A charming debut historical mystery set in 1914 Fiji.
Nilima Rao is a Fijian Indian Australian who has always referred to herself as "culturally confused." She has since learned that we are all confused in some way, has been published on the topic as part of the SBS Emerging Writers Competition and now feels better about the whole thing. When she isn't writing, Nilima can be found wrangling data (the dreaded day job) or wandering around Melbourne laneways in search of the next new wine bar. A Disappearance in Fiji was her first novel.
This is an utterly charming novel. The setting is exotic and the
characters are intriguing. Nilima Rao is an author well worth
discovering
*Alexander McCall Smith*
Rao skillfully weaves descriptions of the treatment and living
conditions of Indian workers into the propulsive plot and draws a
host of vibrant characters. This is an exceptionally promising
debut
*Publishers Weekly, Starred Review*
Meet Sergeant Akal Singh, the complex and charming hero of a
thoroughly original mystery set in 1914 Fiji. Fans of Golden Age
mysteries will relish this debut novel by a compelling new talent,
Nilima Rao. More, please!
*Sujata Massey, Agatha Award–winning author of The Widows of
Malabar Hill*
A poignant and entertaining read ... Sergeant Akal Singh is a
charmingly imperfect and captivating protagonist. I love Akal and
hope we'll be seeing a lot more of him!
*Ovidia Yu, author of the Aunty Lee Singaporean Mysteries*
A marvellous debut that beautifully paints life in a part of the
world that few of us have a chance to visit. The highlight of
Nilima Rao's well-crafted novel set in Fiji in the days of British
colonial rule is the collision of cultures and class and how one
man is charged with the task of unlocking the mysteries they
create. A pleasure to read
*Colin Cotterill, author of the Dr Siri Paiboun Mysteries*
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