Death by Tradition

Detective Inspector Josefa Horseman is watching his Suva Shiners rugby team facing the toughest team in the area and worries about the result. In Death by Tradition by B.M. Allsopp Joe concerns are swept aside when the boys perform admirably, although they did not win, they scored and that makes them happy.

Before Joe can celebrate with the boys, he is called away to investigate the murder of a young man up in the hills in the Tanoa village. Also on Joe's agenda is some long awaited vacation time and a visit from his friend Melissa who is coming from the U.S. to the Fiji Islands. He is undecided about canceling the trip because of the investigation.

Hoping he can solve the case quickly, Joe doesn't postpone Melissa's visit but hurries up to the hills and the village. With his new assistant Tanielo Musudroka and Sgt Susie Singh, Joe begins the investigation of the murder of a young man.

Viliame was an ambitious man who worked a day job at the National Land Trust Board and

commuted back to village on weekends to maintain his nutmeg and vanilla business. He had established quite a thriving business and was able to share in the profits with his workers. Why would someone want to kill him and display his body in such a public manner?

Joe is blocked in his investigation by the elders who don't really want to cooperate with the police. The chief is focused on making amends for the murder of a missionary 100 years ago. He has invited the missionary's descendants to the village for a ceremony showing their remorse.

When another death occurs, Joe is in a race to find the killer and salvage some of his vacation time with Melissa.

I enjoy this series because of the exotic locale and portrayal of life in a Fijian village, a series steeped with tradition.