The Case of the Missing Servant

By: Tarquin Hall

Narrated by: Sam Dastor

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Vish Puri, India's most private investigator. Portly, persistent and unmistakably Punjabi, he cuts a determined swathe through modern India's swindlers, cheats and murderers.

In hot and dusty Delhi, Puri's main work comes from screening prospective marriage partners, a job once the preserve of aunties and family priests. But when an honest public litigator is accused of murdering his maidservant, it takes all of Puri's resources to investigate. How will he trace the fate of the girl, known only as Mary, in a population of more than one billion? Who is taking pot shots at him and his prize chilli plants? And why is his widowed "Mummy-ji" attempting to play sleuth when everyone knows Mummies are not detectives? With his team of undercover operatives--Tubelight, Flush, and Facecream--Puri ingeniously combines modern techniques with principles of detection established in India more than 2000 years ago - long before "that Johnny-come-lately" Sherlock Holmes donned his Deerstalker.

From his well-heeled Gymkhana Club to the slums where the servant classes live, Puri's adventures reveal modern India in all its seething complexity.

©2009 Sacred Cow Media Ltd. (P)2009 BBC Audio

Fascinating Mystery with lots of Local Color

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I learned a lot about life in modern India from listening to this book. Some of it rather sad, although the book is pretty comical.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It did. The mystery was introduced in a clever way and kept me intrigued to the very end.

What does Sam Dastor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His charming accent and the way he creates the various characters.

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

Most of the book warranted chuckles.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book for an entertaining experience as well as insight into what is almost a different world.

A Enjoyable Listen!

The story is of a servant who goes missing, the man who is accused of being responsible for it and the full of himself yet loveable detective who gets to the bottom of it all. From the nick only names of his staff and wife, to his love for delicious fried Indian treats Puri is very well flshed out as a character. He reminded me of someone I know in real life - right down to the step by step self congratulatory accounts of resolved cases he conveyed to his poor secretary. As the story went on, it did become predictable, but not boring, so that was a plus!
So no it was not shockingly surprising, but it was a solid offering (I wouldnt be surprised if this author used to be a technical writer - things are so concise and tied up in the end.), with well written characters (Mummy is my fave) and I liked the Poirot-like ending with everyone gathered around in the livingroom for the revelation. I also especially enjoyed the telling of the pre marital cases he worked and was working on. I certainly plan to have another listen at this authors other works!.

Wonderful atmospheric murder mystery

I greatly enjoyed the murder mystery, but what makes this book stand out is the incredible atmospheric description of life in India, with all of its unimaginable poverty, seediness and corruption and also its wonders and diverse culture. The narration was spectacular. Highly recommended! Can’t wait to start the second book in the series.

Wonderful

Would you listen to The Case of the Missing Servant again? Why?

Yes I am sure I get something new out of it

What did you like best about this story?

The slice of life in India

What does Sam Dastor bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

His accents

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

Made me laugh

Any additional comments?

When is the next book

Delightful Characters

If you could sum up The Case of the Missing Servant in three words, what would they be?

Amusing intricate mystery

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoy the family life of the lead character Puri, especially his mother Mummyji. Their interactions are amusing while still advancing one of the subplots that enliven the story. Similarly, the characters of Puri's various operatives as they investigate one or another mystery are by turns delightful and effective in turning up clues. Throughout the book, Indian culture and daily life provide an exotic background without minimizing the effects of poverty and corruption on the lives of the Indian people.

What about Sam Dastor’s performance did you like?

His narration is excellent. His accents and enunciation make the characters come alive and enhance the setting of the story.

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

It made me smile and chuckle while keeping me hooked on the central mystery as well as the two subplots.

Any additional comments?

This is the second of Tarquin Hall's mysteries I have read. The first (The Man Who Died Laughing) was more exotic and involved unusual characters - gods and magicians, while this one seemed more down to earth. With Sam Dastor's wonderful narration, I'll order the the rest of the series to enjoy.

Entertaining and slyly informative story of contemporary India

I chose this sort of at random, and was pleasantly surprised. The mystery itself is perhaps not so challenging, but the characters are marvelously drawn and entertaining, and the details of the setting and the life of so-called middle class Delhi quite revelatory. No punches pulled. And yet, still entertaining.

Perfect for an armchair traveler.

I have never been to India but after reading this book I feel I have learned much more than I would as a tourist. It opened a window on a part of the world I haven't thought much about. Coupled with interesting characters and a great mystery, it is a great vacation for the mind.

One of my favorite crime series!

The Vish Puri adventures are equal parts entertaining, suspenseful, funny, and addicting. Tarquin Hall does a wonderful job describing and giving life and quirks to all of his characters. I own all the books, and enjoyed reading them so much that i purchased them on audible as well. The narrator does all of the character voices so well you don't get bored or confused. Such a fun read and listen.

What great fun, Na?

This is a fabulously narrated (I truly despise bad or overdone Indian voices, even Indian narrators are guilty of this..as if everyone comes from within 100 miles of Bombay, may the Gods help us!), and incredibly funny detective novel. It also happens to be by one of the sneakier mystery writers I've had the pleasure of reading in a while. While being a fun read, there is just enough suspense and surprise to keep it going, as you try to separate the good guys from the bad, which isn't always possible considering the state of India's justice system, which is pretty well represented here-hint- think $$$$.
Well worth a credit!

Lots of fun.

Enjoyed the many voices and a "taste of India ". Good descriptions, very colorful characters. The author actually lives in Delhi.