A historical-fiction series around an Indian police sergeant in and around Fiji during the colonial times. The author is of Indian, Fijian, and Australian descent and uses this to her advantage in crafting a meticulously reseached series that is charming as well as eye-opening. The series revolves around Sergeant Akal Singh as he goes about solving whatever crimes are thrown his way, along with his trusty companion, and friend, Taviti. There are two books so far in this series, and they have been reviewed below. Should this series continue to grow I will keep updating this page acccordingly.
Book 1 – A Disappearance in Fiji
The first book of the Akal Singh series gives us an introduction to our protagonist. Set in 1914 Fiji, Akal Singh appears to be a Sergeant in a bit of trouble. Relegated to Fiji after an incident in his previous posting at Hong Kong, he finds himself shunned and barely tolerated. The chief inspector of his precinct does not mince words with him and Akal finds himself assigned tasks that no one seems to want, or that have no conceivable positive outcome. We meet Akal as he is on the infamous Night Prowler case which for all intents and purposes is a dead end. When an Indian girl in one of the plantations goes missing, Akal is asked to look into it, not to solve the case, but because it would be better if a fellow countryman was the one asking the questions and closing the chapter as a girl who just ran away. There’s no need to waste time on something like this right?
The author does a remarkable job of capturing the state of affairs in colonial Fiji and the risk that people were willing to take in the hopes of a better life. This is juxtaposed with the attitude of the colonisers and plantation owners which further highlights the plight of the people. The story was easy to follow and the characters were well written and charming. The evolution of Akal’s character over the course of the book was nice to see. It’s never clear cut nor that simple to throw away one’s own beliefs and to see Akal slowly learn to adapt and accept, was appreciated. It’s a cosy enough mystery that is easy to read, with enough historical accuracy to make you think. I also appreciate the ending of the book where the author provides a note about some of the historical aspects which were used. Saves me some time in googling to know more. Definitely recommended for fans of cosy mysteries.
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Book 2 – A Shipwreck in Fiji
Note: This copy of A Shipwreck in Fiji was provided by NetGalley.
A Shipwreck in Fiji is the second book of the Sergeant Akal Singh mystery series and follows our protagonist and his trusty companion Taviti, to the latter’s hometown. Still under the microscope for past actions in Hong Kong, Akal Singh finds himself as the escort to two british women in search of family. But things are never as they seem and our sergeant finds himself in an interesting situation dealing with local customs, the british law, and a purported band of Germans who will have to be captured as prisoners of war.
This book focuses quite a bit on Taviti and his culture which I appreciated. He was an unsung hero in the previous book. The Sam to Akal’s Frodo for the most part. A little more happening in this book as compared to the first but with the same easy writing that made the first book enjoyable. Cosy vibes with a history lesson, and an author’s note at the end that helps clarify any lingering questions about the accuracies/inaccuracies of events in this book. I always appreciate that. I can see it being read as a standalone but I wouldn’t recommend it as there are several allusions to events in the first book which may be a bit disorienting for the first time reader.
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Links:
- Goodreads: Akal Singh Series – Nilima Rao
Liminal Ramblings 