Singapore Sapphire

By: A. M. Stuart

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Early twentieth-century Singapore is a place where a person can disappear, and Harriet Gordon hopes to make a new life for herself there, leaving her tragic memories behind her--but murder gets in the way.

Singapore, 1910--Desperate for a fresh start, Harriet Gordon finds herself living with her brother, a reverend and headmaster of a school for boys, in Singapore at the height of colonial rule. Hoping to gain some financial independence, she advertises her services as a personal secretary. It is unfortunate that she should discover her first client, Sir Oswald Newbold--explorer, mine magnate and president of the exclusive Explorers and Geographers Club--dead with a knife in his throat.

When Inspector Robert Curran is put on the case, he realizes that he has an unusual witness in Harriet. Harriet's keen eye for detail and strong sense of duty interests him, as does her distrust of the police and her traumatic past, which she is at pains to keep secret from the gossips of Singapore society.

When another body is dragged from the canal, Harriet feels compelled to help with the case. She and Curran are soon drawn into a murderous web of treachery and deceit and find themselves face-to-face with a ruthless cabal that has no qualms about killing again to protect its secrets.

Critic reviews

Praise for Singapore Sapphire

“Skillfully and seamlessly weaves actual people and events of the time with rich, multidimensional fictional characters.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“My favorite new mystery series! Set in a unique and compelling setting, and filled with fascinating historical research, deft characterization, and thrilling suspense, readers will devour Singapore Sapphire. One of the best books I’ve read this year. I can’t wait to read Harriet’s next adventure.” – Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries


“Singapore Sapphire is a gem of a story! You will love the intrepid heroine and the exotic locale that bring this twisty tale to life. I loved every minute of this steamy adventure.”-Victoria Thompson, Bestselling author of Murder in Trinity Place.


“Filled with all the hot, decadent splendor and sultry danger of Colonial-era Singapore. Rich, atmospheric, and fascinating!”—USA Today bestselling author C.S. Harris

Great Read

Have been listening to a spate of hum-hum, poorly narrated, or just plain bad mysteries. This one is not any of these things. It is well written with solid characters and character development, and an interesting story arc situated in a fascinating locale. Great detail and historical context enhances both the story and its interest. Highly recommend.

Wonderful characters

In addition to creating an almost tangible atmosphere of Singapore in 1910 while under the occupation of the British, the author brings into existence two expats, there for very different reasons , but thrown together by the circumstances of a murder. What ensues is a thrilling and complex unraveling of murder and conspiracy. Brought to life by the talented Saskia Maarleveld. Highly recommended.

A very satisfying read/listen.

I enjoy mysteries with locational atmosphere - Singapore Sapphire meets that. The heroine is a strong woman without falling into the frequent trope of stubborn, pig headed, self-righteous “spitfire.” Voices for men and women are believable. Characters are interesting people. I have not been disappointed in this audio book and intend to continue reading/listening to the series.

First in a series

There was a lot of background information and a lot of names of characters that I did get a bit lost in the details. Overall the setting is lovely and the main characters charming. I look forward to more in this series now that the set up is complete.

Thoroughly enjoyable!!

A good mystery that kept me guessing to the very end. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

One of my favorites

The charachters are wonderful and the narrator does a superb job as always. I just finished my second time listening to this book!

Enjoyable story!

I loved the characters and how the story unfolded. And always LOVE Saskia Maarleveld narrating.

The whispery voice of narrator

A voice that whispers would be good for a children’s bedtime book. I had a hard time staying awake, had the volume on maximum and still had to strain to hear. The story was okay.

Entertaining

Quite respectable mystery and the narrator was superb. Best narrator on Audible. A glimpse into Singapore, then a British colony, was interesting.

Good mystery novel

This was an enjoyable listen, similar to an Agatha Christie but in Singapore, highly recommended.