The Silversmith's Puzzle

Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries #4

by Nev March

Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji return to India as they investigate a murder amidst colonial Bombay's complex hierarchy in March's fourth mystery.

In 1894 colonial India, Lady Diana's family has lost their fortune in a global financial slump, but even worse, her brother Adi is accused of murder. Desperate to save him from the gallows, Captain Jim and Lady Diana rush back to Bombay. However, the traditional Parsi community finds Jim and Diana's marriage taboo and shuns them.

The dying words of Adi’s business partner, a silversmith, are perplexing. As Captain Jim peels back the curtains on this man's life he finds a trail of unpaid bills, broken promises, lies and secrets. Why was the silversmith so frantic for gold, and where is it? What awful truth does it represent?

Set in lush, late-Victorian India, Captain Jim and Diana struggle with the complexities of caste, tradition, and loyalty. Their success and their own lives may depend on Diana, who sacrificed her inheritance for love. Someone within their circle has the key to this puzzle. Can she find a way to reconnect with the tight community that threw them aside?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, India, Thriller, Historical, Cultural

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

Nev March is the first Indian-born author to receive the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Award for Best First Crime Fiction. Nev is 2024 NY Chapter President for Mystery Writers of America.

Her debut novel, Murder in Old Bombay was a finalist for Edgar and Anthony Awards as well as Macavity, Barry and Hammett Awards for Crime Fiction.

She has appeared in radio and podcast interviews including NPR, and been featured in Mystery Tribune, Mystery Scene Magazine, CrimeReads, The History Reader and other publications. Murder in Old Bombay was an Amazon’s Editor’s Pick. The New York Times listed it as one of the “Best crime novels of 2020”.

After a long career in business analysis, she returned to her passion of writing fiction and now teaches creative writing at the Rutgers-Osher Institute. A Parsi Zoroastrian, she lives in New Jersey with her family.

Visit her website at www.NevMarch.com

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nev March is one of my favorite authors, Here we are on the 4th book of her Captain Jim and Lady Diana series and are back where it all began, Victorian Era India. A charming couple who are shunned when they return to India because Lady Diana is a Parsi and Jim was an of an Indian woman and British father - the castes may not mix!! And the caste system is part of this mystery, as Jim tries to clear his brother-in-law of the murder charge filed against him. Things look dire, as witnesses are bribed, caste issues keep people from giving evidence, and Jim is even forced go help clear up a robbery at the Indian Mint in order for people to assist his efforts on behalf of his brother-in-law.
I love this series as it transports me effortlessly to India and provides marvelous look at the times, places and people living there in the midst of the Victorian Era. Even though it is book 4, you need not have read the first 3 to thoroughly enjoy this new installment of Captain Jim and Lady Diana.. Well done Nev!!!! 4.5****

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction, mystery novel. It has a likable and intelligent male protagonist, murder, an intriguing mystery, an unexpected twist, and a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed being immersed in the vividly described locale, time period, customs, and culture. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. I especially enjoyed learning about Ms. March's touching family tradition. Many thanks to Ms. Nev March, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Background: After serving in the British army in India in the early 1890s, Anglo-Indian Captain Jim Agnihotri became interested in being a private detective, like his fictional idol Sherlock Holmes.



During Agnihotri's first case, two years ago......



.....he met and married a beautiful Parsi woman named Lady Diana Framji. Parsis are not meant to wed outsiders, and Diana's wealthy respected family would be ostracized.



So Jim and Diana moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where Jim was hired by the Dupree Detective Agency.



Since then, the Dupree agency has assigned Jim several difficult cases, and Diana has proven herself a smart, capable, and inventive assistant investigator.



In this 4th book in the 'Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries', Jim and Diana are compelled to return to India to absolve Diana's brother Adi of a murder charge.

*****

When Jim Agnihotri receives an urgent cable reading "NEED HELP PLEASE COME" from his brother-in-law, Adi Framji.....



.......Jim and his wife Diana hurry to meet Adi in a London, England hotel. There Adi admits, "If I go back to India, I'll be accused of murder."



Adi goes on to explain he recently embarked on a venture with his friend and business partner Satya Rastogi.



Rastogi came from a family of goldsmiths, and he'd studied chemistry, so the partners leased a warehouse to make surgical tools from Indian steel and silver - hoping to wrest some of the surgical tool market from British companies.



Unfortunately, without the imprimatur 'Made in UK', no hospitals would buy Framji and Rastogi's surgical tools. Worse yet, Satya was murdered, and Adi - who was found with the body - is the prime suspect. So Adi and Diana's father, Burjor Framji, sent Adi out of the country.



Agnihotri knows this is no solution, and he convinces Adi to return to Bombay, where Jim can (hopefully) clear his brother-in-law's name. The police are searching for Adi, so Diana disguises her sibling as an Indian woman, and the threesome board a ship to return to India.



In Bombay, Jim and Diana are warmly welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Framji, but the rest of the Parsi community is VERY standoffish.



With the return of the shunned couple, the Framjis' friends refuse dinner invitations; the family is not allowed to enter the Zoroastrian temple; and the Parsi community seems ready to boycott Framji businesses.



Jim and Diana know they must stay in Bombay long enough to prove Adi's innocence, and Agnihotri goes to work. He begins by interviewing the employees at Adi's factory, two of whom found Adi with Satya's body in the warehouse. The workers all claim not to have seen anyone else in the vicinity, but they seem squirrely and frightened.



Agnihotri carries on, and finds clues to Satya's murder. Best of all, Jim acquires a mysterious key that belonged to the victim. Jim sets out to discover what the key opens, believing this will help expose the killer.



Agnihotri is a master of disguise, just like his hero Sherlock Holmes. So Jim collects clothing and make-up and fake whiskers, and takes on different personae to further his investigations.





Along the way Jim gets into some serious scuffles, as befits a former soldier.



While Agnihotri is in the midst of the Satya Rastogi case, he's approached by the Framji family's Zoroastrian priest, who needs assistance.



The priest takes Jim to a distraught Parsi man called Boman Padamji, who confides, "For over twenty years I have worked at the Royal Mint. I manage the forge, melting coins paid as tax into imperial bullion....But now there is a thief among my staff....Someone has stolen a bar of gold. And I will be held responsible."



Agnihotri agrees to investigate, after which the priest will help 'heal the rift' between the Parsi community and the Framjis.

Agnihotri is clever and insightful and - with help from Diana - identifies culprits in both cases.



However, Agnihotri is convinced a 'Moriarty-like' mastermind is controlling a criminal network in Bombay, and Jim hopes to expose the miscreant at a future time.

The story is engaging but (for me) the novel feels top heavy with descriptions of Indian scenery, delicious meals, beautiful clothes, and so on. I like background ambiance, but it's overdone in this book and slows down the story.

To give you the idea, here are a few examples:

"Around him a jumble of red hibiscus crowned a bush, while stephanotis, jasmine, and heliotrope crowded adjacent beds."



"The dining room was empty when I served myself from tureens on the sideboard....I slathered spicy mango preserve called amba-kalyo on my toast and polished it off with soft curds of scrambled eggs."



"In a sari, a light peach confection that seemed spun from early morning cloud, Diana looked fragile, barely there, like a bird that is all downy feathers."



These kinds of scenes are wonderful, but in moderation. Still, I enjoyed the novel and recommend it to fans of historical mysteries.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nev March, and Minotaur for a copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nev March’s incomparable Captain Jim and Lady Diana return to India!

As always I’m absolutely consumed with Captain Jim Agnihotri and his wife Diana. I’m so glad they’ve returned to India—a breath taking, colorful and magical place, along with its squalor, religious differences, underlying tensions and gathering troubles for the colonial British.
Diana’s parsi family welcomes them. Diana’s parsi friends and acquaintance? No! Jim and Diana are beyond the tight knit community’s social pale. Jim hurts to see his wife treated so. Diana walks through it all, sad but unrepentant for having married outside the circle. (I love how they relate with each other)
However that’s not their main concern. Adi, Diana’s brother, has been arrested for the murder of his friend and business partner Satya Rastogi. Satya was the scion of a powerful parsi family who are jewellers.
What Jim and Diana will uncover is theft, corruption, murder, and stolen gold.
The path to the truth is behind veiled references and clouded by secrecy. Even when the shocking facts are revealed we are left with the idea of a malignant force behind all that’s happened. Jim’s hero Sherlock Holmes is referred to constantly leaving us to wonder who is Jim’s Professor Moriarty?
Family is important to Jim. He has none. His quest for who his father might be never Leaves him.
Returning to India prompts Jim’s earliest memories, increasing his wondering about who his father is.
An action packed, fabulous read!

A Minotaur Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me before reading The Silversmith’s Puzzle: I want Jim and Diana to go back to India

Me while reading The Silversmith’s Puzzle: How fast can we get them out of India?

Returning home scratched an itch many of us had for this series, but seeing Jim and Diana navigate the caste system and Jim’s always being an “other” reminds you that they knew what they were doing when they moved away.

It was great to see Diana’s family again, but tough to see how the Parsi’s have treated them since Diana married outside the group

The mystery was fascinating and complicated. I had no idea how it would resolve until the moment the murderer confessed.

It looks like we’ll be in India for another book! I’m thrilled to see more of Diana’s amazing family!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing a copy of this book in advance. This is my honest review.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in the series is still the best. I've been entertained by those that follow, but it's the opening book that really has my heart.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: May 13, 2025

“The Silversmith's Puzzle: A Mystery” is the fourth novel in the “Murder in Old Bombay” by award-winning author Nev March.

1894: Diana Framji’s family lost a large fortune as a result of the global economic downturn and now her beloved brother, Adi, is accused of mother. Diana and her husband, Captain Jim Agnihotri, must return to Diana’s home of Bombay so that Jim can help clear Adi’s name. But it’s been many years since Jim and Diana visited Diana’s home and the country isn’t exactly welcoming, shunning Diana and the rest of her family for Diana’s choice to marry outside of her Parsi community. Even as a private detective, it will take everything Jim has to clear Adi, and hopefully earn a positive reputation in the Parsi culture.

“Puzzle” is the fourth novel, as mentioned, and it is always difficult for me to pick up on a novel series in the middle, although it seems that that has been my lot as of late. In this case, I really would’ve liked to have read books one through three before taking this one on, as I felt disconnected with the characters and the plot.

There are many characters in this novel, some of them are obviously from previous novels in the series, but Jim is the protagonist and narrator. “Puzzle” has multiple mysteries for Jim to solve, as his investigation into the murder of Adi’s partner leads him to uncover another mystery involving forged gold statues and, although they are connected, I found the double mystery to be overwhelming. March connected the two storylines well, but I felt like one complete, organized plot would’ve held my interest for longer stretches.

Although both mysteries in “Puzzle” were solved, there was enough of a hint at the end of this novel to suggest a fifth novel is forthcoming.

The characters were likable and it was interesting to learn about Indian society during the nineteenth century. The ending was unpredictable, which I enjoyed, and there was definitely enough action to keep me engaged however something about this novel fell flat for me. I did not find myself turning the pages rapidly, or becoming deeply immersed into the novel’s plot. Maybe it was due to the fact that I had not read the previous installments but I had to push through “Puzzle”, in order to finish.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

All has come full circle when Captain Jim and Lady Diana return to Victorian-Era Colonial India and all they left behind for another mystery- this time in Diana’s Parsi Zoroastrian community. Nev March caught my attention with her first book in this series, Murder in Old Bombay. She wrote period and culturally-authentic background and characters as well as a cunning and adventure-laden mystery. I’ve come to anticipate each series installment ever since.

The Silversmith’s Puzzle is the fourth standalone mystery in the Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries series. While the mysteries are standalone, there is a strong connection through the series regarding the characters and relationships so they work best read in order.

Jim, half-English and half-Indian son of a lower caste woman and ex-Captain of the Indian army should have never married with Diana, a Parsi from a high caste and wealthy family when it comes to pretty much everyone within her Parsi Zoroastrian community. They knew what marriage would mean which is why they moved to America where Jim pursued detective work, successfully, on occasion with Diana’s brilliant help.

But now, caste and culture threaten to end their chances of investigating the murder of Adi’s business partner and keeping him from taking the blame for the crime. Their extended Parsi community make life rough and out right shun Jim and Diana, but the Framjis loyally stick by the married pair and their irrepressible spirit is still intact. Jim does a great deal of the detecting alone this time around, delving into familiar haunts around Bombay, and the case isn’t easy even if he had cooperation. In America and Britain, Jim was accepted as American and treated differently than here in India where he is neither one nor the other (not English enough for the Brits or high enough caste for the Indians).

All in all, this return to India was as taut and suspenseful on a personal level as I expected it would be and I fell more deeply in love with the Captain Jim and Lady Diana as they faced cultural and class hardships while loyally helping her family. Those who love authentic historical mysteries set in an exotic and culturally rich locale should give this series a try.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Quill Ink 5.8.25.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nev March's Captain Jim and Lady Diana mysteries just keep getting richer and more compelling. The novels take place in the late 19th Century in both India and the U.S. Diana Framji is the adult daughter of a prominent Parsi family. Jim Agnihotri grew up an orphan—he and his mother were abandoned by his British father; his Indian mother died when he was just two years old. Diana and Jim meet and fall in love in the first novel in this series.

The Parsi community as depicted here is closely knit. The members are fiercely loyal to one another—but are also willing to shut out families and individuals that they feel have brought shame upon the community. When Diana marries the non-Parsi, mixed-race Jim, she finds herself pushed to the margins of the community in which she's been raised. She and Jim move to the U.S. to allow her family to maintain their status in India.

That's all back story. As the series progresses we watch Diana and Jim gradually building their life together in the U.S. The Silversmith's Puzzle brings them back to India, where Diana's brother Adi has been accused of a murder he didn't commit. The Framji family has come to care deeply for Jim, but Diana kept at the magins of the Parsi community.

The puzzle in The Silversmith's Puzzle involves the story of the man Adi is accused of killing. The two were business partners, and just before his partner's murder, Adi learns that his partner has emptied the company bank account—and others the partner has taken financial advantage of are seeking redress.

The British Raj is just beginning to include some members of the nation it has colonized, but progress is slow. Britain is taxing India, using the nation's wealth for its own purposes while many Indians starve. Tensions are growing as a fledgling resistance to the British—which won't accomplish its goal until over a half century later—has begun to appear.

Diana is a particularly interesting character given her moves between Indian and American culture. She frets about the risks Jim takes as a private investigator, but rather than feeling cowed, she is determined to play more of a role in his cases, a role very different that the role she was raised to expect.

And there you've got three wonderful strands running through the novels: the mysteries themselves; the class, cultural, and colonial tensions; and Diana's nascent feminism. So much to chew on, which is what has made this series increasingly satisfying in terms of plot, setting, and character.

If you like historical mysteries and/or mysteries in which different cultures meet, you're in for a treat with any of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana mysteries. You can begin with any volume in the series: going through them chronologically has the advantage of enabling readers to grow to know characters and their histories, but the exciting plotting in The Silversmith's Puzzle makes it a tempting candidate for a first read.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance reader copy of The Silversmith’s Puzzle. All opinions and comments are my own.

A return to home should have brought happy feelings to Captain Jim Angihotri and his wife Lady Diana; instead, in The Silversmith’s Puzzle they will be faced with the family fortune disappearing, being ostracized by society (because of their marriage), and, worst of all, Diana’s brother Adi accused of killing his business partner. Not the welcome anyone would want for a visit to Bombay.

But Jim, or as he is known in America, James Agney/O’Trey, is a very good detective, and though he may be in another country, the rules of deduction still apply. It will be difficult, and a long and strange trip it is (with lots of twists and turns along the way). The “powers that be” would like nothing better than to make it all go away, but our Anglo-Indian detective has other plans. The result is a tale of betrayal, deception, and eventually, the consequences of love, whereby some bad people are finally ferreted out, and the truth discovered.

Within the pages, besides the murder investigation, author Nev March weaves a fascinating tale of Parsi customs, Indian traditions and culture and of course British influence on the country. The strength of her writing in making the setting, plot and characterization come alive is evident on every page. The Silversmith’s Puzzle is a fascinating look at a faraway civilization and a puzzling mystery at the same time, especially enjoyable for historical mystery fans.

[John Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first novel by Nev March that I have read. I normally read SF&F but was intrigued with an award winning author who, at the time, was the President of the NY Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, an organization I had earlier been a member of.

It took me a bit to get into the book as I was not familiar with the Indian culture, religion, and caste system. I was looking up a lot of words until I was able to really get into the story rather than look at it from the outside.

The Silversmith's Puzzle is a cozy mystery dated in the 1890s in Coplonial India which addresses serious social issues of the time (and perhaps still ongoing). Nev specializes in establishing authentic cultural identity to make the story absolutely plausible. When speaking with Nev on the podcast, I was impressed with her detail of research to create her story line.

The two principal characters in the series (of which this is the 4th installment) Captain Jim and Lady Diana have returned from the US to Bombay, where the Parsi community has found Jim and Diana's marriage taboo and shuns them. Diana's brother, Adi is in jail charged with murder, and it is up to Jim and Diana to prove his innocence. Sounds simple. But the societal structure of the period with caste and tradition prove a formidal barrier to their task.

A big plus for me was in learning about either the most or second most populous country on the planet and way of living that was totally foreign to me. I definitely recommend this read.

Listen to our podcast episode 342: https://on.soundcloud.com/gTTzGgec4Dd...


The dying words of Adi's business partner, a silversmith, are perplexing. As Captain Jim peels back the curtains on this man's life he finds a trail of unpaid bills, broken promises, lies, and secrets. Why was the silversmith so frantic for gold, and where is it? What awful truth does it represent?

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silversmiths Puzzle, is the fourth book in the captain Jim and Lady Diana mysteries by NAV March, when Jim and Diana are summoned to England Jim learns Diana‘s brother is in big trouble but when a murder investigation brings them back to their home land put Lady Diana‘s father on the suspect list turned it into a kidnapping and makes Captain Jim a thief with his life on the line will it once again end with a happy ever after or with Lady Diana a widow? These books are so well worded I love them so much and there was way too much as always in the plot to give a good brief summary I’ve touched on the highlights but there is way more to the couples home homecoming then just what I put in my review this book is not only funny but intelligently done And always before the end had my heart palpitating. I love these books and cannot recommend them enough if you’re a fan of historical cozy mysteries then you definitely cannot miss the international amateur slueth captain Jim and lady Diana mysteries.#NetGalley,#SaintMartin’sPress, TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #NevMarch, #CaptainJimAndLadyDianaMysteries, #TheSilversmithsPuzzle,

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very much worth the wait for the audiobook and I am glad I didn’t give up on the wait!

This was a really interesting read; I love how these books entertain, but also TEACH us something about what life was like in India during the British rule and how it wasn’t all sweets and roses, but also how the Indian people adapted to so many things simply because they had to and I admire their fortitude and belief that things have to get better.

This outing finds Captain Jim and Diana BACK in India; Adi is I trouble and needs Jim’s help to get him out of trouble. Along the way, SO MANY CRAZY things happen, and by the time the reveal [s] happen, my head was swimming and I was shocked at the truth when it came out. I never, ever saw THAT coming.

I love this series so much and this one was just fantastic; I will say that the British hoity-toity behavior towards Adi and then against Jim just made me so angry; I cannot even imagine what it must have been like in real life.

This is historical mysteries at it best and if love that genre, then this series is 100% for you; I do not think you will be sorry.

So glad i was able to read this and given the ending, I am REALLY looking forward to book 5!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Nev March, and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s another well written book in this series.
I did think it moved a little too slow for me.
The first book in this series is still my favorite.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5.0 stars

It is September of 1894. Jim and Diana left Boston a few weeks before and have arrived at Liverpool, England where they meet up with her brother, Adi who had sent an urgent telegram asking them to come. Adi divulges that he has been accused of murdering his business partner in Bombay and has fled to England. He fears becoming a scapegoat in the matter. If anyone can help him, he believes that it is Jim. So back to Bombay they all travel with the hope of reclaiming Adi's good name.

Author Nev March spins a wonderful tale, filled with adventure, mystery, and a touch of romance. The writing is excellent and highly descriptive. In this installment of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mystery series, one is swept away to colonial Bombay, India. The air is moist and hot. The gardens are lush and their blooms glorious. Nev March's rich understanding of India social ranking, delicate international diplomacy, classism of the 1890s, and history of the day is beautifully rendered. The way in which she writes dialogue among people of differing cultures and class is insightful and delivers a strong understanding of why things ultimately had to change.

The story was thoroughly captivating and I eagerly await the next book in series as it makes its way into the world.

I am grateful to publisher Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: May 13, 2025
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1250348036

[Carol Dimitriou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good story featuring Captain Jim and Lady Diana, two wonderful characters. I always look forward to reading the next book!

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery stands alone, but is best understood by fans of the series, or at least those who read book one. I never read the first book and I would have liked this story more if I had, even though I read books 2 and 3. It took a long time for Jim to make progress with the investigation, or maybe the pacing made it feel that way. Diana is on the sidelines in its one. She complains about her ostracism, justly, but does little else for long sections. Bombay itself is more of a character than her. Jim’s great, but this one isn’t a team effort, if that matters to you. Still on board for the next book.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Bam cooks the books]

In the 4th book in this historical mystery series set in the 1890s, Captain Jim and Lady Diana return to Bombay to help prove her brother Adi innocent of murdering his business partner. The culture and caste system of India in this era under British rule lend so much color and interest to the story. The characters are delightful--such a warm and wonderful family. The murder mystery and a subplot are both very intriguing; I had no clue how it would all be resolved. I will definitely look forward to more to come in this series.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I liked this one much more than the previous book, perhaps because it takes place back in India with Diana's family, but also because I found the mystery to be a good twisty one with high stakes--Adi's reputation and freedom, his family's reputation, and some side stories that helped paint the bigger pictures but was inspired by historical characters and events. As always, the author includes explanations at the end of what she used or adapted that had a kernel of truth in it. I also loved how Jim's relationship with Diana's family continues to grow (there were some really moving moments) as they truly become the family he never had but always wanted. We also learn about a different family, the wealthy goldsmiths who are at the heart of this mystery, and we can infer that things might have been very different had their son (the victim) been raised by Diana's family. There is tragedy in this story, but there is also redemption as Jim continues to navigate the challenges of being an outsider marrying into a Parsi family (it's not done). While I don't think that there's any question Diana's family regrets letting him marry her, and while he still feels guilt about that and wonders if he should have done things differently, I feel that he's realizing that she is everything to him, but she also makes her own decisions, and she would not have done it any differently. Despite the tensions with the greater Parsi community, I feel that he's made strides towards more amicable relations in this story, and it makes me happy to see this.

I happily recommend this story, which can be read without reading the previous ones (there is enough background info thrown in that makes this pretty easy), although if you want to know how they fell in love, you'll have to read the first book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kiaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th book in this historic mystery series … and while the reader would probably get more out of it if they had read the other 3, I think this could be an intriguing and understandable standalone.
1890’s American India and Britain are the settings for the series and the majority of this book take place in Bombay. The main characters of the series are: Captain Jim - a current PI, former British army member, Bombay Constabulary officer, Anglo-Indian,in his early 3o’s who’s father is an unknown Englishman who was raised as an orphan from an early age AND. Diana Framji - Bombay born, British educated daughter of a wealthy Parsis family expected to marry within her religion and class. In previous books (but explained in this one), these two fell in love, married and moved to America mainly because, although Diana’s family have accepted the marriage, Bombay Parsi society doesn’t.
In The SIlversmith’s Puzzle, Jim receives an urgent telegram from Diana’s brother, Adi, who is also like a brother to him. The couple travel to Britain to rendezvous with Adi and find he’s on the run from the murder of his business partner in India. He’s scared that he’s going to be arrested for the murder but is being cagey with Jim and Diana about all the details of the incident. They convince him to return with them to India so that Jim can try to find out who really killed the man, clear Adi’s name and remove some the stigma from his family and their business. Diana’s parents are thrilled that all 3 have returned but Jim and Diana aren’t so lucky. Most of Parsi society shows their disdain for the couple and social engagements are cancelled. The murder at the heart of the book takes MANY twists and turns and involves a large cast of characters from colonial Raj administrators, high and low caste Indians…generous people, criminals and beggars. The story also weaves in interesting info about the onerous taxation system imposed by the British in India, the many restrictions of the caste system and the overall bad impact of the Raj on India and its people. Jim and Diana love and respect each other and work together to help Adi stay out of the executioners noose. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[Cindy Sylvest · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read it was great to see Diana married but so sad to see how the Parsis treated them for marrying outside of her nationality.
As usual they dig deep each I their own way to find out the truth.
The first three books were absolutely amazing and I expected nothing less with this one and it met my goal.
New March writes fresh, rowdy yet romantic books that keep you wanting more. And with Lady Diana and Captain Jim not leaving it looks like there will be another book and I cannot wait to delve in.
Thank you for allowing me to read an advanced copy and leave my honest review . I cannot wait for the next book to be written.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series. This book is #4 and it takes place in India again, like book one. Main and smaller characters all continue to evolve like real people! It’s rare to see an author who can do this so well. The mystery was good, but I mostly liked the characters.

[Tina Panik · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters continue to display depth, and this installment has an intense mystery and a strong plot.

[Paradise_n_butterflies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim and Diana are back in India. But this time, to save Adi, Diana's brother, and Jim's most trusted friend, from being accused of the murder of his partner. Their presence is going to steer the shadows looming in the darkness. Will this quest prove Adi's innocence, or are they going into a danger zone that one must avoid at all costs?

First bacha and Pillo's death,
Then Diana and Jim's marriage,
Now their son is being accused of murder.
The framjis can't seem to catch a break.

This book is #4 in Captain Jim and Lady Diana mysteries. After 2 years, they are back to save Framjis from yet another hurdle they find themselves into. But this time, they won't just be solving the problem for their dearest's sake. Together, They will have to face the consequences of their choices, the very reason they left Bombay in the first place.

The book delivers the mysterious elements of the story with ease. Set in the 1890s, the book had the potential of diving into the social customs and lifestyle of people then, and the author did that with a flourish. I love historical settings. I love it when an author goes deeper into the unknown and introduces us to hidden facts. I also love it when they address issues of the time and how controversial and scandalous their nature is. Nev March presented them with grace, and I fell in love with her writings.

The highlights for me were the details of the traditional Parsi and Sonar family. As a storyteller, your audience must understand the essence and the base of the story that is being set up, and I can say with confidence that I didn't feel lost even after all the information dump (she's amazing). However, at some point, it did feel like the story jumped from one scene to another without any context. Also, most of the events of the book HAVE happened in real life. This only shows how much research the author must have done to get this book as historically accurate as possible.

As for the characters, Jim and Diana were so sweet together, I hope I don't get diabetes.
One who has been a part of this series can clearly see the character development of Jim.
It was so emotional to see him being finally accepted into the family. I loved Jim as a character. He kinda broke the standard of detectives for me. He is not Sherlock or Hercules smart, but he is sharp nonetheless. He proved that not every detective has to be super smart and get the job done with few clues; we see him struggle with the clues, see him hitting dead ends again and again, we see his thought process, and it made me think that detectives can be get-the-job-done-however-it-may-be smart, too. I wished we had more roles for Adi and Diana in unfolding the plot. They had the potential to be the perfect trio(even if it was for a single book).

A word of advice: This book or series is only for those who look for a cozy or light-hearted murder mystery. If you expect it to be more dark or thrilling, then let me tell you it's not. Cause sometimes the cases don't always have to be so dark, they can be different and engaging at the same time. But still, I loved the mystery cause even then, the author kept me engaged till the end.

Thank you, Nev march and the publishers for the opportunity 🫶🏻

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but not as engaging as her other books. Hopefully the next book will be better

[Gerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Nev March’s fourth novel, we have the pleasure of once again becoming immersed in the world of Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji, circa 1894, as they solve another mystery together. Intertwined with the intrigue is great global history of the times, ranging from the US to England to India.
Narrated by Capt. Jim, who goes by surname O’Trey for simplicity, the story finds him helping Diana’s brother Adi, whose partner in a silver instrument factory has been killed, with Adi accused of the murder. Jim investigates, with the tenets of Sherlock Holmes always in mind. The plot is wonderfully complex and appealing to this longtime fan of mysteries and Holmes.
What elevates this series is March’s beautifully descriptive prose, providing a great sense of place and historical atmosphere. I felt at times like I was on the streets of 19th century Bombay. The tone and tenor of the prose is appropriate for the time period, with colloquialisms imbedded in the narrative.
The characters and local customs are also of the times, and, over 100 years later, it is sometimes difficult to see Jim and Diana struggle for respect due to race and/or social custom. Feisty Diana strains against the restrictions of caste and society, and ultimately they again realize why they relocated to the western world.
While this book is the fourth in a series it can be easily read as a stand-alone. Readers of intelligent mysteries and atmospheric historical fiction will enjoy this story. Its final scene has me looking forward to the next entry in this wonderful series!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed being back in the company of Jim, Diana, and the rest of the Framji family. The mystery was very satisfying and I found it very hard to put the book down. This is the fourth volume of the Captain Jim and Lady Diana series. As usual, Jim is brave, honorable, and not afraid to admit when he doesn’t know something. Diana is intelligent, kind and able to provide a new point of view when unraveling a crime comes to a standstill.

Nev March has developed her characters so well that they do seem real. As always she includes informative details about the Parsi religion that I find interesting. I’m looking forward to the next book. By the way, I do recommend reading them in order.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy. This is my honest review.

[Angelo Drakontaidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

March’s 4th book in the series continues the story of Jim and Diane as they travel back to Bombay. Adi, Diane’s brother is accused of murder. Jim does his best to solve the case and free his brother in law.

I liked that we return to where it all started. I enjoyed the call backs to the first book, still my favorite of the series. March continues to build on the story arcs of our protagonists from each book.

Ultimately, while I enjoyed it, I wasn’t as enamored as I was reading book 1 and 3. The ending teases for a future entry, which I look forward to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Maki Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nev March’s fourth mystery takes Captain Jim Agnihotri and Lady Diana Framji back to Bombay, India, to investigate a murder. This time, the case is personal, as Lady Diana’s brother is accused of murdering his business partner. As Captain Jim delves deeper into the case, the trail leads him closer to a possible family connection. I found the story captivating and full of fascinating characters. But for me, all the Indian words muddled my ability to follow the storyline. I could not keep straight if the words were character names, locations, objects, clothing, or names of dishes.

[Andrea A · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Net Galley and St Martin's Minotaur for allowing me this arc.

I'm going to say this was just ok. I was not wowed. Jim and Diana were interesting characters, and I enjoyed learning about the Indian/Parsi way of life but the terms were a bit confusing and this was not a page turner.