Review: The mystery and the setting are languid and lush
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 29, 2011
an interesting mystery set in malaysia.the crime - a murder - happened many years ago (the 60s). you don't actually get to the crime until you are well into the book, but the journey to the crime is so interesting as you are learning about colonial life among the 'natives' and the political climate that led to malaysia's freedom.the story is told by pregnant diana rivers, aided by her husband Steve, as she reads some journals. But diana does meet and interview some of the principals still living.it's a compelling story and it's told well. i absolutely loved the exotic, protected hothouse setting amidst the political past as much as i enjoyed the luxurious and languid present in a posh resort.to the author's credit and skill: all the information we need to solve the crime - about alex, and ms. chalcot - is revealed to us through those journals. we just needed to see it from a different perspective - as Diana did.