Review: Unfinished Business

CIA agent Ellie Harper is sent back to Sri Lanka to investigate the murder, execution-style of an outspoken journalist in broad daylight. It’s four years since Ellie left Sri Lanka after her last mission went tragically wrong.

Chandran has written a fast paced, complex thriller which explores the damage wrought by decades of civil war in Sri Lanka. She skilfully weaves the personal and politic through the narrative. Sri Lanka’s history is complicated, but I felt I had a better understanding of it after reading this book - but the history doesn’t slow the pace or interfere with the narrative.

Ellie is a complex character, who doesn’t always make wise decisions, but is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of a good woman, even if it puts her life in danger. She’s easy to like, and I found myself invested in her journey, not only to uncover the conspiracy that led to the journalist’s murder, but her journey towards healing and recovery from the trauma of her last mission.

There’s a cheeky reference to Chandran’s award winning novel, [b:Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens|58894458|Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens|Shankari Chandran|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630367932l/58894458.SY75.jpg|92786969], where Ellie’s Sri Lankan father now resides, which made me smile.

This is a page-turner, taut, complex and engrossing. I highly recommend it.

• Review
• Shankari Chandran