The Waiter cover art

The Waiter

Detective Kamil Rahman, Book 1

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The Waiter

By: Ajay Chowdhury
Narrated by: Mikhail Sen
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

The Times Audiobook of the Week.

Kamil Rahman, disgraced detective-turned-waiter, is about to find himself embroiled in a case that might just change his life...for better or for worse.

Disgraced detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. But the day he caters a birthday party for his boss's friend on Millionaire's Row, his simple new life becomes rather complicated. The event is a success, the food is delicious, but later that evening the host, Rakesh, is found dead in his swimming pool.

Suspicion falls on Rakesh's new wife, Neha, and Kamil is called to investigate for the family, with the help of his boss's daughter, Anjoli. Kamil and Anjoli prove a capable team - but as the investigation progresses, Kamil struggles to keep memories of the case that destroyed his career in Kolkata at bay...and his past will soon catch up with him in some rather unexpected ways.

©2021 Ajay Chowdhury (P)2021 Penguin Audio Crime Fiction Detective International Mystery & Crime Mystery Private Investigators Fiction Crime

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Critic reviews

"A hugely entertaining first novel, taking us from Kolkata to Brick Lane." (Ann Cleeves)

"A rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish...a refreshing and welcome addition to the world of detective fiction. One of my favourite reads of the year." (Abir Mukherjee)
All stars
Most relevant
I'm getting increasingly bored with stories that go back and forth in time, to tell us readers what the "trauma" or original sin was that then caused the present events. The characters of this book could be interesting but unfortunately are very two-dimensional. They change their mind and values very easily and quickly. The thriller plot itself was paper-thin. I quite liked the narrator, even though there were weird, longer than you'd expect pauses sometimes, I guess an editing issue? All in all not awful but there's so much better out there.

Bland

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In world that are both familiar and unusual, two mysteries unfurl with intriguing twists along the way. Great opening book on what I am sure will be a fascinating series

Two mysteries for the price of one

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A beautifully crafted novel perfectly illustrating both societies and cities and a young man’s journey and recognition of the cynicism of adulthood.

SPOILER ALERT
I hope he does return to London and join the Met as it has the makings of an excellent literary crime series with a difference!

Stirring

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listened all the way through kept my interest and a number of twist and turns,

Good listen,

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loved the book. The plaiting of two segments really worked to build the layers and maintain the readers attention. Had to try really hard nit just to consume in one go.
The narration was perfect, the range of tones and accents added authenticity often missing in audiobook.
Thank you both.

Great story brilliantly narrated

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