A Rising Man

By: Abir Mukherjee

Narrated by: Malk Williams

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the days of the Raj, a newly arrived Scotland Yard detective is confronted with the murder of a British official - in his mouth a note warning the British to leave India, or else....

Calcutta, 1919. Captain Sam Wyndham, former Scotland Yard detective, is a new arrival to Calcutta. Desperately seeking a fresh start after his experiences during the Great War, Wyndham has been recruited to head up a new post in the police force. He is immediately overwhelmed by the heady vibrancy of the tropical city, but with barely a moment to acclimatize or to deal with the ghosts that still haunt him, Wyndham is caught up in a murder investigation that threatens to destabilize a city already teetering on the brink of political insurgency.

The body of a senior official has been found in a filthy sewer, and a note left in his mouth warns the British to quit India, or else. Under tremendous pressure to solve the case before it erupts into increased violence on the streets, Wyndham and his two new colleagues - arrogant Inspector Digby and Sergeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians to be recruited into the new CID - embark on an investigation that will take them from the opulent mansions of wealthy British traders to the seedy opium dens of the city.

Masterfully evincing the sights, sounds, and smells of colonial Calcutta, A Rising Man is the start of an enticing new historical crime series.

©2017 Abir Mukherjee (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Atmosphere in search of a story

The historical background and setting were the strongest part of this novel. Unfortunately the story needed a LOT of work. I knew who the culprit was almost immediately, and the author had his main character running around almost incessantly, perhaps to have plenty of opportunities to showcase the atmosphere of 1920 Calcutta. I also thought the author was a bit heavy handed in his dipiction of the prejudice and injustice done against the native Indians by the British. A more subtle approach would have been more palatable. The narrator did a good job with the multitude of characters.

Warning - Same book was issued May 5, 2016

This is an excellent book, but I was surprised to find that I had already listened to it in another edition. It is unfortunate that Audible doesn't warn you of that.

Debut of a 1919 Colonial Calcutta Detective Series

I will start off by saying I will definitely get the second book in this series and look forward to using a credit for it. This is despite this debut story in a new crime series not meeting my expectations. I think the pacing was too slow and my mind wondered too much. I am optimistic that the next story will be better.

I did enjoy parts of this audiobook though. The characters were written so that I cared about them. That would include Captain Wyndham, a former Scotland Yard detective that has just moved to colonial India. Sergeant Banerjee is a newly promoted Calcutta detective with excellent instincts. I wish the book had been from Banerjee's point of view instead of Wyndham's since it was interesting to see how the English treated the native citizens of India. The history in the story carried me to the end of the story.

Without question, the narration by Mark Williams was excellent.

My Favorite Kind of Book

I just love books that both keep me entertained and teach me something about a time, place, and culture that are different from my own. This is one of those offerings. Thanks, Abir Mukherjee.

So good!

I’m a fan of historical fiction, and some of my favorites are Ken Follet, Hilary Mantel, and Robert Harris. This one is very competitive. A page turner with well placed irony and insight about colonial India. The narration was so well done to develop the rough but grudgingly warm and witty main character, and to distinguish the surrounding cast. I really hope the author comes back with the same crew.

Awesome!

Please get the next book in the series on Audible as soon as possible! Vivid characters, a suitably convoluted story, and a light touch make this book a winner.

Simply enjoyable while being informative

The setting was interesting without being overdone. A good well rounded story. Easy to listen to while doing other things. Not a mysterious detective who done it as you could say you knew the most likely perpetrators all along but it was a thoughtful and fun romp to go with the good cops while they figured it out. Worth the listen.

A great new police procedural

The narrator makes each character come alive- love Sargent Whycam and his side kick Surrender not. Looking forward to more from this author.

Splendid book and performance

A wonderfully entertaining and provocative read about India under the Raj. The plot, dialogue, and setting are well done from start to finish. Hope there will be more from this author about this character!

How Oppressed View Oppressors

Well paced whodunit with many examples of colonial life and how racism and classism is so ingrained in South Asian institutions. The shame of colonialism is such a stain on human history. Recommend this well written book as educational even as it entertains