The Formidable Miss Cassidy

Miss Cassidy arrives in 1890s Singapore, ready to turn her meek and sickly charge into a proper Victorian lady, fit for a suitable marriage. As Miss Cassidy settles in, however, she realizes the house is in the tortuous grip of a horrifying creature. Luckily, Miss Cassidy is in possession of otherworldly knowledge that makes her uniquely suited to deal with this troublesome pest. Her skills attract the attention of an enticingly charming businessman who is dealing with a supernatural curse of his own that may require more than even her impressive powers to vanquish. Miss Cassidy is a quirky paranormal detective with a mysterious past that is only revealed to readers through subtle hints. However, the concept is fun enough that answers aren’t necessary. Boey portrays the complexities of colonial Singapore as racism, classism, and sexism are framed as human imperfections to the all-powerful Miss Cassidy, who resides above such matters, while also spotlighting the ignorance of the oppressor. The book is split into parts, which keeps pacing tight, and each chapter is charmingly portrayed as a wryly humorous, cheery vignette.