I always love a good mystery and a period or historical mystery is even better in my books. This one fits the bill very nicely and I must say I was more than pleased with it.
Evil in Emerald by A. M. Stuart
Series: Harriet Gordon #3
Genres: Historical, Historical Mystery

Craving a change of pace, Harriet Gordon, joins a local musical theatre production but when a fellow cast member is brutally killed, Harriet and Inspector Curran must turn the spotlight on murder in this all-new mystery from the author of REVENGE IN RUBIES.

Between working at her brother’s school and typing up Inspector Robert Curran’s police reports, Harriet Gordon has little time for personal pursuits and she has been enjoying the rehearsals for her role in the Singapore Amateur Dramatic and Musical Society’s latest production – Pirates of Penzance. But Harriet quickly discovers tensions run deep within the theatre company and when the leading man is found murdered, suspicions abound, exposing scandalous behavior as well as some insidious crimes.

Inspector Curran once again turns to Harriet for help with this difficult case, but his own life begins to unravel as a mysterious man turns up on his doorstep claiming to know more about Curran’s painful past than he himself does. And after the one person he has always counted on delivers him some devastating news, the line between his personal and professional life begins to blur. Now, more than ever, Curran needs Harriet’s steadfast assistance, and when another cast member meets a violent end, Curran and Harriet will have to close in on a killer determined to make this case their final curtain call.

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Review

Harriet Gordon juggles her responsibilities at her brother’s school and her work as a typist for the police, but when she joins the local drama club for a bit of lighthearted fun, she quickly discovers that even in this seemingly cheerful group, secrets and tension simmer beneath the surface. When a murder shakes the community, it’s up to Inspector Curran—once again with Harriet’s sharp mind at his side—to unravel the truth before more lives are lost.

This was an utterly engaging mystery, packed with twists, red herrings, and a plot that never slows down. It was the kind of book that pulled me in so completely, I devoured it in a single sitting. But as gripping as the murder mystery is, what truly elevates the story is the rich character development and the deepening bond between Harriet and Curran.

In this installment, we learn more about Curran’s past and the weight he quietly carries, making him an even more compelling figure. Harriet remains steady, strong, and fiercely intelligent—an absolute joy to follow. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the series, growing with each book in subtle, satisfying ways.

Alison Stuart’s attention to detail and historical accuracy shines through in every page. Her depiction of colonial Singapore is vivid, atmospheric, and beautifully immersive. I could practically feel the heavy humidity and hear the bustle of the streets. Having visited Singapore myself, this series makes me yearn to go back and see it through the lens of its fascinating past.

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