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
"Wonderful"
Yes I am sure I get something new out of it
The slice of life in India
His accents
Made me laugh
When is the next book
"Great mystery with local India color"
The narration and character voices were outstanding. I was sick while listening, and this audio book helped keep me distracted.
The mystery itself kept me engaged, but I especially loved the local flavor. Woven into the mystery's seems were lovely extras about Indian life, from TV shows to the legal system, medical system, castes, country clubs, socioeconomic inequality, etc.
"Wonderful Delhi English and sense of modern India"
The narration is, to put it in the words of Vish Puri, truly first class. Dastor beautifully captures the nuance and rhythms of Delhi English just as Hall captures the details of upper middle class Indian life.
The twists of the plot are engaging, as is Vish Puri.
Highly recommend for anyone who knows anything of the culture, or indeed anyone who wants to get a charming (and realistically dodgy and corrupt) taste of modern India.
"Ok, but not great"
I just couldn't keep my mind from wandering, then had to go back and listen to it again, and again.. To me, the story lines were blurry and undefined. I had a hard time following, of course, I may have missed a bit while my mind was elsewhere! And, too many characters, I kept mixing them up.
The description of the culture and people was terrific, though. I felt as if I was right there, and could see, feel and smell India. And, perhaps understand them a bit more as well.
The narration was great. His accents were wonderful and the pace was just right.
I'd say the series has potential, but I suppose, I need a bit more definition in my plots and investigations.
dj
"Entertaining and keeps you hooked."
the characters!!! They're painted so vivid and given such distinct personalities, it was easy to follow and enjoy.
I love the main character. I like how he nicknames all his operatives. He gives the impression that he's not too smart, but he sneaks up on them with all of the answers.
It's difficult to get all the different accents and voices in your head when you read. I like how they didn't all sound the same.
it made me laugh off and on.
loved it
"Good narrator, so so story"
Excellent voice but the story (composed of several 'cases') seems recycled from other cases in other mysteries set in locales that are foreign to the reader. If you get it at a bargain ... Perhaps I'm just getting tired of this sub-genre.
"India's Sherlock Holmes"
I am currently working in the Middle East and many of the characters seemed very authentic (as well as entertaining).
The relationships portrayed in the book were spot on.
I am planning on purchasing the other books in this series. A very nice listen on the way to work.
"Delightful Detective"
I loved the characters-all of them.
Chubby.
He has such an ego, but he also is wise and compassionate to his servants and clients.
I also loved Mummy very much.
Thank you, Sam Dastor, for giving us perfect voices for the series. .
I'm already listening to the second volume and very much anticipating enjoying the third installment.
I would definitely listen to Sam Dastor in other books and series.
Living the Modern Indian Dream Life.
I wish there were a way to translate the slang used. I get the point, but I'd love to understand more of the particulars.
"Entertaining and enlightening"
I love the narrator and the subject material. The author offers a wonderful picture of Indian life and social intricacies. While the plot and action can be somewhat formulaic, I love the formula! Sam Dastor is a genius narrator with great accents, timing, and pace. I am now listening to all Tarquin Hall and Sam Dastor recordings.
"Great Mystery"
I enjoyed this book very much. The complexity is on a par with Christie. Since it is set in India one has a chance to learn a little about that country's culture.