Review: Break from Nuala

Break from Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shanti and Jane have finally taken a vacation from Nuala. They are on the coast in the town of Galle and its Cinnamon Hotel. The guests are the typical assortment of British colonists of Ceylon in an upscale setting. A widowed actress and her entourage planning on carrying out her deceased husband's desire to deep sea dive in the vicinity; an older woman who resides in the hotel permanently and her young niece, an artist who is visiting her; a young couple who seem to prefer their own company; a young Swedish fellow here to study the local flora and who is also rather reclusive (shy, perhaps?); another young man, also on vacation and, seemingly, interested in the artist and very much encouraged by her aunt.

After having dinner and observing their fellow guests, Shanti, as is his habit, if off for an evening stroll and jane, as is hers, after coffee, retires to their room to read before bed. Naturally, this idyllic situation is not very long lasting, as, almost upon rising it is discovered that one hotel employee is discovered, apparently mauled to death, in the vicinity of the actress' bungalow. Also, the actress and her entourage have all taken mysteriously ill. And almost within a day, the young artist, Helen Morris disappears. Despite his intention to stay out of the investigation, Shanti finds the local Chief Inspector to be too quick to accept the first death as an animal attack and the discovery of the perpetrator of Miss Morris' apparent death very convenient.

Though not wanting to intrude upon another policeman's investigation, Shanti and Jane find it impossible to stand by quietly when the man seems lazy or possibly corrupt.

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