Reviews

Inspector Ghote Breaks an Egg by H.R.F. Keating

blueskygreentreesyellowsun's review against another edition

I wanted very much to like this book. First, it is a mystery, which is one of my favorite genres. Second, it is set in India, with all Indian characters, and anyone who knows me even a little knows how much I love India. In spite of all this, I couldn't finish the book. It was just too painful to go through a plot where the caste structure, social customs, and religion don't allow for the questioning of authority, or for defense of one's dignity when it's insulted by someone of a higher position/caste. It's also a really boring read, knowing that the characters will never "step out of bounds". You just want to grab all the characters and clunk their heads together while yelling, "Oh my god please become interesting!"

This was my first Inspector Ghote book, and my problems with it are probably universal to the other books with this character. If you have liked other Inspector Ghote books, you'll probably like this one.

cmbohn's review against another edition

4.0

Inspector Ghote is sent to a small town to investigate a murder committed 15 years ago. And unnamed Eminent Person has told him who did it - the husband of the deceased, currently the top official in town. He controls everything. He even has a fasting swami on his side, calling for Ghote to leave. But Ghote is determined - he is a police officer, and he's not going anywhere.