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.

10 people found this helpful

An unpleasant proselytizing heroine

This is definitely a belt and suspenders type of writer. From the very beginning we learn not just about a burgled safe but it’s color, location, the weight of the picture disguising it and the fact it has two identical keys.
The lead character is the 1st policewoman in India and takes multiple opportunities to dwell on the exploitation of India by the English. Once I could have seen but the fourth and fifth time through were a slog.
It felt more of a youthful angst novel than a mystery. I’m sad because I thought the idea was excellent.

9 people found this helpful

I love colonial India tales and mysteries but …

While the plot line was well planned, the story was just too long ( and over explained) to keep my interest. If this had been a book, I would have jumped to the end half way thru. My strongest criticism, thou, is for the central character. She is just too strident and one dimensional to be believed; she could do with some needle humor or even just a pinch more tenderness.
I think this author is still trying to find his footing. He went from the silliness of the cozy mysteries involving a baby elephant sidekick (how many plots twists can you use with this constraint) to an overly involved book with too many subplots and cardboard characters without the enjoyment of all those lovely little everyday life vignettes I so enjoyed in his elephant series.

5 people found this helpful

A time capsule if there was one

Very well written, can't wait for the next in the series. Love all the characters and how they were developed. Very striking about the Indian past, very well researched. The performance was also well on point.

3 people found this helpful

Very solid and informative

Aside from quite solid plot with a good number of red herrings and a cute romantic line, it gives insides in Indian life in mid-20 century.

2 people found this helpful

Thin story

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

1 person found this helpful

A good mystery with a promising heroine

I had read some negative reviews of this book, citing a thin plot and Persis’ character flaws. I disagree - I thought she was a good character with depth. She is prickly, angry at life’s injustices, and lacks social skills. But as the first woman on a police force rife with sexism and bare-faced misogyny, I think she handles herself well. Someone meek and mild would never make it in that environment. I loved that she’s smart, resourceful, fearless in the face of danger, a crack shot, and skilled in martial arts - all attributes that would be celebrated in a male character. I also thought the plotting and mystery were good, with lots of Indian history thrown in, and a perspective on Indians’ attitudes of that time (1950) toward the British. I look forward to Persis’ next case.

1 person found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

great listen; story and narration both superb

Not only was this a great listen, but the description of partition atrocities was eye-opening. The right amount of hint of romance without taking away from the story.

A really good interesting tale. I loved the hero.

Good read. Good mystery. Great characters. I will read more by this author. Give it a try.