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A review by shropgirl
The Shadows of Men by Abir Mukherjee
4.0
Book 5 of the Wyndham and Banerjee series, set in September 1923 and initially based in Calcutta, tension is increasing between Hindus and Muslims with the British trying to maintain law and order.
Abir Mukherjee has both Banerjee and Same Wyndham narrating the story and this works well as we see how the developments and incidents are seen from two opposite perspectives.
The story begins with Surendranath Banerjee being arrested and imprisoned for the murder of a prominent Hindu theologian in Calcutta. Sam establishes that the Chief of Police has sent Banerjee to the murdered man's house on a secret mission. However, even though Same manages to get Banerjee released there is a bomb explosion which injures the chief who then is unable to verify Banerjee's story.
Mukherjee describes the racial prejudice that existed when even the fact that Banerjee is a member of the police force, he is Indian and therefore there is no due diligence in the murder investigation. The British need a resolution regardless.
Sam, determined to prove Banerjee's innocence, goes with him to Bombay and both are then in great danger.
This series is excellent, the writing is good, the plot well paced, the tension increases, the descriptions of life in India at this time is believable and the ending is satisfactory. This is a most enjoyable way of learning a little of the history of decline of British rule and the rise of Indian independence. Highly recommended.
Abir Mukherjee has both Banerjee and Same Wyndham narrating the story and this works well as we see how the developments and incidents are seen from two opposite perspectives.
The story begins with Surendranath Banerjee being arrested and imprisoned for the murder of a prominent Hindu theologian in Calcutta. Sam establishes that the Chief of Police has sent Banerjee to the murdered man's house on a secret mission. However, even though Same manages to get Banerjee released there is a bomb explosion which injures the chief who then is unable to verify Banerjee's story.
Mukherjee describes the racial prejudice that existed when even the fact that Banerjee is a member of the police force, he is Indian and therefore there is no due diligence in the murder investigation. The British need a resolution regardless.
Sam, determined to prove Banerjee's innocence, goes with him to Bombay and both are then in great danger.
This series is excellent, the writing is good, the plot well paced, the tension increases, the descriptions of life in India at this time is believable and the ending is satisfactory. This is a most enjoyable way of learning a little of the history of decline of British rule and the rise of Indian independence. Highly recommended.