I came across Trouble in Nuala while looking for a “straightforward” cosy mystery. That is, one without witches or ghosts or cute pets that help find clues. (Nothing wrong with those, but I fancied something without fantasy elements.) Inspector de Silva’s case fits the bill nicely, set as it is in historic Sri Lanka.

It was an easy read with a gentle pace. There are plentiful descriptions of places and people, as de Silva ambles around (metaphorically) picking up various clues, with ample opportunities for refreshments. I have no idea what police protocols would have been in that time period, and sometimes his methods seemed odd (though I easily accept how a 12th Century Benedictine monk goes about his investigations). For example, I raised my eyebrows at the thought of evidence rattling around loose in the boot of de Silva’s car until he remembered it was there.

Overall, a pleasant and straightforward cosy mystery in an unusual historic setting.