This book was absolutely delightful. It had such a wonderful blend of Victorian Governess, exotic setting and Folklore.

We follow a Governess Leda Cassidy as she moves to Singapore to look after a teenage girl who has become extremely withdrawn. A tragedy recently befell the family, causing the death of the mother and all but one child in the family. Leda must not only teach and instruct the girl in her care, but also investigate the supernatural occurrences distressing the family. We follow Leda through her experiences in Singapore, helping families and solving supernatural puzzles.

Leda is an amazing character, adaptable, thoughtful, adventurous and compassionate. She uses her extensive knowledge to help others, often without them realising it. This was a beautiful blending of historical fiction and supernatural fantasy and it’s utterly fascinating. The writing was vivid and lovely, with bold, distinct characters. The setting was so rich. We have gothic themes but set in a vibrant setting, full of colour and flavour.

The supernatural elements and the inclusion of folklore were so skilfully interwoven, never feeling out of place or unbelievable. A wonderful merging of genres. I really enjoyed this book and I’ll be looking out for more from this author.

I breezed through this page-turner in three days! The story is lovely, fast-paced and full of humour. I had to stop to google some of the mentioned mythological creatures from Malaysia. The book is a perfect comfort read with a very sweet ending, that feelings satisfying. After finishing I found out there already is a second book out and a third planned.
If you like light-hearted historical fantasy with a dash of romance, this book is absolutely right for you.

The Formidable Miss Cassidy of the title of this book is a feisty middle-aged Scotswoman who takes the job of Governess to the daughter of an English businessman in 1890's Singapore. Miss Cassidy soon realises why the family has been beset by tragedy and proves herself the match for malevolent forces with supernatural talents of her own.
Her next job is with Chinese widower Mr Kay and her next battle is with powerful,dark forces that have blighted his family for decades. If Neil Gaiman had written Mary Poppins the result would probably be something like this,as it is author Meihan Boey had the idea first and the result is a very entertaining book.
Miss Cassidy is a complex and beguiling character,as well as a doughty battler against the forces of evil she's also a warm and empathetic woman who's a lot more than first appears to be.
This is great fun, 19th century Singapore with it's Triads and diverse ethnic and cultural mix is a fantastic setting and it's magical in more ways than one.

The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 1 August 2024

Miss Cassidy is not your average governess. She possesses the ability to tame even the most unruly child, fluently narrate tales in various languages, and adeptly resolve any household crisis. However, her talents extend beyond the mundane; she confronts darker, more perilous challenges.

Set in 1890s Singapore, this formidable, fiery-haired Scotswoman finds herself tackling tasks that go beyond the ordinary. From banishing bloodthirsty demons to resurrecting spirits, Miss Cassidy fearlessly confronts the supernatural. But when she is engaged by the affluent Chinese widower, Mr. Kay, to aid his cursed family, Miss Cassidy must confront forces far older and more potent than any she has encountered before.

“The Formidable Miss Cassidy” throws you straight into the heart of the action and hooks you from the very beginning. As the story unfolds, details about the characters gradually emerge, seamlessly intertwined with the unfolding events. Each chapter feels like a standalone short story, with the indomitable Miss Cassidy at its core. The vividly depicted locations, along with the rich tapestry of folklore and myths, add an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

If you have a penchant for the dark and eerie, sprinkled with magic and whimsy, then this book is tailor-made for you. What truly captivates is the unique local flavour infused into the narrative, transforming it into a remarkable tribute to the rich history of Singapore.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and the author, Meihan Boey, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.