The Strangler Vine

By: M. J. Carter

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

India, 1837: William Avery is a young soldier with few prospects except rotting away in campaigns in India; Jeremiah Blake is a secret political agent gone native, a genius at languages and disguises, disenchanted with the whole ethos of British rule, but who cannot resist the challenge of an unresolved mystery. What starts as a wild goose chase for this unlikely pair - trying to track down a missing writer who lifts the lid on Calcutta society - becomes very much more sinister as Blake and Avery get sucked into the mysterious Thugee cult and its even more ominous suppression.

There are shades of Heart of Darkness, sly references to Conan Doyle, that bring brilliantly to life the India of the 1830s with its urban squalor, glamorous princely courts and bazaars, and the ambiguous presence of the British overlords - the officers of the East India Company - who have their own predatory ambitions beyond London's oversight.

©2015 Recorded by arrangement with G.P. Putnam's Sons, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, a Penguin Random House Company (P)2015 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Critic reviews

" The Strangler Vine is a splendid novel with an enthralling story, a wonderfully drawn atmosphere, and an exotic mystery that captivated me." (Bernard Cornwell)

Fascinating historical novel

This book is engaging from the start. I was not very familiar with the policies and practices of the East India Company (I knew of its existence but not the extent of its power) and I found the historical information in this book incredibly interesting. Add to that a plot and characters that are intriguing and you have an entertaining and educational read. It's action packed and I thought the pacing was perfect.
I did not care for the end. I'm not the type that needs s happy ending, but I felt a bit short changed by the ending. I was hoping for more.
The narration is excellent.

Non-stop adventure!

What made the experience of listening to The Strangler Vine the most enjoyable?

Alex Wyndham is an amazing narrator! Every character has his/her own expressive voice. His sense of timing is wonderful -- every action scene comes to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Avery, of course. He's so idealistic, honest, naïve, and brave. I love how he rose to hero status before the book is over. I also like how he matured and changed as a result of his adventures.

Which scene was your favorite?

The tiger hunt.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I don't remember laughing out loud, and I certainly didn't cry. But I was greatly entertained and delighted with the characters, setting, adventures, and surprising twists in the story.

Any additional comments?

The first chapter is kind of slow, but it's important to pay attention to the details in it. Once Avery's travels begin, the action is non-stop. During first half of the book I kept wondering "why?" All was explained by the end. Very satisfying ending.

Exotic Adventure

Enthralling story. Superb narration by Alex Wyndham. I am looking forward to the next book.

not bad

not a bad book. good historical fiction. I will read the next in the series.

history alive

very interesting story, great narrator. gives you a feel of that time and place. I enjoyed it