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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

The Bombay Prince by Suhata Massey and Over My Dead Body by Jeffrey Archer

 

From the beginning of this series, it was clear that India was approaching the precipice of a divided nation.  Britain had promised self-rule if India would help during WWI, but reneged, offering some reforms, but not self-rule.  

When Edward, the Prince of Wales, made his royal tour in 1921, tempers were high and the divisions between sects were a roiling undercurrent.  Indians were divided into those who wanted self-government and those who supported the British-- and then into various sects, the largest majorities of which were Muslim and Hindus.  

A supporter of independence, Perveen Mistry did not intend to join the parade crowds welcoming the Prince of Wales, but changes her mind and joins her friend Alice and the Woodburn College assembly. 

A student protester rushes toward the prince's carriage, unruly crowds that turn into riots, a young girl who had visited Perveen for advice is found murdered on campus grounds.  

Another excellent glimpse of the various cultures, beliefs, and political turmoil of an India seeking change.  The redoubtable Perveen and her family and friends give a personal insight to different views, religions, and nationalities.  For many of us, the best way to develop an interest in other cultures and in history is often the result of reading fiction and then becoming interested in finding out more.

I highly recommend this series by Suhata Massey.

The audiobook was skillfully narrated by Snethan Mahan.

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I read some Jeffrey Archer books years ago, so when NetGalley offered this one, I was interested.

from description:  In London, the Metropolitan Police set up a new Unsolved Murders Unit—a cold case squad—to catch the criminals nobody else can. 
 
In Geneva, millionaire art collector Miles Faulkner—convicted of forgery and theft—was pronounced dead two months ago. So why is his unscrupulous lawyer still representing a dead client? 
 
On a luxury liner en route to New York, the battle for power at the heart of a wealthy dynasty is about to turn to murder.
 
And at the heart of all three investigations are Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick, rising star of the department, and ex-undercover agent Ross Hogan, brought in from the cold. 

Over My Dead Body is the 4th book in the Detective William Warwick series, and I haven't read the previous books.   The setting is the 1970's and was full of topical allusions which younger readers might not recognize.  

Three previous books in the series might have made a difference in my opinion, but I doubt I'll go back and pick them up.  

I liked some elements, but several felt "forced"--i.e., the Holmes-like deductions in the opening chapters whose only purpose was the author's need to have a little fun and to make DCI Warwick seem supremely clever.  This largely throw-away section does, however, introduce young James who has a bit of a cameo late in the novel and may be intended to show up in future books.

Warwick is upstaged as the novel progresses DI Ross Hogan, who is a more interesting character with an edgy quality that contrasts with "choirboy" Warwick.  Warwick's team has multiple characters who have obviously been in previous books, but don't have that much to do in this installment as the main plot (among the many mini plots) focuses on the clever, sinister, and obsessive Miles Faulkner and his return to life...and on his obsession with his art collection.

NetGalley
Police Procedural.  Oct. 13, 2020.  Print length: 384 pages.
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28 comments:

  1. Both books very good in different ways! Thanks for the reviews.

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    1. I really liked The Bombay Prince because of the characters and the setting!

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  2. The Bombay Prince appeals to me because of its setting and historical period. That was such a volatile, interesting period in the history of both countries that I never get tired of reading historical fiction that uses it well. Sounds like this one does that. This makes me want to go back and re-read my hardcover edition of Paul Scott's Raj Quartet, too.

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    1. It is a volatile and interesting historical period. I haven't read the Raj Quartet, but I will look into it. Colonialism and cultural conflicts are interesting and cautionary tales.

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  3. The Bombay Prince does sound like a winner, but I've frankly never been attracted to Jeffrey Archer's writing. I don't think I'm likely to change now. Love the quote, although it is scary.

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    1. For me, Suhata Massey's Perveen Mistry series is a winner, but the Archer book was not something I'd pursue. As for the quote--who would have believed we'd be in such a divisive situation about schools and health policies....

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  4. Homeschooled by day drinkers....LOL! That totally made me laugh. Thanks! :D

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    1. Here's hoping things get better! I would never have wanted to homeschool my children. I liked the idea, but knew it wouldn't work for me--I'd just give them a book and tell them to get on with it. :)

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  5. The Bombay Prince sounds good (setting especially). I haven't read Archer in more than 10 years but, the new one sounds interesting as well.

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    1. All of the Perveen Mistry books have been excellent, but I wasn't impressed with the Archer book. :p

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  6. You already know that I'm a Perveen fan. :-) It certainly would be interesting for me to listen to her in audiobook format next time around.

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    1. :) Yes, you are the reason I finally got around to reading The Widows of Malabar Hill! I have found the audiobooks quite good--I wonder how switching from print to audio would be. Snethan Mahan's narration has been quite satisfying, and she has narrated all three of the books in the series.

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  7. Both books sound interesting. New additions to building a reading list

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    1. If you enjoy mysteries, historical fiction and different cultures, you can start with The Widows of Malabar Hill by Massey. I was hooked and have enthusiastically continued with series. :)

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  8. The Bombay Prince sounds great! I'm really interested in checking out this series. The setting and time period really appeal to me.

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    1. I think you'd enjoy it, Ashley. It is such a good historical series!

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  9. I'm intrigued by The Bombay Prince due to the setting and the history. :) Speaking of home schooling, it isn't a common option here since many parents prefer to have their children taught in schools so as to catch up with the school syllabus and everything. I really marvel at some parents that they're willing to move house (or volunteer in some school activities) just to get the chance to go into an elite school.

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    1. Interest in homeschooling here has increased as a result of Covid and political issues. I don't believe many parents have any idea of the work involved. I can imagine the fear of sending an immune-compromised child to a school that doesn't require masks, but that is the only reason that makes sense to me. But then--I believe that masks are important and don't understand the stance of anti-maskers.

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  10. I need to try Suhata Massey. Those books sound like something I'd like. I can't tell you how much I miss going to actual bookstores :(

    I got a kick out of the homeschooling meme lol More people are homeschooling now, and many hadn't realized that the school system would provide curricula. They may well continue.

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    1. Suhata Massey's series about Perveen Mistry has been a pleasure for me. I know a lot of readers are going through stages of bookstore withdrawal--there is something about the association of feelings that a bookstore provide that mail order can't replicate.

      As I think about schools amid (and after) Covid, I suspect virtual learning and home schooling may become a more permanent feature of education, not simply a temporary phenomenon. As a former teacher, myself--I couldn't imagine teaching my own girls math beyond the basics of addition and subtraction.

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    2. There are so many resources out there, homeschooling-friendly curricula, teachers willing to provide tutoring services, online educational resources and even classes... It's not so much "teaching" your own kids as resourcing their learning.

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    3. I guess I'm largely thinking in the past. :) I have grandkids now; one who just graduated, one in 8th grade, one in 9th. When our girls were little, I don't think there were as many resources. Still, I can't imagine trying to teach algebra, calculus, or chemistry! In today's world, homeschooling may be more prevalent--and those who want to learn will take advantage. I think about all of the remarkable people who, in the past, had little or no formal education, but became self-educated. Autodidacts who changed the world.

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  11. You have me interested in the Massey series set in India. I need to start with Book #1 which I see is available at my library. I had not heard of these before but glad you pointed them out. thanks!

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    1. I've thoroughly enjoyed all three books! Characters, mystery, and history all great. :)

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  12. I am really interested in the Suhata Massey series. I was pleased to find that my library has all three currently available in both ebook and audio format. Yahoo! I think audio might be the way to go for me. I love hearing the Indian accent.

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    1. I enjoyed the audio book and the narrator did an excellent job!

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  13. I've only read The Widows of Malabar Hill so I need to do a bit of catching up! So glad to hear this series is continuing to be a strong one. And, I'm intrigued by the Jeffrey Archer book. I haven't read any of his books before!

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    1. I have enjoyed this series and am looking forward to what Suhata Massey comes up with next!

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