DEATH BY HIS OWN HAND1924 Singapore.Early in his career as a Colonial Police Officer Masters is sent to Singapore to investigate the apparent death by suicide of a young concert pianist, Charles Richardson. Masters suspects murder, though suspects and motives are thin.Through a combination of astute investigation and guesswork, Masters flushes out the murderer. ONLY ONE SHOE1928 Kuala LumpurMasters’ nemesis, his former commanding officer from his days in the army and barrister in post-war London turns up in Kuala Lumpur as the Chief Justice. When the judge is found dead in chambers Masters suspects murder and finds himself as the suspect. TO SERVE AND PROTECT1931 MalaccaMasters is led on a wild goose chase by an ex-cop Bart Falconetti who uses the Chief Inspector in an attempt to settle scores with Tariq Malik, a drug kingpin. By the time Masters is on to Falconetti, the man is about to ship out and a gun battle ensues. DEATH BY KRAIT1932 MalaccaThe acting British Resident in Malacca is found dead in his bed. The pathologist finds two tiny pinpricks on the calf of the body and enough krait venom in his blood. The list of suspects is very short. Masters concludes it is murder and investigates accordingly. KING TUKURAHMAN 1938/39 Kuala LumpurReclusive drug kingpin Abdul Tukurahman is discovered dead in his drawing room with six gunshot wounds to the back of his head. Any one of his five wives, his major domo, his doctor, in love with one of the victim’s wives, a business associate anxious to take over the drug trade in Southeast Asia could have killed him. THE COMMODORE’S SEA CHEST1941 SingaporeActing Deputy Commissioner Masters receives an unexpected visit from his old school friend, Sutcliffe, who is clutching a briefcase bulging with cash. The briefcase belongs to Sutcliffe’s father, a Commodore in the Royal Navy and 2-I-C of the Singapore naval base. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary are most anxious that the investigation be conducted with the utmost discretion lest the morale of the British public be undermined. THE DEAN VANISHES1937 PenangThe Dean of St. George’s Anglican Cathedral in Penang and the church organist, friends since their school days together in Canterbury, go upcountry to visit a far-flung parish. Only the organist returns. Masters is sent to Penang to discover why the Dean failed to return from the trip. If the Dean was murdered, means, motive and opportunity seem lacking, as well as a convenient dead body and cooperative suspects willing to confess. THE HEADLESS BOOTLEGGER1940 BruneiMasters is sent to Brunei where the Sultan’s estate manager, Canadian Erick Braaten has blown his head off with a shotgun in what looks like a clear case of suicide. There, he is aided by an inexperienced Inspector Williams. Masters comes in contact with the wife Adriana, son Martin and daughter Greta.