Singapore Sapphire

A Harriet Gordon Mystery, Book 1

By: A. M. Stuart

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Early 20th-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.

©2019 A. M. Stuart (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“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, best-selling 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, best-selling author of Murder in Trinity Place)

Excellent!!

I originally purchased this book because the setting intrigued me and because my absolute favorite narrator Saskia Maarleveld was narrating it. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the characters and the plot of the story. The characters were interesting, the ending was unexpected, and of course the narration was superb. I am sure hoping there will be many more Harriet Gordon adventures!!

Good Plot

This is just the sort of mystery I like. Set in an interesting historical spot, not too gory but not obnoxiously cute either. I enjoyed the writing. Some of the mystery I figured out but not all. However I really disliked the narrator. She speaks in a drawn out husky whisper that seems contrived to me. When she did dialogue it was much better. I realize that is just my taste and others may enjoy her style. The narration will not stop me from listening to the series and I am looking forward to the next book.

Excellent story!

I loved this intriguing mystery! So atmospheric, and the plot twists kept me guessing. I hope there are many more “Harriet Gordon “ mysteries to come. Saskia Maarleveld is my favorite narrator too. Her talent in creating character voices is amazing!

Excelled in all areas!

This was one of the best books I have read on a long time. Held my attention to the point of neglecting everything else! Thank you!

intrigue in Singapore

interesting murder mystery, held my attention throughout. Strong plot and characters infused with greed and avarice

Really good story!

I have found a new favorite author! The details, story line, characters are all amazing. Highly recommend.

Interesting characters

A slow paced historical mystery with plot twists. Well narrated. I know nothing about the historical setting but it seemed plausible.

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.