Inspector Singh Investigates: A Bali Conspiracy Most Foul: Inspector Singh #2 (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Shamini Flint's sequel to her Malaysian-themed murder mystery takes place in neighboring Indonesia on the amazing (nor really, you MUST go there and visit for yourself!) island of Bali. I love Bali so much and was excited to see a murder-mystery that was based here. Shamini Flint obviously knows a thing or two about life on the island of gods and it comes through in the reality portrayed in her writing.Anybody who has every traveled to Bali would have been heartbroken hearing the news of the terrorist attacks in 2002. The people are so kind and really do look after their visitors (tourists) for the most part. This novel takes off from that point, where the island, its people, and the tourism industry are suffering greatly in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks.Singh has been sent by the Singaporean police as a courtesy to help out with counterterrorism efforts. As a murder detective, he suspects that his skills will be all but useless compared to those with counterterrorism training. He partners up with Bronwyn Taylor from the Australian Federal Police, also there for counterterrorism related matters. But Singh has problems working with a partner. Unlike Inspector Mohammad in the first novel in the series, Bronwyn seems to just annoy Singh. But she is likeable with her Aussie mannerisms and all.As things unfold, however, Singh finds out that one of the victims inside the building that was bombed did not die from the blast but was murdered beforehand. Unsure of how to help with the bombings, he sets off with Bronwyn to try and figure out who the victim was and how they were murdered. As the two snoop around, they find that a vacationing family send off the wrong vibes when asked about the murder case and also stumble across the planning for a second attack on the island.The ending to this novel was far more dramatic and action-packed than the first novel in the series. I could easily imagine certain scenes on the big screen. Kudos to Shamini Flint for getting my visual imagination running wild!The most harrowing part about this novel, though, is the way Shamini Flint portrays the victims and the family members of the victims. I shed a few tears while reading. I admit it. But for the Balinese, life is a cycle that also includes death and rebirth. And this is also represented in the novel.Recommended to readers who have ever been to Bali or want to go, murder mystery fans who enjoy terrorism themes, and anyone who liked the first novel in the series. Not recommended to anyone who is still sensitive about the Bali bombings. This realistic portrait will bring back some bad memories. In the second installment, Inspector Singh investigates a murder in Bali. Initially, he has been volunteered by the Singaporean police force to assist with investigating a terrorist attack that occurred on the island of Bali. When it becomes clear that one of the bombing victims was murdered beforehand, he and an Australian police officer start a murder investigation. Like the first book, this one deals not only with a murder mystery but also societal issues, adding another element to the story. The story moves along quickly and will keep you interested until the final pages. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series soon!
What do You think about Inspector Singh Investigates: A Bali Conspiracy Most Foul: Inspector Singh #2 (2012)?
Enjoyable despite the terrorism plot (all terrorism all the time in our current culture.)
—ceis
Excellent second book - really like the way it came together at the end
—sam786
Fascinating Inspector Singh directs me to read more of his stories.
—jpar1995
Enjoyable. I'll track down the rest of the series.
—qazwsxedc
