“A Disappearance in Fiji” by Nilima Rao

“A Disappearance in Fiji” is an engaging mystery that vividly illustrates the brutality of indenture

Classic fictional detectives are known to have some notable common traits. They are mysterious, they are outsiders, and they (usually) have a secret from their past that they constantly dwell on. Akal Singh, a fictional young police sergeant in colonial Fiji has all of those experiences and more.

Akal is the star of Nilima Rao's fantastic debut novel "A Disappearance in Fiji," which was released just a few weeks ago by Soho Crime. A relative newcomer to Fiji, Akal was born in India and -- after experiencing a heartbreaking loss of a parent-- headed to Hong Kong to build his career in law enforcement.