I would like to thank LibraryThing for providing a kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is the start on a new but very interesting series based in Singapore in the 1950s. I loved the setting of this book but I did find it hard to connect with any of the characters so I feel like I lost part of the story. There wasn't as much action as I thought there would be, but what action there was I did enjoy. ( )

I enjoyed reading Singapore 52 by Murray Bailey. This is a story set in Singapore as a British Crown Colony in 1952. The historical background is that Malaysia is in the middle of trying to become independent and there is a concern that the residents of Singapore may try to become independent at the same time. There is still a lot of problems between the British, Chinese, Malaysians, and Japanese on the island related to WWII and Japanese invasion and occupation.

The main character (Ash Carter) has recently resigned from the British Army where he was a MP. He has come to Singapore at the request of a friend who was murdered before he arrived. When he arrived, he realized he was being followed by some group. It turned out to be the Colonial government and they staged an event to get him arrested. They wanted him to investigate a recent rumor of an upcoming attack and some guns being smuggled into the island.

Ash begins his investigation into the rumor working with the British Army MPs on the island and local police. He combines this investigation with trying to find out who murdered his friend. The story is very entertaining and has a number of twists and turns and betrayals by various other characters in the book. ( )

Another thrill-ride from Murray Bailey. This, in fact, is the first book in the Ash Carter series. It features the ex military policeman and his adventures in and around Singapore. I read some of the later volumes in this series and so I was interested to see where it all began. This recently re-released version did not disappoint. The basis of he story revolves around Ash returning to Singapore at the request of an old friend. He doesn't get there in time and discovers that his friend has perished under suspicious circumstances. As Ash struggles to solve the mystery he get involved with the local police, the military and the local Chinese mafia. The whole scenario comes to life under the skilful control of the author who describes the characters and the environment so well that you really feel like you are there. This is a very good read and I am happy to recommend it to any thriller lovers. ( )

I would like to thank LibraryThing for providing a kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is the start on a new but very interesting series based in Singapore in the 1950s. I loved the setting of this book but I did find it hard to connect with any of the characters so I feel like I lost part of the story. There wasn't as much action as I thought there would be, but what action there was I did enjoy. ( )

Asked by his friend to help solve a mystery, Ash Carter learns of his friend's death as he arrives in Singapore. He is also informed of a possible uprising among the Chinese communists and is tasked to discover the plot. The story is fast-paced as the protagonist tries to unravel several mysteries that he has uncovered and find out who killed his friend. Set in Singapore post World War II, this book is an exciting murder mystery with several plot lines. The author has rewritten the book instead of doing a screenplay. ( )