"A most peculiar Malaysian murder" by Shamini Flint. The book is published by little Brown Book Group in 2009 and has 304 pages. This is the first book of 'Inspector Singh investigates' series.
Chelsea Liew, an ex Singaporean model, is charged with murder of her Malaysian husband Alan Lee, in Malaysia. Inspector Singh, a sweaty, hairy, heavy smoking Sardarji with considerable girth is sent by Singapore police to assist in the investigation.
Will the Malaysian authorities cooperate? Will Inspector Singh make any headway or breakthrough? Is Chelsea the murderer? Why did Alan become a Muslim one week before his murder? Who murdered him?
Shamini has introduced Inspector Singh, the protagonist, who is neither young nor handsome. He is nearing his retirement and looked upon by his department as a relic of old days. He comes out to be humane and intelligent in the story. Other characters are OK. Some are not required to be in the story.
The story is decently paced. It's more a story than a murder mystery. The most important thing that is lacking in the book is 'investigation'. There is very little investigation, evidence gathering and tracking of clues to catch the culprit. The mystery more or less unravels itself. The writing style is circumambulatory.
The story takes place in Malaysia. It's a country with multiple ethnicities and delicate relations with its famed neighbour Singapore. Shamini is an observant author who has observed and studied Indian, Chinese and Malay traditions and traits and made good use of it in the book.
It's a different set up than the usual, hence reading it can be considered.
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