The Frangipani Tree Mystery

Set in 1936 Singapore, this exceptional series launch from Yu (the Aunty Lee mysteries) provides a fascinating look at the then–British Crown colony. Sir Henry Palin, Singapore’s acting governor, asks British-born Chief Insp. Thomas Le Froy to investigate the suspicious death of his daughter’s Irish nanny, Charity Byrne, at Government House on Frangipani Hill. Much to the dismay of recent mission school graduate Chen Su Lin, she’s called upon to fill Charity’s position. Better educated than most of her peers, Su Lin has higher aspirations—secretarial school maybe. She accepts it as a temporary assignment, privately adding the responsibility of being Le Froy’s eyes and ears inside the house to her job description. Wise and savvy beyond her years, Su Lin craftily dodges the British family’s prejudice and distrust while gathering evidence in what becomes a murder case, very nearly losing her life in the process. This cozy historical offers a rare commodity in the genre—a young, Asian, female amateur sleuth. Mystery fans are sure to embrace her. [em]Agent: Priya Doraswamy, Lotus Lane Literary. (Sept.) [/em]