Ragtime in Simla

Publisher's Summary

Simla 1922, and the summer capital of the British Raj is fizzing with the energy of the Jazz Age. Simla is where detective Joe Sandilands is heading as the guest of Sir George Jardine, the Governor of Bengal.

But when Joe’s travelling companion, a Russian opera singer, is shot dead at his side in the governor’s car, he finds himself plunged into a murder investigation. Confronted by the mystery of an identical unsolved killing a year before, Joe realizes that Sir George’s hospitality comes at a high price.

©2002 Barbara Cleverly (P)2003 Soundings

Fascinating Story, Great Setting

Faulty bridge infrastructure derails a train travelling from Paris to Marseilles in 1919. The resulting 300-foot plunge into a rock-strewn ravine leaves only two survivors--or possibly there was a third--and maybe even a fourth? Three years later, Scotland Yard's Joe Sandilands arrives in Simla, India, high in the Himalaya and the summer capital of the British Raj, to investigate the apparent assassination of a prominent English trading executive. On the steep final approach to Simla--at the exact spot of the first murder--Joe's traveling companion is identically shot and killed. We are now at the end of Chapter 2. It is obvious early on that we are seeing the fruits of a case of identity theft. But the repercussions of the earlier events are many, varied, and surprising, and play out in an exotic locale and with a cast of characters that adds panache. Terry Wale's narration, in the rather flat intonations of a British military officer, becomes entirely part of the action and is totally believable. Highly recommended for those who like their mysteries with color, character, and complexity.

19 of 19 people found this review helpful

Atmospheric, well written classic mystery

This enjoyable mystery set in 1920's British India has all the elements of a good classic mystery plus lots of atmosphere. The intricate plot has some clever turns and twists. If you're fresh out of books by Dorothy Sayers, Patricia Wentworth, Agatha Christie, and Ngaio Marsh, Cleverly is a good choice--you don't get the wit and depth of character perception of a Marsh or a Sayers, but you do get a thoroughly entertaining and engaging story. Narrator is good; excellent characterizations, eloquent delivery.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Enjoying this series

I am so delighted to find a new series that I am truly enjoying. I do recommend reading The Last Kashmiri Rose before listening to Ragtime in Simla. I am finding that reading the books in order as the history of British India are key to the integral plots and characters. Joe Sandilands is a wonderful and admirable hero and the images and culture of India are outstanding. If you enjoy a historical based mystery with a touch of romance I highly recommend getting to know Joe Sandilands. The narrator is excellent.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good historical mystery

The story was interesting and complex enough to hold my attention even through the sometimes clumsy or lengthy descriptions of the surroundings. I was at first put off by the archaic narrator and although I soon became accustomed to it, I can't help help but think the story would have been improved by a different voice.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

WOW

Great characters. Amazing plot lines. Wonderful descriptive prose. A wonderful story. I really loved Ms Masie. The ending of the story was spot on!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not a "cozy" mystery

If I understand the definition of a cozy - a mystery that has no graphic violence, no profanity, and no explicit sex - this book does not qualify. True, the book had no graphic violence, and no explicit sex, but it does contain profanity. Not overwhelming, but enough to annoy, and one F-bomb thrown in for good measure. It is a well-written mystery if you can overlook the moderate amount of profanity. Interesting, complex, engaging, yes. Kept me listening because I wanted to hear the solution. The narrator was quite good - I didn't find him annoying at all. However, I don't think I'd listen to another in this series.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful

An enjoyable sojourn in India

I have to admire the way the author keeps the reader guessing. You think you have it figured out and then, bang, you had it wrong. Populated by appealing characters, it is often hard to distinguish the good guys from the bad guys. But that's the fun of it all. The narrator does an excellent job of conveying a sense of British life and behavior in early 20th century India. The title doesn't have much to do with the actual story but I love the cover.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Narrator's smokers voice is disturbing.

A more neutral voice is my preference. it is very apparent that the narrator is a smoker and I focused more on that than the story. I kept losing the thread.

Entertaining New Series For Me...

An interesting new series I found .. with a dozen more waiting to be bought.. I enjoyed it ,.. my only regret is that the editor didn’t slash a few chapters off.. could have done with some pruning.

Exotic Locale and Murder

What did you love best about Ragtime in Simla?

twisty plot with unexpected diversions

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ragtime in Simla?

Joe and Alice in the garden

What about Terry Wale’s performance did you like?

nice solid no-frills reading.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Intrigue and Murder

Paints a vivid picture

I love these stories, especially the ones set in India. The detail and sense of place are quite amazing and are hopefully a fair account of the time and lifestyle. The plot twists and turns and once again is a great listen without being too taxing. Sometimes I just want to listen and enjoy - some audio books make me feel as though I should be taking notes for a test later!! This series always cheers me up.