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A Rising Man

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A Rising Man

By: Abir Mukherjee
Narrated by: Simon Bubb
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About this listen

The winner of the Harvill Secker/Daily Telegraph crime writing competition.

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. But with barely a moment to acclimatise to his new life or to deal with the ghosts which still haunt him, Wyndham is caught up in a murder investigation that will take him into the dark underbelly of the British Raj.

A senior official has been murdered, and a note left in his mouth warns the British to quit India - or else. With rising political dissent and the stability of the Raj under threat, Wyndham and his two new colleagues - arrogant Inspector Digby and British-educated but Indian-born Sergeant Banerjee, one of the few Indians to be recruited into the new CID - embark on an investigation that will take them from the luxurious parlours of wealthy British traders to the seedy opium dens of the city. The start of an atmospheric and enticing new historical crime series.

©2016 Abir Mukherjee (P)2016 Random House Audiobooks Crime Crime Fiction Historical Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Haunted Exciting Detective

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All stars
Most relevant  

Would you try another book written by Abir Mukherjee or narrated by Simon Bubb?

Yes I am sure Abir has learnt from his mistakes and Simon Bubb is first rate.

Has A Rising Man put you off other books in this genre?

No, but what genre is it?

What about Simon Bubb’s performance did you like?

The general air of world weariness he brings to the character with subtle intonation and inflexion. He sounds exactly as you would expect a Public School educated policeman who had been through the First World War to sound.

Do you think A Rising Man needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It is left as though the main character will remain in Calcutta.

Any additional comments?

I was very put off by the Northern English idioms. The main character is a Public School educated man from the South of England. He would never use such phrases as ''he was sat''. The word ''sat'' is used so often at one point I almost switched off. Also 'sat' is used to express a temporary situation; a building or a tree would stand in a position.

Books set in India at the same time never use words like Peon (a South American peasant) or morgue (an American word that has only found its way into the English vocabulary in the last 30 years).

Why has his quest house got an electric fan? Punka Wallahs were more usual. In 1919 hardly anywhere in London had electricity, only gas, so how come Calcutta is so privileged?

I wonder if Abir has ever lived in a place as hot as Calcutta? The Detective has only one uniform? I don't think so. I know from my own experience that you need to change your clothes and shower at least 3-4 times a day. Also, your relationship with your laundry features highly on the daily agenda! Also he refer to 'jackets'. The uniform would have been a short sleeved cotton buttoned TUNIC and shorts; usually starched so much that they stand up on their own. The level of starching forms the basis of your relationship with your laundry. I suggest he looks on utube for authentic pix of the time.

Patchy historical detail and questionable vocab

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this is like discovering Val McDermid or Peter Robinson for the first time. absolutely fascinating, beautifully atmospheric, reading could not be better. an interesting time to be writing about and confronts the problems of the time well. the only complaint is that the book comes to an end, can't wait to listen to the others.

wonderful

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I really enjoyed this story, well written and very well read,looking forward to the sequel

A good story, well written and we'll read

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Really enjoyed listening to this. Unknown author for me, but found the blending of detective novel and Imperial India very compelling

New

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This first book by Abir Mukherjee was really enjoyable. An original storyline with great characters, the timeline and setting adding to the overall enjoyment. The brilliant narration by Simon Bubb really elevated the book for me. I'll definitely be listening to more.

An original story that was narrated brilliantly

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Could not stop listening once I started. Looking into more Abir Mukherjee books now. Brings old India to life.

A fantastic book and great narration

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Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation for the performance and the story. I really enjoyed being pulled into the historical aspects of Kolkata as well as the investigation. Well done Mr M.

Loved it.

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Nothing great but it passes the time, the story isn’t that gripping but if you want something that you don’t need to concentrate this will do. The narrator is good though.

It’s ok

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A fun thriller. I enjoyed it, and think anyone would, even more so if they have an interest in India.
The story is not perfect (some mistakes that show the author isn't Calcuttan) and some opinions of Sam Wyndham that seem to be the authors' more than being the character's.
still, it is worth a read. looking forward to the second.

A really fun read. Worth it.

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I really enjoyed this novel.
Set in Colonial India it has a mix of who dun it with a political backdrop. I tjink it was a cracking story and the narrator was super.

Great detective story.

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