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The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #13
Long Odds in Nuala
When Nuala’s premier race meeting ends in controversy and a tragic death, Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife Jane must turn their minds to unravelling a new mystery. With evidence elusive and a hostile British establishment to deal with, it looks like it won’t be easy to uncover the truth, but when did long odds ever deter Shanti and Jane?
Set in the 1930s and 40s on the exotic island of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in the twilight years of the British Empire, the Inspector de Silva mysteries offer an entertaining and intriguing read spiced with humour and a colourful cast of characters.
Set in the 1930s and 40s on the exotic island of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, in the twilight years of the British Empire, the Inspector de Silva mysteries offer an entertaining and intriguing read spiced with humour and a colourful cast of characters.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
114 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Steel
25 books167 followersHarriet Steel wrote several historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her website, https://harrietsteel.com/ to sign up to her monthly newsletter for information on new releases and offers.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 3, 2023
Really enjoying this series, although not reading in order.
September 21, 2024
Continuing my delightful binge through the Inspector de Silva series, I’ve arrived at case set against the world of horse racing when Nuala hosts a prestigious race only to have the race course shrouded in a possible doping scandal and a murder. Shanti de Silva must tread carefully as he investigates the rich and powerful in Harriet Steel’s latest.
Long Odds in Nuala is the thirteenth installment in the Inspector de Silva series of standalone historical cozy mysteries set in 1930’s and 40’s Ceylon. Tea is the thriving industry of the hill country that is still under British Colonial Rule at this point. Shanti is a second generation Sinhalese police detective and since his marriage with Jane has moved from the faster pace and city crimes for the slower lifestyle of Nuala’s Chief Inspector and head of the small police station.
I do enjoy just how much history Harriet Steel pulls in to make her series fascinating and colorful from the period, to the setting, the characters, and the scenes of the crimes- in this case, horse racing. Shanti and Jane along with the other regulars know little about horse racing, but they’ve gotten pretty good about crime solving.
This book was interesting because for a few brief scenes, Shanti’s usual sole narrative gives way to a Nancy Drew-type young lady, Miss Appleby, who is from the area, recently took a job for the newspaper and is an avid horse rider and in the first ever ladies cup race. She does a bit of amateur sleuthing to help Shanti.
This was an engaging mystery with a handful of suspects with motive for the horse doping and for the murder. I had my eye on the culprit from the beginning, but I wasn’t entirely sure what his motive was for part of it. Still, this one got my blood-pumping near the end as I hoped Shanti would get to the truth before Miss Appleby got caught in the killer’s crosshairs.
All in all, this latest was a fabulous and fast read and I can’t wait to pick up the next. Historical mystery fans who lean more toward the cozy end of the spectrum should pick this series up.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.11.24
Long Odds in Nuala is the thirteenth installment in the Inspector de Silva series of standalone historical cozy mysteries set in 1930’s and 40’s Ceylon. Tea is the thriving industry of the hill country that is still under British Colonial Rule at this point. Shanti is a second generation Sinhalese police detective and since his marriage with Jane has moved from the faster pace and city crimes for the slower lifestyle of Nuala’s Chief Inspector and head of the small police station.
I do enjoy just how much history Harriet Steel pulls in to make her series fascinating and colorful from the period, to the setting, the characters, and the scenes of the crimes- in this case, horse racing. Shanti and Jane along with the other regulars know little about horse racing, but they’ve gotten pretty good about crime solving.
This book was interesting because for a few brief scenes, Shanti’s usual sole narrative gives way to a Nancy Drew-type young lady, Miss Appleby, who is from the area, recently took a job for the newspaper and is an avid horse rider and in the first ever ladies cup race. She does a bit of amateur sleuthing to help Shanti.
This was an engaging mystery with a handful of suspects with motive for the horse doping and for the murder. I had my eye on the culprit from the beginning, but I wasn’t entirely sure what his motive was for part of it. Still, this one got my blood-pumping near the end as I hoped Shanti would get to the truth before Miss Appleby got caught in the killer’s crosshairs.
All in all, this latest was a fabulous and fast read and I can’t wait to pick up the next. Historical mystery fans who lean more toward the cozy end of the spectrum should pick this series up.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.11.24
July 2, 2023
Long odds in Nualla
I love these books. I like the characters, I like hearing about this area of the world and what it was like during this time period. I have read all of this series and am looking forward to the next one with anticipation. I wish I had kept all the others so I could re-read them in a couple of years.
I love these books. I like the characters, I like hearing about this area of the world and what it was like during this time period. I have read all of this series and am looking forward to the next one with anticipation. I wish I had kept all the others so I could re-read them in a couple of years.
August 20, 2023
Set in the 1930s and 40s in what was Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and nearing the end of the ruling British Empire, these easy to read, cosy mysteries are entertaining and evocatively described, whether it be the area, characters or the food. It’s now 1941 and the pace of life in Ceylon is uninterrupted by events in the wider world.
In this latest episode the first ever Ladies Race is being held at the Nuala Jockey Club. Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane are attending along with friends, dignitaries and members of the community. The daughter of friends of the Hebdens, Rose Appleby, was riding her horse, Slipper in the race so bets were placed and fingers crossed.
'The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and despite the fact that he was no great racing fan, de Silva felt it too — a tightening in the stomach that spread to his chest and clamped it in an iron band. With the free hand that wasn’t holding his race card, he gripped the white rail in front of him.'
There’s a clear favourite to win the main race for the Hill Country Cup, but surprisingly the favourite didn’t win and questions were asked. Not only that but there has been a seemingly accidental death. De Silva isn’t convinced and his investigation points to several potential suspects and leads to danger for more than one person.
What I love most about these books are the characters and the setting. I feel as though I know the place from the descriptive passages. It’s so nice to get an insight on the de Silvas’ lovely home life and at the same time how, even given his job as a police Inspector, de Silva is still considered less than by some of the more arrogant British residents. A very entertaining read and a good mystery as always.
In this latest episode the first ever Ladies Race is being held at the Nuala Jockey Club. Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane are attending along with friends, dignitaries and members of the community. The daughter of friends of the Hebdens, Rose Appleby, was riding her horse, Slipper in the race so bets were placed and fingers crossed.
'The crowd was buzzing with excitement, and despite the fact that he was no great racing fan, de Silva felt it too — a tightening in the stomach that spread to his chest and clamped it in an iron band. With the free hand that wasn’t holding his race card, he gripped the white rail in front of him.'
There’s a clear favourite to win the main race for the Hill Country Cup, but surprisingly the favourite didn’t win and questions were asked. Not only that but there has been a seemingly accidental death. De Silva isn’t convinced and his investigation points to several potential suspects and leads to danger for more than one person.
What I love most about these books are the characters and the setting. I feel as though I know the place from the descriptive passages. It’s so nice to get an insight on the de Silvas’ lovely home life and at the same time how, even given his job as a police Inspector, de Silva is still considered less than by some of the more arrogant British residents. A very entertaining read and a good mystery as always.
May 27, 2024
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.
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.
September 11, 2023
A controversial race meeting which takes place in Nuala is the focus of this thirteenth cosy crime novel in which Inspector Shanti de Silva is once again embroiled in a complicated mystery which focuses on those in the racing fraternity. When an unexpected death occurs no-one is beyond suspicion and de Silva is determined to find the perpetrator before more tragedy occurs.
Long Odds in Nuala feels just as fresh, and expertly written, as the ones which have gone before and Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane, are now as comfortable as old friends so it has been especially delightful to have both of them feature so prominently in this story. All the old favourites make an appearance along with a couple of other dastardly characters who I was particularly glad to see get their comeuppance. The mystery at the heart of the story is well written and I enjoyed the references to the horse world, and racing in particular, which added a different feel to the story. As always, 1940s Ceylon comes alive with all the sights and sounds of Nuala coming into sharp focus and to watch the intrepid inspector with his meticulous gift for crime investigation is always a real pleasure.
This thirteenth novel as been every bit as fascinating as the ones which have gone before and, as this book finishes, I am already looking forward to more adventures in Nuala with Inspector de Silva and his lovely wife, Jane.
Long Odds in Nuala feels just as fresh, and expertly written, as the ones which have gone before and Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane, are now as comfortable as old friends so it has been especially delightful to have both of them feature so prominently in this story. All the old favourites make an appearance along with a couple of other dastardly characters who I was particularly glad to see get their comeuppance. The mystery at the heart of the story is well written and I enjoyed the references to the horse world, and racing in particular, which added a different feel to the story. As always, 1940s Ceylon comes alive with all the sights and sounds of Nuala coming into sharp focus and to watch the intrepid inspector with his meticulous gift for crime investigation is always a real pleasure.
This thirteenth novel as been every bit as fascinating as the ones which have gone before and, as this book finishes, I am already looking forward to more adventures in Nuala with Inspector de Silva and his lovely wife, Jane.
July 14, 2023
It is Autumn 1941 but Ceylon is as yet untouched by the war in Europe. In Nuala there is excited anticipation about the first ever Ladies Race at the Nuala Jockey Club race meeting. Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife Jane join the prominent members of the local community for an entertaining time including placing small bets on the winner of the Hill County Cup. An unexpected winner followed by a sudden death in the stables that night, give Inspector de Silva an investigation to solve, with a number of possible suspects.
The story features Rose Appleby, a skilled jockey who was fond of the murder victim, as she tries to be an amateur detective. Meanwhile Shanti follows dangerous leads which help him to solve the case.
Like the earlier stories in this series there are fascinating details of Shanti and Jane’s happy marriage and also of the arrogance shown by many of the British officials. Set in an unusually peaceful setting for this era, the case is difficult to solve but intriguing to follow. I can recommend visiting Shanti’s beautiful garden where you can meet his comical cats Billy and Bella.
The story features Rose Appleby, a skilled jockey who was fond of the murder victim, as she tries to be an amateur detective. Meanwhile Shanti follows dangerous leads which help him to solve the case.
Like the earlier stories in this series there are fascinating details of Shanti and Jane’s happy marriage and also of the arrogance shown by many of the British officials. Set in an unusually peaceful setting for this era, the case is difficult to solve but intriguing to follow. I can recommend visiting Shanti’s beautiful garden where you can meet his comical cats Billy and Bella.
July 23, 2023
Crackerjack entry to the series! Dramatic tension right from the first page to the denouement.
The gist of the story line is set in the world of horse racing and the people associated with the operations of that racing. There's suspicious results to a race and the murder of a poor innocent soul. With little hard evidence to go on and socially connected suspects, Inspector DeSilva has to be very circumspect in his investigation. The clues to the culprit are there for the reader to cipher out all the way through. Plenty of red herrings along the way though, so keep thinking.
I can't wait for the next volume to come out!
The gist of the story line is set in the world of horse racing and the people associated with the operations of that racing. There's suspicious results to a race and the murder of a poor innocent soul. With little hard evidence to go on and socially connected suspects, Inspector DeSilva has to be very circumspect in his investigation. The clues to the culprit are there for the reader to cipher out all the way through. Plenty of red herrings along the way though, so keep thinking.
I can't wait for the next volume to come out!
July 9, 2023
I look forward to each new Inspector de Silva mystery and find I am always rewarded. The home life as well as the police work can be relied on to deliver action, interesting relationships and intriguing mysteries with the very real threat of violence. Horse racing is featured in this tale and where heavy betting is present one can expect the possibility of criminal behavior. The death of a young boy who serviced the horses must be investigated and results in very real danger.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
September 10, 2023
Harriet Steele’s “Long Odds in Nuala” (2023) is the 13th book in the Inspector de Silva mysteries set in the tea-growing region of Ceylon in the late 1930s and early 1940s. De Silva is a Sinhalese Buddhist married to an English expatriate. In this novel set in early 1941, De Silva leads the investigation into the death of a young attendant at a racing stable. The plot of this book is good, but this book is not nearly as interesting as others in the series and the writing is mechanical. Modestly recommended if you are a fan of the series.
February 28, 2024
Not up to the usual standard
While I have enjoyed Inspector de Silva’s crime solving for years, this addition to the series was not of the usual standard as other volumes. Ms Steel was overly verbose but also dragging her feet for most of the time. The changes of point of view were annoying and only needed because the plot had holes. There were also quite a few cases of her contradicting herself from one page to the next. There were other places that I just couldn’t believe due to the characters’ portrayal. I’m sorry to be disappointed in one of my favourite series.
While I have enjoyed Inspector de Silva’s crime solving for years, this addition to the series was not of the usual standard as other volumes. Ms Steel was overly verbose but also dragging her feet for most of the time. The changes of point of view were annoying and only needed because the plot had holes. There were also quite a few cases of her contradicting herself from one page to the next. There were other places that I just couldn’t believe due to the characters’ portrayal. I’m sorry to be disappointed in one of my favourite series.
February 29, 2024
Refreshing
I enjoy your books because they connect with me i also like miss marple, Poirier Like it etc. Actors and actresses from that era too. I sometimes see your Inspector played by David Niven. To me he would display the type of character and values displayed by inspector de Silva.
I like the settings. The descriptions of the environment and the residence of Dr Silva as well.as his boss it is realistic for the time period. Their British control of Ceylon and under the British thumb so to say. As it would be for that time period. I enjoy your work.
I enjoy your books because they connect with me i also like miss marple, Poirier Like it etc. Actors and actresses from that era too. I sometimes see your Inspector played by David Niven. To me he would display the type of character and values displayed by inspector de Silva.
I like the settings. The descriptions of the environment and the residence of Dr Silva as well.as his boss it is realistic for the time period. Their British control of Ceylon and under the British thumb so to say. As it would be for that time period. I enjoy your work.
May 15, 2024
Great story
Harriet Steel has again transported the reader to Sri Lanka during the Colonial rule of the 1940's. Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane are joining friends for a day at the races, not knowing certain events that day will lead the Inspector to solving a murder where the many suspects are among the British elites. This wonderful constructed story will keep you guessing to the end.
Harriet Steel has again transported the reader to Sri Lanka during the Colonial rule of the 1940's. Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane are joining friends for a day at the races, not knowing certain events that day will lead the Inspector to solving a murder where the many suspects are among the British elites. This wonderful constructed story will keep you guessing to the end.
September 15, 2025
betting on the Furure
Inspector de Silva and his wife another series of senseless murders set in their quite little town of Nuala. The lush setting of their sleepy village set in Ceylon tea growing hills is the perfect place for the Ceylonese police force to pit their skills against clever criminals attempting to hide their illegal gambling schemes at Naula’s annual horse race. They failed to account for the de Silva’s uncanny powers of detective work.
Inspector de Silva and his wife another series of senseless murders set in their quite little town of Nuala. The lush setting of their sleepy village set in Ceylon tea growing hills is the perfect place for the Ceylonese police force to pit their skills against clever criminals attempting to hide their illegal gambling schemes at Naula’s annual horse race. They failed to account for the de Silva’s uncanny powers of detective work.
July 15, 2023
this series gets better and better
In a world where lies and deceit seem to triumph it is a relief to get back to Ceylon during the war. Murder is wrong, the guilty are found out, and the Chief of Police worries that his English wife wants to learn how to drive a car, a Morris Minor. All is right in the world and the Chief returns to cultivate his garden in peace and quiet.
In a world where lies and deceit seem to triumph it is a relief to get back to Ceylon during the war. Murder is wrong, the guilty are found out, and the Chief of Police worries that his English wife wants to learn how to drive a car, a Morris Minor. All is right in the world and the Chief returns to cultivate his garden in peace and quiet.
July 21, 2023
Mystery solving duo do it again
Jane and deSilva solve a murder disguised as an accident and save the life of a young woman. I particularly enjoy the way they work together at a time when women were just coming into their own due to the war. It is fun following the twists and turns of the plot. Another delightful outing with one of my favorite crime solving teams.
Jane and deSilva solve a murder disguised as an accident and save the life of a young woman. I particularly enjoy the way they work together at a time when women were just coming into their own due to the war. It is fun following the twists and turns of the plot. Another delightful outing with one of my favorite crime solving teams.
January 19, 2024
I love Inspector de Silva. He juggles his police duties, his marriage to an English woman, dealing with prejudice in a changing world, tolerating English food and relishing local dishes. While he lives on two worlds, his home is his sanctuary, where his cats and his garden set his world right again.
December 31, 2024
There are some mystery series that I am happy to plow through many episodes at at time, and others where the conventions start to wear me out. This particular series is one of the former, and I have no doubt I'll pick up de Silva again if more books become available.
I enjoy Ceylon, and I enjoy the dynamics between all the characters who are shown as full people with foibles and hearts.
I enjoy Ceylon, and I enjoy the dynamics between all the characters who are shown as full people with foibles and hearts.
July 21, 2023
Long Odds in Nuala
Another satisfying read from Harriet Steel as she develops familiar characters and introduces new ones. The plots to her stories are always intricate yet are enjoyable to follow.
Another satisfying read from Harriet Steel as she develops familiar characters and introduces new ones. The plots to her stories are always intricate yet are enjoyable to follow.
July 23, 2023
Another excellent read
Despite having an excellent idea who the villain was, this was a good story. It kept the dangers down to an acceptable level and introduced several new characters.
Despite having an excellent idea who the villain was, this was a good story. It kept the dangers down to an acceptable level and introduced several new characters.
July 24, 2023
I love these books!
Great characters, interesting setting, intriguing time period and well-plotted. I’ve read about half, some in order - some not. Unlike some authors Steel resists re-telling every prior book before getting the current one going.
Great characters, interesting setting, intriguing time period and well-plotted. I’ve read about half, some in order - some not. Unlike some authors Steel resists re-telling every prior book before getting the current one going.
July 30, 2023
Inspector de Silva Succeeds Again
Once again Mrs. steel delivers an intriguing and entertaining read. Her characters remain true to themselves and the story transports the reader to another time and place.
Once again Mrs. steel delivers an intriguing and entertaining read. Her characters remain true to themselves and the story transports the reader to another time and place.
September 27, 2023
enjoyed another Inspector de Silva book
I like the inspector’s thought process. Never ready to jump to conclusions or is thoughtful in his decisions. I also like his relationship with the colonial British. They respect him and he never disappoints.
I like the inspector’s thought process. Never ready to jump to conclusions or is thoughtful in his decisions. I also like his relationship with the colonial British. They respect him and he never disappoints.
July 8, 2023
3.5 as always a lovely little mystery
August 1, 2023
I read this series for its period and place details - Ceylon around 1940. The plots are usually fairly straightforward.
August 11, 2023
The last one in the series--and now I have read three of them. I enjoyed the 1940s setting in Ceylon and Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane who counsels him in his work.
see private notes
see private notes
November 6, 2024
Mostly I enjoy these though every now and then things grate; the fragrant rice with the curry, something you do with servants..things that I know are if the period but still jarring
June 5, 2024
Autumn 1941. Nuala's race meeting is over with some controversy and one of the grooms is found dead. Is there a connection.
An enjoyable historical mystery
An enjoyable historical mystery
January 28, 2025
As always, Inspector de Silva has to tread lightly as he navigates the death of a young stable boy after a day of horse racing. Of course, the stable boy is a native of Ceylon and the British citizens don't take kindly to the Inspector's investigation of what turns out to be a murder.
The best part of this series I feel is the way that the author is able to portray the uneasy alliance (if one can term it that way) between the British citizens and the natives of Ceylon. Inspector de Silva navigates the class difference quite nicely as he understands his "place" in society, which isn't to say that he likes it.
The author also manages to weave in the uncertainly of the World War II and the effect it has on the area.
As always, this series is well done and highly recommended. Unlike other series that seem to peter out as the books progress, this one is as sharp and interesting as the first book.
The best part of this series I feel is the way that the author is able to portray the uneasy alliance (if one can term it that way) between the British citizens and the natives of Ceylon. Inspector de Silva navigates the class difference quite nicely as he understands his "place" in society, which isn't to say that he likes it.
The author also manages to weave in the uncertainly of the World War II and the effect it has on the area.
As always, this series is well done and highly recommended. Unlike other series that seem to peter out as the books progress, this one is as sharp and interesting as the first book.
March 29, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and hope a new book will be out in a few months. These mysteries transport me back in time and to an unfamiliar setting. I have frequently stopped to find the recipe for a dish that is mentioned, but have decided that I would need to stop working to find time to make these delicious foods. The relationships of the people are interesting and have often caused me to pause and reflect. Thanks you Mrs. Steele for giving me hours of pleasure this past summer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews