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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Once again, Vish Puri is on the case. He enjoys the finer things in life, including a vast array of Indian delicacies, in which he indulges frequently, while running all around the crowded metropolis of Delhi, tracking down criminals. This time, a noted "Guru buster" is killed by a supernatural apparition (or so it seems) in the middle of a spellbound crowd, and Puri is out to prove there was nothing more than artifice and manipulation about this crime. Meanwhile, Vish's wife and mother set out on an investigation of their own, as their "kitty party" is robbed, and many thousands of rupees stolen from their housewife friends. Puri, along with his band of operatives, delves into the world of magic and mysticism, and Rumpi and Mummy-ji explore stock trading and petty crime. Once again I am reminded of Mma Ramotswe and the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, as the exotic world of India is brought to life in this engaging mystery. Hall manages to write Puri as a pompous yet self-aware protagonist, one whose arrogant pronouncements never quite bug me, as they are tempered with sly comments and reactions from his knowing but respectful crew. I will keep reading these novels as long as he keeps writing them (looks like I have at least 3 more to enjoy, yay!)
In this second Vish Puri mystery, the detective assists a police inspector investigate the death of Dr. Jha, a scientist whose life mission was to debunk fraudulent gurus claiming to have magical powers. Dr. Jha was apparently killed by an apparition of the Hindu goddess Kali at a Laughing Club meeting, but Puri suspects the mastermind is Maharaj Swami, a self-proclaimed holy man whom Dr. Jha had been working to expose as a con-man. Swami has friends in high places in government, so Puri's investigation encounters obstacles which require a great deal of ingenuity on the part of both Puri and his operatives to overcome.
The book is a good read; it describes both the beauty and the ugliness of India, and includes astute detective work and comical situations.
The book is a good read; it describes both the beauty and the ugliness of India, and includes astute detective work and comical situations.
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was fun--not sure if it was the greatest mystery ever, but the characters were great and I loved the local color and glimpses of culture, and the fun Hindi-influenced English cadences.
Fairly clever, decent character development, plenty of culture and world-building. Secondary mystery to add some interest, and yet... bits of this book dragged for me.
I love this guy...he's clever, very human, enjoys his food. These books mention global views, geopolitical views, all sorts of tasty foods and very human characteristics. The mysteries are clever and sometimes wrap up not in that pat way that makes sure no end is loose that other writers do. There some humor and a VERY hand glossary in the back of the book for words you are unfamiliar with, and descriptions of the foods.
I wanted to enjoy this book, but it just wasn't engrossing for some reason.
Vish Puri is asked by the police to help them solve the public but mysterious death of a well-known rationalist. The rationalist had stepped on many prominent toes while trying to disprove the work of those who perform religious miracles.
Facecream, who played a large role in the first Vish Puri mystery, is back in this book. Vish Puri's mother is also trying her hand at solving another mystery - this time an armed robbery. Rumpi, Vish Puri's wife, plays a role in this mystery as well.
It's a very enjoyable read filled with Indian culture - especially Indian food because Puri likes to eat!
Facecream, who played a large role in the first Vish Puri mystery, is back in this book. Vish Puri's mother is also trying her hand at solving another mystery - this time an armed robbery. Rumpi, Vish Puri's wife, plays a role in this mystery as well.
It's a very enjoyable read filled with Indian culture - especially Indian food because Puri likes to eat!
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fascinating details on Delhi mixed in with a crime that underlines national tensions--cleverly done! And well explained for people who aren't familiar--glossary included! The food descriptions, my god!