Break from Nuala

The Inspector de Silva Mysteries #11

by Harriet Steel

It is autumn 1940, and Inspector de Silva and his wife Jane are looking forward to a well-earned holiday. But their hopes of a relaxing break in the picturesque city of Galle beside the Indian Ocean are dashed when death, mysterious illnesses, and a missing guest cast a gloomy shadow.
As they’re drawn into the investigation, the mystery deepens. Is there a villain amongst their fellow guests or further afield? The search for answers will lead them into great danger that has repercussions far beyond the island of Ceylon.

Please note that this paperback edition of Break from Nuala includes Christmas in Nuala previously only published on Kindle
Christmas in Nuala
The little town of Nuala is full of Christmas good cheer, until murder overshadows the festivities.
The mystery he needs to solve baffles Inspector de Silva. It’s just as well he has his wife Jane to support him in his race to unmask the villain and save an endangered romance.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical

276 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2022

About the author

Harriet 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.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the de Silva mysteries and know when a new book is released I have a reliably pleasing book to read. As the world is being threatened by Hitler the Inspector and his wife take a vacation break from Nuala in the seaside resort of Galle. The Inn has some strange happenings that de Silva cannot help but investigate with his wife's help. There are numerous guests that do appear suspicious, but amidst kidnapping and intrigue the de Silvas manage to enjoy their vacation.
Excellent plotting and challenging mysteries to decode for reader.

Kindle Unlimited

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europe is at war, but 1940's Ceylon is distant from all that. In Break from Nuala, Shanti and Jane go on holiday to the sea and I was excited for their latest detecting adventure. Eleven books in and I can't wait to snatch up the latest.

Break from Nuala, like most of the books in the series could be snagged out of order and enjoyed, but I would advise getting in on things from the beginning.

In this latest, the pair are visiting Galle an old harbor town and staying at a nice beach-side hotel. Shanti and Jane get to know their fellow guests who are Europeans mostly, but soon a death, a strange illness, and then a disappearance have Shanti's detecting senses reeling especially since the local chief inspector is doing a cursory job at best.

Unlike most of the books in the series, in this one, Shanti is out of his jurisdiction so his inquiries have little more authority than a private detective might have so it was fun to see him working a case from that angle. And, I won't spoil the surprise, but this one nudges into thriller territory a bit.

It was lovely spending the holiday with Shanti and Jane visiting the sites and just enjoying each other's company, but it was splendid when Jane got a bit more involved in Shanti's detecting than usual.

All in all, this latest will end up being one of my favorite installments of an all-round good series. Historical mystery and cozy mystery fans are the target group for these books.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

These have a cute edge that irritates me. This is a fascinating setting, great potential material and yet the writing feels pedestrian.

Note to author: speaking of cute, it is NOT cute to have named one of your characters "Edith Pargeter." Are you doing this to show your knowledge of excellent historical fiction? Because that's the real name of the author of the Brother Cadfael series, Ellis Peters, one of the greats of this genre.

And you, Ms. Steel, are no Edith Pargeter or Ellis Peters.

[Georgia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read Break from Nuala as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and received a copy from the author, but that does not alter my review in any way.

I’ve seen this series of books (this is the eleventh) around for a few years now but hadn’t got round to trying one for myself. What a mistake that was! As soon as I started reading, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Don’t you just love it when a book makes you feel that.

While the author is well into this series you don’t have to start at the beginning as each story is a standalone. Also, the author has provided a helpful, and short, list of characters who appear regularly in the Inspector de Silva Mysteries. In this case none of these characters appeared, as Shanti De Silva and his wife, Jane, were on holiday but they were referred to so the short bios of each was useful.

Shanti and Jane have gone on holiday to Galle, Ceylon in the autumn of 1940 and stay at a hotel called Cinnamon Lodge. Naturally the other guests provide a super cast of characters.

When Shanti goes out for a late-night walk, he is warned a leopard has been seen nearby and then one of the night watchmen is killed by an animal. Shortly after, celebrity, Elodie Renaud, and her entourage who are staying in one of the guest bungalows, are struck down by a mysterious illness. Then the charming Helen Morris is reported missing and despite searches no trace of her is found.

Now, while you can take a policeman on holiday, you can’t take the policeman out of the, er, policeman, and Shanti can’t help but make some discreet investigations. None of which go down well with the local police chief.

This was a delight to read. Beautifully paced I enjoyed watching the mystery unravel as de Silva worked his way to the final whodunit. Readers of Marple and Poirot will love this series as will anyone who enjoys a well told tale.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read almost all of the Inspector de Silva Mysteries and have grown very fond of the clever Sinhalese police inspector and his delightful English wife, Jane. This mixed marriage ought to encounter disapproval, but the sensible and likeable couple are usually greeted with friendship. Sometimes, however, Shanti De Silva is patronised by senior British police officers because Nuala is seen as a backwater.

Expecting to enjoy a peaceful holiday in a luxury hotel, the couple find themselves in a typical Agatha Christie setting. First a nightwatchman is found dead, then Elodie Renaud, a famous diver, staying in a bungalow in the hotel grounds, is struck down with symptoms of severe food poisoning along with her film team. Soon after Shanti befriends Helen Morris, a charming teacher, on holiday with her demanding Aunt Edith, the young woman disappears under mysterious circumstances. Not only does Inspector de Silva feel he must investigate, but bravely, his wife Jane takes an active part in trying to discover where Helen might be. The local police believe she has been murdered by a local fisherman but there several likely culprits among the hotel guests.

The book is set in an uneasy time and place. It is 1940 but Ceylon is not yet involved in the war. People feel guilty at their pleasant lives while there is suffering in Europe. There are vivid descriptions of life in Galle,

“Stalls selling an assortment of fruit, vegetables, tin pots and pans, trays of snacks and brightly coloured drinks were set up along the road. Women haggled over wares while groups of men loitered in the shade of palm trees gossiping and chewing betel. In some places, de Silva noticed beggars crouched on the ground, scrawny arms outstretched and hands holding battered tin cups.”

I enjoyed seeing Shanti and Jane working together to solve the mysteries and events became increasingly thrilling. Like the earlier books, this novel would make a wonderful episode in a TV series.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ceylon hasn’t yet been affected by the war in Europe and Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane are taking a short holiday at the luxuriously appointed Cinnamon Lodge in the coastal town of Galle. As always when they were away from Nuala, de Silva was a little concerned how people would view a Ceylonese man and a British woman as a married couple but any worries were soon laid to rest.

What was meant to be a restful break was soon interrupted by a couple of incidents at the hotel — a visit by the local Chief Inspector which de Silva didn’t think was routine and a group of guests, famous diver Elodie Renaud and her party, were taken ill by what appeared to be food poisoning. Seemingly unremarkable, if unfortunate, events initially, but then de Silva couldn’t help but put his policeman’s hat on and investigate surreptitiously when a nightwatchman is found dead and a guest mysteriously disappears.

Break from Nuala is the eleventh outing for Shanti de Silva, and is just as enjoyable as the previous books, although I did miss the regulars. Jane takes a more active role than usual and de Silva treads carefully as he has no jurisdiction in Galle. The cast of characters is diverse with several potential suspects. As the mystery begins to unfold and the investigation gains momentum things edge towards danger.

An enjoyable and well written cosy mystery set in a wonderful location.

[Dylan Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful new adventure with Inspector de Silva

An intriguing adventure with the inspector and his delightful wife. Well plotted with the twists and turns I've come to expect and well drawn characters. Kept me guessing to the end. I look forward to their next adventure.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector Shanti de Silva, and his lovely wife Jane, are enjoying a short holiday away from Nuala when they are inadvertently drawn into the mysterious disappearance of a guest from the hotel in which they are staying. With the inspector's fine eye for getting into the very heart of a mystery it's not long before he is piecing together the minuscule clues which the local police inspector seems determined to ignore.

As most of the previous books in the series have taken place in Nuala, the hill town which the inspector and his wife call home, it was good to explore another place in 1940s Ceylon, this time we discover something of Galle, a pretty coastal town, with an interesting history. With the intrepid inspector determined to enjoy his holiday at the beautifully named Cinnamon Lodge there is a more relaxed feel to the story however, as the mystery starts to deepen we are treated once again to all the elements we have come to enjoy from this well established series. There is the usual well developed sense of intrigue, more than a hint of danger and a cast of quirky characters who, it would seem, all have something to hide. Spending time in the company of the intrepid Inspector de Silva is always such a joy as this wonderful cosy crime series just goes from strength to strength.

Break from Nuala is the eleventh book in the series and whilst it is perfectly possible to read it as a standalone story, it does make sense to start at the beginning of the series in order to enjoy getting to know more about the time, place and people which this talented author brings so creatively to life.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shanti and Jane have finally taken a vacation from Nuala. They are on the coast in the town of Galle and its Cinnamon Hotel. The guests are the typical assortment of British colonists of Ceylon in an upscale setting. A widowed actress and her entourage planning on carrying out her deceased husband's desire to deep sea dive in the vicinity; an older woman who resides in the hotel permanently and her young niece, an artist who is visiting her; a young couple who seem to prefer their own company; a young Swedish fellow here to study the local flora and who is also rather reclusive (shy, perhaps?); another young man, also on vacation and, seemingly, interested in the artist and very much encouraged by her aunt.

After having dinner and observing their fellow guests, Shanti, as is his habit, if off for an evening stroll and jane, as is hers, after coffee, retires to their room to read before bed. Naturally, this idyllic situation is not very long lasting, as, almost upon rising it is discovered that one hotel employee is discovered, apparently mauled to death, in the vicinity of the actress' bungalow. Also, the actress and her entourage have all taken mysteriously ill. And almost within a day, the young artist, Helen Morris disappears. Despite his intention to stay out of the investigation, Shanti finds the local Chief Inspector to be too quick to accept the first death as an animal attack and the discovery of the perpetrator of Miss Morris' apparent death very convenient.

Though not wanting to intrude upon another policeman's investigation, Shanti and Jane find it impossible to stand by quietly when the man seems lazy or possibly corrupt.

[Ben G Raimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

a bit of wartime sleuthing

Harriet Steel spins another powerful story set in the beauty of Ceylon with inspector, Da Silva and his wife on holiday in the beautiful city ofGalla a beautiful coastal setting

As the da Silva’s make a valiant attempt to relax, in a much deserved vacation, they continue to be interrupted by strange events occurring at their beautiful resort hotel. It turns everyone’s attention to a very dysfunctional local police department, and a chief Inspector, who really does not seem to care about solving several odious murders. After a series of poisonings and murders perpetrated on guest, and the strange disappearance of a beautiful British Harris, inspector DeSylva. Is drawn into the wealth of intrigue as he tries to solve the mysteries without the help of the local law-enforcement team. As usual, his wife plays a important role in finding key pieces of the puzzle and helping him piece them together. All of this is set in a pre-to early World War II setting so expect a bit of Intrigue as World War II unfolds.

This book holes ones attention from the opening paragraphs to the very end, and is certainly worth your attention. If you like mysteries that are set an a different time and different place. The characters are well developed and extremely well described by the author.

[Erik Tolvstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, with Inspector de Silva, I enjoyed this tale, set in mid-1940. The world is a war, but the fighting has not yet reached Ceylon (it would by early 1942) This mystery has a few unique twists from the normal setting in Nuala. Here, the Inspector and wife Jane are on vacation at a Ceylonese coastal resort,

Of course, this being a mystery series, unpleasant and unsatisfactorily explained events occur. The local police inspecto is rather quick to wrap things up with facile solutions, so Shanti and Jane (she plays a very active and critical role), get involved in getting to the truth of the matter. As the inspector is functionally an interloper with no juristiction, he and Jane tread carefully.

Some of the suspects are not who we think they are, and the solution wraps up a bit more abruptly - though logically than I like. Still, the teamwork of both de Silvas makes this tale enjoyable.

P.S. If this series continues, there were a couple of characters that I could see re-surfacing in later stories.

[Maggie Mooha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun and interesting mystery by Harriet Steel featuring the Ceylonese detective, Inspector de Silva and his English wife, Jane. This time the couple are on holiday, but, of course, crime intervenes. The author does a great job invoking the atmosphere of 1930’s colonial Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). She does not shy away from the addressing the issue of a Ceylonese man married to an English woman but does not dwell on it. The story has its twists and turns through theft, kidnapping, international intrigue, and murder – everything one could want in a cozy mystery. Whenever I open one of Harriet Steel’s books, it’s like visiting with old friends – exciting old friends. I recommend all the Inspector de Silva mysteries and this book is a wonderful addition to the series.

[John Beaderstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series continues inSpector department Silva find crime at their holiday resort. Great local color about Ceylon in the waning days of British rule.

Inspector Dr Silva and his wife Jane find unexpected danger and intrigue on holiday in the valleys of World War II . All of the books give insights into the racial and cultural strife, and show the strong and loving relationship between the main characters.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector de Silva is on vacation with his wife in the coastal Ceylonese city of Galle. When there is a death in the hotel where they are staying he has a hard time not getting involved. Meanwhile, his British wife is concerned about the war in Europe and whether it will effect them as well. The story takes place in 1940. The local people are torn between wanting independence or staying under British rule

[Marilyn Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series (have read every one of the 13 books) and the principal characters. I also love having a window on mid-century Ceylon/Sri Lanka, still under colonial rule as WWII raged, a place, time and culture I otherwise would know little about. Each story has engaging new characters, around whom the book's mystery/murder is crafted. There are always enough twists and often suspense to hold the reader's attention - and always a good ending. I highly recommend this whole series.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

I do love Ms. Steel books and can not figure out why they haven't been picked up for a television series. This time around Inspector de Silva and Jane take a holiday to southern Ceylon and encounter a host of interesting characters. But when a death enters followed up with a missing young woman, well the holiday turns really interesting. Ms. Steel writes an intriguing plot that keeps you guessing and the suspects are not who they seem to be. Very enjoyable.

[John A. Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, entertaining read

I have read all the books in this cozy series. The plots are usually tied to historical events which I find makes them more interesting. I also like the author's ability to develop the characters without all the "filler" of detailed clothing and settings. I intend to follow this author and read future books.

[Bruce MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every bit as enjoyable as the other 10.

I had a great time working out who the rats in the woodpile were. I figured out 1 for sure and had the second as either a buffoon or bent, leaning towards buffoon.

[S L Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read

Ceylon continues to be an important character in this book. Shanti and Jane remain a delightful couple, working together to solve a mystery. Short and a very quick read.

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot was average but the period detail, Ceylon during WWII, was good. And even a predictable plot such as this one is a very welcome change from one featuring a creepy serial killer. There seems to be a superabundance of those in mysteries these days. 3.5 stars

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break from Nuala

Harriet Steel has written another entertaining mystery set in Ceylon. World War II has not directly touched it, yet the whisper of independence from Britain has begun.
Unexpected plot twists and turns keeps you guessing.

[Susan Steif · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun

I love this series characters are so charming as are the story lines read the whole series of them fun

[gayatri yambem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting till the last 30 pages

The ending was not good, could not read it due to just being plain boring. But the build up was good .

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another new location, and nicely done.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another excellent book in the series, this time whie the de Silvas are on holiday in the south.

[Candy Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to have a new inspector de Silva mystery to read! I can not get enough of this series! Everything about the setting and characters is so captivating, the story line is intriguing and fast paced, lots of twists and subplots. It is fine as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the whole series in order. The way the social issues are handled, colonialism, a mixed marriage, poverty, racism, is quite good and nonjudgmental. Such good reading and a mind trip to another country and time. Loved it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1940. The de Silvas are on holiday in Galle. When a hotel nightwatchman is killed and a guest goes missing presumed dead. De Silvas investigates but who can he trust.
An enjoyable historical mystery