Inspector Singh Investigates is a crime series written by Shamini Flint, a Malaysian author.     The first book is subtitled A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder.     Inspector Singh is an overweight detective from Singapore who does not fit into the police culture of his home nation, so he is sent to other locations whenever possible.    He arrives in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that a famous native of Singapore who is accused of murdering her husband is justly accused and treated fairly.    He decides she is innocent and so he works with the local police to investigate the murder.   Singh is sweaty and has a sloppy appearance, but he is good at his job.

The best parts of the book are the multiple cultural differences.    Singh is of the Sikh faith/culture.    The murder victim is a recent convert to Islam and so the family may be subject to Sharia law.   Singapore is a more cosmopolitan nation than Malaysia.  Part of the story is centred in the rain forests of Borneo.    The story has a certain charm to it, but the crime story follows a number of detective story cliches.

The author has written 6 more books with Inspector Singh, who investigates crimes in Bali, Singapore, Cambodia, India, China, and England.    She has also written many children’s books.

The book was an easy and enjoyable read, but not a strong contender for your Memorable Books List.    3.9 out of 5.0 stars3.9