heidinoroozy 's review for:

The Frangipani Tree Mystery by Ovidia Yu

4.0

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I thoroughly enjoyed this first novel in Ovidia Yu’s Crown Colony mystery series. The 1930s colonial setting is both intriguing and disturbing, Yu does an excellent job showing the brutality and exploitation of colonialism, while never falling into the trap of stereotype: Not all of the Europeans are comfortable with the colonial status quo. I also enjoyed this introduction to the complexities of Singaporean society, culture, and history. Chen Su Lin is an engaging protagonist: smart, practical-minded, and with a clear idea of what she wants in life, if not exactly how to get it. The supporting cast are not always what they seem, as is fitting for a mystery. I’m looking forward to he rest of the series.