The novel is a murder mystery set in Singapore in 1936. The main character, an alumna of Mission School, Chen Su Lin,[1]aPeranakan, is 16 years of age and had been afflicted by polio. Su Lin no longer has any parents. She becomes the nanny of a disabled girl, Dee-Dee Palin, the daughter of the Governor of Singapore, after dodging attempts to have her married off.[2] The governor, Henry Palin, is the brother of Nessa. Dee-Dee had caught a fever at age seven and intellectually remained in that state. Su Lin's teacher, Vanessa "Nessa" Palin, who helped her escape the forced marriage, first arranges for her to work as a housekeeper for the chief inspector of the Singapore Police,[3] Thomas Le Froy, who knows Singlish and has views on race ahead of most Britons in Singapore, who view other races as below them.[2]
The previous nanny, an Irishwoman,[2] with the name Charity Byrne, died from a neck injury sustained from falling off of a balcony a possible act of foul play.[3] Therefore, Su Lin takes over Charity's job. Dee-Dee tells Su Lin that her stepmother Mary killed Charity and expressed a fear that Mary could kill them too. Dee-Dee therefore begs Su-Lin to kill Mary instead. While the governor contacts authorities to look into the matter,[3] Su Lin decides to investigate Charity's death herself, working with Le Froy.[2]
Olivia Ho of the Straits Times described Su Lin as a "efficient, resourceful heroine" while Le Froy "is a little bit too perfect".[2]
Olivia Ho rated the book 3.5 of 5 stars.[2]
James Kidd of the South China Morning Post rated the book four of five stars, citing the "arresting plot" and the dynamism of the main characters.[4]
Publishers Weekly stated that it was part of an "exceptional series" and gave the book a positive review.[1]
Kirkus Reviews stated that it is "a delightful vintage whodunit bubbling with charm and an infectious curiosity about human nature."[3]