Murder in Old Bombay

A Mystery

By: Nev March

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Minotaur Competition Winner: First Crime Novel

In 19th-century Bombay, Captain Jim Agnihotri channels his idol, Sherlock Holmes, in Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut.

In 1892, Bombay is the center of British India. Nearby, Captain Jim Agnihotri lies in a Poona military hospital recovering from a skirmish on the wild Northern frontier, with little to do but re-read the tales of his idol, Sherlock Holmes, and browse the daily papers. The case that catches Captain Jim's attention is being called the crime of the century: Two women fell from the busy university’s clock tower in broad daylight. Moved by Adi, the widower of one of the victims - his certainty that his wife and sister did not commit suicide - Captain Jim approaches the Parsee family and is hired to investigate what happened that terrible afternoon.

But in a land of divided loyalties, asking questions is dangerous. Captain Jim's investigation disturbs the shadows that seem to follow the Framji family and triggers an ominous chain of events. And when lively Lady Diana Framji joins the hunt for her sisters’ attackers, Captain Jim’s heart isn’t safe, either.

Based on a true story and set against the vibrant backdrop of colonial India, Nev March's Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning lyrical debut, Murder in Old Bombay, brings this tumultuous historical age to life.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

"Bravo to Nev March for capturing late 19th century Indian history so beautifully in Murder in Old Bombay. Compelling characters, striking settings and the intricacies of social stratification shine in this talented author’s hands. I eagerly await more historic Bombay adventures narrated by sharp-eyed, open-hearted Jim Agnihotri." (Sujata Massey, Edgar finalist author of The Widows of Malabar Hill)

©2020 Nev March (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee, 2021

A wonderful , many-faceted story

Historical fiction, romance, mystery rolled into one. Great narration, each voice is distinct and suits the character.

It’s a few hours longer than it needs to be.

It is enjoyable and had a great mystery. However it is a few knockouts and tangents longer than needed.

One of my best reads

Loved it! The story, narration and beautiful descriptive writing had me captivated. Highly recommend

Solid historical mystery and good characters

Historical mystery set in 1892 Bombay, India with a good-hearted hero with identity issues and PTSD. Great descriptions, solid whodunit, good characters, and a romance. Vikas Adam narrated the audiobook excellently.

The readers were excellent

…and; what kept me listening. I really wanted more of a mystery and adventure and this book was more of a romance. I enjoyed anyway and held on till the end. Glad that I did.