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The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #12
Stardust in Nuala
A celebrated Indian film company comes to Nuala, sprinkling its stardust over the quiet little town and keeping Inspector de Silva busy. With the end of the visit at last in sight, he looks forward to returning to a more peaceful existence, but a sudden death dashes his hopes. With Jane’s help and that of a new ally, he’s drawn into the turbulent affairs of a warring family. Meanwhile, a mysterious intruder is causing trouble at the Residence.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2022
136 people are currently reading
57 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 35 reviews
August 20, 2024
Returning to 1940’s Ceylon and the fictitious hill town of Nuala, the latest mystery finds Shanti investigating the death of an Indian film star when the deceased’s film company chose to use Nuala for the location of their latest film. Harriet Steel’s historical cozy mystery series has long been a favorite of mine and I slipped easily into the latest and finished with great satisfaction.
Stardust in Nuala is the twelfth in the series of standalone mysteries. The series is versatile and can be read in any order, but there are little details and recurring characters that have deeper meaning when the series is picked up in order.
Inspector Shanti de Silva is a middle-aged Sinhalese detective who left the bustling police work of the city for a mountain town surrounded by tea plantations where he’s in charge of the small police station. He is married to former English governess, Jane, who is calm, no-nonsense and has a pension for mystery books and movies. Shanti and Jane straddle two worlds socially and culturally and do it well as a married pair, but the push and pull of British Colonialism in his country makes him have to sometimes walk a tightrope to work his cases with a bluff, abstracted British boss.
The death isn’t ruled a murder right away, but Shanti has his suspicions after having met the surrounding family and overhearing a curious conversation. He, his sergeant and constable gather the evidence and track down the facts, but once again, Shanti hits upon the truth when he remembers one little thing and all the pieces fell into place. I was well pleased with myself for figuring out who did it, but I had no idea why until that came out at the reveal.
All in all this well-crafted blend of historical and cultural setting with a good mystery was an easy, entertaining read about characters I have come to really love. Looking forward to the next installment in the series and highly recommend the series to historical cozy mystery fans who want an exotic locale.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 8.14.24
#SIAM challenge
Stardust in Nuala is the twelfth in the series of standalone mysteries. The series is versatile and can be read in any order, but there are little details and recurring characters that have deeper meaning when the series is picked up in order.
Inspector Shanti de Silva is a middle-aged Sinhalese detective who left the bustling police work of the city for a mountain town surrounded by tea plantations where he’s in charge of the small police station. He is married to former English governess, Jane, who is calm, no-nonsense and has a pension for mystery books and movies. Shanti and Jane straddle two worlds socially and culturally and do it well as a married pair, but the push and pull of British Colonialism in his country makes him have to sometimes walk a tightrope to work his cases with a bluff, abstracted British boss.
The death isn’t ruled a murder right away, but Shanti has his suspicions after having met the surrounding family and overhearing a curious conversation. He, his sergeant and constable gather the evidence and track down the facts, but once again, Shanti hits upon the truth when he remembers one little thing and all the pieces fell into place. I was well pleased with myself for figuring out who did it, but I had no idea why until that came out at the reveal.
All in all this well-crafted blend of historical and cultural setting with a good mystery was an easy, entertaining read about characters I have come to really love. Looking forward to the next installment in the series and highly recommend the series to historical cozy mystery fans who want an exotic locale.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 8.14.24
#SIAM challenge
June 2, 2024
Leaving Nuala for awhile but must say the most recent stay at The Crown was quite an experience. First the excitement of having a new film being made in little Nuala. Archie was beside himself with excitement at the prospect of Nuala becoming famous and the subsequent influx of tourist dollars once the War is over. Unfortunately, Nuala will probably be more infamous for the fact that the star, a famous Pakistani actor, died while filming. Not just died , but was murdered!!
No lack of possibilities for the perp--one of his two stepsons, perhaps or maybe is personal assistant, who appears to be in love with his daughter. Not likely such a star would condone that relationship. Or, perhaps, his much younger wife with whom he seemed always at odds and with whom he was often heard arguing.
Shanti is totally flummoxed. Dev was killed using a syringe filled with the medicine he was taking for his heart condition. The injection caused an overdose which killed him. Could he have committed suicide--the production company was in financial straits. Did his nurse kill him--or at least provide the medicine to the murderer?
Each day, Shanti finds himself discussing the case with Jane, seeking her opinion about any new info he gleans. But, even Jane, who quite frequently is able to untangle the clues, is at a loss.
And just to make life more interesting, Archie's dog doesn't want to leave the Residence and seems quite frightened to venture out, even into the garden. Florence has lost her spectacles and teaspoons keep disappearing--what is going on??
Well, in the end, all was sorted and things settled back into normal. As for me, I'm on my way to Phoenix where a man and his dog have been found shot dead in his garage. Also his wife seems to be missing. Danger all over the world it seems--sigh
No lack of possibilities for the perp--one of his two stepsons, perhaps or maybe is personal assistant, who appears to be in love with his daughter. Not likely such a star would condone that relationship. Or, perhaps, his much younger wife with whom he seemed always at odds and with whom he was often heard arguing.
Shanti is totally flummoxed. Dev was killed using a syringe filled with the medicine he was taking for his heart condition. The injection caused an overdose which killed him. Could he have committed suicide--the production company was in financial straits. Did his nurse kill him--or at least provide the medicine to the murderer?
Each day, Shanti finds himself discussing the case with Jane, seeking her opinion about any new info he gleans. But, even Jane, who quite frequently is able to untangle the clues, is at a loss.
And just to make life more interesting, Archie's dog doesn't want to leave the Residence and seems quite frightened to venture out, even into the garden. Florence has lost her spectacles and teaspoons keep disappearing--what is going on??
Well, in the end, all was sorted and things settled back into normal. As for me, I'm on my way to Phoenix where a man and his dog have been found shot dead in his garage. Also his wife seems to be missing. Danger all over the world it seems--sigh
December 5, 2022
It is Spring 1941 in Ceylon and in the small hill town of Nuala the war in Europe has little effect, but a visiting film crew from Bombay is very disruptive to the peace and quiet as Inspector Shanti de Silva’s small police team is responsible for controlling the excited crowd. All goes well for the final filming at the Royal Nuala Cricket Club of a dramatic, colourful devil dance. The film company is owned by the famous actor, Dev Khan, who stars as the King, with his second wife, Sunita, as the Queen. Shanti and his English wife Jane are invited for drinks by Ashok, Dev’s efficient PA, but they find Dev rather full of himself and his relationship with his two stepsons, who also work for the film company, is problematic.
When a member of the family is found dead in the grounds of their hotel Shanti asks his friend, the hotel manager, to assist him with investigations. Meanwhile at the house of Archie Clutterbuck, the Assistant Government Agent, the mysterious disappearance of small items and the distress of his dog, are alarming and of course Shanti is expected to solve this case too.
The delight of this series is the warm relationship of the de Silvas and the pleasure Shanti takes from good Sinhalese food and sitting quietly with his cat Bella on his lap. His leadership and care about his sergeant and constable are admirable and he puts his clever mind to good use solving seemingly impossible investigations. If this is the first volume of this series you read, the cast list at the beginning will be very helpful. Another intriguing mystery in a fascinating era.
When a member of the family is found dead in the grounds of their hotel Shanti asks his friend, the hotel manager, to assist him with investigations. Meanwhile at the house of Archie Clutterbuck, the Assistant Government Agent, the mysterious disappearance of small items and the distress of his dog, are alarming and of course Shanti is expected to solve this case too.
The delight of this series is the warm relationship of the de Silvas and the pleasure Shanti takes from good Sinhalese food and sitting quietly with his cat Bella on his lap. His leadership and care about his sergeant and constable are admirable and he puts his clever mind to good use solving seemingly impossible investigations. If this is the first volume of this series you read, the cast list at the beginning will be very helpful. Another intriguing mystery in a fascinating era.
November 22, 2022
Entertaining, but the end is boringly dry, as if the author just wanted to finish it off and grabbed a who done it out of the air.
January 31, 2023
A Bombay film company is shooting a drama, based on a Ceylonese legend, in Nuala and it’s up to Inspector Shanti de Silva to make sure all runs smoothly. As some scenes are bing filmed outside, reinforcements were brought in to make sure the fascinated crowds were kept under control.
The well known film star, Dev Khan, owns the company which also includes members of his family. The final scenes have been shot and de Silva is looking forward to peace reigning once again in his normally sleepy town. Unfortunately a suspicious death puts paid to his hopes.
"‘Don’t you see,’ a man was saying in a low, urgent tone. ‘If we do nothing, he’ll never let us be free to make a life of our own.'
A woman’s voice answered but her words were too muffled for de Silva to make them out. He watched as the shadows the couple cast on the side of the tent drew closer to each other and merged in an embrace."
There also seems to be something of a disturbance at the Residence, the home of Archie Clutterbuck, assistant government agent and de Silva’s superior. Small items are mysteriously disappearing and Clutterbuck’s dog is acting strangely.
The murder investigation throws up complications as the victim was known for being conceited and self centred by those who knew him. His relationship with those people close to him was difficult, and his marriage seemed to have been a turbulent one. De Silva is informed he needs to tread carefully with his investigation as news of the death would no doubt provoke much speculation and more than likely a public outcry.
Set in 1941, the war hasn’t yet affected Ceylon and life in the hill town of Nuala goes on as usual. I enjoy revisiting the characters in this series, also the wonderfully atmospheric setting. De Silva and his wife, Jane, have a lovely relationship and she enjoys throwing ideas back and forth with her husband when he’s working on a case.
The well known film star, Dev Khan, owns the company which also includes members of his family. The final scenes have been shot and de Silva is looking forward to peace reigning once again in his normally sleepy town. Unfortunately a suspicious death puts paid to his hopes.
"‘Don’t you see,’ a man was saying in a low, urgent tone. ‘If we do nothing, he’ll never let us be free to make a life of our own.'
A woman’s voice answered but her words were too muffled for de Silva to make them out. He watched as the shadows the couple cast on the side of the tent drew closer to each other and merged in an embrace."
There also seems to be something of a disturbance at the Residence, the home of Archie Clutterbuck, assistant government agent and de Silva’s superior. Small items are mysteriously disappearing and Clutterbuck’s dog is acting strangely.
The murder investigation throws up complications as the victim was known for being conceited and self centred by those who knew him. His relationship with those people close to him was difficult, and his marriage seemed to have been a turbulent one. De Silva is informed he needs to tread carefully with his investigation as news of the death would no doubt provoke much speculation and more than likely a public outcry.
Set in 1941, the war hasn’t yet affected Ceylon and life in the hill town of Nuala goes on as usual. I enjoy revisiting the characters in this series, also the wonderfully atmospheric setting. De Silva and his wife, Jane, have a lovely relationship and she enjoys throwing ideas back and forth with her husband when he’s working on a case.
January 17, 2023
There is great excitement in Nuala when an Indian film crew descends upon the town and of course, it falls upon Inspector de Silva to keep everything under control. However, even as the film crew are packing up to leave Nuala, the inspector is informed that there has been an unexpected death in the hotel where the main members of the cast have been staying. This mysterious death of one of the main actors opens up a whole set of mysterious circumstances and places several other members of the cast under suspicion. As always, this careful detective leaves no stone unturned, or wall unclimbed, in his quest to get to the bottom of this complex crime.
It's always a huge pleasure to return to Nuala and spend time in the company of de Silva and his lovely wife Jane as they quietly go about their lives in this beautiful part of what was once Ceylon. Set in 1941, the colonial atmosphere still persists although with the war raging in Europe there is definitely a hint of change in the air. The place and its people come alive especially with all the colourful sights, sounds and tastes which this author describes so thoughtfully. The mystery at the heart of this gentle crime story is beautifully explored and everything comes together in a satisfactory conclusion which I felt was entirely appropriate.
Whilst this is the twelfth novel in this cosy crime series it is perfectly possible to read as a standalone mystery although for greater enjoyment and to get to know the Inspector it is better to read the series from the beginning that way you get to spend time in this pretty little hill town with de Silva, his wife Jane, and their two cats Billy and Bella.
November 15, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read in this historical mystery series.
This time. the film industry has come to town and Inspector Shanti DeSilva is hoping that they'll all just hurry up and finish their work so that the little town of Nuala can go back to its peaceful, placid ways. Unfortunately, one of the movie's stars winds up dead in a hotel garden, and soon DeSilva and his team are on the job.
The book is peopled with the regular villagers and colonial government figures that we've come to know over the course of the series. This time, Archie and Florence Clutterbuck are having to deal with a series of petty thefts from their garden, and their two dogs being constantly on edge ... so DeSilva is also trying to deal with that.
This is a fair play puzzle, with all of the clues laid out in a delightful tale that only wants DeSilva to connect all of the dots at the end. Highly recommended.
This time. the film industry has come to town and Inspector Shanti DeSilva is hoping that they'll all just hurry up and finish their work so that the little town of Nuala can go back to its peaceful, placid ways. Unfortunately, one of the movie's stars winds up dead in a hotel garden, and soon DeSilva and his team are on the job.
The book is peopled with the regular villagers and colonial government figures that we've come to know over the course of the series. This time, Archie and Florence Clutterbuck are having to deal with a series of petty thefts from their garden, and their two dogs being constantly on edge ... so DeSilva is also trying to deal with that.
This is a fair play puzzle, with all of the clues laid out in a delightful tale that only wants DeSilva to connect all of the dots at the end. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2023
A Detective mystery with inspector DeSilva
Harriet steel weaves together another inspector DeSylva mystery sit in Nalia salon with a fast paced drama layer layered up on another drama of a movie production team that includes all of the characters one could ask for to make an intriguing tale of suspense in this “who done it” that involves everything from hairpins to peacocks. The characters woven by Miss Steele, in this are beautifully written, that is, up to her usual high quality. Not only are characters, well developed and consistent from novel to novel, but in this one, the pace is fast and the reader is brought into descriptions of the day-to-day action I would highly recommend it for its authenticity, and for the beautiful backgrounds that are drawn among the settings described.
Harriet steel weaves together another inspector DeSylva mystery sit in Nalia salon with a fast paced drama layer layered up on another drama of a movie production team that includes all of the characters one could ask for to make an intriguing tale of suspense in this “who done it” that involves everything from hairpins to peacocks. The characters woven by Miss Steele, in this are beautifully written, that is, up to her usual high quality. Not only are characters, well developed and consistent from novel to novel, but in this one, the pace is fast and the reader is brought into descriptions of the day-to-day action I would highly recommend it for its authenticity, and for the beautiful backgrounds that are drawn among the settings described.
November 26, 2022
Always a pleasant read!
I have enjoyed all of the series' books and their characters. DaSilva, the main character and a dedicated policeman in the Burma of British-rule, is a gem. His sense of duty towards law enforcement is tempered by his kind nature and understanding of humanity. The other characters, from his wife, Jane, his fellow policemen under his supervision, His boss, a Brit during the Colonial times, and other characters are quite vivid. I can almost feel the weather in Burma while I read these books.
This book, about a murder in the film industry there, was enjoyable , as always. I like the way that the characters stay familiar yet still grow in different ways.
I have enjoyed all of the series' books and their characters. DaSilva, the main character and a dedicated policeman in the Burma of British-rule, is a gem. His sense of duty towards law enforcement is tempered by his kind nature and understanding of humanity. The other characters, from his wife, Jane, his fellow policemen under his supervision, His boss, a Brit during the Colonial times, and other characters are quite vivid. I can almost feel the weather in Burma while I read these books.
This book, about a murder in the film industry there, was enjoyable , as always. I like the way that the characters stay familiar yet still grow in different ways.
November 26, 2022
Another enjoyable visit to Nuala and the world of Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane, a most charming and likable couple. Film stars inject their own sort of influence on the normally peaceful scene bringing disturbance and murder that will prove to be a tricky challenge for de Silva to solve.
I enjoy the solid characters I have learned to love in reading the books in this series, now counting twelve, as I can rely on them delivering peaceful scenes and respectful attitudes toward others.
Kindle Unlimited
I enjoy the solid characters I have learned to love in reading the books in this series, now counting twelve, as I can rely on them delivering peaceful scenes and respectful attitudes toward others.
Kindle Unlimited
November 27, 2022
A Fallen Star
A Bollywood i film shoot tn Nuala brings excitement to the Ceylonese village . The starstruck residents find the glamorous crew a pleasant diversion from war news. But Inspector Da Silva finds the peace is short .lived when the star of the production is found dead. It is up to Da Silva, his colleagues and friends to discover the truth Harriet Steel lbrings the diverse culture of Ceylon to vivid life and revisits memorable characters from previous books in a charming and engrossing cozy mystery.
A Bollywood i film shoot tn Nuala brings excitement to the Ceylonese village . The starstruck residents find the glamorous crew a pleasant diversion from war news. But Inspector Da Silva finds the peace is short .lived when the star of the production is found dead. It is up to Da Silva, his colleagues and friends to discover the truth Harriet Steel lbrings the diverse culture of Ceylon to vivid life and revisits memorable characters from previous books in a charming and engrossing cozy mystery.
November 24, 2022
Star dust in Nuala
I love the Inspector resolve mysteries. Although I know nothing of the area I love the disruptions of the area and the food. The mysteries never leave you afraid to sleep. They do leave clues so that you can solve the mysteries if you really think about it but I never get the right person. All things considered it is a good read and the Inspector , Jane and all characters are worth spending time with
I love the Inspector resolve mysteries. Although I know nothing of the area I love the disruptions of the area and the food. The mysteries never leave you afraid to sleep. They do leave clues so that you can solve the mysteries if you really think about it but I never get the right person. All things considered it is a good read and the Inspector , Jane and all characters are worth spending time with
February 2, 2023
Another great de Silva mystery
All of the wonderful permanent residents of Nuala are joined by fascinating new characters in an acting group filming a movie. The murder plot makes many twists and turns and is a surprise until the end.
The way the author includes details of local flora and fauna makes one feel as if they are in Ceylon. I have loved all of these endearing stories. They would make a great Masterpiece Theater production.
All of the wonderful permanent residents of Nuala are joined by fascinating new characters in an acting group filming a movie. The murder plot makes many twists and turns and is a surprise until the end.
The way the author includes details of local flora and fauna makes one feel as if they are in Ceylon. I have loved all of these endearing stories. They would make a great Masterpiece Theater production.
April 4, 2023
Stardust in Nuala
Again Harriet Steel provides a plot and characters that leave you guessing until it is revealed right up to the end.
It is an unusual setting of Sri Lanka or Ceylon.
The descriptions of the curries and meals makes you want to eat them yourself.
And…Ceylon tea is absolutely the best!
I hope there are more adventures and mysteries for Inspector de Silva in the future!
Again Harriet Steel provides a plot and characters that leave you guessing until it is revealed right up to the end.
It is an unusual setting of Sri Lanka or Ceylon.
The descriptions of the curries and meals makes you want to eat them yourself.
And…Ceylon tea is absolutely the best!
I hope there are more adventures and mysteries for Inspector de Silva in the future!
December 8, 2022
Another Relaxing Read
I love being transported to another time and culture with this series. The story is not particularly challenging, but sometimes that fills the bill. And I always enjoy. The authors descriptions of class and social interactions as well as descriptive details to 1930’s surroundings like the inspector’s Morris, or the hotel rooms and golf course.
I love being transported to another time and culture with this series. The story is not particularly challenging, but sometimes that fills the bill. And I always enjoy. The authors descriptions of class and social interactions as well as descriptive details to 1930’s surroundings like the inspector’s Morris, or the hotel rooms and golf course.
December 12, 2022
Sri Lanka
I choose the rating for this book you of nostalgia for one of the best vacations my family and I had. However, I enjoy the stories and the characters in the stories. I have read all the series of books to date, they are easy reads in the mystery genre and give one a chance to learn about another country and its people.
I choose the rating for this book you of nostalgia for one of the best vacations my family and I had. However, I enjoy the stories and the characters in the stories. I have read all the series of books to date, they are easy reads in the mystery genre and give one a chance to learn about another country and its people.
August 29, 2023
Well plotted and smoothly written
I enjoy the Inspector de Silva mysteries. They are the perfect combination of police procedural with cozy mystery. Ms. Steel draws her characters with a deft hand and maintains credible plots. Her writing moves the plot forward, draws a clear picture, but dies not distract.
I enjoy the Inspector de Silva mysteries. They are the perfect combination of police procedural with cozy mystery. Ms. Steel draws her characters with a deft hand and maintains credible plots. Her writing moves the plot forward, draws a clear picture, but dies not distract.
November 20, 2022
So hard waiting for the next one!
Love reading about the adventures of Inspector de Silva and his British wife. They just keep getting better. Love that they are on Kindle Unlimited.
Love reading about the adventures of Inspector de Silva and his British wife. They just keep getting better. Love that they are on Kindle Unlimited.
November 27, 2022
Stardust
Every mystery in the series is different in its characters and p!ot. Stardust continues the Nuala characters' great personalities and readers will enjoy little mystery in the bigger mystery in this novel.
Every mystery in the series is different in its characters and p!ot. Stardust continues the Nuala characters' great personalities and readers will enjoy little mystery in the bigger mystery in this novel.
Read
December 4, 2022Good cozy mystery. Love the exotic setting and time frame.
Love the exotic setting and time frame. Good character development and mystery. Harriet Steels' novels improve with each new publication.
Love the exotic setting and time frame. Good character development and mystery. Harriet Steels' novels improve with each new publication.
December 25, 2022
Ms. Steel has done it again; she’s written another wonderful little bite, great, quick read
Perfect for a relaxed winter’s afternoon by the fire with a glass of good wine, good music and the cat.
Perfect for a relaxed winter’s afternoon by the fire with a glass of good wine, good music and the cat.
February 6, 2023
Lovely series
I thoroughly enjoyed the Inspector de Silva series and will miss Shanti and Jane and the rest. Ms. Steel's writing is beautifully descriptive of the time and place. I looked forward to each book and was never disappointed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Inspector de Silva series and will miss Shanti and Jane and the rest. Ms. Steel's writing is beautifully descriptive of the time and place. I looked forward to each book and was never disappointed.
September 17, 2023
Gentle and intriguing mystery
Having read several in the series, I can say I enjoyed this one every bit as the others. Nice to read a clean story with no foul language. It was a very pleasant read.
Having read several in the series, I can say I enjoyed this one every bit as the others. Nice to read a clean story with no foul language. It was a very pleasant read.
April 11, 2024
Another Pleasurable Dr Silva Mystery
Each and every one of Harriet Sheel's books in this series are warm and satisfying. The main characters are warm and concerned about each other. Always a calm knowledgeable read. Thank you.
Each and every one of Harriet Sheel's books in this series are warm and satisfying. The main characters are warm and concerned about each other. Always a calm knowledgeable read. Thank you.
April 8, 2025
Love Nuala
I enjoy the realistic way the people are portrayed and it seems to take me away to a very interesting place. Always look forward to the next one and hope there are more coming !
I enjoy the realistic way the people are portrayed and it seems to take me away to a very interesting place. Always look forward to the next one and hope there are more coming !
November 28, 2022
3.5 the best in the series.
December 6, 2022
The Inspector de Silva books never disappoint!
Read
December 8, 2022Transports you to a kinder world…even when murder
Takes place.
Takes place.
December 20, 2022
Another gem
It is always a fun read when learning of the exploits of the citizen in Nuala. Truly enjoy this series.
It is always a fun read when learning of the exploits of the citizen in Nuala. Truly enjoy this series.
January 16, 2023
An engaging way to pass a trans-continental flight. 3 1/2 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews