Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
A Shipwreck in Fiji is the second entry in Nilima Rao's historical mystery series featuring Sergeant Akal Singh (following A Disappearance in Fiji). I am enjoying learning about the culture and history of this area at the turn of the twentieth century.
Most readers would assume that the islands of Fiji were much too remote to be affected by World War I, but that's not true. There was a definite shortage of men on the islands, since most of them were off fighting in Europe. That's why Sergeant Akal Singh finds himself mentoring a young and extremely nervous constable when he and Taviti arrive on Ovalau.
Taviti was a welcome addition to this book, as he introduced both Singh and readers to tribal traditions, and the breaking of some of them had serious repercussions. Another aspect of Fijian life at the time was the practice of bringing indentured Indians to the islands to work for a period of five years. (Don't miss the Author's Note about this.)
The mysteries concerning the death of the local, the Norwegian sailors, and the European women's real reasons for being on the island were intriguing and certainly kept my interest; however, if one thing made me roll my eyes, it was Akal Singh's propensity to be enthralled by every pretty face he comes in contact with. This is what got him sent to Fiji in disgrace, and-- if he doesn't mend his ways soon-- it's going to get him in even hotter water in Fiji. We'll have to see what happens in the next book.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Most readers would assume that the islands of Fiji were much too remote to be affected by World War I, but that's not true. There was a definite shortage of men on the islands, since most of them were off fighting in Europe. That's why Sergeant Akal Singh finds himself mentoring a young and extremely nervous constable when he and Taviti arrive on Ovalau.
Taviti was a welcome addition to this book, as he introduced both Singh and readers to tribal traditions, and the breaking of some of them had serious repercussions. Another aspect of Fijian life at the time was the practice of bringing indentured Indians to the islands to work for a period of five years. (Don't miss the Author's Note about this.)
The mysteries concerning the death of the local, the Norwegian sailors, and the European women's real reasons for being on the island were intriguing and certainly kept my interest; however, if one thing made me roll my eyes, it was Akal Singh's propensity to be enthralled by every pretty face he comes in contact with. This is what got him sent to Fiji in disgrace, and-- if he doesn't mend his ways soon-- it's going to get him in even hotter water in Fiji. We'll have to see what happens in the next book.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
