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Author: Harriet Steel
Published: March 2025
Category: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery
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I chose to read and review Changing Times in Nuala for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy from the author.
In this episode Cylon is on the brink of gaining its independence from British rule although it would still be a Dominion of the British Empire and owe allegiance to the monarch. A big celebration is planned for the change over and Inspector Shanti de Silva has his work cut out making sure everything about the day runs smoothly, no small task when the procession includes dancers, musicians and elephants to name just a few. He’s also wondering how the changes will affect him and his job. Will Archie and Florence stay on…what will his new boss be like and what changes might he implement.
In the midst of everything De Silva receives a message from Doctor Hebden. Apparently Hebden’s friend, William MacDonald, a local plantation owner, had been taken seriously ill and was in hospital. MacDonald’s new wife, Venetia and his sister were naturally very upset.
However, Doctor Hebden had his doubts about the initial diagnosis. His fears increased when Venetia went missing.
Archie wants the case solved before the celebrations begin, so de Silva is under even more pressure, especially since Dr Hebden was right to be concerned about his friend’s ‘illness’. Accusations are being levelled at Venetia but no-one has seen or heard from her or knows where she is and meanwhile her husband is on the critical list. Initially no suspects jump out and de Silva seemed to have reached a dead end. Then a breakthrough…and it’s beginning to look like there’s more to the whole thing than meets the eye. The question remains, will de Silva solve the case before the change over.
It’s always a pleasure to revisit Nuala, along with the colourful characters and the atmospheric setting and I look forward to the next instalment to see how things, and people, have changed.
With the big day when Ceylon becomes independent of British rule fast approaching, Inspector Shanti de Silva is busy with plans for policing excited crowds and elephant processions.
Everything is going smoothly until a new mystery raises the stakes. A wealthy and popular plantation owner is suddenly taken dangerously ill, and his glamorous young wife vanishes in suspicious circumstances. If they are to uncover the truth behind the family’s accusations and satisfy his boss Archie’s demand to wrap up the case before the big day, Shanti and his wife Jane will need to work fast.
HarrietSteel grew up in London and Wiltshire but now lives in Surrey. Married with two daughters, she has worked in fields from law to libraries. Her interests are travel, history and art, all of which have inspired the four historical novels she wrote before turning to crime with The Inspector de Silva Mysteries. She reads widely, but in the mystery genre is particularly fond of vintage mysteries. She would love to go back in time for a day and have lunch with Hercule Poirot, tea with Miss Marple, and dinner at the Ritz with Lord Peter Wimsey.
Author links ~ Website | Twitter | Facebook
