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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I am finding this series fascinating. Each volume seems to have a slower and slower start and then ramps up to ever more layered intrigue and derring do!
Sense of time and place firmly roots the characters, who are developing brilliantly, and historic events (with poetic licence). I really enjoy that, whilst at heart, this is a crime story, each case is wrapped in the rudeness/politesse forced by race, class, attitude and a growing momentum steered by Gandhi toward ending the Raj.
I find the narrative device of pairing Captain Wyndham and his Sergeant, Banerjee perfect as a relatively easy drill down into both sides of Empire and experiences, family history after the First World War.
Sense of time and place firmly roots the characters, who are developing brilliantly, and historic events (with poetic licence). I really enjoy that, whilst at heart, this is a crime story, each case is wrapped in the rudeness/politesse forced by race, class, attitude and a growing momentum steered by Gandhi toward ending the Raj.
I find the narrative device of pairing Captain Wyndham and his Sergeant, Banerjee perfect as a relatively easy drill down into both sides of Empire and experiences, family history after the First World War.
3.5 stars rounded up because it was an interesting listen.
This continues the atmospheric, noir historical mystery Sam Wyndham series. Mukherjee seems to be able to focus on mystery, characters, or history, but not all 3.
However, if one reads it for entertainment and atmosphere, it is good entertainment.
This continues the atmospheric, noir historical mystery Sam Wyndham series. Mukherjee seems to be able to focus on mystery, characters, or history, but not all 3.
However, if one reads it for entertainment and atmosphere, it is good entertainment.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my usual genre but a book I was interested in reading. Set in 1921 India, I enjoyed the background of non-violent protests, learning a little about this part of India's history in the process.
The book started very slowly for me, only really gripping my attention from just over half way through when the second murder occurred and the events began to link together and progress more rapidly.
The book started very slowly for me, only really gripping my attention from just over half way through when the second murder occurred and the events began to link together and progress more rapidly.
I'd classify the first two books in this series as pretty straightforward mysteries, while this one feels more like a crime thriller, although it's still definitely a mystery. Sam has also fallen further into his opium addiction, so CW for some very vivid descriptions of withdrawal symptoms. His friendship with Surendranath is very important throughout the series, but it's pretty central here, although still understated. I got a little teary at a moment between them, at the end. I've often seen requests for books that focus on friendship instead of romance, and if that's something you're looking for, I recommend this series. Sam does have a romantic interest also, but that character isn't as prominent in this book as she was in book two.
I really like the immersive nature of the writing, and the plots keep me guessing. But most of all, these characters have captured me, and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
I really like the immersive nature of the writing, and the plots keep me guessing. But most of all, these characters have captured me, and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
This series continues to be one of my favorites for a myriad of reasons.
*The setting is unique, as far as I know in fiction, early 1920's India. What I know about India in general and its history, in particular, is way too scant, to the point of embarrassment. I collect vintage Indian textiles for their beauty, I should know the history of them and the people that made them more.
*Again, the era is an often traveled one, for me, but never from this point of view. A lot of the fiction and nonfiction I gravitate toward takes place in the 20's and it is filled with postwar ennui, illegal drinking, political shenanigans and more. India, instead of drunkenly wading in the past and present is looking forward with hope and resistance.
*The main character is flawed and cynical yet respectful and aware of the plight of Indians. He's the only one that does tend to look back and how could he not with what the war left him?
*The plots highlight actual events that are often overlooked by both fiction and nonfiction..or at least popular choices. Smoke and Ashes, for example, made me think so deeply about military weapons testing. Is our collective history of using colonials as the guinea pigs for bioweapons necessary or a crime against humanity? How do other people (characters) view it? There are so many viewpoints to consider.
*Before I start writing a book, let me make it simple. One of the ways that I judge a book, no matter the genre, is by how much I learn and am desirous of learning. If a book sends me down rabbit holes multiple times, looking up more info, its a winner in my estimation. This series and this book do not fail to disappoint, ever.
*The setting is unique, as far as I know in fiction, early 1920's India. What I know about India in general and its history, in particular, is way too scant, to the point of embarrassment. I collect vintage Indian textiles for their beauty, I should know the history of them and the people that made them more.
*Again, the era is an often traveled one, for me, but never from this point of view. A lot of the fiction and nonfiction I gravitate toward takes place in the 20's and it is filled with postwar ennui, illegal drinking, political shenanigans and more. India, instead of drunkenly wading in the past and present is looking forward with hope and resistance.
*The main character is flawed and cynical yet respectful and aware of the plight of Indians. He's the only one that does tend to look back and how could he not with what the war left him?
*The plots highlight actual events that are often overlooked by both fiction and nonfiction..or at least popular choices. Smoke and Ashes, for example, made me think so deeply about military weapons testing. Is our collective history of using colonials as the guinea pigs for bioweapons necessary or a crime against humanity? How do other people (characters) view it? There are so many viewpoints to consider.
*Before I start writing a book, let me make it simple. One of the ways that I judge a book, no matter the genre, is by how much I learn and am desirous of learning. If a book sends me down rabbit holes multiple times, looking up more info, its a winner in my estimation. This series and this book do not fail to disappoint, ever.
I really enjoyed it, but the suspense made it an anxious read in places. I appreciated that the plot solidly critiqued the British occupancy of India through the eyes of a British National. He is seeing the flaws in the system but still trying to be pragmatic about them.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Yes
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Partenza leggermente lenta, ma appena superata il libro si fa divorare; plot ben pensato e ambientazione molto coinvolgente. L’aggiunta di eventi storici rende tutto interessantissimo. Scrittura apprezzatissima, ottimo neo-noir.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes