Raffles Hotel Singapore announced the launch of “The Raffles Affair”, a thrilling whodunnit novel set in the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore penned by the latest Writer-in-Residence, Vicki Virtue, a seasoned travel writer from New Zealand. Follow the adventures of heroine Victoria West, as she uncovers the truth behind a Raffles Hotel murder mystery in “The Raffles Affair” (S$29.90), now available for purchase from the Raffles Boutique, in-store and online.

Inspired by childhood memories of reading detective masterpieces and Golden Age mysteries, and visits to Raffles Hotel Singapore over the past few years, “The Raffles Affair” is a modern take on the classic whodunnit, melding together the familiar past with the new and exciting, bringing back the fun and glamour of the old Golden Age detective novel – much like the restored Grande Dame. In “The Raffles Affair”, the iconic property offers the luxury that the heroine of the story, Victoria West, needs at the end of a gruelling three-month assignment in Africa. As it has done many times for the author, Raffles Hotel Singapore provides the protagonist with the solace of familiarity before setting off on her next adventure.

Having travelled to over fifty countries, Vicki had long been fascinated by the mystique of the Grande Dame, with its rich literary heritage and history as a meeting point for global travellers. Alongside her love of travel and adventure, it was Vicki’s admiration for great literature and storytellers who have stayed with Raffles Hotel Singapore that led her to write “The Raffles Affair” which has been published by Penguin Random House SEA.

Vicki is the second Writer-in-Residence under the Writer’s Residency Programme, following the footsteps of the first invited Writer-in-Residence, British-born essayist and novelist, Pico Iyer. As part of the programme, creative writing talents are given the opportunity to immerse in the Grand Dame’s luxurious environment for up to four weeks and be inspired to create new literary works. The programme supports the storytellers of today – aiming to create and nurture a pipeline of creative writing talents as well as to engage writers with a record of creative excellence.

For a taste of mystique, browse the Writers Bar’s selection of new handcrafted cocktails (S$28++ each), inspired by various mysterious and colourful characters featured in “The Raffles Affair”. Created by Head Bartender Nicholas Alexander and his team of skilled mixologists, these unique craft cocktails will whisk guests away on a thrilling search for the truth.

Unravel the mystery with Agent Provocateur, a sophisticated and exquisitely blended cocktail made with Blandy’s 5 Year Bual Madeira, El Dorado 12, Concord Grenadine, lemon and mint; the charming and beautiful Femme Fatale, made with Raffles exclusive Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV “An Iconic Return”, flowers, apple brandy and Cocchi Rosa; the brilliant False Alibi, a refreshing blend of Beluga Gold Line vodka, Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, passionfruit, gum arabic, white balsamic, lemon, egg white and soda; the fabulous Saboteur, an audacious twist on the classic martini recipe; or end the night with Sweet Tipples, dessert-styled cocktails based on the novel’s motifs of Sloth, Wrath, and Pride.

Writers Bar is now open daily, from 4.00PM-10.30PM. Guests can also complement the experience with a curated selection of elevated bar snacks from the Gourmet Collection. Savour Beef Tartare Toast, Lobster Roll with curry mayonnaise, Parmesan Truffle Fries, and Kristal Caviar among other delightful bites.

For all enquiries and reservations for dining experiences at Raffles Hotel Singapore, please call +65 6412 1816 or email at singapore@raffles.com.