‘The Dead American’ by Jake Needham

My Review (5 stars out of 5)

When an American software engineer is found hanged in his Singapore apartment, the police quickly log it as a suicide and close the case. However, journalist Emma Lazar thinks otherwise and calls on Inspector Sam Tay for help, believing the police are covering up something more sinister. Trouble is, Sam is still suspended from duty following a shooting and is reluctant to get involved, but his natural curiosity gets the better of him and he begins to make enquiries. Discovering that his superiors seem to be determined to keep him away from the case, Sam agrees to work as Emma’s ‘researcher’ and the pair set off to interview the dead American’s former boss, but it seems the software chief knows more about Sam than the Singapore detective is comfortable with. Then Emma Lazar disappears, and things begin to get dangerous.

This is the fourth book I’ve read by Jake Needham and as with all the others, it’s a cracker. This time around, though, the author delves into computer technology which adds another layer of interest to the story and gives his hero a lot more to think about. As usual, the writing is witty without being silly (I loved The Wangster) and the continuing development of Sam’s character and his relationship with his dead mother are just as intriguing as the main storyline. As to the plot, the denouement wasn’t what I’d expected and had me wondering what Sam would’ve done if things had gone differently.

A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me riveted all the way through (I read most of the book in one sitting as I just couldn’t put it down!)

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