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The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #10
Cold Case in Nuala
It’s January 1940 and the day of Nuala’s famous motor rally. Excitement is at full throttle, but matters take a dark turn when that same evening, human remains are found buried in a lonely corner of a local tea plantation.
Inspector de Silva has a cold case to solve. Add a playboy racing driver, a missing Bugatti and a family scandal hushed up years ago into the mix and he has plenty to think about. You can be sure that whatever happened in the past, now de Silva’s in the driving seat, you’re in for a gripping ride.
Inspector de Silva has a cold case to solve. Add a playboy racing driver, a missing Bugatti and a family scandal hushed up years ago into the mix and he has plenty to think about. You can be sure that whatever happened in the past, now de Silva’s in the driving seat, you’re in for a gripping ride.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
123 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Steel
25 books164 followersHarriet Steel wrote several historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her website, https://harrietsteel.com/ to sign up to her monthly newsletter for information on new releases and offers.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 7, 2025
As we begin this story it is 1940 and World War 2 has begun overseas. So far it affects Nuala in only small ways and everyone is out to enjoy the annual Nuala Motor Rally. After the race the winner is visiting his old home when his dog digs up some human remains. Inspector Shanti de Silva has a cold case to test his skills.
I very much enjoyed watching Shanti and his wife Jane working together on this one. Plus I loved all the moments spent with those two black kittens who have stolen their owners' hearts.
This is a delightful series but you must start reading at book one. The real enjoyment comes from knowing the main characters as friends you like to spend time with. The police investigation comes second to this. A lovely series. Four stars.
I very much enjoyed watching Shanti and his wife Jane working together on this one. Plus I loved all the moments spent with those two black kittens who have stolen their owners' hearts.
This is a delightful series but you must start reading at book one. The real enjoyment comes from knowing the main characters as friends you like to spend time with. The police investigation comes second to this. A lovely series. Four stars.
May 16, 2021
This is yet another wonderful book from Harriet Steel that presents again a puzzling murder Inspector de Silva must untangle with a little help from his wife along the way. The action kicks off with the help of a motor rally with celebrity drivers invading Nuala and the year is 1940. A tea plantation becomes the focus soon after when the celebrities come looking for a Bugatti once owned by the now deceased owner and a body is found rather than a car. Start to finish this is a great addition to the series.
As always I find satisfaction in the respect and affection the de Silvas have for one another as I am amused by the blustering of his boss. A great series!
Kindle Unlimited
As always I find satisfaction in the respect and affection the de Silvas have for one another as I am amused by the blustering of his boss. A great series!
Kindle Unlimited
June 7, 2021
After the excitement of a car race, one of the driver's victory escapades brings a cold case to Inspector de Silva's doorstep. I love this historical cozy mystery series set in exotic 1930's Ceylon with the clever Sinhalese inspector and surrounding colorful regular characters.
Cold Case in Nuala is the tenth book in the series of standalone historical cozy mysteries that I have enjoyed best because I read them in order.
Shanti and Jane enjoy watching the Nuala car rally that takes place every four years. They get a brief encounter with the Clutterbucks and also Charlie Frobisher who is on leave from his training base with a friendly, lovely lady mechanic in tow. But, instead of a nice quiet Sunday the day after the festivities, Shanti is called to a tea plantation where a recent landslide and a race car driver's curious dog has dug up some human bones. A former race enthusiast thought to have run off with a woman and the owner of the tea plantation is Shanti's guess for the who the bones are. Archie Clutterbuck wants it all handled on the downlow since British citizens in the wife and the step-mothers are the most obvious suspects if the bones are the missing owner.
I love visiting the world of the de Silva series and following along with Shanti, his police team, and other regular characters including his wife Jane as they solve the mystery. The world is plunging into war, but Ceylon seems far from it right now though there is unrest as resistance grows to British colonial rule. Shanti must always walk a fine line with his police work when the British are involved, but he cleverly does it. And, I do love visiting his lush garden that he tends, sitting in on a discussion between he and Jane, and vicariously appreciating the spicy foods he enjoys at the bazaar. The setting is brought to life just as much as Shanti de Silva, the lead character.
The mystery was not that difficult this time around, but the difficulty was amassing the proof. There were some exciting moments during the investigation and I enjoyed seeing Shanti sift through evidence and interviews to arrive at the end of the case.
Another wonderfully entertaining installment in the series. Those who enjoy historical cozies should definitely give this series a go.
Cold Case in Nuala is the tenth book in the series of standalone historical cozy mysteries that I have enjoyed best because I read them in order.
Shanti and Jane enjoy watching the Nuala car rally that takes place every four years. They get a brief encounter with the Clutterbucks and also Charlie Frobisher who is on leave from his training base with a friendly, lovely lady mechanic in tow. But, instead of a nice quiet Sunday the day after the festivities, Shanti is called to a tea plantation where a recent landslide and a race car driver's curious dog has dug up some human bones. A former race enthusiast thought to have run off with a woman and the owner of the tea plantation is Shanti's guess for the who the bones are. Archie Clutterbuck wants it all handled on the downlow since British citizens in the wife and the step-mothers are the most obvious suspects if the bones are the missing owner.
I love visiting the world of the de Silva series and following along with Shanti, his police team, and other regular characters including his wife Jane as they solve the mystery. The world is plunging into war, but Ceylon seems far from it right now though there is unrest as resistance grows to British colonial rule. Shanti must always walk a fine line with his police work when the British are involved, but he cleverly does it. And, I do love visiting his lush garden that he tends, sitting in on a discussion between he and Jane, and vicariously appreciating the spicy foods he enjoys at the bazaar. The setting is brought to life just as much as Shanti de Silva, the lead character.
The mystery was not that difficult this time around, but the difficulty was amassing the proof. There were some exciting moments during the investigation and I enjoyed seeing Shanti sift through evidence and interviews to arrive at the end of the case.
Another wonderfully entertaining installment in the series. Those who enjoy historical cozies should definitely give this series a go.
June 19, 2021
4.5*
The story opens as Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane are attending Nuala’s famous car rally, the Hill Country Challenge held every four years, along with Archie and Florence Clutterbuck and Charlie Frobisher and his lady friend. This was de Silva’s third time at the rally but his appreciation of the array of wonderful cars, including a Bentley, Maserati and Bugatti, has not diminished. After the excitement of the race Charlie treated them all to a round of cocktails.
The next day de Silva had a call from the Residence. A Sunday morning call from Clutterbuck didn’t bode well and de Silva wondered what could have happened.
It seems Johnny Perera, the winner of the previous day’s race, and some of his pals had paid a late night visit to a local plantation. Perera’s dog had slipped his leash and unearthed some bones that turned out to be human.
De Silva is tasked with a complicated case, trying to work out whose bones have lain buried for many years, while having to tread carefully since Archie didn’t investigate a certain disappearance fully initially. Ably assisted by Sergeant Prasanna and Constable Nadar, de Silva follows all avenues, even if they necessitate night time work and a close encounter he would have much preferred to avoid.
I enjoyed the cold case aspect of the story, which was plausible and convincing. And as always, the location is fully realised with wonderful descriptions of the countryside, the flora and fauna and delicious sounding food.
Change is on the horizon in Ceylon as has been hinted at with some underlying edginess between the two cultures. Although the country was still part of the British Empire in 1940 and as such officially at war with Germany, the citizens were not actively involved.
The story opens as Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane are attending Nuala’s famous car rally, the Hill Country Challenge held every four years, along with Archie and Florence Clutterbuck and Charlie Frobisher and his lady friend. This was de Silva’s third time at the rally but his appreciation of the array of wonderful cars, including a Bentley, Maserati and Bugatti, has not diminished. After the excitement of the race Charlie treated them all to a round of cocktails.
The next day de Silva had a call from the Residence. A Sunday morning call from Clutterbuck didn’t bode well and de Silva wondered what could have happened.
It seems Johnny Perera, the winner of the previous day’s race, and some of his pals had paid a late night visit to a local plantation. Perera’s dog had slipped his leash and unearthed some bones that turned out to be human.
De Silva is tasked with a complicated case, trying to work out whose bones have lain buried for many years, while having to tread carefully since Archie didn’t investigate a certain disappearance fully initially. Ably assisted by Sergeant Prasanna and Constable Nadar, de Silva follows all avenues, even if they necessitate night time work and a close encounter he would have much preferred to avoid.
I enjoyed the cold case aspect of the story, which was plausible and convincing. And as always, the location is fully realised with wonderful descriptions of the countryside, the flora and fauna and delicious sounding food.
Change is on the horizon in Ceylon as has been hinted at with some underlying edginess between the two cultures. Although the country was still part of the British Empire in 1940 and as such officially at war with Germany, the citizens were not actively involved.
October 26, 2023
Love this series. My favourite present day mystery writer 10*
August 24, 2021
What a tremendous series this is that whisked me away to January 1940, just after the start of the second world war in1939. I was more than ready to rub shoulders with the gentry out in Nuala, Ceylon, and one of my favourite couples Inspector de Silva and his sharp thinking and beautiful wife, Jane. The story takes off at speed as the couple go to watch motor cars racing around the town, incorporating the original narrow streets and much wider streets from British intervention. After the race, they all retire to a tea plantation to celebrate the prince’s win.
It is early Sunday morning that de Silva gets a call from his long-standing boss. The remains of a skeleton had been discovered, at the plantation, but whoever could it be? This is the tenth book in this cosy crime series, with its close circle of regular performers.
Although The Inspector and his wife are often included, in this circle of the town’s elite, they know their place too.
It isn’t too long before the bones are identified, and the investigation begins. Finding the bones was the easy part, digging into how and why this person died, and by whom is another. There are a handful of suspects very quickly, and all of them have a reason for murder, but who was the one to take that step.
I feel passionate about this series and the characters with their quirks and pompous attitudes. The Inspector always seems quite chilled, not rushing headlong to conclusions. His wife Jane is his sounding board guiding him without him knowing it in the right direction that he would have eventually taken anyway. Highly recommended as always.
It is early Sunday morning that de Silva gets a call from his long-standing boss. The remains of a skeleton had been discovered, at the plantation, but whoever could it be? This is the tenth book in this cosy crime series, with its close circle of regular performers.
Although The Inspector and his wife are often included, in this circle of the town’s elite, they know their place too.
It isn’t too long before the bones are identified, and the investigation begins. Finding the bones was the easy part, digging into how and why this person died, and by whom is another. There are a handful of suspects very quickly, and all of them have a reason for murder, but who was the one to take that step.
I feel passionate about this series and the characters with their quirks and pompous attitudes. The Inspector always seems quite chilled, not rushing headlong to conclusions. His wife Jane is his sounding board guiding him without him knowing it in the right direction that he would have eventually taken anyway. Highly recommended as always.
May 25, 2021
Inspector de Silva has a particularly complex case to solve. Without modern forensic science, identifying buried human bones is difficult. Do they belong to a missing tea planter believed to have run off with another woman eight years earlier and if so, how can the murderer be caught after all this time? Juggling the pompous concerns of his English superior, Archie Clutterbuck with the dangers of undercover night-time investigations, Shanti is not content until he has explored every possible avenue.
Alongside this intriguing tale are vivid descriptions of the lush countryside of Ceylon, the exotic animals and the delicious food he savours. Shanti’s relationship with his adored cat, Bella, and his companionship with his delightful wife, Jane, add pleasure to reading this episode of a reliable cosy mystery. The calm continuation of colonial life runs alongside tension between some of the British and the local people and a growing awareness that soon they will become involved in the warfare in Europe.
Alongside this intriguing tale are vivid descriptions of the lush countryside of Ceylon, the exotic animals and the delicious food he savours. Shanti’s relationship with his adored cat, Bella, and his companionship with his delightful wife, Jane, add pleasure to reading this episode of a reliable cosy mystery. The calm continuation of colonial life runs alongside tension between some of the British and the local people and a growing awareness that soon they will become involved in the warfare in Europe.
May 21, 2021
Another charming mystery.
Please write faster. What happens when the war comes to Ceylon? Do Forbisher and Ruth marry? Will the war separate them? I love these books so much, it is difficult being patient waiting for the next one!
Please write faster. What happens when the war comes to Ceylon? Do Forbisher and Ruth marry? Will the war separate them? I love these books so much, it is difficult being patient waiting for the next one!
July 14, 2021
It's always such a treat to curl up in my favourite chair and escape to the languid days of 1940s Ceylon in company with Inspector de Silva as he goes about cracking another complex crime case in the beautiful hill town of Nuala. When a set of human bones are found well hidden on a remote tea plantation the intrepid Inspector has a difficult job in trying to discover just who was buried in this remote spot. The Inspector is determined to leave no clue unanswered but in this perplexing cold case mystery he finds that there are an abundance of twists and turns, and quite possibly, more questions than there are answers.
In Cold Case in Nuala there are some interesting, and rather complex characters, who the Inspector investigates with his own brand of steely determination and even though the Inspector always seems to find his culprit, the investigation which takes de Silva to the conclusion of the case is always filled with a strong sense of righteous satisfaction of a case well solved. In setting the books during the last, heady years of colonialism there is so much to enjoy in this series of cosy crime mysteries and each one brings something different to the table whilst keeping the continuity and vibrancy of what has gone before in past stories. I thoroughly enjoy being whisked away to Nuala as not only is there a fascinating sense of stepping back in time but the author does a great job of bringing to life both the unique character of the area, along with the idiosyncrasies of its inhabitants.
Cold Case in Nuala is now the tenth book in the series and whilst it is perfectly possible to read as a standalone mystery, for the sheer pleasure of getting to know Inspector de Silva, his lovely wife, Jane, and all the other long standing characters, I suggest that you start at the very beginning and escape to the colourful world of Nuala which is so vividly recreated in these lovely stories.
November 29, 2022
Very fond of this series set in late 30s early 40s Ceylon. Although war is raging in most of the world, Ceylon seems far removed from it. The only possible bearing it will have on the island is the threat of military service to the young British government officers living there. Despite its peaceful tropical existence, all is not serene for Inspector de Silva and his two juniors,Nadar and Prasanna.
A dog has dug up the remains of a human body on a local tea plantation. The owner of the plantation had mysteriously disappeared 8 years earlier, having supposedly deserted his wife and home for another woman. Could this be his body? At the time of his disappearance, Archie Clutterbuck, assistant government agent for Nuala and in the service of the British Crown, carried out a rather superficial investigation into it. Neither the man's stepmother, Isobel Moncrieff, nor his wife, Mariana , seemed concerned for his welfare. In actuality, for different yet equally strong reasons, both believed the rumor of his infidelity and seemed relieved to be free of him.
Yet, when the examination of the bones reveal that the deceased is most likely Donald Moncrieff, the Inspector feels compelled to learn how he died and who, if anyone, played a part in his death .
Besides, there is the added mystery of an impressive luxury car, a Bugatti. To the lover of automobiles, this is ALMOST as compelling a case for Shanti as the one regarding a man's death and burial in a remote corner of his estate.
A dog has dug up the remains of a human body on a local tea plantation. The owner of the plantation had mysteriously disappeared 8 years earlier, having supposedly deserted his wife and home for another woman. Could this be his body? At the time of his disappearance, Archie Clutterbuck, assistant government agent for Nuala and in the service of the British Crown, carried out a rather superficial investigation into it. Neither the man's stepmother, Isobel Moncrieff, nor his wife, Mariana , seemed concerned for his welfare. In actuality, for different yet equally strong reasons, both believed the rumor of his infidelity and seemed relieved to be free of him.
Yet, when the examination of the bones reveal that the deceased is most likely Donald Moncrieff, the Inspector feels compelled to learn how he died and who, if anyone, played a part in his death .
Besides, there is the added mystery of an impressive luxury car, a Bugatti. To the lover of automobiles, this is ALMOST as compelling a case for Shanti as the one regarding a man's death and burial in a remote corner of his estate.
October 20, 2021
This Inspector de Silva tale is up to the customary high standard of the series. For me, the strength of the books rides primarily on the interesting characters and the strong sense of place that Ms. Steel gives them. There's a touch of Inspector and Madame Maigret in the interactions of the Inspector and his wife Jane. The Inspector is dogged in his pursuit of justice and tactful enough to keep his superiors from mucking things up too much. Wife Jane often serves as a sounding board for ideas and provides Shanti with useful context on the British colonial frame-of-mind. Both are proficient students of human nature, which serves well, particularly with the forensic technology limitations of hill-country Ceylon of 1940. The mysteries are well crafted with enough surprises and red herrings built-in to keep the reader guessing till the end, even if you think... you know where the plot is headed.
I can't wait for the next tale to become available
I can't wait for the next tale to become available
March 27, 2023
wonderful immersive ambiance
Best book in the series so far. The author puts her legal mind to work in by explaining trust law as it was then.
The author sets this series in the Ceylonese tropics in the 1930s within the growing rumblings of WW II. As the sun sets on the tail end of Raj privilege, who wouldn’t want to catch the last fleeting light to sip a cocktail on the bungalow porch surrounded by the sounds and scents of lush flora and fauna before a way of life vanishes and darkness descends. The main character , a native married blissfully to his down to earth co crime solving British wife, must navigate the challenges of both language and social structures imposed by the British colonization while marveling at nonsensical English idioms. With two more books to go in the series, the author hints at the fleeting moments of a paradise lost.
Best book in the series so far. The author puts her legal mind to work in by explaining trust law as it was then.
The author sets this series in the Ceylonese tropics in the 1930s within the growing rumblings of WW II. As the sun sets on the tail end of Raj privilege, who wouldn’t want to catch the last fleeting light to sip a cocktail on the bungalow porch surrounded by the sounds and scents of lush flora and fauna before a way of life vanishes and darkness descends. The main character , a native married blissfully to his down to earth co crime solving British wife, must navigate the challenges of both language and social structures imposed by the British colonization while marveling at nonsensical English idioms. With two more books to go in the series, the author hints at the fleeting moments of a paradise lost.
June 27, 2024
I shelve these books as mysteries although they could qualify as travel and in this case, WWII is mentioned a few times as being still far off from Ceylon but a threat to life there.
I enjoy Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane and his colleagues. The cold case is solved but is complicated and involves covering up the truth by several people. And I am a bit skeptical about de Silva's methods of breaking into homes and offices and sheds to find out information--not exactly legal today and probably not then either.
I have read most of these books but will be able to enjoy a few more--until Steel writes a new one or two.
I enjoy Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane and his colleagues. The cold case is solved but is complicated and involves covering up the truth by several people. And I am a bit skeptical about de Silva's methods of breaking into homes and offices and sheds to find out information--not exactly legal today and probably not then either.
I have read most of these books but will be able to enjoy a few more--until Steel writes a new one or two.
July 25, 2021
I seldom read all of the books in a series these days...I get bored and my to be read list is so full of good options.
Harriet Steel drew me in with the delightful Inspector de Silva and his British wife living in pre WWII Ceylon. The characters, the scenery, the plots, the gardens, the food, the interaction between the Brits and the locals...even sometimes with de Silva.
There's nothing in these 10 mysteries that I didn't like. I'm sorry thus was the last.
Harriet Steel drew me in with the delightful Inspector de Silva and his British wife living in pre WWII Ceylon. The characters, the scenery, the plots, the gardens, the food, the interaction between the Brits and the locals...even sometimes with de Silva.
There's nothing in these 10 mysteries that I didn't like. I'm sorry thus was the last.
July 31, 2021
Enjoyable, well written, classic British mystery series
In not sure but this may be the last in the series. I've enjoyed the entire series,however, the first two books were my least favorite. I'm saying that with the hope others will continue reading to the very end of the last book. This one, along with the circus story were my favorites. Sorry to say goodbye to the main characters, they've become friends.
In not sure but this may be the last in the series. I've enjoyed the entire series,however, the first two books were my least favorite. I'm saying that with the hope others will continue reading to the very end of the last book. This one, along with the circus story were my favorites. Sorry to say goodbye to the main characters, they've become friends.
August 10, 2024
Love to relax into the Nuala world!
I love the atmosphere and the different personalities and the sense of really being in Sri Lanka that you can get from reading these books. I like what I’ve learned about the wildlife, flora and fauna. And a little history as well! Culture, history, hairstyles, dress, all researched and also even more interest! Also for me a lovely relaxing escape when I need to rest a little!
I love the atmosphere and the different personalities and the sense of really being in Sri Lanka that you can get from reading these books. I like what I’ve learned about the wildlife, flora and fauna. And a little history as well! Culture, history, hairstyles, dress, all researched and also even more interest! Also for me a lovely relaxing escape when I need to rest a little!
May 16, 2021
Cold Case: Nuala
Reading a book with a few subplots is always entertaining
and this book kept up the tradition nicely. Relations between the two peoples , the British and the Ceylon natives are interesting too, and I enjoy reading about their problems. In every book I learn things like more towns and cities.
Reading a book with a few subplots is always entertaining
and this book kept up the tradition nicely. Relations between the two peoples , the British and the Ceylon natives are interesting too, and I enjoy reading about their problems. In every book I learn things like more towns and cities.
May 21, 2021
Inspector Dr Silva mysteries m
I enjoy the Inspector deSilva mysteries immensely. The setting and lifestyle of the peop!e in the book are interesting. Jane is a favorite of mine. The method the Inspector uses reminds me of a Christie novel. It is a great story that intertwined with a big of history and culture. Enjoy
I enjoy the Inspector deSilva mysteries immensely. The setting and lifestyle of the peop!e in the book are interesting. Jane is a favorite of mine. The method the Inspector uses reminds me of a Christie novel. It is a great story that intertwined with a big of history and culture. Enjoy
July 25, 2021
All 10 books in this series were well-written with believable characters and just enough twists and turns to keep the story moving along. Just when you think you've figured out who-done-it, a new clue would pop up and lead the reader in a different direction. The endings are totally satisfying.
The location was great, too! Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 1930s with the British colonials and the locals…what a combination. One of my favorite parts of the stories is the food….so many mouth watering selections. I just have to try salt and pepper on my next mango. Fauna and flora galore, too…quite picturesque!
My go-to genre is usually paranormal cozies, but it was enjoyable to sit back and read a serious detective mystery with lots of extras included. Thank you, Harriet ❤️
The location was great, too! Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in the 1930s with the British colonials and the locals…what a combination. One of my favorite parts of the stories is the food….so many mouth watering selections. I just have to try salt and pepper on my next mango. Fauna and flora galore, too…quite picturesque!
My go-to genre is usually paranormal cozies, but it was enjoyable to sit back and read a serious detective mystery with lots of extras included. Thank you, Harriet ❤️
February 13, 2022
Intriguing story
When a body is discovered on a tea plantation Inspector de Silva is charged with discovering who the body may be and how did they die. Thus starts an interesting murder mystery with many suspects and motives to weed through. Ms. Steel as always cares for her characters and writes them believable storylines. Enjoyable book and series.
When a body is discovered on a tea plantation Inspector de Silva is charged with discovering who the body may be and how did they die. Thus starts an interesting murder mystery with many suspects and motives to weed through. Ms. Steel as always cares for her characters and writes them believable storylines. Enjoyable book and series.
March 15, 2022
Another great by Steel!
I discovered the Kuala series entirely by accident, but since then, I have read every book in the series. As a student of history, I am very interested in this era when Great Britain colonized Ceylon, and I find the interactions between the British and the local people to be very interesting. Great read!
I discovered the Kuala series entirely by accident, but since then, I have read every book in the series. As a student of history, I am very interested in this era when Great Britain colonized Ceylon, and I find the interactions between the British and the local people to be very interesting. Great read!
May 8, 2024
January 1940. The bones of a male have been unearthed at the Montcrieff plantation. Are they the bones of missing owner Donald Moncrieff who supposedly disappeared eight years ago with his lover. If so who killed him and why. Inspector Shanti de Silva investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable characters.
An entertaining historical mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series with its likeable characters.
September 25, 2024
I like this series and would prefer to give these books higher ratings but there are too many errors -- missing words, misspellings, awkward sentence structures and in this story, a huge part of the plot was never explained. After I finished it, I kept wondering how the murder was accomplished but those details were not present.
July 26, 2021
I absolutely love this series! The setting in Ceylon is so Captivating as is the era. Its mixture of cultures is fascinating and the marriage of Inspector de Silva and Jane is unconventional but very realistic. The mystery is convoluted and holds the interest to the end. Great read.
August 17, 2021
Enjoyable series
I have bought and read all the books so far and enjoyed each one. The characters are not one dimensional and their strengths and foibles are a nice touch. In love with Billy and Bella.
I have bought and read all the books so far and enjoyed each one. The characters are not one dimensional and their strengths and foibles are a nice touch. In love with Billy and Bella.
July 19, 2022
another wonderful INSPECTOR de Silva MYSTERY
The author captures the beauty of Ceylon in the 30’s. The characters are wonderfully portrayed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
The author captures the beauty of Ceylon in the 30’s. The characters are wonderfully portrayed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
March 26, 2023
Cold Case in Nuala
It’s fun reading about the culture and country of Ceylon. Harriet Steel has a knack for weaving intricate plots and sub-plots.
The endings are always a complicated surprise.
It’s fun reading about the culture and country of Ceylon. Harriet Steel has a knack for weaving intricate plots and sub-plots.
The endings are always a complicated surprise.
April 16, 2024
Another great story in this series
I really enjoy reading this series. The description of th err life in that time and place are very interesting. Also t h e story line is a great read.
I really enjoy reading this series. The description of th err life in that time and place are very interesting. Also t h e story line is a great read.
June 2, 2021
Another delightful outing with DeSilva
A well contrived plot with characters we love. And the glimpses into British Colonial life are fascinating. A fun read hard to put down
A well contrived plot with characters we love. And the glimpses into British Colonial life are fascinating. A fun read hard to put down
August 24, 2021
excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews