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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Unique narrator- I liked learning about Depression era Singapore. The British family was Downton Abbey in Asia. Main characters are well developed, but there are several others that are cartoonish. Like most mysteries, the denouement was a stretch, but I enjoyed the read.
adventurous
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
I came across the Crown Colony series, written by Ovidia Yu, while researching for books set in Singapore (and written by a native author) for the Reading Global challenge. I am so glad I discovered this series and I can't wait to dip into it further. What I have gathered from all the published titles is that in every book someone's death is somehow linked to a different tree 😬🥴.
This is a cozy murder mystery set in the British Crown Colony of Singapore during the 1930s and alongside the mystery we also get a social commentary on the issues of class, race and life of the native population under colonial rule through the protagonist Su Lin.
I enjoyed the first book and it was refreshing to see native characters outshine their British counterparts in humour and general intelligence. I loved Su Lin's character and her grandmother was a hoot and someone who even the colony heads were cautious not to mess with.
This is a cozy murder mystery set in the British Crown Colony of Singapore during the 1930s and alongside the mystery we also get a social commentary on the issues of class, race and life of the native population under colonial rule through the protagonist Su Lin.
I enjoyed the first book and it was refreshing to see native characters outshine their British counterparts in humour and general intelligence. I loved Su Lin's character and her grandmother was a hoot and someone who even the colony heads were cautious not to mess with.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“The Frangipani Tree Mystery” by Ovidia Yu is set in the British Crown Colony of Singapore in the 1930's. A great beginning to a new historical series, I am looking forward to catching up with the others published.
3.5 rounded down. It was interesting reading about the 1930s Singapore under colonial rule setting!
An interesting little mystery. It had a few fun details, but wasn’t super exciting or surprising.
The first in this new mystery series takes place in Singapore in the 1930’s. SuLin is not traditional, and does not want an arranged marriage. Her goal is to get a job, and she is temporarily assigned as a nanny to the household of the British governor after the former nanny is found dead. SuLin’s relationship with the detective LeFroy develops as they try to solve the deaths in the household. I really liked the historical background of the politics of the time, as well as the character SuLin. Recommended.
I really like Ovidia Yu’s Aunty Lee series. This one is also quite good. It is interesting to get the more historical view of Singapore and the characters were great.
I found this book at my library almost by accident and really enjoyed it. The mystery is compelling, the history is fascinating and the characters are likeable. I look forward to the next one.