Midnight at Malabar House

The Malabar House, Book 1

Bombay, New Year's Eve, 1949

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India's first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.

And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country's most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost.

©2020 Vaseem Khan Limited (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Interesting

Dislike the fact that you are required to leave a written 15 word review before being able to post. Won’t review any books in future!

Feminist Fiction from a Male Author

I’ve read and enjoyed Vaseem Kahn’s previous novels. This newest story about a female in the Indian Police Force seemed forced. It was difficult to follow the historical background which I usually enjoy learning more about from this author. There were too many characters with only a small storyline. I just didn’t connect with Mr. Kahn’s feminine protagonist. I finished the story but was grateful when it was over.

Mixed feelings here

I liked the setting, which did evoke memories of my visits to Bombay. The secondary characters were well done - especially Archie! The mystery angle plotting also worked well; the author does have a popular series under his belt for experience.

So, what's the issue? I wasn't all that fond of Persis herself. To me, her handling of sexism, and imperialism, came off as downright rude. However, I did like the ending of the story, which opens up the possibility that she mellows a bit.

Audio narration was okay, but not the greatest fit. The reader sounded clearly British (to me), rather than South Asian. If she reads more of the series, it's not a deal-breaker; if they want to try a different person, I'm up for that as well.

Too much female angst

The setting and period are well outlined, and the characters have promise. However, they are sufficiently overdrawn that one loses the sense of their true potential, making it a sort of Bombay Hercule Poirot feminized. I was disappointed. I see that there are other books in the series; perhaps they will improve with more realistic characterizations and less tendency to lecture at the reader.

Thin story

The characters are very sparsely drawn the plot is just a plot. Also marred by the beginnings of words being cut off.