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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Yes
“Smoke and Ashes” is the third book in Mukherjee’s “Wyndham & Banerjee” historical crime fiction series, and it’s every bit as captivating as the earlier books. The author’s intimate knowledge of the city and its complex history is evident throughout, making the narrative both dynamic and authentic.
Mukherjee skillfully blends historical accuracy with a fast-paced, engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The story offers a balanced portrayal of India under British rule, impartially highlighting both the strengths and flaws of the era. What makes this installment particularly intriguing is its foundation in real historical events. This fusion of truth and fiction is both unsettling and fascinating, adding depth to the mystery and ensuring the reader’s interest never wanes.
As someone who typically isn’t drawn to history, I’ve been captivated by learning about Anglo-Indian history through this series. It has sparked a new interest in me, and I’ve already begun exploring additional reading on the subject.
Mukherjee skillfully blends historical accuracy with a fast-paced, engaging plot that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The story offers a balanced portrayal of India under British rule, impartially highlighting both the strengths and flaws of the era. What makes this installment particularly intriguing is its foundation in real historical events. This fusion of truth and fiction is both unsettling and fascinating, adding depth to the mystery and ensuring the reader’s interest never wanes.
As someone who typically isn’t drawn to history, I’ve been captivated by learning about Anglo-Indian history through this series. It has sparked a new interest in me, and I’ve already begun exploring additional reading on the subject.
Not sure about this one.... a bit too gung ho and a bit over dramatic. It did get a tad wearying when two different police forces don’t get on it just felt too much.
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
Oh, Sam Wyndham series, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I read this one out of the series order, and it did not detract *AT ALL* from my enjoyment. The tiny caveat would be that there is a marked evolution in the character of Surendranath between this book and book 4, but it's been in the works since the beginning, really, plus historical hindsight being 20/20, it was hard not to see it coming. Only very mildly amused by the Annie Grant plot, at this point, but she does not feature prominently in this book, so that was not a huge deal. On the plus side, Congress Party leaders, opium addiction, British intelligence shenanigans, biological weapons, what's not to love? (Note: one of these things is not like the others.) Bottom line: can't wait for my library to hurry up and get a new copy of The Shadows of Men already!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
An excellent addition to the Wyndham series. Not quite as great as A Rising Man but still has those great evocations of Calcutta that I really enjoy. The mystery was great and weaved nicely with all the fascinating historical events happening simultaneously.
The only aspect I didn't like was how quickly the ending came about, at least for me. It's well plotted and ensures you're a great one step behind the main characters but I would have enjoyed more time with the main antagonist since we learn a lot about him but not as much time as I would have liked. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact I'm looking forward to the next in series, promising an exploration of new location in India, something the author does masterfully.
The only aspect I didn't like was how quickly the ending came about, at least for me. It's well plotted and ensures you're a great one step behind the main characters but I would have enjoyed more time with the main antagonist since we learn a lot about him but not as much time as I would have liked. Still, that doesn't take away from the fact I'm looking forward to the next in series, promising an exploration of new location in India, something the author does masterfully.