ss_reads_as_an_adult's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
halebugs's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
pyiab's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
hazeyjane_2's review against another edition
3.0
Another thoroughly enjoyable trip into early 20th-century Mumbai, against the background of a visit from Prince Edward and anti-British protests.
3.5 stars. Although not as good as the first, this book was a lot more solid than the second, with an engaging mystery and several possible suspects to the crime.
3.5 stars. Although not as good as the first, this book was a lot more solid than the second, with an engaging mystery and several possible suspects to the crime.
hanamarma's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nimeneth's review against another edition
2.0
DNF'd at page 115. This book drops you into the narrative at a completely unrelated point, and then whisks the reader straight into what feels like an overly simplified summary of the political climate of 1920s Bombay. There's no chance to get to see what Praveen has done since the last book, and even at this point there's no new details about Praveen's personal life like there were in the first two. I'm disappointed to give up on this book, but it's just doing nothing for me. Everyone feels cardboard.
thain's review against another edition
4.0
This has become one of my most anticipated mystery series. Perveen is an appealing character, and her efforts to succeed as a female lawyer in 1920s Bombay are presented in a realistic way - for example, the small triumph of speaking for her client at a coroner's inquest. It was also heartening that hope remains for her potential love interest, in light of her previous unhappy marriage.
The mystery involves a murder that takes place during the riots set off by the visit of the Prince of Wales. The future King Edward VIII only appears in the background, while the focus is on local attitudes toward British rule. Supporting characters from all walks of life enrich the story, and visits to several of Bombay's landmark buildings and public spaces help set the scene.
Recommended for fans of historical mysteries along the lines of Jacqueline Winspear.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
The mystery involves a murder that takes place during the riots set off by the visit of the Prince of Wales. The future King Edward VIII only appears in the background, while the focus is on local attitudes toward British rule. Supporting characters from all walks of life enrich the story, and visits to several of Bombay's landmark buildings and public spaces help set the scene.
Recommended for fans of historical mysteries along the lines of Jacqueline Winspear.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
chrispyschaller's review against another edition
3.0
Cosy mystery offers unique take on India between the world wars.
a_ab's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly, I liked this book better than the first one (I am yet to read the second in the series). It was still too long and meandering, but seemed better connected and more coherent overall. Character(s) from the second book are present here, so perhaps reading it out of order was a mistake, but now I am eager to read the second book.
I like Perveen as a person and while I am not a big fan of most of the other characters, I do find them fascinatingly interesting. One problem I am seeing is that some of the recurring characters seem a bit single-noted. Since we are seeing them repeatedly, I would have hoped to see them from more angles than we get to.
I like Perveen as a person and while I am not a big fan of most of the other characters, I do find them fascinatingly interesting. One problem I am seeing is that some of the recurring characters seem a bit single-noted. Since we are seeing them repeatedly, I would have hoped to see them from more angles than we get to.