Review: Long Odds in Nuala

Long Odds in Nuala by Harriet Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been awhile since I've visited Shanti and Jane in Nuala but when I heard the Nuala Cup horse race was happening at the same time as our Kentucky Derby and Preakness I thought it was time to return. Unfortunately, there seems to be some concern that the winning horse and the one who placed, from the same stable,may have been doped. Testing shows they have not but the tests are not always definitive so doubt remains. As if this weren't enough to dampen the day, one of the stableboys, a quiet but slightly slow young man, has died. Upon closer investigation, the ladder from which he seems to have fallen was actually deliberately damaged. The rung which gave way under his weight was sawn through to weaken it.

So, why was this young man murdered? Who had reason to eliminate such an innocuous fellow who by all reports seems to have been concientious in his care of the horses, friendly to all, non-drinking and living with his parents. What could this man have seen that required his removal? Were the horses doped after all? And who would do that? Who would benefit the most? Mystery upon mystery and a British society not at all willing to be cooperative with a police Inspector who is Ceylonese. Nevertheless, de Silva, his two subordinates and his wife are all determined to solve this seemingly unsolveable mystery!!

Glad to be back for a visit -- sad the circumstances--but satisfying, too. For against all odds, the culprit is apprehended. Unfortunately, not before one more person is killed and others placed in threatening situations.

View all my reviews