An extraordinary story, a most enjoyable read.

A lovely cast of characters. They are very different and each brings something special to the relationships.

The evolving and deepening friendship between Akal Singh and Taviti is unfolding in this book. There is so much they still don't know about each other.

The deep cultural backdrop (in FijI) and leadership style of the Uncle of Tavita is in strong contrast to that of the British colonial government style and this, along with an unusual and intriguing storyline held my attention throughout. It was such a treat.

I didn't read the first in the series but there was no problem picking up on the characters and their back stories.

This is definitely a five out of five star for me. I look forward to seeing where Akal goes next

With my thanks to Echo Publishing and Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

Rao's sophomore mystery serves up colonial intrigue with a delicious side of Fijian wit—imagine Hercule Poirot sweating profusely in the tropics while wrestling with his starched collar. Our perpetually exasperated Sergeant Akal Singh finds himself island-hopping to Ovalau, where investigating Germans supposedly lurking in paradise feels about as necessary as bringing sand to the beach.
The true star here is Fiji itself—a lush, complex character simmering with cultural tensions. Rao masterfully navigates the social hierarchy of 1915 island life, from the imposing village chief (Taviti's uncle, who commands respect faster than you can say "bula vinaka") to the imprisoned Norwegian sailors who discover that paradise comes with fine print. The author's meticulous research delivers a Fiji beyond the postcard—one where colonial policies clash with indigenous traditions and where the war in Europe casts long shadows across azure waters.
When Katherine, our aspiring journalist with more ambition than a politician on election day, starts stirring the pot, Akal must solve a murder while preventing his own career from washing out to sea. Clever, atmospheric, and sharper than a freshly macheted coconut, this tropical whodunit proves Rao knows her way around both a mystery plot and the fascinating cultural tapestry of early 20th century Fiji.

I couldn't wait this one to be out. After the first book, I knew that I would love the upcoming novels in the series - and I did.

We get to know more not only about Akal's background but Taviti's too, and our education on the Fijian traditions is continuing. Here, in Europe, we have our memories and history of the First World War and we hardly think of what happened at other parts of the globe during those years. It's an interesting journey to see what life was like in Fiji, India or Australia.

Beyond an entertaining whodunnit story, this book is packed with culture and history.