A very interesting mystery and detective book. I have never read a book before that was set in Fiji so I thought this was quite interesting as well.

I also enjoyed the author's note at the end, confirming that she's a Fiji Indian Australian making the whole story even more authentic.

Not last, I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for offering me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Picking up a novel set in Fiji sounded like a good idea but I'd never imagined that I would enjoy this book so much. The story was good but it's not the plot that did the trick to me. The storytelling was entertaining, the dialogues funny, and I loved the main character from the first moment. You must love this humble and straightforward Indian guy who tries to do justice while manoeuvring on sensitive political grounds. I've learnt some interesting facts about how people lived in Fiji while WW1 was in full swing in Europe, and how Fiji, Australia and India are connected in their culture, history and economy. Sid Sagar's narration was great and I had so much fun listening to his various Indian accents. He was an excellent choice for this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier UK Audio for an Advance Review Copy.

Audio version of this book 📕- A really enjoyable read/listen ! A disappearance in Fuji of a coolie sends disgraced Police Sergeant Singh on a mission to find them and solve the case. Looking forward to the next one!! The Narrator was excellent and really brought the characters to life with all the different accents !!

Nilima Rao's captivating historical mystery book "A Disappearance in Fiji" is set in Colonial Fiji in 1914. The audiobook version of this novel is brilliantly narrated by Sid Sagar, who brings the story and its characters to life with his exceptional use of various tones, accents, and pleasant voice. Sagar's narration adds excitement and interest to the book, making it even more enjoyable for the listeners.
The story is centred around Sergeant Akal Singh, who is sent to Fiji due to a professional error. He feels ashamed and isolated and wants to redeem himself by solving a significant case, allowing him to leave the island. Coincidentally, an indentured Indian woman goes missing from a sugarcane plantation, and it is reported in the newspapers as a kidnapping. Despite being asked to investigate the case briefly, Akal discovers inconsistencies in the plantation owners' statements, indicating that there is more to the disappearance than what appears to be.
The book's main character, Sergeant Akal Singh, is skillfully crafted to make him relatable to readers. As he investigates the case to clear his name, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery alongside him as he unravels a complicated mystery. The author has seamlessly woven historical facts into the story, giving readers an understanding of the harsh realities of colonialism and indentured service during that period.
The novel explores the complex themes of social hierarchy and labour exploitation. At first, the protagonist, Akal, is uninterested in the vanishing of a woman due to the societal norms he is accustomed to. Nevertheless, his views shift as he becomes more involved in indentured labourers' lives. The character dynamics, particularly between Akal and the doctor he collaborates with, give the story depth and humour.
"A Disappearance in Fiji" is a historical mystery novel that differs from other books of its genre as it contains fewer political messages. Nevertheless, it does raise the issue of the hardships, abuse, and exploitation that indentured labourers had to face during that period. The author is also honest about the parts of the book that are not based on fact, which adds transparency and clarity to the reader.
I highly recommend listening to "A Disappearance in Fiji," an intriguing historical mystery that is both entertaining and informative. The audiobook's immersive narration and captivating storytelling make for an engaging experience.

It's 1914, and Indians are eyed as mere labour class by the Goras. Amongst the society, is our sergeant Sikh who works as an officer and is sent to Fiji to find the truth behind the disappearance of a particular woman. But as he starts digging for the case, many other truths come to light that may have otherwise been buried under the disguise of a functional island.

The path is uneasy and the mystery to be solved gets complicated with every passing step. But if you pay close attention and know how things are usually in reality- you may be able to guess the culprit. I found the book quite apt and close to the history of people living in the mentioned circumstances.


Thanks, @netgalley @bonnierbooks_uk for the Audio ARC

Genre: #historicalfiction #murdermystery
Rating: Let's go point-wise for this one
📖Historical world buildup- 5/5
📖Mystery element - 3/5
📖Plot essence - 3.5/5
📖Audio narrative - 4/5
Overall - 4/5 ⭐️



#ADisappearanceinFiji #NetGalley

4⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Sag Sagar.

I had this historical mystery set in Colonial Fiji 1914. The main character is Sargent Akal Singh who has been sent to the ‘godforsaken’ island as a punishment.

When an indentured Indian woman goes missing, he is told to just give the investigation lip service, but desperate to redeem himself he throws himself into the case.

As well as the mystery we get historical details with the reality of Colonialism and indentured service.

Father Hughes is truly a man of God, passionate about the indentured workers and their terrible working and living conditions. Akal initially is unconcerned about the missing woman as he like the rest of the Country looked down on those beneath them in status.

I like Akal’s gentle humour and wit, and he works well with the doctor whose initial role was of his guide.

I think if you enjoy Abir Mukherjee’s historical mysteries set in India I think you will like this. I found it less heavy on the political message, although it was clear on the conditions, abuse and exploitation of the indentured labourers.
I found it enjoyable. as well as enlightening. The author explains where he has deviated from factual findings.

A charming debut historical mystery set in 1914 Fiji. Perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee, Vaseem Khan and Sujata Massey.

Akal Singh is an Indian policeman who has been sent to Fiji as a result of a professional error in Hong Kong where he had been stationed. Disliked by his boss and generally distrusted by his colleagues, he is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a woman from the sugar plantations.
I was not familiar with this element of Colonialism, Indians were sent to Fiji as indentured slaves to work the plantations. This audiobook is a fascinating insight into this period and I listened to it over three days, the story is well narrated with easy identification of each character- as a debut novel it is well written and detailed, I absolutely enjoyed every second of the story and look forward to more books by this author.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffre for an advance copy of A Disappearance in Fiji. A well deserved 5 stars.