Midnight at Malabar House cover art

Midnight at Malabar House

The Malabar House Series, Book 1

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Midnight at Malabar House

By: Vaseem Khan
Narrated by: Maya Saroya
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About this listen

Bombay, New Year's Eve, 1949

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India's first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.

And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country's most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost.

©2020 Vaseem Khan Limited (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Crime Fiction Mystery South Asian Creators Fiction Crime Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant
This is my first listen to this author and found it fascinating, entertaining and informative. I am not sure I like Persus but I think she will grow on me in future tales. She has the unenviable position as the only female detective in India only a few years into Indian independence so her prickliness is probably understandable. I look forward to more on this indomitable female and also learning more on the development of the amazing continent of India.

An interesting and entertaining murder mystery

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I loved this tale. Persis is a character whom I look forward to meeting again hopefully. The plot is detailed and thorough and setting took me to her world. I thought the narrator was excellent...with one minor grumble. I found the Scottish accent on one of the characters a bit difficult to hear.. maybe because I am Scottish!!! Loved this audio book.

Engaging mystery, Persis is a joy !

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Very good narrator and great story. Gives good insight into India and a gripping mystery. Persis is a great heroine

Great story

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Good stuff. Enjoyable to the end. there was plenty to keep me guessing. The backdrop elevated it above the regular whodunnits. I'll read another of those. Cheers

I thought the plotting was nicely done

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Nicely read, reasonable plot, but too much exposition, probably used to pad it out. I'd almost decided not to bother with the rest of the series, but I'm kind of engaged with the main character now, so maybe I will.

interesting background to Indian partition

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What a joy of a book. The story kept me guessing with plenty of twists and turns to keep up with. The struggles of India, of the poor, of women, were quite something, i had no idea. So as well as entertaining it was an education too.
The story was read to perfection, and i shall miss the characters like parting with old friends.

An Agatha Christie Style Ride

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A good murder mystery set in 1950s India with a lot of background information on the politics and events of the time. Narrated really well by Maya Saroya, I enjoyed it a lot and will continue with the series.

I enjoyed this book

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Brilliant murder mystery surrounded by a wealth of historical detail. Narrator is clear-voiced, with a measured pace, suitable to the material.

Excellent historical murder mystery

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The unfamilar setting, two dimensional but interesting characters overlay a fighting feminist heroine overcoming gender bias during one of India’s most turbulent modern periods, post independence and partitiin Interesting story well narrated and providing historical insight into a ’foreign’ culture to Euroreaders. not sure i woukd read a second story with the same protagonist but once was enjoyable and informative

Interesting Diversionary reading

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Excellent story with detail and substance. The main character is well drawn and I look forward to further titles.

Thank you.

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