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

Sid Sagar is one of my personal favourites when it comes to voice actors. His performance adds so much to the reading experience.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

First Impressions: A Mystery Rooted in Culture
A Shipwreck in Fiji is a warm and atmospheric mystery, rich with culture, family ties, and gentle humour. While not filled with twists or high-stakes suspense, it offers an entertaining and immersive journey through colonial Fiji—one that’s especially rewarding for readers who enjoy character-driven stories set in unique places.

Vivid Setting & Characters
The strength of this story lies in its deep cultural richness. From diverse traditions and religious practices to mouthwatering food descriptions (seriously, I could almost smell the meals), Nilima Rao builds a world that feels alive and grounded.

Akhal is the standout character—genuine, kind, and quietly heroic. I found myself rooting for him and wishing I could give him a hug. I also enjoyed the strong family elements woven into the plot, even if the uncle’s presence did get on my nerves at times.

The mystery itself is not particularly twisty—there are no major surprises, and the confession in chapter 11 felt a bit too easily obtained. Still, the journey is enjoyable. One of my favourite parts was the author’s note at the end, which blends fact and fiction and gives insight into Rao’s research and inspirations. Her enthusiasm and sincerity mirror the detective’s observant and respectful approach.

Narration & Audio Performance
The male narrator does a fantastic job bringing this story to life. His pacing is excellent, his voice is warm and clear, and his use of different accents helps distinguish the characters and reflect the cultural diversity of the setting. His tone suits the story perfectly—never over-the-top, but always engaging.

That said, I did find the rooster sound effects in chapters 5 and 9 quite jarring and unnecessary. I also occasionally struggled with unfamiliar names, which is more a personal challenge than an issue with the narration itself.

Audio Format & Story Flow
The audiobook has a gentle and consistent rhythm. Still, as with many audiobooks, I found it harder to track the passage of time. At times it felt like everything happened over two days; at others, over two weeks. This may be because I was multitasking while listening, which affected my focus. Visual readers may find the print or ebook versions easier to follow, especially when it comes to time jumps or transitions between scenes.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation
A Shipwreck in Fiji is not a fast-paced or twist-heavy mystery, but it is a rewarding listen for those who enjoy thoughtful storytelling, rich settings, and characters with heart. I would absolutely recommend the audiobook format thanks to the narrator’s excellent performance, though readers who prefer visual structure might get more clarity from the print version.

I haven’t listened to the first book in the series yet, but after this one, I definitely want to. And I’ll be looking forward to the next installment, whenever it arrives.