Singapore Fire is the final installment in the 6-book Ash Carter Thriller series by Murray Bailey. Normally I don't read this genre often, but I was given the previous book in the series, Singapore Killer, to review, and liked it so much that I jumped at the chance to read Bailey's next offering.

Former military officer turned investigator Ash Carter is becoming embroiled in his most devious -- and most personal -- mystery yet. A familiar yet unsavoury character rears his head in Ash's life again: Andrew Yipp, the biggest crime boss in town and a man not to cross. Carter and Yipp have an uneasy truce, but all that is about to be blown away. Yipp's adopted niece Su Ling, for so many years under the control of her manipulative uncle, approaches Carter and asks for his help to escape. How can Ash resist, when she's the love of his life? With a clandestine operation as important as this to pull off, it's imperative that Ash stay under Yipp's radar, but he finds it a bit difficult when the authorities ask him to look into the kingpin's business dealings. Add in a dodgy baker, an extremely persistent feminist journalist, a murdered trans prostitute, a counterfeiting ring and the odd kidnapping or two, and you have yourself a ripping read.

Set in Singapore in the mid-1950s, the book tackles many heavy themes, from women's rights, to British colonialism, to child abuse, and for a little while I wondered how all of these strands were going to knit together. The action is not non-stop, as the previous book Singapore Killer was -- there is more intrigue and plotting. It never felt tedious though, and I was nevertheless on tenterhooks to find out the ending.

Singapore Fire does reference the previous installments in the series, but definitely reads as a standalone story, and I'm always appreciative of an author who can do this well. I was pleased that my favourite secondary character Madame Chau, Ash's cantankerous yet caring secretary, makes another appearance, as does the country of Singapore itself. I always love a story with a strong sense of place, and Bailey delivers again beautifully. I didn't realise it was the last book in the series until I was some way into it, and was a little disappointed that there won't be more. Hopefully the author will grace us with some short stories or maybe a prequel?

Ash wishes at one point to be compared to one of his favourite fictional spies, James Bond. While I enjoy the works of Ian Fleming myself, following Ash Carter's career is just as, if not more, satisfying.

Would I read more by this author? Definitely! ( )

This is the second book I have read by this author and the sixth in his Ash Carter series. The first was Singapore Killer, the previous book in the series. I won a copy of that from the Early Reviewers group.

I really liked the Singapore Killer book which I gave a favourable review and was encouraged to try this next volume in the saga, especially as the author kindly sent me a review copy. Both books work well as a stand-alone read. The continuity of the characters from book 5 to book 6 gave me a good feel of rediscovering old friends, but this was just a nice extra and far from essential for understanding and enjoying the plot.

Singapore Fire was even more enjoyable than its predecessor and certainly deserves a 5 star rating from me. The twists and turns of the plot were excellent and I certainly did not foresee the convoluted, but ultimately satisfying ending.

The characters are well developed and the setting in Singapore and its environs added an extra layer of interest.

Overall I think this is an excellent thriller and one I can highly recommend. ( )

Another brilliant book in the Ash Carter series by the talented author Murray Bailey.
Set in the thrilling and mysterious ways of 1950's Singapore with the most brave and charming Ash Carter, this book has it all! Fast-paced, action packed, loyalties, betrayals, friendships and love, there is not a dull moment in sight and will keep any reader engaged until the last word.
You will be thrown straight into the crux of the action from the on-set and will experience many great twists and turns throughout. Singapore Fire is the ultimate page turner as each chapter seems to end on a cliffhanger and there is no way out but to push the reader to simply go on further and further......succumbing to the impactful ending!
This 6th book in the Ash Carter series does hold it's own as a stand alone book, and even though there are references to previous books goings on it does not take away anything from this extremely well written plot .
However, I do strongly recommend reading all the Ash Carter series books as they are all as compelling as each other if not more as the books move along in the series and undoubtedly you will be completely hooked! ( )

This is the sixth book in this series and while there are some references to previous stories this book works as a standalone story. As usual from this Author the story is very well researched and written, with a genuine feel for time and place. Engaging from the first page a totally entertaining action adventure, as our brave charming fearless hero find himself embroiled in several mysteries and as usual cannot resist helping the innocent, especially pretty ladies. Apparently according to the Author's notes his family were split over the ending, me too! it was certainly a surprise twist that had me flummoxed and slightly disappointed but I cannot say more without spoiling it for my fellow readers.
WARNING : There is some reference to child sexual abuse which some readers may not enjoy, however it's not gratuitous and a small part of the story which gives essential background to one of the characters.
Totally recommended. ( )