A review by readingvoyage
Singapore Sapphire by A.M. Stuart

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This historical mystery is set in Singapore in 1910. The author did a great job of immersing the reader into the colonial life of expats. 

The main characters were interesting well developed. Harriet Gordon is a widow who had lived in India before joining her brother in Singapore. However, we learn more about her past as the story unfolds. Handsome Inspector Curran is the grandson of an earl, but is the black sheep of the family for reasons unknown. He lives with Li An, a “native” woman. 

The mystery itself was interesting, using a huge cast of characters. 

I started listening to the audiobook. The narrator did an excellent job, but found it difficult to follow because it was difficult to remember all the characters (perhaps this is because they are many with foreign names). I then borrowed the ebook from the library, and this helped me to enormously as there was a character list as the beginning. I then alternated between listening and reading, depending on my situation.

I will definitely read the next book in the series.