India, 1920. Captain Sam Wyndham is visiting the kingdom of Sambalpore, home to diamond mines and the beautiful Palace of the Sun.
But when the Maharaja’s eldest son is assassinated, Wyndham realises that the realm is riven with conflict. Prince Adhir was unpopular with religious groups, while his brother – now in line to the throne – appears to be a feckless playboy.
As Wyndham and Sergeant ‘Surrender-not’ Banerjee endeavour to unravel the mystery, they become entangled in a dangerous world. They must find the murderer, before the murderer finds them.
About the Author
Abir Mukherjee grew up in the west of Scotland. At the age of fifteen, his best friend made him read Gorky Park and he’s been a fan of crime fiction ever since. The child of immigrants from India, A Rising Man, his debut novel, was inspired by a desire to learn more about a crucial period in Anglo-Indian history that seems to have been almost forgotten. It won the Harvill Secker/Daily Telegraph crime writing competition and became the first in a series starring Captain Sam Wyndham and ‘Surrender-not’ Banerjee. Abir lives in London with his wife and two sons.
Industry Reviews
Even better than his first... What is most striking about Mukherjee's novels is his infectious enjoyment of the human oddity of the British in India... Even better is his portrayal of the mix of opulence and spirituality that characterises Sambalpore under its sybaritic but benevolent maharaja... I can't imagine anyone failing to enjoy it -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph *
A year ago I welcomed the arrival of Captain Sam Wyndham and his faithful Sergeant... and I am delight to report that his return is every bit as engaging -- Geoffrey Wansell * Daily Mail *
A richly detailed period gem boasting the British Raj's exotic setting and a gripping "whydunit" spun around an intriguing cast -- Christine Tran * Booklist *
An intriguing and enjoyable crime novel -- Sarah Shaffi * Stylist *
He writes beautifully, bringing the colourful kingdom of Sambalpore to vivid life and taking the reader on a highly entertaining journey to unearth the dark secrets as its core, with unexpected twists on the way to a satisfying finale -- Jon Coates * Daily Express *