Currently nominated for an Edgar Award for Best First Novel!In 19th century Bombay, Captain Jim Agnihotri channels his idol, Sherlock Holmes, in Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut. In 1892, Bombay is the center of British India. Nearby, Captain Jim Agnihotri lies in Poona military hospital recovering from a skirmish on the wild northern … from a skirmish on the wild northern frontier, with little to do but re-read the tales of his idol, Sherlock Holmes, and browse the daily papers. The case that catches Captain Jim’s attention is being called the crime of the century: Two women fell from the busy university’s clock tower in broad daylight. Moved by Adi, the widower of one of the victims — his certainty that his wife and sister did not commit suicide — Captain Jim approaches the Parsee family and is hired to investigate what happened that terrible afternoon.
But in a land of divided loyalties, asking questions is dangerous. Captain Jim’s investigation disturbs the shadows that seem to follow the Framji family and triggers an ominous chain of events. And when lively Lady Diana Framji joins the hunt for her sisters’ attackers, Captain Jim’s heart isn’t safe, either.
Based on a true story, and set against the vibrant backdrop of colonial India, Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning lyrical debut, Murder in Old Bombay, brings this tumultuous historical age to life.
more
Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March is a delightful historical fiction mystery set in British controlled India in 1892. I enjoyed following along Captain Jim and his adventures as he traveled far and wide in order to solve the mystery of two women who died under suspicious circumstances.
The thing I enjoyed most of all were all of the wonderful literary descriptions of the landscapes, culture, people, and activities in India in the late 19th century. Of course I enjoyed the well-written characters and the murder/mystery plot, but I enjoyed the location and descriptions most of all.
A great read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and of course, Sherlock Holmes.
4/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St Martin’s Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
A wonderful debut novel that leaves me wanting more from this author. Anglo-Indian officer leaves the army in India of 1892 and signs on to investigate the suspicious deaths of two young women from a wealthy Parsee family in Old Bombay. The plot twists and turns and the characters are fully-realized and engaging.
‘In 1892, Bombay is the center of British India. Nearby, Captain Jim Agnihotri lies in Poona military hospital recovering from a skirmish on the wild northern frontier, with little to do but re-read the tales of his idol, Sherlock Holmes, and browse the daily papers. The case that catches Captain Jim’s attention is being called the crime of the century: Two women fell from the busy university’s clock tower in broad daylight. Moved by Adi, the widower of one of the victims — his certainty that his wife and sister did not commit suicide — Captain Jim approaches the Parsee family and is hired to investigate what happened that terrible afternoon.
But in a land of divided loyalties, asking questions is dangerous. Captain Jim’s investigation disturbs the shadows that seem to follow the Framji family and triggers an ominous chain of events. And when lively Lady Diana Framji joins the hunt for her sisters’ attackers, Captain Jim’s heart isn’t safe, either.
Based on a true story, and set against the vibrant backdrop of colonial India, Nev March’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning lyrical debut, Murder in Old Bombay, brings this tumultuous historical age to life.’
___________________________
“Murder in Old Bombay” is Nev March’s debut novel and is a historical fiction and mystery set in colonial India.
I loved this book. It was long with a lot of twists and turns and at times it felt like the mystery would never be fully unwoven, but each aspect of the story comes to rights in its own time and balances perfectly in the end. There were many layers of mystery threaded throughout the book, from the initial mystery of death of the two young women at the clock tower to the circumstances surrounding Jim’s leaving the military and several others that were told alongside them. “Murder in Old Bombay” has earned itself a spot on my favorites shelf.
I enjoyed all the central characters in the book and became invested in each of them, but none so much as Jim. I truly loved Jim’s character, he performed an interesting balancing act of soldier and investigator, alongside his many disguises.
I have read other books before set in colonial India, but none as detailed as “Murder in Old Bombay.” This book shares both beauty and ugliness during that time and details some of the difficult political situations, which were often changing. And although this information is not the main storyline, it is also central to the mystery and adds to the realness of the book, you feel like you’re there with the characters (and there is also a glossary at the back of the book to help keep track of the titles, clothing, and terms just in case).
I see March won MWA’s award for Best First Crime Fiction, which is very well deserved. And I also saw that she is writing a sequel, which I’m very excited about! I hope that Jim will still be the main character in the sequel because I absolutely adored his character, but either way I’ll be adding it to my TBR.
_____
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for sharing an eARC of “Murder in Old Bomaby” by Nev March with me. This is my honest review.
This debut mystery novel, Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March is a visual and historical delight. The reader quickly gets swept into the mystery of what happened to two young women in a well off Parsee family. Murder in Old Bombay takes place over months so the reader is really able to get a look into this family’s life and learn so much about all the characters.
And even though there are a lot of characters, March’s descriptions of the various character’s physical beings and dispositions are done so well, that I was never confused as to who each person was. I have had this happen with previous historical novels that had a large cast of people.
There are a lot of plot lines and things happening, but March’s style of writing makes everything easy to keep track of, and the mystery itself was very interesting. It wasn’t just one thing that was going on so it made solving the mystery even more fun.
If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes (March even makes comparisons to Holmes and Watson throughout the book) or Agatha Christie novels, you won’t want to miss Murder in Old Bombay.
This book reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot book. It had some interesting characters. The story was like a long winding road with a few detours in the middle. It had intrigue, romance and I really enjoyed the book! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
historical-setting, historical-research, historical-places-events, historical-novel, India, discrimination, class-consciousness, military, journalist, exmilitary, private-investigators, family, family-dynamics, friendship, action-adventure
He didn’t even know that he’d lost a year of his life until well into the thing. Invalided out of the army in India (1892) he had often been shunned as a half-caste as well as an orphan with no father except the commanding officers and no family but his comrades-in-arms and in the regimental boxing ring. He was recommended to a newspaper owner and sent to cover the story of two related young women who supposedly jumped to their death in a very public place. The young widower and his influential father don’t believe the ruling of the court and hire Captain Jim to investigate. And so the action begins! Lots of action. There’s a romance as well but it is all but doomed. And then there’s the ragtag children who attached themselves to him when he was upcountry and happened upon a skirmish with the Afghanis. There’s too much else to get into, but it is a fascinating read! I am really pretty ignorant about the varied cultures and languages of India but I did learn a lot!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!!!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. The characters are very well written. I was impressed with the authors ability to write a male protagonist so convincingly. Captain Jim is a gallant and moral man. He cares deeply about the relationships he makes and is willing to put his life in danger to help them.
I frequently had to remind myself that the setting is in 1890s India. I am not familiar with that area of the world and my understanding of its history is very limited. The author did a good job weaving in information and descriptions to make the setting come to life.
This story moves at a steady pace and is very engaging. I found myself picking it up even when I only had time to read one page.
I recommend this book to lovers of mystery. I tend to spend most of my time reading cozy mysteries and this book fits in very well with that subgenre. If this book has a sequel I will definitely read it. I’d love to know what happens to Jim and Diana in Boston.
I could not believe that this book was the author’s debut novel! She pulls you in at the first page and hold you to the very end.This book was so good that I was checking back to see about the author’s other books when I found out that this was her first and only one so far. I cannot wait to read more of her stories. Keep writing Ms.March because you write like a pro!! And I for one will gladly read anything you write
Perfect blend of mystery, romance, history, relatable (and likable!) characters, and culture. I’ll be reading this one again!
Loved this story & its hero, Captain Jim Agnihotri, an Anglo-Indian ex-soldier suffering from PTSD and loneliness in 19th century India. After barely surviving a rout in Karachi, Jim recuperates in Bombay, where he reads Sherlock Holmes stories and becomes involved in a mystery of his own. He not only cracks the case but along the way saves lives, rescues children, makes peace with his past, and wins the love of a beautiful lady. This story is a fast-paced mystery with much action and a touch of romance, but also takes time to draw attention to the plight of the vulnerable during this time in history. I found the scenes with a young girl Jim calls Chukti (little one) and with Father Thomas, the old friend and priest who raised him as an orphan, especially touching. Now I can’t wait for book 2, which comes out in July!
Murder in Old Bombay would have befitted from a good editor. I enjoyed learning a little more about colonial India, but there were entirely too many threads to this story.
As someone who was raised in India I found the book interesting. I could quarrel with a few details, but in general the attitudes, prejudices, at the casual discussion of caste rang true to my memory of India in the 1950’s. I loved the descriptions of the Himalayas. The main character was well drawn. The Parsees were an unusual addition to the story. A reader who knows little about India during the British Rag will learns much in this interesting mystery story.
Murder in Old Bombay reminded me of the Agatha Christie books I read as a teenager. A little mystery, a little romance, a little humor, people of good character (also a few people of bad character), and a lot of sociological information about people living in India and their interactions with the British military. I particularly liked the fact that the chapters were relatively short, which allowed me to put the book down quickly when necessary (being the kind of reader who just CAN’T put the book down without being at a logical stopping point). The fact that it was inspired by a family document made it all the more intriguing (although I didn’t find that out until the end). Very enjoyable!
Best new author I’ve read in a while. Already anxious for her next book!
A surprisingly boring book with very average prose for something that’s up for a prestigious award.
Great read.
4.5 Stars Rounded-Up! WOW! This book is so good! It is mysterious, suspenseful, thrilling, elaborate, complex, at times romantic, and so much more! Whenever I picked up “Murder in Old Bombay”, I was whisked back in time to late-19th century India, and was hooked from the first page to the last.
This is the first book I have read by Nev March, and I can’t wait to read more! She is such a beautiful, thorough, and engaging writer who dazzlingly bring the world of her book and story to life. She brilliantly weaves history with historical fiction. Her characters feel so incredibly real; their wants, fears, needs, desires, and yearnings are so well-thought out and help to push the plot forward in one way or another. Many I found myself rooting for from the start, some grew on me as I read further, and some had me holding my breath in fear. Furthermore, each location was described so that I could really envision it, and many a times I forgot I was sitting in a chair reading a book…I really feel like I was right there witnessing everything occurring.
Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a hospital when he hears of a mystery case surrounding two young women, whom many believe committed suicide by falling from a high height. When he reads a note from a relative of the two women who fully believes that they did not kill themselves, he is soon asked to investigate what really happened to them. Never could he have imagined that agreeing to take on the case would lead to the danger, intrigue, relationships, and even possibly love that it does. At times heartbreaking and brutal, at times hopeful, and at times everything in between, this story truly is gripping.
Also, I love how caring and loving the Framji family is. Their respect, love, and devotion for one another, and for those they care about and take in, is truly so beautiful to read.
I did feel, at times toward the middle of the book, that the plot wavered a little too much from the main mystery. The author does a great job of reminding the reader about various clues and who different people are as the plot focuses moreso again, but at times I was a bit confused how certain aspects tied in. However, even with this said, it did not in any way detract from my enjoyment of the book, as it still helped bring the various locations and the world of the book to life.
If you enjoy Historical Mystery, I highly recommend this book! I had such a hard time putting it down, and it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was kept guessing up until the very end…and there are many twists and turns that made my mouth simply drop. I don’t want to spoil anything in this review, but, I will say, everything is woven together brilliantly, and in such a meticulous way! The ending had me smiling from ear-to-ear!
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for sending me the review copy of this novel, it was just incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This story based on true events flowed smoothly unrolling a mystery in colonial British India. While Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a Poona military hospital in 1892, he spends time reading Sherlock Holmes novels to pass the time. When he comes across the suspicious deaths of two women in the paper, Jim goes into investigative mode. He becomes interested in solving the mystery of two young women falling from the university clock tower.
Captain Agnihotti initially decides to approach the Chronicle editor Tehmul Byram about writing an article based in his investigation into the case. After meeting with Adi Framji, the widow of Bacha and her sister Pilloo, Adi hires him to investigate the case privately. Oddly, Jim finds that Byram is friends with Burjor, Adi’s influential father. Byram agrees to “loan” Jim to the Framji family for the investigation.
The family bring Jim into their fold which he is consciously aware of his “outsider” status. They include him at meals to which are more elaborate than he is accustomed. In typical Sherlock style, Adi offers him clothing so that he might investigate under the guise of a solicitor for Brown and Batliwala where Adi works. Lady Diana Framji, Adi’s sister, wants to help the in way home providing little known family particularly about Pilloo. Apparently, she came to live with the Framji family follow by the death of her parents in Lahore after the flu epidemic. They knew little about her as she married Jhansi at the young age of 16 which was just after Bacha had married Adi.
Although this is based on true events it does read in a lyrical fashion which is easy to read. The story is intriguing as the mystery begins to unfold and Jim develops feelings for Lady Diana. Unfortunately, there are many people who do not want Jim poking around as he discovers conflicting information. He soon encounters danger as he continues to uncover the truth.
Nev March creates rich characters and a captivating story that takes readers on an intriguing adventure alongside Captain Jim Agnihotri as he tries to unravel an enticing mystery. This is a persuasive, story that brings readers through the history of Colonial India culture, in 1892. The place is unique, and the time is turbulent. I liked how the Captain looks to his idol Sherlock Holmes for help in his investigating techniques that inspire and give him the courage to take on a double murder investigation. This novel has it all an interesting mystery, danger, drama, murder, a scandal with a splash of romance; sprinkled with several dams and “bloody hells” throughout. All based on true events. This author hits this debut novel out of the park. She is one to watch.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog http://www.bookfun.org
(Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an early ready copy!)
What a delightful book, well written and very interesting. Set in Bombay in 1892, British/Indian Capitan James Agnihotri (Jim)happens upon news story that catches is his interest: 2 well to do young women apparently threw themselves to their death from a clocktower. But something about the event seemed strange to him, and he reached out to one of the victims’ husband to see how he could help, and the husband engaged him to investigate. A devotee of Sherlock Holmes, Captain Agnihotri throws himself into the investigation, often thinking about how Sherlock would approach things. Along the way he becomes friends with Adi, the husband, and as things progress Jim becomes almost a part of the family. At the same time the head of the local constabulary is interested in hiring him, and his military contacts come back to get his help in solving another mystery. And along the way there is of course a bit of forbidden romance that comes his way.
Capitan Agnihotri is a delightful and well developed character and his Sherlock Holmes-isms are creative and funny. Adi, his parents and sister, household staff, are all beautifully drawn and engaging. Nev March inserts the politics and social mores of the day in a realistic and compelling fashion, which only adds to the appeal of Captain Jim and the other characters.
I really enjoyed this book. I believe it’s a debut novel and I hope that Nev March continues to write; in fact I can see several great sequels featuring Captain Jim! Murder in Old Bombay is a lovely, entertaining, interesting and engaging murder mystery that should not be missed!