Loved this!! The smells and sounds of Singapore jump out of this story—I could see the streets and very easily imagine what they’d have been like at the start of the 20th century from the just-right descriptions. Singapore is a place I adore, made all the more interesting by its historical setting in this novel. And Harriet Gordon has instant appeal with her secretive background and open aversion to certain authority. She’s an independent woman, as best as she can be, making her own way in times where such a streak wasn’t too popular among the gentry—and she can’t help but get herself in compromising situations because of her persistent principles. Amid jewel heists, forgeries, identity thieves, and with nary a clue who to trust, Harriet dives recklessly into solving multiple crimes that all seem strangely connected. And of course, there’s an attractive yet already spoken for policeman to confound her emotions as she fights for justice and possibly her life.

What’s not to like?