The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 1 August 2024

Miss Cassidy is not your average governess. She possesses the ability to tame even the most unruly child, fluently narrate tales in various languages, and adeptly resolve any household crisis. However, her talents extend beyond the mundane; she confronts darker, more perilous challenges.

Set in 1890s Singapore, this formidable, fiery-haired Scotswoman finds herself tackling tasks that go beyond the ordinary. From banishing bloodthirsty demons to resurrecting spirits, Miss Cassidy fearlessly confronts the supernatural. But when she is engaged by the affluent Chinese widower, Mr. Kay, to aid his cursed family, Miss Cassidy must confront forces far older and more potent than any she has encountered before.

“The Formidable Miss Cassidy” throws you straight into the heart of the action and hooks you from the very beginning. As the story unfolds, details about the characters gradually emerge, seamlessly intertwined with the unfolding events. Each chapter feels like a standalone short story, with the indomitable Miss Cassidy at its core. The vividly depicted locations, along with the rich tapestry of folklore and myths, add an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

If you have a penchant for the dark and eerie, sprinkled with magic and whimsy, then this book is tailor-made for you. What truly captivates is the unique local flavour infused into the narrative, transforming it into a remarkable tribute to the rich history of Singapore.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Pushkin Press, and the author, Meihan Boey, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.