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kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
3.0
Even allowing for the lighter nature of this series, the idea of death by Hindu goddess in the middle of a laughter class is a bit of a stretch for anyone's imagination. But the thing I really like about the Vish Puri series of books is the gentle humour that eases the underlying message. The message of THE CASE OF THE MAN WHO DIED LAUGHING appearing to be the tension between modern and age-old Indian society, and hypocrisy in all its guises.
Knowing that the author married an Indian woman, and has lived in India for a period of time explains why a man with such an English name seems to be writing about that society and those messages with a combination of understanding, exasperation and great affection. Whilst Puri is a larger-than-life character, often referred to as the Indian Hercule Poirot, with his own particular set of mannerisms and ... well affectations ... underneath the slightly stereotypical persona there is an interesting mindset, and a man with a way of operating that seems somehow, quintessentially Indian.
The books also provide an insight into family life, and the way that the society functions within Puri's own particular class. Personally I love the character of Puri's Mummi-ji, even though I can't get Ummi from the Kumars at No 42 out of my head whenever she appears on the page...
The lightness of touch does rather deceive in this book though. At the start I just kept thinking the whole plot was too fantastic, too ludicrous to possibly be able to be explained logically and physically, and whilst there are more twists and turns to come before the resolution, the whole thing did ultimately make sense.
As this is now the second of the Vish Puri books don't let that worry you. Both of them would work out of order, so don't not pick up THE CASE OF THE MAN WHO DIED LAUGHING because you've not read THE CASE OF THE MISSING SERVANT. I'd also say don't be put off by the feeling that the both of them could be a bit light on, fluffy or even a tad unsympathetic. Sure they are entertaining and funny, but there's a little starch in the kurta at the same time. Oh and the food descriptions are positively cruel.... you can't read these books without a craving for authentic Indian food that just will not go away.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/case-man-who-died-laughing-tarquin-hall
Knowing that the author married an Indian woman, and has lived in India for a period of time explains why a man with such an English name seems to be writing about that society and those messages with a combination of understanding, exasperation and great affection. Whilst Puri is a larger-than-life character, often referred to as the Indian Hercule Poirot, with his own particular set of mannerisms and ... well affectations ... underneath the slightly stereotypical persona there is an interesting mindset, and a man with a way of operating that seems somehow, quintessentially Indian.
The books also provide an insight into family life, and the way that the society functions within Puri's own particular class. Personally I love the character of Puri's Mummi-ji, even though I can't get Ummi from the Kumars at No 42 out of my head whenever she appears on the page...
The lightness of touch does rather deceive in this book though. At the start I just kept thinking the whole plot was too fantastic, too ludicrous to possibly be able to be explained logically and physically, and whilst there are more twists and turns to come before the resolution, the whole thing did ultimately make sense.
As this is now the second of the Vish Puri books don't let that worry you. Both of them would work out of order, so don't not pick up THE CASE OF THE MAN WHO DIED LAUGHING because you've not read THE CASE OF THE MISSING SERVANT. I'd also say don't be put off by the feeling that the both of them could be a bit light on, fluffy or even a tad unsympathetic. Sure they are entertaining and funny, but there's a little starch in the kurta at the same time. Oh and the food descriptions are positively cruel.... you can't read these books without a craving for authentic Indian food that just will not go away.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/case-man-who-died-laughing-tarquin-hall
growlcat's review against another edition
3.0
Quite difficult to follow. Indian syntax was fun but not his best.
mekavbev97's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bkdrgn303's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second in what I hope to be a long series featuring Indian "Most Private Detective" Vish Puri. Puri and his motley crew of underlings "always get their man". Puri has a mother (Mummy-ji) who fancies herself a detective as well so there is an interesting parallel storyline that weaves its way through the story as a bonus. This book is filled with fascinating details and social commentary on modern life in New Delhi. It is a fun and delightful read.
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
Vish Puri is a modern Sherlock Holmes like PI with a network of informants and operatives canvassing the streets of New Delhi. I only say Holmes-like because he doesn't compare himself to the "Great One." This book will make Indian-Americans homesick. Lots of Indian terminology. You will definitely use the glossary of Indian terms provided but there are several not listed in the glossary. It became annoying after awhile to find them not listed or being able to remember them all and there are a lot of them. I've read many culture-centric mysteries but this one seems to have gone overboard in its embrace of terminology. Still the plot moves quickly. Many misdirections leave the reader stunned. But Vish Puri is rarely stunned. He's always one step ahead. He's a rather pompous guy but an affable sort. There is a subplot involving his wife and mother solving a robbery at a wive's function that could have been left out. I'm going to have read the first one now.
tshrope's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book in Tarquin Hall’s Vish Puri series, and I am happy to say that I liked this one better than the first. The mystery in this second book was a little more complex and interesting than in his first. It also took you behind the scenes of a so-called guru and exposed some of the tricks he used to fool his ardent followers.
Vish Puri and all of his Associates from the Most Private Detectives are back, and we even get a little more background on a couple of them, Tubelight and Facecream, making them more complex characters. And of course Mummy-ji and Rumpi are back on a side case of their own, the case of the Kitty party robbery.
This is a fun, light-hearted mystery that gives the readers an insider’s look at modern day Delhi, with all of its sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. It also gives readers an idea of Indian from politics, to the new Indian middle-class, to the unbearable traffic.
I have listened to both of these books on audio, and highly recommend them on audio. The reader, Sam Dastor is wonderful and adds much to the story. He does the Indian accents perfect and I never have to wonder about the pronunciation of Indian words or names.
Vish Puri and all of his Associates from the Most Private Detectives are back, and we even get a little more background on a couple of them, Tubelight and Facecream, making them more complex characters. And of course Mummy-ji and Rumpi are back on a side case of their own, the case of the Kitty party robbery.
This is a fun, light-hearted mystery that gives the readers an insider’s look at modern day Delhi, with all of its sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. It also gives readers an idea of Indian from politics, to the new Indian middle-class, to the unbearable traffic.
I have listened to both of these books on audio, and highly recommend them on audio. The reader, Sam Dastor is wonderful and adds much to the story. He does the Indian accents perfect and I never have to wonder about the pronunciation of Indian words or names.
woofpack's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
roshk99's review against another edition
3.0
The language of this book is so uniquely Indian and you feel transported into the chaotic hustle and bustle of Delhi, into the world of sadhus and science, where bribes, parathas, and auto rikshaws intersect.