Dive into the heart of Bali’s shadowy underworld with Murder in Uluwatu, a gripping thriller by Éric Buvelot. Set against the lush and vibrant backdrop of early 1990s Bali, this novel unravels the chilling mystery of Supatmiati Sahulata—a young woman whose beauty masks a troubled life. After a brutal attack and a fall from a cliff near the sacred Uluwatu Temple, her death sparks an intense police investigation led by the relentless Inspector General Iskandar Sawidra.
As the layers of Mia’s life unfold—from her troubled upbringing in Surabaya to her entanglements with foreign lovers and local criminals—readers will be drawn into a world where love, betrayal, and corruption intertwine. Barrel, Mia’s devoted fiancé, embarks on a desperate quest to clear his name and uncover the truth, navigating treacherous relationships, including the elusive Swiss casting director Hans-Jorg Quester and the enigmatic Leonardus, a losmen owner with dark ties.
Buvelot’s vivid portrayal of Bali’s contrasting worlds—the serene temples and the bustling tourist hotspots, the ancient traditions clashing with modern vices—creates an immersive experience that transcends a typical crime novel. With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, Murder in Uluwatu is a compelling exploration of human frailty and resilience amid exotic beauty and hidden dangers.
Perfect for fans of suspense and cultural intrigue, this novel will captivate readers seeking a thrilling journey through the Island of the Gods’ darkest secrets.
By the author of Bali, 50 Years of Changes.
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
In Bali, the Island of the Gods, murder is not common. So when the body of a young woman is found at the foot of the cliffs near the Uluwatu temple, Police Inspector General Iskandar Sawidra is tempted to conclude it was an accident. Probably a drunken Javanese prostitute who partied too hard with tourists and unfortunately slipped… His job is to identify her and close the case. But when the coroner raises the possibility of a crime, he must find a culprit. Luckily, one presents himself. Barrel, a young Frenchman, identifies the victim as his fiancée, Supatmiati, with whom he had planned to settle in France. The couple was already struggling, worn down by administrative problems and frequent quarrels. Sawidra vows to pin the crime on the Frenchman, while Barrel launches his own investigation—both to clear his name and to find the killer of his beautiful fiancée.
Sandrine57 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️AMAZON
Eric Buvelot unfolds for us the Indonesia he knows so well. While he highlights the beauty of the country, he is not blind to the flaws that entangle it.
As for the mysterious aspect of Bali, the reader discovers it through the myths and legends that the author stages with great finesse.
Camille Douzelet and Pierrick Sauzon, ASIEXPO
A work whose story is well balanced between its police-plot construction and its documentary depth. This ensures a refreshing sense of escape for the reader.
A reader who has never set foot in Indonesia will enjoy discovering this retro Bali just as much as someone who has lived there for years: satisfying both audiences is no easy task.
The suspense builds steadily to the final point. A very fine vintage indeed for this crime novel: waiting 30 years to savor it was worth it.
Cecile Collineau, LE PETIT JOURNAL JAKARTA
“A striking detective novel from the first pages that quickly disconcerts the reader… the novel is full of many twists and turns and the ending is quite unpredictable. As the novel progresses, the portrait of the murdered young woman takes shape and the reader is drawn into a world that no longer exists—that of the 1990s before smartphones.”
– Inde-en-Livres (Literary Blog)