curran finding his way stymied at every turn, his intuition kept him directed at what he was sure of. But with malaria once again taking hold of Curran, Harriet followed her (often irrational) instincts, finding snippets of information to help along the way. When another body was found, Curran knew he needed to hurry the investigation along before it was too late…
Revenge in Rubies is the 2nd in the Harriet Gordon Mystery series by Aussie author A.M. Stuart and I loved it. Harriet is an empathetic character, gentle and caring while showing a supreme strength and determination. She and her brother Julian care for their ward, Will and generally live a quiet, satisfying life – until murder gets in the way. Singapore Sapphire was the 1st in the series and Revenge in Rubies is an extremely satisfying follow on. I’m looking forward to #3 in this excellent historical mystery series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the military closing ranks on all concerned and Curran finding his way stymied at every turn, his intuition kept him directed at what he was sure of. But with malaria once again taking hold of Curran, Harriet followed her (often irrational) instincts, finding snippets of information to help along the way. When another body was found, Curran knew he needed to hurry the investigation along before it was too late…
Revenge in Rubies is the 2nd in the Harriet Gordon Mystery series by Aussie author A.M. Stuart and I loved it. Harriet is an empathetic character, gentle and caring while showing a supreme strength and determination. She and her brother Julian care for their ward, Will and generally live a quiet, satisfying life – until murder gets in the way. Singapore Sapphire was the 1st in the series and Revenge in Rubies is an extremely satisfying follow on. I’m looking forward to #3 in this excellent historical mystery series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2022
It was a pleasure to meet Harriet Gordon again in this historical mystery sequel to Singapore Sapphire. It's 1910 in Singapore and Harriet is now employed as a typist and assistant by the local police. She lives with her bachelor brother, Rev Julian Edwards, headmaster of St Thomas boys prep school and their 11 year old ward Will at St Thomas House. When her friend Priscilla calls her to come to her aid after a tragic accident, she discovers that Priscilla's sister in law, Sylvie has been murdered in her bedroom. Newly wed Sylvie is the much younger wife of Priscilla's brother Lt Col John Nolan, commanding officer of the South Sussex Infantry.
Although the military police try to close ranks to keep the civilian police out of their affairs, Harriet's employer Inspector Robert Curran insists it is a civilian murder that must be handled by the police. Harriet and Curran don't have much to go on and it's clear the military are keeping secrets and making it hard for the investigators to find the truth. But Harriet is a strong and determined woman and, together with Curran (who is battling malaria), is slowly able to untangle some of the threads binding this mystery together.
I enjoyed the way the characters are developing, with more of their backstories being filled in and in their relationships with each other. The plotting is well paced with a good final twist as the murderer and motives are revealed.
Although the military police try to close ranks to keep the civilian police out of their affairs, Harriet's employer Inspector Robert Curran insists it is a civilian murder that must be handled by the police. Harriet and Curran don't have much to go on and it's clear the military are keeping secrets and making it hard for the investigators to find the truth. But Harriet is a strong and determined woman and, together with Curran (who is battling malaria), is slowly able to untangle some of the threads binding this mystery together.
I enjoyed the way the characters are developing, with more of their backstories being filled in and in their relationships with each other. The plotting is well paced with a good final twist as the murderer and motives are revealed.
September 15, 2020
Fabulous historical Singapore mystery!
Once again Harriet Gordon becomes involved in murder. The British Crown Colony of Singapore, 1910 —the young wife of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan of the First Battalion South Sussex Infantry is found battered to death in her bedroom. Inspector Robert Curran is called to investigate. Curran it seems has personal conflict with the regiment and some of its members. He runs up against the disdain of the forces, the closing of the battalion's ranks, family secrets and the Battalion's prejudices, even as suicides follow Sylvie Nolan's death. It seems “Honorem ante omnia” "Honor before all", the regimental motto, stymies much of his investigation. Harriet is swept up into Curran's search, particularly due to her social connections, and her position as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force. She comes to know Curran's companion Li An. An interesting development that I hope moves into something special. Harriet comes face to face with colonial social prejudices. Her forgetfulness of how these play out does cause embarrassment for Li An and no little anger on Harriet's part.
The involvement of the military opens us to more of Curran's background, including a mystery about his father that begins to take on its own life. Intriguing!
Harriet confronts the situation that led to her coming to join her brother in Singapore in an unexpected way. Her painful suffragette experience comes to the fore.
I'm really enjoying the building of the characters and background to this series. I'm so looking forward to the next offering. Another stimulating read!
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
Once again Harriet Gordon becomes involved in murder. The British Crown Colony of Singapore, 1910 —the young wife of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan of the First Battalion South Sussex Infantry is found battered to death in her bedroom. Inspector Robert Curran is called to investigate. Curran it seems has personal conflict with the regiment and some of its members. He runs up against the disdain of the forces, the closing of the battalion's ranks, family secrets and the Battalion's prejudices, even as suicides follow Sylvie Nolan's death. It seems “Honorem ante omnia” "Honor before all", the regimental motto, stymies much of his investigation. Harriet is swept up into Curran's search, particularly due to her social connections, and her position as a typist at the Straits Settlements Police Force. She comes to know Curran's companion Li An. An interesting development that I hope moves into something special. Harriet comes face to face with colonial social prejudices. Her forgetfulness of how these play out does cause embarrassment for Li An and no little anger on Harriet's part.
The involvement of the military opens us to more of Curran's background, including a mystery about his father that begins to take on its own life. Intriguing!
Harriet confronts the situation that led to her coming to join her brother in Singapore in an unexpected way. Her painful suffragette experience comes to the fore.
I'm really enjoying the building of the characters and background to this series. I'm so looking forward to the next offering. Another stimulating read!
A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley
August 13, 2020
A.M. Stuart brings Harriet Gordon back in Revenge in Rubies, a history mystery set in Singapore in 1910. This mystery follows closely after the events of Singapore Sapphire and fleshes out Harriet's character as well as that of her friend (and new employer), Inspector Curran.
After the gruesome death of military wife, Slyvie Nolan, Harriet finds herself embroiled in Curran's investigation since she is acquainted with the sister-in-law of Mrs. Nolan. The military would rather close ranks and solve this murder "in house", which makes Curran's job much harder, and is further complicated by a ghost from his past as well as a malaria flare up. Luckily, Harriet is willing to put to use her social capital and her conversations with those involved ultimately end up being necessary to cracking the case of Mrs. Nolan's murder (as well as those that follow after).
Like the first book, the author does a fabulous job of creating a sense of place in Singapore in the early twentieth century. The details that the author includes make for this to be a highly atmospheric read and the character development for Harriet and Curran fully flesh out the novel making it more than just a mystery. Harriet and Curran are both intriguing characters and discovering more about each character's history is what kept me reading (the mystery was good too!). Typically authors set up two characters like Harriet and Curran to be romantic as well as investigative partners, at this point in the series, that doesn't seem to be the case. Normally that would be something that I would have felt to be missing here, but the author does a fabulous job making both Harriet and Curran interesting individually and giving both of them fully fledged lives outside of the mystery. And with Curran already being involved with someone, I don't know that I really want to see a romance between Harriet and Curran! (The romance reader in me is shocked!)
Revenge in Rubies is another clever and historically charged mystery from A.M. Stuart. This series is perfect for fans of C.S. Harris and Abir Mukherjee.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
After the gruesome death of military wife, Slyvie Nolan, Harriet finds herself embroiled in Curran's investigation since she is acquainted with the sister-in-law of Mrs. Nolan. The military would rather close ranks and solve this murder "in house", which makes Curran's job much harder, and is further complicated by a ghost from his past as well as a malaria flare up. Luckily, Harriet is willing to put to use her social capital and her conversations with those involved ultimately end up being necessary to cracking the case of Mrs. Nolan's murder (as well as those that follow after).
Like the first book, the author does a fabulous job of creating a sense of place in Singapore in the early twentieth century. The details that the author includes make for this to be a highly atmospheric read and the character development for Harriet and Curran fully flesh out the novel making it more than just a mystery. Harriet and Curran are both intriguing characters and discovering more about each character's history is what kept me reading (the mystery was good too!). Typically authors set up two characters like Harriet and Curran to be romantic as well as investigative partners, at this point in the series, that doesn't seem to be the case. Normally that would be something that I would have felt to be missing here, but the author does a fabulous job making both Harriet and Curran interesting individually and giving both of them fully fledged lives outside of the mystery. And with Curran already being involved with someone, I don't know that I really want to see a romance between Harriet and Curran! (The romance reader in me is shocked!)
Revenge in Rubies is another clever and historically charged mystery from A.M. Stuart. This series is perfect for fans of C.S. Harris and Abir Mukherjee.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
October 25, 2020
This is another brilliant and awesome story in this series, I loved it and found it very hard to put down, another murder in Singapore in 1910 that finds Harriet and her boss Inspector Robert Curran working hard to uncover the murderer with lots of twists and turns along the way and I was guessing to the very end. A must read.
When Harriet finds out about the death of a member of one of her friends family, she makes her way to Pris Nolan’s family home in support of Pris and finds out that Pris’s sister in law Sylvie Nolan has been murdered in a brutal way. Inspector Curran arrives to start the investigation, with Sylvie being the wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan, Curran knows that he is going to come up against a brick wall in the investigation as the military close ranks to protect what they call family. Sylvie was a lot younger than her husband and well- liked by the younger military men.
Harriet is always willing to help with the investigation and this time as friends with the victim’s sister in law she is more than confident in finding some answers to help the inspector, of course with so much happening the investigation keeps having more added to it with more murders that appear to be linked to Sylvie’s murder they need to find the murderer and quickly.
Harriet seems very settled in her life in Singapore now she is happy looking after her young charge Will and she really enjoys her job typing up reports for Inspector Curran, she has an eye for detail and even though the inspector is not always happy with the way Harriet does a little investigating herself, he really is appreciative and together they are becoming a great team.
I cannot highly recommend this book and series enough, beautifully written it takes a reader back to Singapore in 1910 to the heat and ways of life then, MS Stuart makes me feel that I am there during the investigations. The characters come to life on the pages, it is a book that I wanted to get to the end of but didn’t want it to finish, bring on the next book I say, I can’t wait a fabulous story that I loved.
When Harriet finds out about the death of a member of one of her friends family, she makes her way to Pris Nolan’s family home in support of Pris and finds out that Pris’s sister in law Sylvie Nolan has been murdered in a brutal way. Inspector Curran arrives to start the investigation, with Sylvie being the wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan, Curran knows that he is going to come up against a brick wall in the investigation as the military close ranks to protect what they call family. Sylvie was a lot younger than her husband and well- liked by the younger military men.
Harriet is always willing to help with the investigation and this time as friends with the victim’s sister in law she is more than confident in finding some answers to help the inspector, of course with so much happening the investigation keeps having more added to it with more murders that appear to be linked to Sylvie’s murder they need to find the murderer and quickly.
Harriet seems very settled in her life in Singapore now she is happy looking after her young charge Will and she really enjoys her job typing up reports for Inspector Curran, she has an eye for detail and even though the inspector is not always happy with the way Harriet does a little investigating herself, he really is appreciative and together they are becoming a great team.
I cannot highly recommend this book and series enough, beautifully written it takes a reader back to Singapore in 1910 to the heat and ways of life then, MS Stuart makes me feel that I am there during the investigations. The characters come to life on the pages, it is a book that I wanted to get to the end of but didn’t want it to finish, bring on the next book I say, I can’t wait a fabulous story that I loved.
September 30, 2020
Not having read book one in this series (SINGAPORE SAPPHIRE), I had no problem jumping right into REVENGE IN RUBIES without feeling lost. The Singapore setting is novel and a nice change of pace form my usual historical mysteries set in England. Granted, the story takes place in British colonized Singapore in the early twentieth century, but it is still exotic while being firmly grounded in the familiar.
This tale finds police typist and stenographer Harriet Gordon settling nicely into her new life with her cleric brother Julian and ward Will after leaving behind her traumatic past in London. She finds herself embroiled in the investigation in the gruesome murder of the young wife of the local regiment’s Lieutenant Coronel. As a friendly acquaintance of the deceased’s sister-in-law, she finds herself fully invested in the mystery, especially when her boss, Inspector Curran, is mostly incapacitated by a malaria flare-up. There are plenty of suspects both among the military and Sylvie’s own family, and as the body count rises and secrets are revealed, Harriet and Curran both find themselves searching for answers.
I really like Harriet. She is strong, intelligent, and curious without being annoyingly nosy. Curran is stalwart in his occupation and dedicated to moving beyond his father’s disparaging military reputation. I appreciate author Stuart allowing Curran to be both vulnerable having a debilitating illness and sharp with his investigative mind. I also respect Stuart’s willingness to realistically portray the inequitable treatment of the Chinese and Indian residents of Singapore during this time in history.
The murder mystery is nicely plotted and quite the puzzle. The supporting characters are varied and well developed. There are plenty of suspects and motives to keep readers guessing throughout the book. I did not figure out the culprit until very near the end of the tale.
REVENGE IN RUBIES is a nice change of pace in the historical mystery world, and I look forward to helping Harriet and Curran solve many more mysteries in future installments. Highly recommended.
I gratefully received and ARC of this title from Berkley through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
This tale finds police typist and stenographer Harriet Gordon settling nicely into her new life with her cleric brother Julian and ward Will after leaving behind her traumatic past in London. She finds herself embroiled in the investigation in the gruesome murder of the young wife of the local regiment’s Lieutenant Coronel. As a friendly acquaintance of the deceased’s sister-in-law, she finds herself fully invested in the mystery, especially when her boss, Inspector Curran, is mostly incapacitated by a malaria flare-up. There are plenty of suspects both among the military and Sylvie’s own family, and as the body count rises and secrets are revealed, Harriet and Curran both find themselves searching for answers.
I really like Harriet. She is strong, intelligent, and curious without being annoyingly nosy. Curran is stalwart in his occupation and dedicated to moving beyond his father’s disparaging military reputation. I appreciate author Stuart allowing Curran to be both vulnerable having a debilitating illness and sharp with his investigative mind. I also respect Stuart’s willingness to realistically portray the inequitable treatment of the Chinese and Indian residents of Singapore during this time in history.
The murder mystery is nicely plotted and quite the puzzle. The supporting characters are varied and well developed. There are plenty of suspects and motives to keep readers guessing throughout the book. I did not figure out the culprit until very near the end of the tale.
REVENGE IN RUBIES is a nice change of pace in the historical mystery world, and I look forward to helping Harriet and Curran solve many more mysteries in future installments. Highly recommended.
I gratefully received and ARC of this title from Berkley through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
October 24, 2021
Welp, I did not see the twist coming at all.
Stepping back, I love that Singapore is almost a character in this series. These stories couldn’t be transplanted somewhere else.
The mystery this time is about a series of deaths in the families attached to a military regiment. Tradition and loyalty to the service serve as barriers to Curran and Harriet as they investigate. They both stumble around as officers try to avoid and thwart them.
The side stories involve Harriet trying to establish friendships with Li An and some other members of the community, her talking about her time at Holloway with some suffragists, and Curran trying to learn more about his father.
Harriet seemed to have three potential love interests: Curran (despite his being with Li An, there’s an implied attraction), Griff, and a new reporter (Hume). Just when you think the path to one of them is being laid, there’s a hint that another might have a future with her. We shall see!
Stepping back, I love that Singapore is almost a character in this series. These stories couldn’t be transplanted somewhere else.
The mystery this time is about a series of deaths in the families attached to a military regiment. Tradition and loyalty to the service serve as barriers to Curran and Harriet as they investigate. They both stumble around as officers try to avoid and thwart them.
The side stories involve Harriet trying to establish friendships with Li An and some other members of the community, her talking about her time at Holloway with some suffragists, and Curran trying to learn more about his father.
Harriet seemed to have three potential love interests: Curran (despite his being with Li An, there’s an implied attraction), Griff, and a new reporter (Hume). Just when you think the path to one of them is being laid, there’s a hint that another might have a future with her. We shall see!
July 30, 2022
No sophomore slump here!
I thought the author gave us a tighter mystery here, with a more logical reason for Harriet to get involved in the investigation, than she did in the first book.
We also learn more about Inspector Curran's past as he clashes with the British Army unit stationed in Singapore. His quest to learn more about his father is obviously going to be a story arc into the next book (Evil in Emerald) and probably beyond.
Likewise, Harriet's social life takes a turn for the better, with the arrival in Singapore of Australian Journalist Simon Hume. It also takes a turn to the serious side when she's asked to speak with the local ladies' suffragist group about her painful experiences in England, experiences she's trying hard to put behind her.
I really like Harriet and I am eagerly anticipating the release of Evil in Emerald.
I thought the author gave us a tighter mystery here, with a more logical reason for Harriet to get involved in the investigation, than she did in the first book.
We also learn more about Inspector Curran's past as he clashes with the British Army unit stationed in Singapore. His quest to learn more about his father is obviously going to be a story arc into the next book (Evil in Emerald) and probably beyond.
Likewise, Harriet's social life takes a turn for the better, with the arrival in Singapore of Australian Journalist Simon Hume. It also takes a turn to the serious side when she's asked to speak with the local ladies' suffragist group about her painful experiences in England, experiences she's trying hard to put behind her.
I really like Harriet and I am eagerly anticipating the release of Evil in Emerald.
September 4, 2020
4.5/5⭐️
Always nice to discover a new mystery series I enjoy! This was the second in series so I plan to go back to read the debut.
Harriet Gordon is a widow transplanted from India now living in Singapore with her minister brother. She is a stenographer/typist for the local police (the only woman on the payroll) and finds herself interested in the cases of her friend Inspector Curran. This one involves several murders centered around the local military base and had me guessing until the end.
Colorful, complex characters, well-plotted, and richly detailed...what’s not to love?!
Recommended.
Much thanks to #NetGalley and #Berkley for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
Always nice to discover a new mystery series I enjoy! This was the second in series so I plan to go back to read the debut.
Harriet Gordon is a widow transplanted from India now living in Singapore with her minister brother. She is a stenographer/typist for the local police (the only woman on the payroll) and finds herself interested in the cases of her friend Inspector Curran. This one involves several murders centered around the local military base and had me guessing until the end.
Colorful, complex characters, well-plotted, and richly detailed...what’s not to love?!
Recommended.
Much thanks to #NetGalley and #Berkley for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
October 19, 2020
I so enjoyed this second book in the series which revealed more of the history of Harriet's life before coming to Singapore, and of Inspector Curran's father. A death leads to many different ruth reads being woven through the story of this book.
As soon as I started reading I felt at home, sighing and relaxing as I read on. I like the way A.M.Stuart includes the varied cultural and racial groups to the story and not just the colonial rulers. The twist towards the end, and the revelation of the culprit, who I had not picked I really liked.
As soon as I started reading I felt at home, sighing and relaxing as I read on. I like the way A.M.Stuart includes the varied cultural and racial groups to the story and not just the colonial rulers. The twist towards the end, and the revelation of the culprit, who I had not picked I really liked.
September 6, 2020
I have recently become a HUGE fan of historical mysteries, and books like this are now the reason I thirst for them. Revenge in Rubies is the second book of A. M. Stuart's Harriet Gordon Mystery series. It was positively delightful and I breezed right through it. Did I miss a little bit from not having read the first book? Yes, I admit I did. This mystery stood alone, but I wish I knew more of the characters' backstories that were no doubt introduced in the first installment. However, in no way did it impede my enjoyment of this book. As a matter of fact, today I am ordering Singapore Sapphire in audiobook form.
It's 1910 in Singapore, and Harriet Gordon is overcoming her tragic past. She lives with her brother Julian and her young ward, Will, plus she's a typist for the Straits Settlements Police Force. Harriet's friend and employer, Inspector Robert Curran, is called to investigate the brutal murder of the young wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan. Harriet visits the family to offer comfort, as she is friends with Nolan's sister. The military community is hindering Curran's investigation, and Harriet thinks her relationship with Pris Nolan might be helpful in gathering clues. In the course of the investigation, both Harriet and Curran are forced to once again face painful pasts.
Both Harriet and Curran are fascinating characters. The story was excellent, but these two are what made the story so compelling. Harriet is employed as a typist for the police force, which at that time was wholly unusual. Her past was extremely brutal, yet she was strong and able to forge a new life for herself. She and Curran had both a good friendship and working relationship. Curran was just as interesting. He had a past I definitely want to learn more about, especially his romantic relationship with An Li, a Chinese woman. The supporting characters were all finely drawn, and I especially liked Harriet's brother Julian and physician Euan MacGregor. 1910 Singapore is a character in itself, and I enjoyed reading about some of its history. The mystery was well done and I kept changing my mind as to who the culprit was! I hope I don't have to wait long for the further adventures of Harriet and Curran!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed were entirely my own.
It's 1910 in Singapore, and Harriet Gordon is overcoming her tragic past. She lives with her brother Julian and her young ward, Will, plus she's a typist for the Straits Settlements Police Force. Harriet's friend and employer, Inspector Robert Curran, is called to investigate the brutal murder of the young wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan. Harriet visits the family to offer comfort, as she is friends with Nolan's sister. The military community is hindering Curran's investigation, and Harriet thinks her relationship with Pris Nolan might be helpful in gathering clues. In the course of the investigation, both Harriet and Curran are forced to once again face painful pasts.
Both Harriet and Curran are fascinating characters. The story was excellent, but these two are what made the story so compelling. Harriet is employed as a typist for the police force, which at that time was wholly unusual. Her past was extremely brutal, yet she was strong and able to forge a new life for herself. She and Curran had both a good friendship and working relationship. Curran was just as interesting. He had a past I definitely want to learn more about, especially his romantic relationship with An Li, a Chinese woman. The supporting characters were all finely drawn, and I especially liked Harriet's brother Julian and physician Euan MacGregor. 1910 Singapore is a character in itself, and I enjoyed reading about some of its history. The mystery was well done and I kept changing my mind as to who the culprit was! I hope I don't have to wait long for the further adventures of Harriet and Curran!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed were entirely my own.
September 24, 2020
Very easy to fall headlong in to the second of the Harriet Gordon mystery series.
Harriet is working and living a satisfying life until Sylvie, a high ranking member of the army's wife, is murdered. All sorts of secrets are revealed and slowly Harriet is able to put the clues together to find out what really happened on the night Sylvie dies.
This would make a very good tele movie series.
Harriet is working and living a satisfying life until Sylvie, a high ranking member of the army's wife, is murdered. All sorts of secrets are revealed and slowly Harriet is able to put the clues together to find out what really happened on the night Sylvie dies.
This would make a very good tele movie series.
June 3, 2020
I adore this series! Stuart has done a fabulous job in creating an atmospheric, historically authentic mystery with a sympathetic and intriguing heroine in Harriet Gordon. Harriet's background, covered in the first book and amplified in this second one, brings a layered, fully realized character to the story. She has suffered the loss of her husband and son to typhus in India. She returned to England and was caught up in the suffrage movement, imprisoned and horribly tortured. Harriet has now moved to Singapore to live with her brother Julian, a minister and head of a small boy's school. Her counterpart in these stories is Police Inspector Curran, a complex character, who gives her a job as police typist.
The period and setting is fascinating - 1910 Singapore, a place where outcasts and people of many backgrounds and with many secrets come to live. It is also an outpost of the British empire. This second story provides even more insight into these characters and location. Readers will get more of Harriet's backstory, as well as a glimpse of Curran's personal life. The plot centers around the brutal death of the British commander's new and very young wife. In their search for the truth of the death, Curran and Harriet face roadblocks thrown up by the military, and even more tragedy unfolds. The author has researched the time and place thoroughly, and it shows in the fascinating details, the atmospheric descriptions, and the social norms of the time. Engaging and authentic military detail enrich this story.
Absolutely thrilling! Suspenseful and thoughtful. Readers will find this a totally satisfying series on all levels. Highly Recommended!
The period and setting is fascinating - 1910 Singapore, a place where outcasts and people of many backgrounds and with many secrets come to live. It is also an outpost of the British empire. This second story provides even more insight into these characters and location. Readers will get more of Harriet's backstory, as well as a glimpse of Curran's personal life. The plot centers around the brutal death of the British commander's new and very young wife. In their search for the truth of the death, Curran and Harriet face roadblocks thrown up by the military, and even more tragedy unfolds. The author has researched the time and place thoroughly, and it shows in the fascinating details, the atmospheric descriptions, and the social norms of the time. Engaging and authentic military detail enrich this story.
Absolutely thrilling! Suspenseful and thoughtful. Readers will find this a totally satisfying series on all levels. Highly Recommended!
September 26, 2020
Murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense underlying stories and all set in a country full of culture and at a time when the world was changing. What more you could you want in an excellent read. This is the second in the series and was just as good as the first. You don’t need to read the first but it is nice to meet old characters from the last book. This book kept me turning the page and unlike a lot of murder mysteries, it didn’t take more than a few pages to get straight into the story. I liked the way Ms Stuart often refers to the relationship of the character helping you keep track of who is who. There was just so much going on but you didn’t get sidetrack because it is so well written. Whether you like historical or contemporary books, I think this is one for everyone. There was no real romance in this book but it is full of relationships which is lovely. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.
November 13, 2021
This series continues solid. Harriet is an interesting heroine - a suffragette living with her brother in Singapore. Inspector Curran is an interesting police officer, and the setting in Singapore is fairly novel. It's also incredibly well done. You can tell the author is familiar with it, and with its history.
My one frustration with this as a mystery plot is the sheer amount of information that was continuously withheld from the reader. Although, I've forgiven the book, because it's by design, and a result of a murder in a close-knit military regiment that closes its doors to outsiders. I do think the secondary characters are strong in this, particularly the women. I liked meeting Li Ann, and I also thought Lavinia as former commander of the regiment's wife was particularly strong.
An enjoyable read overall.
My one frustration with this as a mystery plot is the sheer amount of information that was continuously withheld from the reader. Although, I've forgiven the book, because it's by design, and a result of a murder in a close-knit military regiment that closes its doors to outsiders. I do think the secondary characters are strong in this, particularly the women. I liked meeting Li Ann, and I also thought Lavinia as former commander of the regiment's wife was particularly strong.
An enjoyable read overall.
September 28, 2020
It was a delight to delve back into historic Singapore with Harriet Gordon again to enjoy another murder mystery, this time set in the barracks of the South Sussex Infantry. The colonel’s lady has been brutally murdered and there’s a cast of likely suspects to draw upon, each with dark secrets and hidden pasts. Further deaths and unusual clues leave Harriet and Curran pondering and their investigation is hampered by malaria and the closed ranks of the military community. A killer is lurking intent on revenge.
As always, Alison Stuarts writing style draws you in with sensory detail so you can feel the humidity, hear the macaws and koels calling and smell the stench of the dark laneways. The simmering tension between Harriet and the Inspector Curran is held throughout the storyline with polite respect and a hint of romantic attraction. Alison’s attention to historic detail and understanding of military procedures brings this story up to a compelling level with explanations in the author notes.
This engaging mystery is best enjoyed with a G&T (or a good cup of tea) which you can sip along with the Harriet as she helps Curran solve this intriguing case.
As always, Alison Stuarts writing style draws you in with sensory detail so you can feel the humidity, hear the macaws and koels calling and smell the stench of the dark laneways. The simmering tension between Harriet and the Inspector Curran is held throughout the storyline with polite respect and a hint of romantic attraction. Alison’s attention to historic detail and understanding of military procedures brings this story up to a compelling level with explanations in the author notes.
This engaging mystery is best enjoyed with a G&T (or a good cup of tea) which you can sip along with the Harriet as she helps Curran solve this intriguing case.
Read
August 31, 2022Historical mystery isn't a genre I usually read but I'm thoroughly enjoying the Harriet Gordon series, set in Singapore in the early 1900s.
She's a strong-willed heroine who gets the job done alongside an interesting cast of characters.
And I love the atmospheric Singapore of old.
She's a strong-willed heroine who gets the job done alongside an interesting cast of characters.
And I love the atmospheric Singapore of old.
September 7, 2020
Revenge in Rubies is the second in the Harriet Gordon series but can be read as a stand-alone. Readers who have already enjoyed Singapore Sapphire will delight in new details of both Harriet Gordon and Police Inspector Curran’s backstories. Harriet, who has lost her beloved husband and young son to typhus in India, has settled into her brother Julian’s household in 1910 Singapore. She is currently employed as a steno/typist at the Straits Settlement police station and assists in murder investigations, sometimes at her own peril.
The layered plot is suspenseful, full of twists and the occasional red herring. Each layer is slowly peeled back to get to the truth of not only the brutal murder of Col. John Nolan’s young wife Sylvie, but also of other deaths in their circle. Because she is an acquaintance of Lavinia, Nolan’s sister, Harriet is soon involved in the murder investigation despite the military’s desire to close ranks and handle the case without outside help. When Curran suffers from another relapse of malaria, Harriet assumes the lead investigatory role. Her grit and determination feel organic because we learn how she brave she was years ago when participating in the Woman’s Suffragette Movement in London, being thrown in jail, and force fed.
The plot thickens as the focus first falls on one murder suspect, followed by another death by either murder or suicide. I was quite surprised at the end to learn who was responsible. But there are enough clues that foreshadow the denouement. Silver regiment buttons and Sylvie’s ruby earrings play an important role. There are many recurrent themes including jealousy, betrayal, questions of paternity, and honor above all else.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Thanks to NetGally for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #RevengeinRubies.
The layered plot is suspenseful, full of twists and the occasional red herring. Each layer is slowly peeled back to get to the truth of not only the brutal murder of Col. John Nolan’s young wife Sylvie, but also of other deaths in their circle. Because she is an acquaintance of Lavinia, Nolan’s sister, Harriet is soon involved in the murder investigation despite the military’s desire to close ranks and handle the case without outside help. When Curran suffers from another relapse of malaria, Harriet assumes the lead investigatory role. Her grit and determination feel organic because we learn how she brave she was years ago when participating in the Woman’s Suffragette Movement in London, being thrown in jail, and force fed.
The plot thickens as the focus first falls on one murder suspect, followed by another death by either murder or suicide. I was quite surprised at the end to learn who was responsible. But there are enough clues that foreshadow the denouement. Silver regiment buttons and Sylvie’s ruby earrings play an important role. There are many recurrent themes including jealousy, betrayal, questions of paternity, and honor above all else.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Thanks to NetGally for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. #RevengeinRubies.
September 12, 2020
"Revenge in Rubies" was an enjoyable murder mystery. One of the things that sets this book apart is that it is set in Singapore, not a typical setting for the murder mystery novels I tend to run across. If I have read other books set in Singapore, it cannot be more than one or two. The story takes place in 1910, when Singapore was still a British colony, and focuses on the First Battalion of the South Sussex Regiment. Sylvie Nolan, the new young wife of Lieutenant Colonel Nolan, the regimental commander, has been found brutally murdered. As she is a civilian, the murder falls under the jurisdiction of the Straits Settlement Police Force and the investigation is led by Inspector Robert Curran. However, because most of the plausible suspects are members of the First Battalion South Sussex Regiment, and Sylvie's father, Colonel Gentry, is the commanding officer of the South Sussex Regiment in England, the military police, under Major Goff, want to take over the investigation, which they are not allowed to do, much to Major Goff's consternation. It does not help that Major Goff and Inspector Curran have an unpleasant history from when they served together as military police in South Africa. The members of the regiment are also less than cooperative, not wanting to "air their dirty laundry" to civilians. Assisting Inspector Curran is Harriet Gordon, who officially is just the typist for the police force, but finds herself involved because of her connections to some of the interested parties and because she seems to have a knack of getting herself involved in matters.
The story has lots of twists and turns, with additional murders happening and lots of secrets being revealed. Even when the mystery of Sylvie's murder seems to be solved and Lieutenant Colonel Nolan wants the case closed so he and the regiment can focus on their duties, there are some inconsistencies that bother Curran and result in further investigation and more secrets being revealed.
Singapore had a fairly sizeable Chinese population and a decent Indian population (many of them as servants/aides to the military or civilian government) at the time. The police force contains some Indian officers, who are quite good at their jobs, but face prejudice from the English population in Singapore, especially members of the Regiment. Some of the Indian and Chinese servants/aides are also treated as "less than" by some members of the English population. I appreciated that the author, in the afterword, stated that the intolerance shown to non-Europeans would be considered abhorrent today but that was how it was in Singapore in 1910 and it would be "unbalanced" for her to imply otherwise; I am glad she chose not to "whitewash" history to appease modern political correctness. I also appreciated that the author incorporated Singapore traditions into the storyline, as they lend an air of authenticity to the story and because they introduce readers (such as myself) to aspects of foreign culture with which many readers are likely unfamiliar. I would definitely recommend "Revenge in Rubies" and I am interested in exploring other books by Mrs. Stuart.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
The story has lots of twists and turns, with additional murders happening and lots of secrets being revealed. Even when the mystery of Sylvie's murder seems to be solved and Lieutenant Colonel Nolan wants the case closed so he and the regiment can focus on their duties, there are some inconsistencies that bother Curran and result in further investigation and more secrets being revealed.
Singapore had a fairly sizeable Chinese population and a decent Indian population (many of them as servants/aides to the military or civilian government) at the time. The police force contains some Indian officers, who are quite good at their jobs, but face prejudice from the English population in Singapore, especially members of the Regiment. Some of the Indian and Chinese servants/aides are also treated as "less than" by some members of the English population. I appreciated that the author, in the afterword, stated that the intolerance shown to non-Europeans would be considered abhorrent today but that was how it was in Singapore in 1910 and it would be "unbalanced" for her to imply otherwise; I am glad she chose not to "whitewash" history to appease modern political correctness. I also appreciated that the author incorporated Singapore traditions into the storyline, as they lend an air of authenticity to the story and because they introduce readers (such as myself) to aspects of foreign culture with which many readers are likely unfamiliar. I would definitely recommend "Revenge in Rubies" and I am interested in exploring other books by Mrs. Stuart.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
October 3, 2020
Revenge in Rubies is the second in the Harriet Gordon mystery series. A delightful historical fiction set in the early 1900s in Singapore, this is a great novel to curl up and spend the day in. Harriet works as a typist for the Straits Settlements Police Force and loves her job. She has a ward, Will, who has finally become used to his home with Harriet and Julian, her brother and she is content in her life. The peace is shattered when her boss and good friend Robert Curran is called to investigate a murder. It is a horrible situation - the young wife of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan was killed in her bed. Asked to comfort the woman's family, Harriet finds herself embroiled in a rash of killings, a military community that prefers to close up rather than help the investigation, and a situation that puts Inspector Curran and herself in increasing danger.. This was an exciting read. I had no trouble keeping up, even though I have not read the first in the series. I plan to do so as soon as possible!! I appreciate the opportunity to read the ARC.
November 24, 2020
3.5 stars
I liked this one better than the first one. I think the writer is getting better. This story was more developed.
The mystery was very good. There were a lot of clues & suspects. I had so many theories. (and i was really good & didn't peek ahead...)
I think as w/the first book, it is a little long but the story slowly develops engrossing the reader as the investigation deepens.
I liked the characters. I like Harriet & that she was making more friends w/the other women. (ie. Li An-Curran's girlfriend) I really like that Curran treats her as an equal. there's none of that "will they or won't they?" romantic angle. While he gets mad when she goes off on her own to investigate, he then eagerly listens to what she learned.
I'll continue with this series.
***Sidenote: It's 1910. Harriet was involved in the suffragette movement in England and suffered for it before she moved to Singapore. I liked the way the writer introduced this historical aspect lightly w/out getting preachy but w/respect and giving voice to a POV that could have easily come from a woman during that time.
Personally, i have read/studied/researched this topic thoroughly so i understand the struggle these women fought through which is why i take my voting rights seriously. And yes, i know, when women got the vote, it wasn't EVERY woman. That's another reason i vote. I do it in appreciation for the struggle that all those who went before me (women, minorities, etc.) underwent so that I (as in future generations) would have that ability.
So I appreciated this aspect of Harriet's background.***
I liked this one better than the first one. I think the writer is getting better. This story was more developed.
The mystery was very good. There were a lot of clues & suspects. I had so many theories. (and i was really good & didn't peek ahead...)
I think as w/the first book, it is a little long but the story slowly develops engrossing the reader as the investigation deepens.
I liked the characters. I like Harriet & that she was making more friends w/the other women. (ie. Li An-Curran's girlfriend) I really like that Curran treats her as an equal. there's none of that "will they or won't they?" romantic angle. While he gets mad when she goes off on her own to investigate, he then eagerly listens to what she learned.
I'll continue with this series.
***Sidenote: It's 1910. Harriet was involved in the suffragette movement in England and suffered for it before she moved to Singapore. I liked the way the writer introduced this historical aspect lightly w/out getting preachy but w/respect and giving voice to a POV that could have easily come from a woman during that time.
Personally, i have read/studied/researched this topic thoroughly so i understand the struggle these women fought through which is why i take my voting rights seriously. And yes, i know, when women got the vote, it wasn't EVERY woman. That's another reason i vote. I do it in appreciation for the struggle that all those who went before me (women, minorities, etc.) underwent so that I (as in future generations) would have that ability.
So I appreciated this aspect of Harriet's background.***
January 15, 2025
This is the second book of the Harriet Gordon Mysteries, but it is the first to me. Set in Singapore in 1910, it tells the story of Harriet Gordon, a widow who lives with her brother and their ward near the school where Julian teaches and who works as a typist for Police Inspector Robert Curran. When the young bride of Lieutenant Colonel John Nolan is beaten to death in her bedroom, Curran investigates the case while Harriet comforts Nolan's sister. Sylvie Nolan's death appears to be a burglary gone wrong, but Curran and Harriet both believe there is something deeper going on. Nolan gives Curran one week to find his wife's murderer or he will turn the case over to the miliary police led by one of Curran's greatest enemies. To make matters worse, Curran develops malaria while operating on this tight timeline. Then, as Curran's fever goes up, so does the body count.
Stuart's writing gives a strong sense of time and place. Harriet and Curran are interesting main characters who each resent the strong racism of the day. Neither minds stepping outside the roles others prescribe for them. Stuart's plot kept me jumping from one character to another as the likely villain as each new clue came in or as each body was found. Usually, I recognize the villain in the first half, but Stuart fooled me until the end. She plotted the story exquisitely.
I look forward to reading the first and third books in the series.
Stuart's writing gives a strong sense of time and place. Harriet and Curran are interesting main characters who each resent the strong racism of the day. Neither minds stepping outside the roles others prescribe for them. Stuart's plot kept me jumping from one character to another as the likely villain as each new clue came in or as each body was found. Usually, I recognize the villain in the first half, but Stuart fooled me until the end. She plotted the story exquisitely.
I look forward to reading the first and third books in the series.
October 28, 2020
I was looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series and it did not disappoint! It had all the elements I enjoyed with the first story (exotic, unusual historical setting, characters I was invested in) combined with a new mystery that literally kept me guessing until the end made this a wonderful read. Without giving spoilers, what a twist.
Highly recommended! Waiting now for #3.
Highly recommended! Waiting now for #3.
November 3, 2020
I actually finished this a while back but forgot to rate or review it. This is the second book in the Harriet Gordon mysteries, set in Singapore in 1910.
Sylvie Nolan, the new and much younger wife of Lt. Col. John Nolan, has been bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. While Harriet tries to find some answers, she is also forced to face some issues from her past.
This is a good series, and I will most likely continue reading it as new books are published.
Sylvie Nolan, the new and much younger wife of Lt. Col. John Nolan, has been bludgeoned to death in her bedroom. While Harriet tries to find some answers, she is also forced to face some issues from her past.
This is a good series, and I will most likely continue reading it as new books are published.
September 2, 2022
This was as good as the first book, and a page turner from beginning to end. On to the third book in the series!
September 30, 2020
Harriet's friend Priscilla has a new young sister in law that is found dead. Curran is called in to investigate but he is walking a fine line between civilian and military as young Sylvie is the Commander's wife. It becomes more entangled as more deaths occur and the MP and Curran have an unpleasant history. To make matters worse, Curran is learning that things might not have been as he thought with his father's death in battle. Revenge in Rubies is filled with intrigue from the main plot line as well as the continuing subplot that runs through this series and ties it all together. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Harriet and her friends again!
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