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natcat's review
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed the setting, the portrayal of Calcutta in 1919 is vivid and fascinating, and I appreciated how much of the book was tied up in the politics and various points of view on colonialism and the struggle for Indian independence; that was probably my favourite bit! I also appreciated that the main character was kind of a real bastard, and had what felt like plausible opinions for an English policeman in India in 1919 (so, you know, warnings for that, too). He was pretty flat other than that, though, without a great deal of character, and his dead wife backstory annoyed me (particularly the fact that it just got dropped on us in a single chapter; I thought his WWI trauma was handled better).
The mystery was pretty good, but some elements of it got dealt with super quickly in the last chapter and epilogue and I think they needed some more space to breathe in order to feel satisfying. While I was vindicated to be right about Byrne being involved somehow, the fact that gets revealed in the epilogue was very weird pacing!
Overall I enjoyed it and I'm definitely planning on reading the next book in the series.
The mystery was pretty good, but some elements of it got dealt with super quickly in the last chapter and epilogue and I think they needed some more space to breathe in order to feel satisfying.
Overall I enjoyed it and I'm definitely planning on reading the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Drug use, Drug abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Violence
henrismum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
First in series
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I've enjoyed other mysteries set in India. Then Audible had this on sale for $3.49, so I bought it. (It's not available in audio anywhere else.)
Will I read more of the series?Probably Not Maybe Likely Most Likely Definitely I listened to last several hours at 1.7 speed, which is a sign of waning interest. Maybe the next time Audible has a good sale, I'll invest in the second installment.
The narrator was Malk Williams. He did a great job, even at 1.7 speed.
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: I've enjoyed other mysteries set in India. Then Audible had this on sale for $3.49, so I bought it. (It's not available in audio anywhere else.)
Will I read more of the series?
The narrator was Malk Williams. He did a great job, even at 1.7 speed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Racism
Moderate: Drug abuse, Addiction, and Drug use
Minor: Blood, Classism, War, Death, Murder, Pregnancy, Abortion, Police brutality, and Violence
srm's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fantastic mystery set in a time and place (1919 Calcutta) that is a fun and different option for a detective story. The writing is incredibly strong. Definitely planning to read more in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Colonisation, Death, Drug use, Drug abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Abortion and Police brutality
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