The Cannonball Tree Mystery: From the CWA Historical Dagger Shortlisted author comes an exciting new historical crime novel (Su Lin Book 5)

I have enjoyed all the books I have read by this author, particularly because I have a friend who lived in Singapore and I had the chance to visit her there. Although I am very familiar with the atrocities that happened in Europe during WW2, I did not know that Japan occupied Singapore from 1942-1945. I had the chance to talk to my friend about this, and she was able to tell me stories that her mom, who was a teenager during the occupation, had told her - very similar to what the author describes in this book. I love reading about the adventures of the main character, Su Lin, but this book also gave me a history lesson - thank you, Ovidia Yu! I could not wait to read the next book in this series!

Slow opening, but sprinted to the conclusion, became a page turner. Characters were good but not as fleshed out as they could be. There was a spirit to the book's description of Japanese occupation, but it was somewhat limited in scope and depth.

I'm struck by how much Su Lin has matured in this series, from the young girl in the first book to the woman who has learned she and her family have to survive any way they can. Survival is the goal, nothing more or less, just survival. The murders she uncovers in this book are beautifully woven through the grim reality of her life in a Japanese-controlled Singapore. Although under the protection of her Japanese cousin the threat of death is with her every moment of every day. I love this series and look forward to the next book and perhaps the end of the war. I miss the life Su Lin lived before the war and wonder how life will be after.

The details of life in Singapore, the numerous cultures that called this island home. And the exciting and clever heroine. All combine to make a good mystery story better.

Reading about Singapore with its many ethnic groups, languages, amazing food and out of this world vegetation is a treat in itself. Add to that a very compelling rendition of the Japanese occupation - both in terms of ideology (cultural superiority and imperial ambitions) and of its effect on the local population - and you’re in for a double treat.If that is not enough to make one read this book, how about I throw in believable and likable characters, good pace and a very satisfying murder mystery plot.

Each Crown Colony book provides a more comprehensive picture of Singapore during the mid 20th century. The characters are well developed ant the action is exciting and suspenseful. I enjoy the mystery, the history and the cultural nuances. Looking forward to many more adventures for Su Lin.

The war is still going on and Su Lin is working in a high officials household. She is estranged from her family and not sure where her friends are. The hardships of living during wartime, the descriptions of the food and where it comes from during this period are all very interesting. I love this series and would recommend it to anyone who loves an historical mystery.

I enjoyed reading the previous books by Ovidia Yu, but was disappointed by this one. It moves at a snail's pace. The characters are not well developed and with the exception of Su Lin, the main character, none of them are interesting or likable. Although the story ends with a bit of ingenuity, I didn't care.

I'm really enjoying this series of murder mysteries set in historical Singapore. It's good to learn a bit more about Su Lin Chen with each story and also more than I knew previously about the history of Singapore.

I really enjoyed reading Ovida Yus newest installment in her Singapore Saga. Even if it shows a lot about corruption and how low people can sink and all about delusions of being something better. It shows racism from a different viewpoint. And that Imperialism, Colonialism and racism is not only a european desease that needs to be erased.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book,I recommend it to readers interested in South East Asian history.Hope they will enjoy it as much as I did

Well written story.

This is another in Ovidia Yu's wonderful colonial Singapore mystery series featuring Su Lin. As in all other books in this series, the characters are wonderful.