

The Crown Colony Mystery Series
2 books
Here are 2 books from The Crown Colony Mystery Series series by Ovidia Yu. Start with The Frangipani Tree Mystery (2017), then read the rest in the order below.
Books in order

The Frangipani Tree Mystery
Ovidia Yu
Set in colonial Singapore in 1936, this atmospheric historical mystery follows Su Lin, a young Chinese woman whose sharp intelligence and observant nature draw her into a dangerous investigation. When a suspicious death is too readily dismissed, Su Lin must navigate the rigid hierarchies of a society divided by race, class, and power while uncovering the secrets concealed behind respectable façades. Rich in period detail, the novel explores identity, loyalty, gender, and the tensions of a changing Singapore, blending an intricate puzzle with a vivid portrait of life under British rule.

The Paper Bark Tree Mystery
Ovidia Yu
Set in colonial Singapore, this atmospheric historical mystery follows housekeeper and amateur sleuth Su Lin as a troubling crime draws her into a web of secrets spanning the island’s sharply divided communities. As she investigates, long-buried rivalries, family loyalties, and the pressures of a changing society come to light. Rich in period detail and infused with Ovidia Yu’s keen social observation, the novel combines a compelling puzzle with a vivid portrait of Singapore’s history, culture, and complex human relationships.