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Inspector Singh Investigates #3
The Singapore School of Villainy
Inspector Singh is home - and how he wishes he wasn't. His wife nags him at breakfast and his superiors are whiling away their time by giving him his usual 'you're a disgrace to the force' lecture. Fortunately for Singh, there is no rest for the wicked when he is called out to the murder of a senior partner at an international law firm, clubbed to death at his desk. Unfortunately for Singh, there is no shortage of suspects - from the victim's fellow partners to his wife and ex-wife - or motives, as many of the lawyers have secrets they would kill to protect. And very soon Singh finds himself heading up an investigation that rips apart the fabric of Singapore society and exposes the rotten core beneath. Perhaps coming home wasn't such a good idea, after all...?
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
99 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Shamini Flint
74 books326 followersShamini Flint lives in Singapore with her husband and two children. She began her career in law in Malaysia and also worked at an international law firm in Singapore. She travelled extensively around Asia for her work, before resigning to be a stay-at-home mum, writer, part-time lecturer and environmental activist, all in an effort to make up for her 'evil' past as a corporate lawyer!
Shamini writes children's books with cultural and environmental themes including Jungle Blues and Turtle takes a Trip as well as the 'Sasha' series of children's books. She also writes crime fiction featuring the rotund Singaporean policeman, Inspector Singh. Singh travels around Asia stumbling over corpses and sampling the food ...
Shamini writes children's books with cultural and environmental themes including Jungle Blues and Turtle takes a Trip as well as the 'Sasha' series of children's books. She also writes crime fiction featuring the rotund Singaporean policeman, Inspector Singh. Singh travels around Asia stumbling over corpses and sampling the food ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
December 2, 2016
The head of a prestigious law firm is discovered by his partners when they arrive for a mysterious, late-night meeting. The building is locked with key-card entry, so it seems likely that the killer is one of the people called to the meeting. But perhaps it could have been his new wife, a former maid in need of money? So begins The Singapore School of Villainy, with a classic murder scenario with a limited pool of suspects. Instead of the nebulous trouble in Bali in the former novel, this allows Flint to focus on character-building, including giving the reader their first glimpse at the formidable Mrs. Singh.
With the prominent case, Singh's chief detective gives him a whole squad of officers to help with footwork, a waste as far as Singh is concerned, although it does mean he won't have to use foot power or scuff his bright white sneakers. He's also given the services of Fong, who is hoping to learn from the greatest but feels like he is more often reduced to waitstaff. I missed more details of the Singapore setting; I understood the issues with Singapore politics and the desire for law and order, but it lacked much of a sense of the physical, perhaps because of the limitations to the law firm. The mystery was solid, although Inspector Singh often seems to come by solutions through no work of his own.
What holds me back from loving it, however, is the general unlikability of almost everyone here, including the Inspector. With Hercule Poirot, one has perhaps a sense of his comic mustache, his rotund stomach, his mannerisms, but at least he is usually competent and occasionally kind to the suspects. Here, well--let me just say that the descriptions don't feel as fond, and perhaps there is too much of the negative without balancing concern. For instance, I was kind of surprised that Singh would care at all about his chief learning of a relative visiting for dinner; Singh is usually blatantly disrespectful, so it seems incongruous and passes up a chance for him to positively connect with family and tweak his superior's nose. Much of the humor comes from laughing (if one does) at character foibles, embarrassing situations (food on a tie or Inspector huffing up the stairs), and mocking the Inspector's superior, Chen, rather than witty dialogue.
Overall, enjoyable with solid mystery plotting in an interesting setting. I'll just have to make sure I leaven the reads with more positively heroic characters in between.
Three and a half stars.
With the prominent case, Singh's chief detective gives him a whole squad of officers to help with footwork, a waste as far as Singh is concerned, although it does mean he won't have to use foot power or scuff his bright white sneakers. He's also given the services of Fong, who is hoping to learn from the greatest but feels like he is more often reduced to waitstaff. I missed more details of the Singapore setting; I understood the issues with Singapore politics and the desire for law and order, but it lacked much of a sense of the physical, perhaps because of the limitations to the law firm. The mystery was solid, although Inspector Singh often seems to come by solutions through no work of his own.
What holds me back from loving it, however, is the general unlikability of almost everyone here, including the Inspector. With Hercule Poirot, one has perhaps a sense of his comic mustache, his rotund stomach, his mannerisms, but at least he is usually competent and occasionally kind to the suspects. Here, well--let me just say that the descriptions don't feel as fond, and perhaps there is too much of the negative without balancing concern. For instance, I was kind of surprised that Singh would care at all about his chief learning of a relative visiting for dinner; Singh is usually blatantly disrespectful, so it seems incongruous and passes up a chance for him to positively connect with family and tweak his superior's nose. Much of the humor comes from laughing (if one does) at character foibles, embarrassing situations (food on a tie or Inspector huffing up the stairs), and mocking the Inspector's superior, Chen, rather than witty dialogue.
Overall, enjoyable with solid mystery plotting in an interesting setting. I'll just have to make sure I leaven the reads with more positively heroic characters in between.
Three and a half stars.
May 20, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is the third book in the Inspector Singh series and to me, this is the best one yet. Like the first two, Inspector Singh was given the task to solve a murder case in a Southeast Asian country – this time, in his home soil Singapore. Unlike the first two case though, this was a white-collar case, where a high ranking senior lawyer at the reputable firm, Hutchinson & Rice was clubbed to death at his desk, just before a meeting he scheduled involving the rest of the senior lawyers at the firm.
Though the perpetrator was rather obvious from the start, I did enjoy the plot and the case throughout the book. More importantly, I feel like the book is significantly less annoying compared to the first two. I love Shamini’s writing and would be more than happy to give a higher rating but not only was the main character Inspector Singh portrayed as someone who was grumpy, he also complained a lot.
In the first two books, there were far too many times when the whining seemed to seep through the pages and it felt like hanging out with someone who loved to dwell only on the negative things. There was no shortage of things that Inspector Singh could find faults with: general state in Malaysia, Bali (and Indonesia), rich people, poor people, inefficient system and the worst – fat people. Inspector Singh is described as someone who is morbidly obese and Shamini never neglects to include ways to point it out in a derogatory light. I understand that this happens in real life and perhaps Shamini just wants to portray the less-than-desirable reality that fat people face every day, however sometimes it feels too much.
There’s a lot of things to complain about in life, I get it, but stressing on it too much, especially within a limited space can feel overbearing. Thankfully, there was less complaining in this book, so I was able to enjoy the book throughout without feeling like my heart was being stomped by a deluge of negative vibes the way the first two books did with me. Hopefully the rest of the books in the series continue in this fashion so I can focus on the case and characters.
This is the third book in the Inspector Singh series and to me, this is the best one yet. Like the first two, Inspector Singh was given the task to solve a murder case in a Southeast Asian country – this time, in his home soil Singapore. Unlike the first two case though, this was a white-collar case, where a high ranking senior lawyer at the reputable firm, Hutchinson & Rice was clubbed to death at his desk, just before a meeting he scheduled involving the rest of the senior lawyers at the firm.
Though the perpetrator was rather obvious from the start, I did enjoy the plot and the case throughout the book. More importantly, I feel like the book is significantly less annoying compared to the first two. I love Shamini’s writing and would be more than happy to give a higher rating but not only was the main character Inspector Singh portrayed as someone who was grumpy, he also complained a lot.
In the first two books, there were far too many times when the whining seemed to seep through the pages and it felt like hanging out with someone who loved to dwell only on the negative things. There was no shortage of things that Inspector Singh could find faults with: general state in Malaysia, Bali (and Indonesia), rich people, poor people, inefficient system and the worst – fat people. Inspector Singh is described as someone who is morbidly obese and Shamini never neglects to include ways to point it out in a derogatory light. I understand that this happens in real life and perhaps Shamini just wants to portray the less-than-desirable reality that fat people face every day, however sometimes it feels too much.
There’s a lot of things to complain about in life, I get it, but stressing on it too much, especially within a limited space can feel overbearing. Thankfully, there was less complaining in this book, so I was able to enjoy the book throughout without feeling like my heart was being stomped by a deluge of negative vibes the way the first two books did with me. Hopefully the rest of the books in the series continue in this fashion so I can focus on the case and characters.
July 9, 2022
Gosh, this was a disappointment. I quite liked the first two in the series, but in this story the characters were so stereotyped, some of the dialogue so cliched in places that it was almost high camp:
“She looked at him through hooded eyes. ‘There’s no way you’re going to pin Mark’s murder on me.’
Singh’s phone rang. ‘Saved by the bell,’ he remarked and stepped out of the room.”
Good grief.
I gave it three stars for The concept (solving murders
In different Sourheast Asian cities) and for the combo of Singh and Fong. But I do hope the other books coming up are better written
Excerpt From
The Singapore School of Villainy
Shamini Flint
This material may be protected by copyright.
“She looked at him through hooded eyes. ‘There’s no way you’re going to pin Mark’s murder on me.’
Singh’s phone rang. ‘Saved by the bell,’ he remarked and stepped out of the room.”
Good grief.
I gave it three stars for The concept (solving murders
In different Sourheast Asian cities) and for the combo of Singh and Fong. But I do hope the other books coming up are better written
Excerpt From
The Singapore School of Villainy
Shamini Flint
This material may be protected by copyright.
June 15, 2018
Another excellent Inspector Singh book. I always enjoy how Mr. Flint works the inspectors appetite into the stories. It makes me wonder if I didn't miss my calling as a detective.
The book is marvelous and the suspects weave in and out through the story. I can't divulge too much without having to hide the review due to spoilers, but it seems as is everyone in the story has their own private secrets and reasons to be the main suspect at one time or another.
The book is marvelous and the suspects weave in and out through the story. I can't divulge too much without having to hide the review due to spoilers, but it seems as is everyone in the story has their own private secrets and reasons to be the main suspect at one time or another.
August 9, 2017
This is an international mystery with a likable detective set in a crossroads of cultures, Singapore. Ms. Flint is often funny and her characters pulse with life as an intriguing, gritty plot unfolds.
April 13, 2018
I really am loving this series. Definitely enjoy reading about Inspector Singh.
June 11, 2012
I picked this book up thinking, "Hey, it's a murder mystery in SINGAPORE!" (and you really don't get that 'round here), and I have absolutely no idea why i continued reading it.
Shamini Flint writes with this consistent and excruciating habit of explaining things that has a. already been mentioned, and she 'wants you to recall it again' (when they are facts that one *clearly* has the brain capacity to withhold) and b. not as much bearing on plot or character or anything that's properly relevant. The 'explanation' of local terms is inserted into the narrative like something out of a 'new & upcoming' tourism brochure, and her book gives the impression of being an expository text on Singapore (or "all the research she has done on Singapore/Singapore expat culture"), which isn't justified especially in the context of what it proposes to be -- a murder mystery.
Sure, it is through a murder mystery that we uncover human nature and all that we look for in art and literature, but having the unnecessary details explained for 3 quarters of the book becomes irksome when it does not add any significance to the story at all, other than the fact that it's "set in Singapore". While this might not actually be a relevant criticism for someone who isn't familiar with Singapore and its culture, it would have served the narrative much better if she had utilized the marvellous invention of footnotes, or an appendix. The only thing she has not annoyed me with in this aspect, is the use of more original Singaporean anecdotes and symbols.
Character wise, Inspector Singh is enjoyable as portly, cantankerous protagonist, and was believable for most part. (but a Singaporean Poirot? Not in the least.) Everyone else, however, was fleshed out in a half-arsed attempt using a template for creating characters in model composition writing (not unlike primary school). Snippets of insight into each character proved superficial and, while actually somewhat successful, is almost always let down by an irritating explanation into his/her action. (Also, she seems to be writing from behind a film camera, rather than as a narrator.)
The premise (which the book boasts of) is actually quite an interesting one. Plot, however, is slow and riddled with the problem above, and frankly weak when it comes to methods of police detection. Either this truly is the way the local police works (which I doubt), or Flint has *forgotten* something in her research.
I would definitely not recommend this book at all if I could help it, to foreigners or anyone local, unless the people around you do not mind the constant stabbing while you read.
Shamini Flint writes with this consistent and excruciating habit of explaining things that has a. already been mentioned, and she 'wants you to recall it again' (when they are facts that one *clearly* has the brain capacity to withhold) and b. not as much bearing on plot or character or anything that's properly relevant. The 'explanation' of local terms is inserted into the narrative like something out of a 'new & upcoming' tourism brochure, and her book gives the impression of being an expository text on Singapore (or "all the research she has done on Singapore/Singapore expat culture"), which isn't justified especially in the context of what it proposes to be -- a murder mystery.
Sure, it is through a murder mystery that we uncover human nature and all that we look for in art and literature, but having the unnecessary details explained for 3 quarters of the book becomes irksome when it does not add any significance to the story at all, other than the fact that it's "set in Singapore". While this might not actually be a relevant criticism for someone who isn't familiar with Singapore and its culture, it would have served the narrative much better if she had utilized the marvellous invention of footnotes, or an appendix. The only thing she has not annoyed me with in this aspect, is the use of more original Singaporean anecdotes and symbols.
Character wise, Inspector Singh is enjoyable as portly, cantankerous protagonist, and was believable for most part. (but a Singaporean Poirot? Not in the least.) Everyone else, however, was fleshed out in a half-arsed attempt using a template for creating characters in model composition writing (not unlike primary school). Snippets of insight into each character proved superficial and, while actually somewhat successful, is almost always let down by an irritating explanation into his/her action. (Also, she seems to be writing from behind a film camera, rather than as a narrator.)
The premise (which the book boasts of) is actually quite an interesting one. Plot, however, is slow and riddled with the problem above, and frankly weak when it comes to methods of police detection. Either this truly is the way the local police works (which I doubt), or Flint has *forgotten* something in her research.
I would definitely not recommend this book at all if I could help it, to foreigners or anyone local, unless the people around you do not mind the constant stabbing while you read.
February 2, 2013
In some detective novels the location is as important as the plot, and you gain insights into the local traditions and politics. The Ladies No 1 Detective Agency, The Feng Shui Detective and the Dr Siri novels feature crimes that aren't too gruesome or graphic, and have quirky characters in unusual settings (Botswana, Singapore and Laos, respectively). The Reebus novels, set in Edinburgh, are more serious, but very character driven. The Inspector Singh novels sit somewhere in between.
In this one, a murder has taken place in a Singapore law firm staffed by expatriates. The suspects are the lawyers, who all appear to have a motive, and the ex-wives. The reader gets a good insight into Singapore, the good and the bad. Yes it's safe, well run, financially secure and orderly. But it still retains the death penalty, has outdated moral laws and no welfare system. I worried about Corporal Fong's father, terribly injured in a work related accident, more than I worried about whodunit.
Inspector Singh is a still a bit of a mystery though. He is overweight - and a criticism of the book is how often this is pointed out - and in a childless marriage, in a culture that reveres family. He throws himself into his job, and is a good detective, but appears to be constantly criticised by his boss. Apart from that, he seems to have little personality.
But the books are still an entertaining read, lots of red herrings and suspicious characters, and I do like settings in different countries. If there were more than the first three books In the series in the library, I'd probably keep reading Inspector Singh novels :)
In this one, a murder has taken place in a Singapore law firm staffed by expatriates. The suspects are the lawyers, who all appear to have a motive, and the ex-wives. The reader gets a good insight into Singapore, the good and the bad. Yes it's safe, well run, financially secure and orderly. But it still retains the death penalty, has outdated moral laws and no welfare system. I worried about Corporal Fong's father, terribly injured in a work related accident, more than I worried about whodunit.
Inspector Singh is a still a bit of a mystery though. He is overweight - and a criticism of the book is how often this is pointed out - and in a childless marriage, in a culture that reveres family. He throws himself into his job, and is a good detective, but appears to be constantly criticised by his boss. Apart from that, he seems to have little personality.
But the books are still an entertaining read, lots of red herrings and suspicious characters, and I do like settings in different countries. If there were more than the first three books In the series in the library, I'd probably keep reading Inspector Singh novels :)
May 31, 2020
I hardly know why I enjoyed this - perhaps because it's about a corner of the world I know little about - and because I'm waiting for the next Botswana (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) and India - Delhi? (Vish Puri, by Tarquin Hall) mysteries.
Anyway, rotund and cantankerous Inspector Singh solves this one, too. Don't want to spoil anything, but I found a few things and especially the ending well done, if rather disturbing.
I wouldn't mind a little more information about the inspector lui-même, his family and background, though.
Next, a trip to Cambodia ...
Anyway, rotund and cantankerous Inspector Singh solves this one, too. Don't want to spoil anything, but I found a few things and especially the ending well done, if rather disturbing.
I wouldn't mind a little more information about the inspector lui-même, his family and background, though.
Next, a trip to Cambodia ...
November 27, 2016
I think this is the best one yet. The previous two mysteries were solid, but this one is just spot-on.
October 29, 2021
Firm of lawyers, eh? More like a school of villainy
The latest installment has Inspector Singh investigating the murder of the head of a law firm in his native Singapore.
And it is this that I love most about this series - the location. All of the books in this series are set in locations in SE Asia (Malaysia, Bali, Singapore, Cambodia) that are not the norm for mainstream crime writing and this is what sets this series apart from others (in much the same way that No. #1 Ladies Detective Agency set in Botswana sets it apart from other books). I love reading about these different locations and cultures and that has me picking up the next book.
However, whether this is just Singaporean culture or because this book was written 12 years ago (or a combination of both), I really struggled with certain aspects of this book including the portrayal of women (and the overuse of sex by nearly every female character to get what they want) and of the treatment of homosexuality. I found many of the phrases used really quite jarring.
While Inspector Singh (our Sikh detective) is slowly growing on me, he still hasn't hit Poirot status because while Christie's Poirot comes across as bumbling, you also know through her narration that he is the cleverest one in the room. I never get that feel with Flint's Singh and in fact through her narration you almost feel a little sorry for the overweight, perspiring, beer guzzling detective who seems more of an embarrassment to his wife and the police force than anything else.
The writing was okay. The murder mystery was okay. However, given that this book relies 100% on the questioning of the suspects to solve the crime:
It took a long time for rookies like Fong to understand that murders nearly always happened because of personal relationships gone awry, and they were solved in painstaking conversation with those same people. Most policemen never got the hang of it - they were thwarted the moment they were confronted with a killer who left no physical evidence.
the reveal at the end was massively disappointing given that
The latest installment has Inspector Singh investigating the murder of the head of a law firm in his native Singapore.
And it is this that I love most about this series - the location. All of the books in this series are set in locations in SE Asia (Malaysia, Bali, Singapore, Cambodia) that are not the norm for mainstream crime writing and this is what sets this series apart from others (in much the same way that No. #1 Ladies Detective Agency set in Botswana sets it apart from other books). I love reading about these different locations and cultures and that has me picking up the next book.
However, whether this is just Singaporean culture or because this book was written 12 years ago (or a combination of both), I really struggled with certain aspects of this book including the portrayal of women (and the overuse of sex by nearly every female character to get what they want) and of the treatment of homosexuality. I found many of the phrases used really quite jarring.
While Inspector Singh (our Sikh detective) is slowly growing on me, he still hasn't hit Poirot status because while Christie's Poirot comes across as bumbling, you also know through her narration that he is the cleverest one in the room. I never get that feel with Flint's Singh and in fact through her narration you almost feel a little sorry for the overweight, perspiring, beer guzzling detective who seems more of an embarrassment to his wife and the police force than anything else.
The writing was okay. The murder mystery was okay. However, given that this book relies 100% on the questioning of the suspects to solve the crime:
It took a long time for rookies like Fong to understand that murders nearly always happened because of personal relationships gone awry, and they were solved in painstaking conversation with those same people. Most policemen never got the hang of it - they were thwarted the moment they were confronted with a killer who left no physical evidence.
the reveal at the end was massively disappointing given that
September 9, 2017
This is the first novel I've read from author Shamini Flint and first novel in which the story is set in Singapour, which I've been to a decade ago. This novel is well written, the story is well told and the characters are well developed. I liked several things about this novel:
- the fact that this crime novel involves the study of human relationships instead of following scientific evidences til catching the criminal. It is a change from the crime TV series.
- the leading character, inspector Singh, is not your typical average macho guy, alcoholic, divorced, and bad with all relationships.
- the revealing of complexities of relationships within a law firm as the victim is the leading partner and the crime occurred in his law firm.
- the insight view the author gives us to the city-country Singapour with all its various nationalities living/working side by side, but maintaining relationships of complex nature.
However, due to the profile of the victim, the book reveals us only the story of Singapour from the perspective of the wealthy, not from all parts of society and all origins.
- the fact that this crime novel involves the study of human relationships instead of following scientific evidences til catching the criminal. It is a change from the crime TV series.
- the leading character, inspector Singh, is not your typical average macho guy, alcoholic, divorced, and bad with all relationships.
- the revealing of complexities of relationships within a law firm as the victim is the leading partner and the crime occurred in his law firm.
- the insight view the author gives us to the city-country Singapour with all its various nationalities living/working side by side, but maintaining relationships of complex nature.
However, due to the profile of the victim, the book reveals us only the story of Singapour from the perspective of the wealthy, not from all parts of society and all origins.
July 15, 2020
Highly enjoyable and fluid prose. Inspector Singh is a likeable rogue with his heart in the right place. Ms. Flint is obviously comfortable in odd but endearing multi-ethnic Singapore and educates us on the local cultural landscape. Various interesting tidbits along the way about remnants of colonial racism, the rich expatriates and Crazy Rich Asians. The ridiculously frequent mentions of Singh's girth begin to jar after the 8th reference in 10 pages but that's a minor quibble.
October 25, 2018
RATING: 4.0
December 2, 2020
Such a brilliant ending..
June 5, 2024
Like Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
May 31, 2021
Each book in this series is better than the last. Ms. Flint is certainly not a writer who shies away from difficult topics.
August 31, 2012
‘Inspector Singh Investigates: The Singapore School of Villainy’ by Shamini Flint
Published by Piatkus. ISBN: 978-0-7499-2977-0
Mark Thompson, senior partner in Hutchinson and Rice is found dead at his desk one evening, after he had called all the partners together for an emergency meeting. To obtain entry to the offices a key card is necessary which puts all the partners firmly in the square, and squashes the partners’ view that someone off the street must have gained entry and done the deed!
Assigned to the case is Inspector Singh, a continual disgrace to his superiors, being overweight, permanently dishevelled and generally not the biscuit. The only thing that keeps him from being thrown off the force is that he is the best detective they have.
Unfortunately in this instance Inspector Singh falls foul of his wife who has been charged with finding a wife for Jagdesh Singh, who turns out to be a partner in Hutchinson and Rice and therefore a suspect in the case.
Whilst Inspector Singh exudes authority and commands respect, he meets with less than approval from his wife, whose sole interest in life is her good name in the family. As Singh’s current investigation now encompasses Jagdesh Singh, he is, as she puts it investigating ‘one of our people’, and in her words ‘I don’t know where to put my face’. Singh wonders whether he dare suggest a paper bag, but decides against it.
This series is a total and unbelievable joy. The mysteries are complex and interesting, the characters fascinating, and Inspector Singh a larger-than-life character you so want to meet. To those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first in this series, just do it now. Highly recommended.
------
Lizzie
Earlier books, Inspector Singh investigates A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder and A BaliConspiracy Most Foul
Published by Piatkus. ISBN: 978-0-7499-2977-0
Mark Thompson, senior partner in Hutchinson and Rice is found dead at his desk one evening, after he had called all the partners together for an emergency meeting. To obtain entry to the offices a key card is necessary which puts all the partners firmly in the square, and squashes the partners’ view that someone off the street must have gained entry and done the deed!
Assigned to the case is Inspector Singh, a continual disgrace to his superiors, being overweight, permanently dishevelled and generally not the biscuit. The only thing that keeps him from being thrown off the force is that he is the best detective they have.
Unfortunately in this instance Inspector Singh falls foul of his wife who has been charged with finding a wife for Jagdesh Singh, who turns out to be a partner in Hutchinson and Rice and therefore a suspect in the case.
Whilst Inspector Singh exudes authority and commands respect, he meets with less than approval from his wife, whose sole interest in life is her good name in the family. As Singh’s current investigation now encompasses Jagdesh Singh, he is, as she puts it investigating ‘one of our people’, and in her words ‘I don’t know where to put my face’. Singh wonders whether he dare suggest a paper bag, but decides against it.
This series is a total and unbelievable joy. The mysteries are complex and interesting, the characters fascinating, and Inspector Singh a larger-than-life character you so want to meet. To those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of reading the first in this series, just do it now. Highly recommended.
------
Lizzie
Earlier books, Inspector Singh investigates A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder and A BaliConspiracy Most Foul
June 13, 2015
Been collecting the books in this series because crime fiction! In Asia! Written by a woman! But this particular installment is a disappointment. The narration is repetitive & long-winding, w/ the characters' words & actions being regularly explained or psychoanalyzed, for one. The representation of women is so clichéd: among the women characters, there's the lawyer who sleeps her way to the top; the Inspector's overbearing, clannish, close-minded housewife; the victim's scorned, Botoxed ex-wife; the victim's new wife, a money-digging, social climbing Filipina former maid-turned-prostitute who's not beneath doing blackmail if it means giving her children a better future. The narrator keeps on qualifying Maria Thompson as Filipina as often as he/she describes the Inspector as fat. The most likeable character in the book is actually the murderer. I've always thought of Singapore as a boring, stuck up country heavily hung up on issues of class & race, & this book hasn't changed that idea much.
March 12, 2012
This is the third Inspector Singh investigation, and second that I have read. The senior partner of an International law firm has been murdered – battered to death at his desk on the upper floor of an office block that is only accessible by someone with a swipe card. Inspector Singh has been put on to the high profile case and there are no shortages of suspects – all of the murder victim's fellow partners along with his ex-wife and new trophy wife all have a reason to kill him. There are more lies and secrets revealed than during a political campaign. Scruffy Inspector Singh drinks coffee, spills food down his shirt and smokes like a chimney as he follows one lead after another to get his murderer. A nice touch was the way the author brought home that there is still a death penalty in Singapore and the book ends up at the gallows. Just whose neck is not revealed until after heaps of twists, turns and red-herrings – or should that be red Singapore Chili Crab?
February 2, 2016
Inspector Singh is embroiled in a much tougher case. This one starts with a murder and so many possible murderers. But as Singh moves the investigation he keeps discovering more and more possible culprits. Can he solve it?
Mark Thompson a senior partner at a Singapore law firm is found dead. Singapore a haven to Expats and business runs to its top murder Inspector, Singh. He gets more then he bargained for. A large group of assistants but an even bigger group of suspects. It seems everyone at the law firm might have a reason to murder Thompson. But it also seems everyone has an alibi.
This is a very enjoyable novel by Shamini Flint. She tours us around Singapore and describes how prejudice affects the locals and expats. She also takes us through every piece of evidence and is a classical look at mystery. You keep jumping to conclusions, keep guessing. Nothing here but praise. So get the book. Highly recommended.
Mark Thompson a senior partner at a Singapore law firm is found dead. Singapore a haven to Expats and business runs to its top murder Inspector, Singh. He gets more then he bargained for. A large group of assistants but an even bigger group of suspects. It seems everyone at the law firm might have a reason to murder Thompson. But it also seems everyone has an alibi.
This is a very enjoyable novel by Shamini Flint. She tours us around Singapore and describes how prejudice affects the locals and expats. She also takes us through every piece of evidence and is a classical look at mystery. You keep jumping to conclusions, keep guessing. Nothing here but praise. So get the book. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2016
Inspector Singh is an unconventional investigator who solves murder cases. His superiors do not like his methods, dress, attitude and weight. But, he has a high solve rate, so they put up with him.
I read this mystery to complete an UN Challenge. I learned a lot about Singapore. It is a fascinating country. Singapore has some strict social conventions, like their laws
The mystery is also great, almost Agatha Christie-like with the multiple suspects and their individual quirks.
As I progress through these novels, I want to shake my head at the inspector's eating and smoking habits. This reader is wondering if a future story is going to have him solve a murder mystery while recovering from a stroke or heart attack. I also want to go out and try Singaporean food, (just not as spicy as the Inspector likes).
I read this mystery to complete an UN Challenge. I learned a lot about Singapore. It is a fascinating country. Singapore has some strict social conventions, like their laws
The mystery is also great, almost Agatha Christie-like with the multiple suspects and their individual quirks.
As I progress through these novels, I want to shake my head at the inspector's eating and smoking habits. This reader is wondering if a future story is going to have him solve a murder mystery while recovering from a stroke or heart attack. I also want to go out and try Singaporean food, (just not as spicy as the Inspector likes).
August 25, 2012
Inspector Singh of the Singapore police department is called out to the murder of a senior partner at an international law firm, clubbed to death at his desk. Unfortunately for Singh, there is no shortage of suspects - from the victim's fellow partners to his wife and ex-wife - or motives, as many of the lawyers have secrets they would kill to protect.
I enjoyed this book. Inspector Singh was a fun character - lots of idiosyncracies and quirks. Singapore was an interesting setting since I don't know too much about it. There were lots of details (presumably accurate) about life there. And the story holds together well and moves along at a good pace. I'll look for others in the series.
I enjoyed this book. Inspector Singh was a fun character - lots of idiosyncracies and quirks. Singapore was an interesting setting since I don't know too much about it. There were lots of details (presumably accurate) about life there. And the story holds together well and moves along at a good pace. I'll look for others in the series.
June 24, 2015
I am probably not a truly objective reviewer. I really wanted to like these books, and I do. I used to live in Singapore and travelled throughout Southeast Asia. I miss it terribly and these books do a wonderful job of conjuring a sense of place for my favorite part of the world. When she speaks of a part of Singapore or Bali or Kuala Lumpur, I can picture it in my mind and walk the streets with Inspector Singh. It's hard, thus, to know the line between Shamini Flint's writing and my own imagination. I can say that if you are familiar with Southeast Asia then I can without a doubt recommend these books and if you're not, I recommend them as interesting, somewhat cozy, mysteries.
July 23, 2012
Some amusing lines from this Shamini Flint mystery:
"He had obviously been brushing up on his investigative techniques, in all likelihood by re-reading his Agatha Christie collection."
and
"Sergeant Chung looked crestfallen. Perhaps, thought Singh, he should have let the young fool break a leg trying to smash his way through the heavy door."
As always an entertaining read - couldn't put it down!
"He had obviously been brushing up on his investigative techniques, in all likelihood by re-reading his Agatha Christie collection."
and
"Sergeant Chung looked crestfallen. Perhaps, thought Singh, he should have let the young fool break a leg trying to smash his way through the heavy door."
As always an entertaining read - couldn't put it down!
August 24, 2013
A bit slow getting going. This is the third I have read in the series and the author seems to have developed to the habit of having something befall the more likeable characters in the story. I was somewhat annoyed that the Filipina former maid and current wife of the victim was the only character that spoke in dialect. It is my experience that most Filipinas, even those with limited education, speak better English than this character does especially after long contact with native speakers.
April 18, 2021
Book 3 in the series and sets the cat among the pigeons of a high flying international law firm in Singapore and a series of murders. Does a nice job illuminating expat stereotypes and also prejudices among the Chinese, Indian and Malay communities. Breezy and fun read too
April 24, 2021
A mostly enjoyable murder mystery - too realistic to be cosy but with the tightly-woven structure of a good detective novel. Warnings I didn't pick up from the cover: suicide, homophobia (not of the narrative as such, but by and affecting some characters).
July 25, 2016
I liked this much better than the first in the series. here, I got a sense of Singapore throughout the book.
March 9, 2018
I liked the mystery but does the author have to mention Inspector Singh’s weight on every single page :-/
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