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Wyndham & Banerjee #6
The Burning Grounds
In the Burning Ghats of Calcutta where the dead are laid to rest, a man is found murdered, his throat cut from ear to ear.
The body is that of a popular patron of the arts, a man who was, by all accounts, beloved by so what was the motive for his murder? Despite being out of favour with the Imperial Police Force, Detective Sam Wyndham is assigned to the case and finds himself thrust into the glamorous world of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile Surendranath Banerjee, recently returned from Europe after three years spent running from the fallout of his last case, is searching for a missing photographer; a trailblazing woman at the forefront of the profession. When Suren discovers that the vanished woman is linked to Sam's murder investigation, the two men find themselves working together once again - but will Wyndham and Banerjee be able to put their differences aside to solve the case?
The body is that of a popular patron of the arts, a man who was, by all accounts, beloved by so what was the motive for his murder? Despite being out of favour with the Imperial Police Force, Detective Sam Wyndham is assigned to the case and finds himself thrust into the glamorous world of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile Surendranath Banerjee, recently returned from Europe after three years spent running from the fallout of his last case, is searching for a missing photographer; a trailblazing woman at the forefront of the profession. When Suren discovers that the vanished woman is linked to Sam's murder investigation, the two men find themselves working together once again - but will Wyndham and Banerjee be able to put their differences aside to solve the case?
384 pages, ebook
First published November 4, 2025
145 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Abir Mukherjee
11 books1,319 followersAbir Mukherjee is the Times bestselling author of the Sam Wyndham series of crime novels set in Raj era India. His debut, A Rising Man, won the CWA Endeavour Dagger for best historical crime novel of 2017 and was shortlisted for the MWA Edgar for best novel. His second novel, A Necessary Evil, won the Wilbur Smith Award for Adventure Writing and was a Zoe Ball Book Club pick. His third novel, Smoke and Ashes, was chosen by the Sunday Times as one of the 100 Best Crime & Thriller Novels since 1945. Abir grew up in Scotland and now lives in London with his wife and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 11, 2025
4 stars for a murder mystery set in 1920s Calcutta, India. The author bio states that he grew up in Scotland and now lives in Surrey, England. This is book 6 in the series and it is the only book that I have read in the series. The author's viewpoint of British racism is quite clear, with comments about their belief in their superiority. Sam Wyndham is an Imperial Police Officer who is called to the scene of a dead body at the burning grounds where funeral pyres are found. The dead man is J.P. Mullick, who has had his throat cut. He was a wealthy Indian man who was known for his philanthropic contributions to the community.
A quote by Sam: "Poor Mullick. He was rich, generous, disinclined towards politics and dead. Just the sort of Indian we liked, give or take the last part. Tycoon, patron of the arts and the burraest of burra babus."
There are enough Indian words to give the reader a sense of Calcutta life.
Sam is approached by his former police sergeant, Surendranath Banerjee, for assistance in finding a woman, Dolly, daughter to his father's brother, who has disappeared. Her father is worried that she is in danger, and wants Suren to find her, since the police have told him that she has just run off.
Suren is no longer a police officer, and so seeks Sam's help.
As they cooperate on the two investigations, they find that they are connected. They do solve the case, but not before more murders. I suspected one person, but did not put it all together until the end.
Because this was an intricate mystery, I read it rather slowly. I recommend it to mystery fans.
Thank You Pegasus Crime for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
Pub. date: 11/11/25
A quote by Sam: "Poor Mullick. He was rich, generous, disinclined towards politics and dead. Just the sort of Indian we liked, give or take the last part. Tycoon, patron of the arts and the burraest of burra babus."
There are enough Indian words to give the reader a sense of Calcutta life.
Sam is approached by his former police sergeant, Surendranath Banerjee, for assistance in finding a woman, Dolly, daughter to his father's brother, who has disappeared. Her father is worried that she is in danger, and wants Suren to find her, since the police have told him that she has just run off.
Suren is no longer a police officer, and so seeks Sam's help.
As they cooperate on the two investigations, they find that they are connected. They do solve the case, but not before more murders. I suspected one person, but did not put it all together until the end.
Because this was an intricate mystery, I read it rather slowly. I recommend it to mystery fans.
Thank You Pegasus Crime for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
Pub. date: 11/11/25
November 17, 2025
When I first discovered the first book in the Wyndham & Banerjee series, I was enthralled by the strong, chilling, intriguing, character-driven crime series and by the historical depiction of Calcutta's social, cultural, political, and religious strife in the 1920s. I read all five of the books in rapid succession. The Hindu and Muslim natives are trying to survive under the British Raj, but cracks are forming in this turbulent era. Under British rule, native mindsets were evolving, leading to the eventual termination of the British Empire in India. The British are shown with feelings of superiority and elitism over the natives of India, and the necessity of controlling the country. They believe the native Indians are incapable of governing themselves. The Indians are subject to unequal justice and cruelty, while the British pillage the resources.
I had thought the gripping series ended with the fifth book by author Abir Mukherjee, as the last one was published four long years ago. I was delighted to learn that the Burning Grounds has now been newly added as the 6th book in the Wyndham & Banerjee series.
These books feature Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee (Suren), who serve in the Imperial Police Force under British rule. Demonstrations for independence from Britain are at a standstill, as Gandhi is in prison
Wyndham is from London and had been disturbed about his time in the trenches during WW1, the death of his wife during the flu epidemic, and he became an opium addict. When he moved to Calcutta, he felt at home there and had no intention of returning to England.. Suren is a London-educated Brahmin. Their perspectives mirror evolving mindsets among Indians. The British have targeted Suren as a scapegoat, and he is not permitted to enter segregated British venues and is subjected to bigotry when interviewing English subjects. Both police officers are conflicted about perpetuating the British-controlled police system.
The previous book ended with Suren fleeing to Europe, and he has been absent from Calcutta for three years. He was in love with a European girl, and they might have married. His parents disapproved and demanded that he come home. Intermarriage is frowned upon both by the British and Indians, and the offspring of mixed marriages are not fully accepted into society.
Wyndham has been demoted in the police force, and Suren has quit the force entirely. A wealthy Indian man who is greatly admired for his charitable donations has been found murdered on the grounds of the Burning Ghat. To Wyndham's surprise, he is assigned to the case and learns that the murdered man had a dark side unknown to the public. Two more people are murdered.
He realizes he will need ex-police officer Suren to help him interview the suspects and understand the culture. Suren will help, but as a private citizen. Suren also needs his former partner's assistance because Suren's cousin has vanished. She was a photographer, and her studio was broken into and ransacked, indicating she may be in danger. They learn that the murders and the missing cousin are related. Can these men, now estranged, work together to solve the cases? Their investigation leads them to the thriving Indian film industry and to a beautiful actress from Tasmania who is heading to Hollywood after the film is shot.
The solution to the murder cases and the whereabouts of a missing person make this gripping stand-alone mystery with a complex plot. Recommended! Readers who enjoy this book may want to read some of the previous books and learn more about the partnership and investigations by Wyndham and Banerjee.
I had thought the gripping series ended with the fifth book by author Abir Mukherjee, as the last one was published four long years ago. I was delighted to learn that the Burning Grounds has now been newly added as the 6th book in the Wyndham & Banerjee series.
These books feature Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee (Suren), who serve in the Imperial Police Force under British rule. Demonstrations for independence from Britain are at a standstill, as Gandhi is in prison
Wyndham is from London and had been disturbed about his time in the trenches during WW1, the death of his wife during the flu epidemic, and he became an opium addict. When he moved to Calcutta, he felt at home there and had no intention of returning to England.. Suren is a London-educated Brahmin. Their perspectives mirror evolving mindsets among Indians. The British have targeted Suren as a scapegoat, and he is not permitted to enter segregated British venues and is subjected to bigotry when interviewing English subjects. Both police officers are conflicted about perpetuating the British-controlled police system.
The previous book ended with Suren fleeing to Europe, and he has been absent from Calcutta for three years. He was in love with a European girl, and they might have married. His parents disapproved and demanded that he come home. Intermarriage is frowned upon both by the British and Indians, and the offspring of mixed marriages are not fully accepted into society.
Wyndham has been demoted in the police force, and Suren has quit the force entirely. A wealthy Indian man who is greatly admired for his charitable donations has been found murdered on the grounds of the Burning Ghat. To Wyndham's surprise, he is assigned to the case and learns that the murdered man had a dark side unknown to the public. Two more people are murdered.
He realizes he will need ex-police officer Suren to help him interview the suspects and understand the culture. Suren will help, but as a private citizen. Suren also needs his former partner's assistance because Suren's cousin has vanished. She was a photographer, and her studio was broken into and ransacked, indicating she may be in danger. They learn that the murders and the missing cousin are related. Can these men, now estranged, work together to solve the cases? Their investigation leads them to the thriving Indian film industry and to a beautiful actress from Tasmania who is heading to Hollywood after the film is shot.
The solution to the murder cases and the whereabouts of a missing person make this gripping stand-alone mystery with a complex plot. Recommended! Readers who enjoy this book may want to read some of the previous books and learn more about the partnership and investigations by Wyndham and Banerjee.
November 28, 2025
2.5
I should note that I hadn't realised that Burning Grounds was one of a series of novels featuring the same two detectives and this may have had a bearing on the score I gave it.
I listened to the audiobook which was admirably narrated by Mikhail Sen and Simon Bubb. It was probably the part of the book I enjoyed the most. Each character has their own chapters so it was easy to work out what was happening and to who. Thankfully there was no melodrama in the narration either.
Unfortunately the plot was what let the book down. It was relatively simple to work out that the two detectives had been apart for sone while. Wyndham appeared a gloomy, self-pitying type whereas Banerjee was bound by familial ties. There is a certain amount of friction between the two.
The plot is driven by two main stories. Banerjee has been tasked by his family to find his niece, Dolly, who has disappeared, while Wyndham is on the trail of the murderer of a local influential businessman. It brings both of them into the world of cinema and Wyndham into the orbit of the beautiful Esther, an actress.
I am afraid I worked out very early on who the culprit was and it therefore drove me a bit bonkers listening to a supposed seasoned detective continue to get it wrong. I also found the fawning over the pretty actress quite irritating.
I am not convinced to read the previous 5 books but all reviews I have seen are positive so perhaps I am being unfair since the characters are new to me and I don't understand the nuances. We shall see.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Audio for the audio advance review copy.
I should note that I hadn't realised that Burning Grounds was one of a series of novels featuring the same two detectives and this may have had a bearing on the score I gave it.
I listened to the audiobook which was admirably narrated by Mikhail Sen and Simon Bubb. It was probably the part of the book I enjoyed the most. Each character has their own chapters so it was easy to work out what was happening and to who. Thankfully there was no melodrama in the narration either.
Unfortunately the plot was what let the book down. It was relatively simple to work out that the two detectives had been apart for sone while. Wyndham appeared a gloomy, self-pitying type whereas Banerjee was bound by familial ties. There is a certain amount of friction between the two.
The plot is driven by two main stories. Banerjee has been tasked by his family to find his niece, Dolly, who has disappeared, while Wyndham is on the trail of the murderer of a local influential businessman. It brings both of them into the world of cinema and Wyndham into the orbit of the beautiful Esther, an actress.
I am afraid I worked out very early on who the culprit was and it therefore drove me a bit bonkers listening to a supposed seasoned detective continue to get it wrong. I also found the fawning over the pretty actress quite irritating.
I am not convinced to read the previous 5 books but all reviews I have seen are positive so perhaps I am being unfair since the characters are new to me and I don't understand the nuances. We shall see.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Audio for the audio advance review copy.
October 11, 2025
The Burning Grounds is a historical police procedural set during the 1920s in Calcutta. When the murdered body of a wealthy Indian patron of the arts is discovered on the Burning Ghats, British Detective Sam Wyndham is sent to investigate. Sam asks that his former partner, now a civilian, Serendranath Banerjee, join him on the case.
The pacing is well established, and while there is obvious loyalty between Sam and Seren, the novel illustrates the dynamics under colonial rule. There are many layers and tensions within the arts and the social dynamics of class and gender, which makes The Burning Grounds a compelling read.
What I enjoyed was how the author transported me to a time and place with the scents, scenes, heat and atmosphere of Calcutta. If you’ve not read Hunted by the same author, I highly recommend it as well.
With thanks to Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my review.
November 15, 2025
Galley provided by publisher
The Wyndham & Banerjee books have been among my favourite historical mystery series for a while so I was very excited on hearing that there would be a sixth book (given how the fifth left things). This one, I think, scales back a little from the broader political events that the series had started to take in, in books 4 and 5, and goes back to centring the best part of it: the relationship between Sam and Suren. Obviously, at the start, they are on somewhat rocky ground, so while the book is about the mystery, it's also about how they can find their way back to their old relationship. I mean, frankly, yes I was interested in how everything would pan out mystery-wise, but I was mostly reading it for the interpersonal drama. Mukherjee does it all very well: the mystery, the atmosphere, the relationship - all of it pulls you in and makes you very reluctant to put the book down until you're done. I can only hope that we get more of Sam and Suren in future because I'm not sure I'm ready to leave them.
The Wyndham & Banerjee books have been among my favourite historical mystery series for a while so I was very excited on hearing that there would be a sixth book (given how the fifth left things). This one, I think, scales back a little from the broader political events that the series had started to take in, in books 4 and 5, and goes back to centring the best part of it: the relationship between Sam and Suren. Obviously, at the start, they are on somewhat rocky ground, so while the book is about the mystery, it's also about how they can find their way back to their old relationship. I mean, frankly, yes I was interested in how everything would pan out mystery-wise, but I was mostly reading it for the interpersonal drama. Mukherjee does it all very well: the mystery, the atmosphere, the relationship - all of it pulls you in and makes you very reluctant to put the book down until you're done. I can only hope that we get more of Sam and Suren in future because I'm not sure I'm ready to leave them.
December 19, 2025
3.5 - This is an entertaining historical mystery that takes place in the 1920’s India. The story moves a little too slowly for me, but history, culture and atmosphere make it a decent read.
November 13, 2025
4.5* The Burning Grounds - Abir Mukherjee. An absolute treat to be back with Wyndham and Banerjee in 1920s Calcutta in a series that is consistently fantastic.
Sam Wyndham is persona non-grata with his bosses in Calcutta's Imperial Police, relegated to grunt work, notably since he helped his former police partner Surendranath Banerjee escape from a the city (and a potential miscarriage of justice) three years previously. When the body of a prominent and much lauded businessman and philanthropist is found in the Burning Ghats, among the deceased who are set to be cremated, it is clear that he has died at the hand of another. As Sam is unexpectedly given the case to investigate, Banerjee makes his long awaited return to Calcutta, finding himself caught up in a crisis when a family member goes missing. It quickly becomes clear that to solve both the murder and the disappearance, Wyndham and Banerjee are best working together.
What a welcome return for this brilliant pair. The book is engaging from the get-go with an intricate plot and an atmosphere that quickly transports you to the sounds and smells of 1920s India. The tension between the British and the Indians continues to gather pace and racial tension is never far from the surface with much of the story. The plot zips along and it felt like it had some carefully crafted nods to Agatha Christie bound up in the pages. There are plenty of red herrings and dark alleys to go down, which adds to the tenson and enjoyment. It has a thoroughly satisfying ending and is one to really savour.
The characters of Sam and Surendranath very much take centre stage in this book, with some of the minor returning characters taking smaller roles. Their unlikely friendship and chemistry zings off the page and gets them out of many a scrape.
If you haven't read this series, this would work well as a standalone but it's so fantastic, I would suggest starting from the beginning ... you really won't regret it. Every book is as fantastic as the one before.
With thanks to Random House/Harvill Secker and Netgalley for an ARC.
Sam Wyndham is persona non-grata with his bosses in Calcutta's Imperial Police, relegated to grunt work, notably since he helped his former police partner Surendranath Banerjee escape from a the city (and a potential miscarriage of justice) three years previously. When the body of a prominent and much lauded businessman and philanthropist is found in the Burning Ghats, among the deceased who are set to be cremated, it is clear that he has died at the hand of another. As Sam is unexpectedly given the case to investigate, Banerjee makes his long awaited return to Calcutta, finding himself caught up in a crisis when a family member goes missing. It quickly becomes clear that to solve both the murder and the disappearance, Wyndham and Banerjee are best working together.
What a welcome return for this brilliant pair. The book is engaging from the get-go with an intricate plot and an atmosphere that quickly transports you to the sounds and smells of 1920s India. The tension between the British and the Indians continues to gather pace and racial tension is never far from the surface with much of the story. The plot zips along and it felt like it had some carefully crafted nods to Agatha Christie bound up in the pages. There are plenty of red herrings and dark alleys to go down, which adds to the tenson and enjoyment. It has a thoroughly satisfying ending and is one to really savour.
The characters of Sam and Surendranath very much take centre stage in this book, with some of the minor returning characters taking smaller roles. Their unlikely friendship and chemistry zings off the page and gets them out of many a scrape.
If you haven't read this series, this would work well as a standalone but it's so fantastic, I would suggest starting from the beginning ... you really won't regret it. Every book is as fantastic as the one before.
With thanks to Random House/Harvill Secker and Netgalley for an ARC.
October 19, 2025
The story is set in 1920s Calcutta and there are two cases running simultaneously. Sam is investigating the body of a prominent businessman and Surendranath is looking for his missing cousin, I have only read the first book in the series but there are complications left over from the end of the last one in the series. You can read this book without having read the whole series and still enjoy it, though. Different chapters are told from both men’s perspective and I quite often had to check whose chapter it was. There is not a lot of difference in their personalities which seems to be a bit of a weakness, The solution was clever and exposed a dark side of the city. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.
July 17, 2025
I was so pleased to be re-united with these characters in Calcutta.
I was instantly wrapped in place/time as with the previous books these factors play an essential part in the way the plot is weaved. Colonial India seems a given to the British not so for the colonised whose actions are ramping up towards a future independence.
Several years have passed since Wyndham & Banerjee have worked together and the relationship has been fractured as a result. Sam has been sidelined within the Imperial Police but suddenly finds himself in charge of a murder investigation as Suren's cousin goes missing. Inevitably the pair investigate together.
Great writing, great interplay of characters caught up in age of empire and great plotting. Really enjoyed.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseUK for the opportunity to read and review
I was instantly wrapped in place/time as with the previous books these factors play an essential part in the way the plot is weaved. Colonial India seems a given to the British not so for the colonised whose actions are ramping up towards a future independence.
Several years have passed since Wyndham & Banerjee have worked together and the relationship has been fractured as a result. Sam has been sidelined within the Imperial Police but suddenly finds himself in charge of a murder investigation as Suren's cousin goes missing. Inevitably the pair investigate together.
Great writing, great interplay of characters caught up in age of empire and great plotting. Really enjoyed.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouseUK for the opportunity to read and review
December 10, 2025
I like this series for its setting and the historical/cultural references (that’s why I keep reading each installment)…the mysteries themselves, unfortunately, never seem all that compelling. If you are fascinated by all things India, you’ll enjoy this…but if you’re coming for the mystery or suspense, don’t bother.
September 9, 2025
This is a review of an ARC from Netgalley and publisher Random House.
As you can tell from the extended title above, this is the 6th novel in a series of historical detective novels set in Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was known in the period. But it’s the first one I’ve read, so I’m coming in cold. The exact year that this is set is unclear. It’s the late Raj period, before WW2 and independence, but after the late Victorian era of The Jungle Book etc. I think it’s supposed to be the late 1920s, but there’s no external event to help you nail it down, apart from the existence of a film industry in both India and Hollywood. It’s unclear whether we’ve entered the sound era.
Captain Sam Wyndham is a British detective, and Surendranath Banerjee his former partner, now a civilian just returned from a three-year exile. There’s clearly a back story here of former cases, and characters involved in former cases. I don’t think my lack of knowledge of these earlier cases affected my enjoyment.
There are two main cases here, one official, the other not. The case that gives the novel its title is the murder of a prominent Indian businessman, whose body his found on the so-called burning grounds, where corpses are disposed of. I think it’s a bit of a swizz giving the novel this title, since this is the first and last time we have anything to do with these grounds. Still, it’s an atmospheric opening. The second case is a missing woman, Banerjee’s cousin Dolly, who is a photographer.
As you might expect, you’ve got culture clashes between white British colonials and Indians who want self-determination; and you’ve got the clash between hidebound tradition and modernity. Churning away in the background is the idea of mixed marriage, and the fate that befalls the children of such marriages.
All of which adds texture and interest to a fairly straightforward procedural. There’s one thing that kept throwing me out of the narrative, and that was the mention of a couple of well-known single malt whiskies. I think in this period, blended whisky would have been what people drank, especially in far away colonies. The popularity of single malts didn’t really begin until the revival in the 1960s and 70s.
As you can tell from the extended title above, this is the 6th novel in a series of historical detective novels set in Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was known in the period. But it’s the first one I’ve read, so I’m coming in cold. The exact year that this is set is unclear. It’s the late Raj period, before WW2 and independence, but after the late Victorian era of The Jungle Book etc. I think it’s supposed to be the late 1920s, but there’s no external event to help you nail it down, apart from the existence of a film industry in both India and Hollywood. It’s unclear whether we’ve entered the sound era.
Captain Sam Wyndham is a British detective, and Surendranath Banerjee his former partner, now a civilian just returned from a three-year exile. There’s clearly a back story here of former cases, and characters involved in former cases. I don’t think my lack of knowledge of these earlier cases affected my enjoyment.
There are two main cases here, one official, the other not. The case that gives the novel its title is the murder of a prominent Indian businessman, whose body his found on the so-called burning grounds, where corpses are disposed of. I think it’s a bit of a swizz giving the novel this title, since this is the first and last time we have anything to do with these grounds. Still, it’s an atmospheric opening. The second case is a missing woman, Banerjee’s cousin Dolly, who is a photographer.
As you might expect, you’ve got culture clashes between white British colonials and Indians who want self-determination; and you’ve got the clash between hidebound tradition and modernity. Churning away in the background is the idea of mixed marriage, and the fate that befalls the children of such marriages.
All of which adds texture and interest to a fairly straightforward procedural. There’s one thing that kept throwing me out of the narrative, and that was the mention of a couple of well-known single malt whiskies. I think in this period, blended whisky would have been what people drank, especially in far away colonies. The popularity of single malts didn’t really begin until the revival in the 1960s and 70s.
September 3, 2025
When I requested the ARC for Burning Grounds, I expected a thriller, and I picked it up to get out of my comfort zone. Turns out, it is a sixth instalment of a rather traditional murder mystery series, perfected to a crisp. Set in 1920s Calcutta, the series follows a power duo of Sam, a white British police officer, and Suren, a Bengali former policeman. The style playfully combines Golden Age detective, represented by sophisticated Suren, and hard-boiled noir, channelled through Sam. We have femme fatales, trains, cocktails, and movie stars, all wrapped up in brilliant stylisation.
Unlike in many novels set at the twilight of European empires (looking at you, Tan Twan Eng!), Mukherjee is not enamoured by empire in the slightest. The first chapters, told from Sam's perspective, are jarring in his casual racism, representing the degree of imperialist thinking even among the British who actually wanted to get out of India. Suren's chapters discuss his relationship with Independence and are full of multi-faceted explorations of his complicity in the British rule. Suren is a male Cambridge-educated Brahmin from a relatively rich and respected family, and his place in Bengal and the power dynamics between him and other Bengalis are explored through both major plot points and well-placed details. The level of nuance is rarely delivered in genre novels, and it was refreshing to see it.
Reading this just after The Shadow of the Wind made me realise just how rarely colonialism is represented as the fascism it was. Burning Grounds shows it so clearly - secret police, illicit political plays, racialised explanation for the British rule.
The murder mystery is well plotted, and the core story revolves around some of the questions of identity and race. The conclusion could have been a bit more unexpected - if you're a connoisseur of Golden Age, you will figure the gist out fairly early on. The atmosphere and the, for the want of a better word, the message at the heart of the case make up for it.
If you like Golden Age crime but are sick of them being written by White people who lived in the 1920s-40s, this is for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the whole series!
Unlike in many novels set at the twilight of European empires (looking at you, Tan Twan Eng!), Mukherjee is not enamoured by empire in the slightest. The first chapters, told from Sam's perspective, are jarring in his casual racism, representing the degree of imperialist thinking even among the British who actually wanted to get out of India. Suren's chapters discuss his relationship with Independence and are full of multi-faceted explorations of his complicity in the British rule. Suren is a male Cambridge-educated Brahmin from a relatively rich and respected family, and his place in Bengal and the power dynamics between him and other Bengalis are explored through both major plot points and well-placed details. The level of nuance is rarely delivered in genre novels, and it was refreshing to see it.
Reading this just after The Shadow of the Wind made me realise just how rarely colonialism is represented as the fascism it was. Burning Grounds shows it so clearly - secret police, illicit political plays, racialised explanation for the British rule.
The murder mystery is well plotted, and the core story revolves around some of the questions of identity and race. The conclusion could have been a bit more unexpected - if you're a connoisseur of Golden Age, you will figure the gist out fairly early on. The atmosphere and the, for the want of a better word, the message at the heart of the case make up for it.
If you like Golden Age crime but are sick of them being written by White people who lived in the 1920s-40s, this is for you. Can't wait to get my hands on the whole series!
November 7, 2025
A quick summary. In The Burning Grounds by Abir Mukherjee, a man is found murdered in the Burning Ghats of Calcutta. The body belongs to a popular moneyed Indian man. Detective Sam Wyndham is on the case, which lands him unexpectedly in the world of Indian cinema.
Meanwhile, his friend Surendranath Banerjee is back and searching for his cousin. When Suren discovers she is linked to Sam's investigation, the two team up once more.
What I thought. Set in a time of huge change for India as they worked towards independence, this is an atmospheric and insightful thriller. There is humour and empathy, but the real beauty lies in the descriptions of India’s landscapes. I managed to guess some of the twists but there were others I didn’t see coming. A hugely entertaining read.
Book 6 in a series, it’s available in the UK 13 Nov 25. Thanks to Netgalley, Harvill and Abir Mukherjee for a proof to review.
Meanwhile, his friend Surendranath Banerjee is back and searching for his cousin. When Suren discovers she is linked to Sam's investigation, the two team up once more.
What I thought. Set in a time of huge change for India as they worked towards independence, this is an atmospheric and insightful thriller. There is humour and empathy, but the real beauty lies in the descriptions of India’s landscapes. I managed to guess some of the twists but there were others I didn’t see coming. A hugely entertaining read.
Book 6 in a series, it’s available in the UK 13 Nov 25. Thanks to Netgalley, Harvill and Abir Mukherjee for a proof to review.
October 9, 2025
The Burning Grounds begins strongly with the discovery of JP Mullicks body in the famous Burning Ghats in Calcutta. Mullick is a famous, popular philanthropist known for his love of the arts, but he's obviously upset someone. Sam Morgan, a disgraced police officer is given the case and told to solve it quickly. He's reunited with his friend Suren, returned from his sojourn to Europe, who is searching for his missing cousin Dolly. They soon come to the conclusion that the cases may be linked.
Having not read the previous books in the series I did find the story slow to begin with but the storyline was intriguing and very soon I was hooked.
The setting is immersive and very evocative. It's very descriptive. The characterisation is strong. It's a gripping novel that I would recommend
Having not read the previous books in the series I did find the story slow to begin with but the storyline was intriguing and very soon I was hooked.
The setting is immersive and very evocative. It's very descriptive. The characterisation is strong. It's a gripping novel that I would recommend
November 6, 2025
My first experience of this series, and it’s evident that there’s history between our two key characters. It works fine as a stand-alone, but I’m sure the experience would be richer with more knowledge of their background.
Set in 1920s Calcutta, the story begins with the discovery of a body. The victim is a well-known man, philanthropist and patron of the arts, who has a positive reputation. What, possibly, could be the motive for his murder?
Sam Wyndham and Suren Banerjee are tasked with trying to uncover the motive and find the killer, while searching for a missing relative who appears to be tied to the murder case.
Interesting read, and I’m determined to get round to reading Hunted by the author. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.
Set in 1920s Calcutta, the story begins with the discovery of a body. The victim is a well-known man, philanthropist and patron of the arts, who has a positive reputation. What, possibly, could be the motive for his murder?
Sam Wyndham and Suren Banerjee are tasked with trying to uncover the motive and find the killer, while searching for a missing relative who appears to be tied to the murder case.
Interesting read, and I’m determined to get round to reading Hunted by the author. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.
December 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance copy in return for an impartial review.
This is the 6th in the series, something I didn’t realise when I originally requested it as I haven’t read any of the others. No matter, from my perspective the book told you enough back story to enjoy it. It was something a bit different for me too, I love a detective novel but this one has a bit of a twist being set in 1920s India. Wyndham is assigned a high profile murder to solve and enlists the help of Banerjee, who has another equally pressing mystery to work on. I enjoyed the relationship between the two as they worked together to solve both.
Overall I thought it was well written and a good story which kept you guessing. I might pick up some of the others but I wouldn’t rush to get them so I think that makes it a 3 star from me!
This is the 6th in the series, something I didn’t realise when I originally requested it as I haven’t read any of the others. No matter, from my perspective the book told you enough back story to enjoy it. It was something a bit different for me too, I love a detective novel but this one has a bit of a twist being set in 1920s India. Wyndham is assigned a high profile murder to solve and enlists the help of Banerjee, who has another equally pressing mystery to work on. I enjoyed the relationship between the two as they worked together to solve both.
Overall I thought it was well written and a good story which kept you guessing. I might pick up some of the others but I wouldn’t rush to get them so I think that makes it a 3 star from me!
December 6, 2025
Thank you to Random House UK, Vintage | Harvill, the author and NetGalley for a DRC in return for an honest review
I hadn't realised, when I requested this title, that it was #6 in the Wyndham & Banerjee series of books. Having not read any of these earlier books, I was immediately on the back foot. Although other reviewers had said that this could be read as a standalone story, I am of the opinion that it would've helped my appreciation of the storyline had I followed the character progression of Wyndham & Banerjee's relationship. I found the pacing extremely slow at the beginning and therefore it took a long time for me to actually get into the story and even then I was never really fully invested. I have to say I really struggled with this book because of the pacing and unfortunately this led to a regrettable DNF. Unfortunately I haven't been spurred on to reading any of Abir Mukherjee's back catalogue.
I must mention the beautiful cover art for this book but unfortunately I have not been able to confirm the talented creator - I assume therefore it was produced in-house by the publisher’s design team.
#TheBurningGrounds #NetGalley
I hadn't realised, when I requested this title, that it was #6 in the Wyndham & Banerjee series of books. Having not read any of these earlier books, I was immediately on the back foot. Although other reviewers had said that this could be read as a standalone story, I am of the opinion that it would've helped my appreciation of the storyline had I followed the character progression of Wyndham & Banerjee's relationship. I found the pacing extremely slow at the beginning and therefore it took a long time for me to actually get into the story and even then I was never really fully invested. I have to say I really struggled with this book because of the pacing and unfortunately this led to a regrettable DNF. Unfortunately I haven't been spurred on to reading any of Abir Mukherjee's back catalogue.
I must mention the beautiful cover art for this book but unfortunately I have not been able to confirm the talented creator - I assume therefore it was produced in-house by the publisher’s design team.
#TheBurningGrounds #NetGalley
November 20, 2025
An absolute pleasure to be back in the company of Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee, in a twisty, action packed tale of murder set in 1920s Calcutta. Banerjee is back from Europe, and his fractured relationship with Wyndham takes some effort to piece back together. A rich philanthropist with some dark secrets is murdered, Banerjee's cousin is missing, and the killing has only just started. Sit back and enjoy.
December 3, 2025
I will always read these books. They're delightful and, despite the similar backdrop, each book is a unique and perfect detective tale. Abirs use of duel POVs was on point with this book. Both out MCs had interesting voices and insights, adding depth to the overall story. loved. it.
December 13, 2025
Another great addition to this series that many more people should pick up.
November 26, 2025
7.5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
—
Every man has two faces. The one shown to the world and the one kept hidden. The hidden face is generally the truer one, and sometimes, it is the face of a monster.
—
Continuing the trend set by the Shadows of Men, the Burning Grounds features the semi-alternating POVs of both Wyndham and Banerjee. Like the book before it, I occasionally found this to be confusing, as they’re both told in 1st-person POV. The language the two use helps—Suren is more refined, but uses more Bengali terms, while Sam is rougher, and undeniably English. Still, when both characters are in the same place at the same time, I still lost track of who was who. Still, I enjoyed their different perspectives—to a degree. Basically, I’m still torn on the entire thing.
Where the Shadows of Men was more of a thriller, however, the Burning Grounds returns as a proper mystery, one that I really enjoyed. No notes; it was all-around enjoyable.
The thing I DO have notes on is the time-skip. See, this installment of the series takes place three years after the previous—roughly mirroring the time the author took between publications. It seems a lot happened in this time; Suren traveled around Europe, fell in love; Sam fell out with Annie, and into a dark depression. And that’s pretty much all we get—sorry if you were hoping for more, like I was. Seriously, they could’ve told us a bit more through flashbacks or something. I doubt it would’ve distracted from the plot too much, and added to the overarching one.
TL;DR
While I certainly have reservations regarding the time-skip, the dual POVs, I enjoyed the mystery more than enough to make up for it. The Burning Grounds features the best mystery since Death in the East, and one of the better plots in the series overall. Still, I would’ve liked a bit more substance in the overarching series narrative, or at least some insight into what occurred while we were away, beyond the aforementioned two bits, at least. All in all, I’d still definitely recommend the Burning Grounds.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
—
Every man has two faces. The one shown to the world and the one kept hidden. The hidden face is generally the truer one, and sometimes, it is the face of a monster.
—
Continuing the trend set by the Shadows of Men, the Burning Grounds features the semi-alternating POVs of both Wyndham and Banerjee. Like the book before it, I occasionally found this to be confusing, as they’re both told in 1st-person POV. The language the two use helps—Suren is more refined, but uses more Bengali terms, while Sam is rougher, and undeniably English. Still, when both characters are in the same place at the same time, I still lost track of who was who. Still, I enjoyed their different perspectives—to a degree. Basically, I’m still torn on the entire thing.
Where the Shadows of Men was more of a thriller, however, the Burning Grounds returns as a proper mystery, one that I really enjoyed. No notes; it was all-around enjoyable.
The thing I DO have notes on is the time-skip. See, this installment of the series takes place three years after the previous—roughly mirroring the time the author took between publications. It seems a lot happened in this time; Suren traveled around Europe, fell in love; Sam fell out with Annie, and into a dark depression. And that’s pretty much all we get—sorry if you were hoping for more, like I was. Seriously, they could’ve told us a bit more through flashbacks or something. I doubt it would’ve distracted from the plot too much, and added to the overarching one.
TL;DR
While I certainly have reservations regarding the time-skip, the dual POVs, I enjoyed the mystery more than enough to make up for it. The Burning Grounds features the best mystery since Death in the East, and one of the better plots in the series overall. Still, I would’ve liked a bit more substance in the overarching series narrative, or at least some insight into what occurred while we were away, beyond the aforementioned two bits, at least. All in all, I’d still definitely recommend the Burning Grounds.
November 27, 2025
Have read Hunted by this author ,which is liked.Thus is his new one based in 1929s India ,number 6 of the Wyndham series.
A well loved man,JP Mullick is murdered ,his is a saint to the local population and Sam Wyndham has been tasked to find his killer not something he expected or wanted.His friend Duren has returned after being a way for a while.
As with crime, this has many twists and turns,a shady English man,an American Film Star, and a host of unsavoury local characters.
Do not want to give any spoilers, but it is enjoyable and a touch of humour,which l liked.
I am probably going to read more in this series.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC ,it is now published.
A well loved man,JP Mullick is murdered ,his is a saint to the local population and Sam Wyndham has been tasked to find his killer not something he expected or wanted.His friend Duren has returned after being a way for a while.
As with crime, this has many twists and turns,a shady English man,an American Film Star, and a host of unsavoury local characters.
Do not want to give any spoilers, but it is enjoyable and a touch of humour,which l liked.
I am probably going to read more in this series.
Thanks to PRH for the ARC ,it is now published.
August 2, 2025
Book Review: The Burning Grounds by Abir Mukherjee
Rating: 4.7/5
Abir Mukherjee’s The Burning Grounds is a masterful addition to the Wyndham & Banerjee mystery series, delivering a richly atmospheric and intellectually engaging crime novel set against the volatile backdrop of 1920s Calcutta. Mukherjee’s signature blend of historical precision, razor-sharp prose, and morally complex characters elevates this beyond typical genre fare, offering readers a story that is as much about societal tensions as it is about solving a murder .
Strengths and Emotional Resonance
Mukherjee’s greatest achievement lies in his evocative world-building. The novel immerses readers in colonial Calcutta’s contradictions—the glamour of the burgeoning film industry juxtaposed with the grittiness of the burning ghats, where the victim’s body is discovered . As someone drawn to historical fiction, I was captivated by how Mukherjee uses setting as a character, with the city’s political unrest and cultural shifts mirroring the protagonists’ personal conflicts.
The dynamic between Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee remains the series’ beating heart. Their reluctant reunion crackles with tension, layered with unresolved grievances and mutual respect. Wyndham’s world-weariness contrasts poignantly with Banerjee’s idealism, making their partnership emotionally compelling . A particularly moving scene involves their debate over justice in a colonized society—a moment that left me reflecting on modern parallels.
Constructive Criticism
While the novel excels in depth, the pacing occasionally falters. Some subplots, like the vanished photographer’s backstory, feel underexplored, leaving minor threads unresolved . Additionally, new readers might struggle with the protagonists’ shared history; a brief recap of prior events would enhance accessibility without disrupting the narrative flow.
Summary Takeaways:
-Mukherjee crafts a labyrinthine mystery where every clue burns with the heat of colonial rebellion—a triumph of historical crime fiction.
-Wyndham and Banerjee’s reunion is pure fireworks—proof that Mukherjee’s series remains unmatched in blending intellect and intrigue.
-Calcutta in the 1920s has never felt more alive—or more dangerous—a masterpiece of atmosphere and suspense.
Final Thoughts
The Burning Grounds cements Mukherjee’s status as a luminary of historical crime fiction. Its exploration of power, art, and justice resonates deeply, while the central mystery keeps pages turning. Though not without minor flaws, the novel’s emotional depth and scholarly rigor make it essential reading.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for the free review copy. This book earns a 4.7/5—a near-perfect blend of entertainment and erudition, leaving me eager for Wyndham and Banerjee’s next case.
Key Takeaways for Academic Readers:
-Historical Authenticity: Mukherjee’s research into 1920s Calcutta’s socio-political climate is impeccable, offering fertile ground for postcolonial analysis .
-Character Complexity: Wyndham and Banerjee’s relationship serves as a microcosm of colonial tensions, ripe for literary study .
-Genre Innovation: The novel’s fusion of crime procedural and historical drama pushes boundaries, inviting comparisons to The Shadow of the Wind or The Alienist .
A note for educators: This novel could spark compelling classroom discussions on narrative voice in crime fiction or the ethics of justice in oppressive systems.
Rating: 4.7/5
Abir Mukherjee’s The Burning Grounds is a masterful addition to the Wyndham & Banerjee mystery series, delivering a richly atmospheric and intellectually engaging crime novel set against the volatile backdrop of 1920s Calcutta. Mukherjee’s signature blend of historical precision, razor-sharp prose, and morally complex characters elevates this beyond typical genre fare, offering readers a story that is as much about societal tensions as it is about solving a murder .
Strengths and Emotional Resonance
Mukherjee’s greatest achievement lies in his evocative world-building. The novel immerses readers in colonial Calcutta’s contradictions—the glamour of the burgeoning film industry juxtaposed with the grittiness of the burning ghats, where the victim’s body is discovered . As someone drawn to historical fiction, I was captivated by how Mukherjee uses setting as a character, with the city’s political unrest and cultural shifts mirroring the protagonists’ personal conflicts.
The dynamic between Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee remains the series’ beating heart. Their reluctant reunion crackles with tension, layered with unresolved grievances and mutual respect. Wyndham’s world-weariness contrasts poignantly with Banerjee’s idealism, making their partnership emotionally compelling . A particularly moving scene involves their debate over justice in a colonized society—a moment that left me reflecting on modern parallels.
Constructive Criticism
While the novel excels in depth, the pacing occasionally falters. Some subplots, like the vanished photographer’s backstory, feel underexplored, leaving minor threads unresolved . Additionally, new readers might struggle with the protagonists’ shared history; a brief recap of prior events would enhance accessibility without disrupting the narrative flow.
Summary Takeaways:
-Mukherjee crafts a labyrinthine mystery where every clue burns with the heat of colonial rebellion—a triumph of historical crime fiction.
-Wyndham and Banerjee’s reunion is pure fireworks—proof that Mukherjee’s series remains unmatched in blending intellect and intrigue.
-Calcutta in the 1920s has never felt more alive—or more dangerous—a masterpiece of atmosphere and suspense.
Final Thoughts
The Burning Grounds cements Mukherjee’s status as a luminary of historical crime fiction. Its exploration of power, art, and justice resonates deeply, while the central mystery keeps pages turning. Though not without minor flaws, the novel’s emotional depth and scholarly rigor make it essential reading.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for the free review copy. This book earns a 4.7/5—a near-perfect blend of entertainment and erudition, leaving me eager for Wyndham and Banerjee’s next case.
Key Takeaways for Academic Readers:
-Historical Authenticity: Mukherjee’s research into 1920s Calcutta’s socio-political climate is impeccable, offering fertile ground for postcolonial analysis .
-Character Complexity: Wyndham and Banerjee’s relationship serves as a microcosm of colonial tensions, ripe for literary study .
-Genre Innovation: The novel’s fusion of crime procedural and historical drama pushes boundaries, inviting comparisons to The Shadow of the Wind or The Alienist .
A note for educators: This novel could spark compelling classroom discussions on narrative voice in crime fiction or the ethics of justice in oppressive systems.
September 8, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book once I got into it, I found it a bit slow to begin with - even though it starts with a murder. An interesting insight into Indian life before independence when the British were still calling the shots. I found the final outcome of the investigation a bit of a disappointment. I'm not sure that all involved see justice at the end of the day but two of the victims were not innocent. Whether they deserved to be murdered is another matter. My only real quibble is the constant references to smoking. I know that it would have been very common at the time bit its just a pet hate of mine. I don't think it adds anything to a story to know how often the characters light up or exhale smoke!
September 14, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK , Vintage for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This is my third book by Abir Mukherjee. I enjoy his easy, humorous style of writing and the authentic feel that he creates of late Colonial India. There is a great relationship between the two main characters, both of whom are flawed and embittered by life. However, I felt this story was a bit contrived with Wyndham's relationship with the actress. Still, it's a very good interesting read.
This is my third book by Abir Mukherjee. I enjoy his easy, humorous style of writing and the authentic feel that he creates of late Colonial India. There is a great relationship between the two main characters, both of whom are flawed and embittered by life. However, I felt this story was a bit contrived with Wyndham's relationship with the actress. Still, it's a very good interesting read.
November 17, 2025
I have loved this series since the first book, A Rising Man. While you can certainly read and enjoy this one as a stand-alone, part of the joy of this series is seeing how skillfully Abir Mukherjee has grown and developed his characters as British rule in India changes and Indian independence nears. Embedded in his fascinating storytelling, his pitch-perfect descriptions of the times and various factions in Indian politics, there is also a delightful, wicked humour.
The Burning Grounds feels like both a homecoming and a reckoning. Mukherjee has always balanced thrilling mystery with sharp, unsentimental, and critical history, but here he goes a step further, pushing both men into territory they’ve been avoiding for years.
It’s the late 1920s, and you can feel the shift. Calcutta is vibrant, dangerous and changing. The independence movement is stronger, the glamorous Indian film industry is taking shape, and the old certainties of the Empire are starting to buckle. Mukherjee uses this backdrop brilliantly, and if you’ve read the earlier novels, you’ll feel the difference: the city that once seemed full of sparks is now ready to catch fire.
Wyndham, once the confident outsider armed with a badge and a sense of duty, is now a man out of favour with the Imperial Police and painfully aware that the authority he once relied on is waning. Compare him to the Wyndham of A Necessary Evil or Smoke and Ashes: his sharpness remains, and his stubbornness too, but now he has a vulnerability—a feeling of being surplus to the machine he once served. His role in the police has shifted from power to uncertainty, giving this investigation a harsher edge.
Suren, meanwhile, has come a long way from the earnest, rule-bound young sergeant of A Rising Man. The three years he spent abroad have deepened and somewhat darkened him. His search for a missing trailblazing photographer isn’t just the subplot; it’s the emotional heart of the book. Mukherjee’s early novels hinted at his clashes with family and social expectations, but here those tensions take centre stage. Suren is discovering how radical it truly is to forge a life outside those constraints and what compromises he may have to make to satisfy his family loyalties.
What makes this novel so brilliant is how Mukherjee reunites Sam and Suren. Their partnership, once mentor and protégé, has become more complex. After their rupture in The Shadows of Men, there is wariness, but also the inescapable bond of men who know each other too well to stay apart for long. Watching them renegotiate that dynamic—no longer equals, not quite friends, but something stronger and more necessary, brings a natural evolution that highlights his prowess as a writer.
In terms of the plot, the murder of a renowned philanthropist on the burning ghats and the disappearance of a female photographer unfold with Mukherjee’s typical blend of atmosphere, danger, and political complexity. The pace is measured initially, then speeds up as the threads tighten, and when the two cases merge, the result is both satisfying and unexpectedly moving.
Verdict: If you’re as much a fan of this series as I am, The Burning Grounds offers everything you love about these characters. There are rich historical depths, morally complex protagonists, and mysteries that reflect the soul of a nation as much as they revolve around crime. However, this book also marks a turning point. Wyndham and Banerjee cannot return to who they were in 1919. And that, I think, is Mukherjee’s greatest achievement: he allows his characters to evolve, making it clear that they are now standing on a completely different footing than at the beginning. It’s a revelatory experience for both of them and a true joy for this fan.
The Burning Man and the entire series are five star must reads.
The Burning Grounds feels like both a homecoming and a reckoning. Mukherjee has always balanced thrilling mystery with sharp, unsentimental, and critical history, but here he goes a step further, pushing both men into territory they’ve been avoiding for years.
It’s the late 1920s, and you can feel the shift. Calcutta is vibrant, dangerous and changing. The independence movement is stronger, the glamorous Indian film industry is taking shape, and the old certainties of the Empire are starting to buckle. Mukherjee uses this backdrop brilliantly, and if you’ve read the earlier novels, you’ll feel the difference: the city that once seemed full of sparks is now ready to catch fire.
Wyndham, once the confident outsider armed with a badge and a sense of duty, is now a man out of favour with the Imperial Police and painfully aware that the authority he once relied on is waning. Compare him to the Wyndham of A Necessary Evil or Smoke and Ashes: his sharpness remains, and his stubbornness too, but now he has a vulnerability—a feeling of being surplus to the machine he once served. His role in the police has shifted from power to uncertainty, giving this investigation a harsher edge.
Suren, meanwhile, has come a long way from the earnest, rule-bound young sergeant of A Rising Man. The three years he spent abroad have deepened and somewhat darkened him. His search for a missing trailblazing photographer isn’t just the subplot; it’s the emotional heart of the book. Mukherjee’s early novels hinted at his clashes with family and social expectations, but here those tensions take centre stage. Suren is discovering how radical it truly is to forge a life outside those constraints and what compromises he may have to make to satisfy his family loyalties.
What makes this novel so brilliant is how Mukherjee reunites Sam and Suren. Their partnership, once mentor and protégé, has become more complex. After their rupture in The Shadows of Men, there is wariness, but also the inescapable bond of men who know each other too well to stay apart for long. Watching them renegotiate that dynamic—no longer equals, not quite friends, but something stronger and more necessary, brings a natural evolution that highlights his prowess as a writer.
In terms of the plot, the murder of a renowned philanthropist on the burning ghats and the disappearance of a female photographer unfold with Mukherjee’s typical blend of atmosphere, danger, and political complexity. The pace is measured initially, then speeds up as the threads tighten, and when the two cases merge, the result is both satisfying and unexpectedly moving.
Verdict: If you’re as much a fan of this series as I am, The Burning Grounds offers everything you love about these characters. There are rich historical depths, morally complex protagonists, and mysteries that reflect the soul of a nation as much as they revolve around crime. However, this book also marks a turning point. Wyndham and Banerjee cannot return to who they were in 1919. And that, I think, is Mukherjee’s greatest achievement: he allows his characters to evolve, making it clear that they are now standing on a completely different footing than at the beginning. It’s a revelatory experience for both of them and a true joy for this fan.
The Burning Man and the entire series are five star must reads.
November 25, 2025
Hollywood meets the British Raj in 1920s Calcutta
Captain Sam Wyndham, late of the Western Front in World War I, had made powerful enemies in the Imperial Police in Calcutta, where he transferred after the war. Perhaps he was too honest, or too thorough. But when he helped his sergeant, Surendranath Banerjee, to flee India when falsely accused of treason, the hammer came down with full force. By 1925, he’s sidelined from the major investigations that were his stock in trade. And he has fallen out with Annie Grant, the woman he loves.
Then, to make matters worse, Suren turns up after three years in Europe, where he had joined the Indian independence movement. And the young Bengali expects his help to locate a missing friend! This is the point of departure in Abir Mukherjee’s sixth Wyndham and Banerjee mystery, The Burning Grounds. The two old friends are now at loggerheads.
A revered philanthropist turns up murdered
But Suren’s sudden reappearance is not the only surprise. Sam had been called when a body turned up on the banks of the Hooghly River, where the Hindu cremate their dead. Someone had slit the man’s throat. And Sam recognizes him. Lying there is the revered Indian businessman and philanthropist J. P. Mullick. It’s obviously a high-profile case, which Sam’s superiors will obviously assign to someone else. But then to his astonishment the superintendent picks him. And, to his supreme annoyance, he will need Suren’s help to pursue the case. There’s no avoiding it.
Eventually, the two reach a shaky agreement. Suren will help him in exchange for his help in turn to locate his missing childhood friend, Dolly. And both cases will pose great risks to their own lives and reputations.
Two compelling cases in an exotic setting
Since we’re no strangers to the wiles of detective novelists, we know at the outset that the two cases confronting Sam and Suren will prove to be linked. But Mukherjee takes a long time to get us there. And along the way he introduces us to a stunningly beautiful British actress on her way to Hollywood stardom, Mullick’s feckless son, a ruthless local crime boss, the equally ruthless head of the British secret police for Eastern India, and the Russian emigré who is now Annie Grant’s infuriating new love interest. The story is complex, the setting exotic. And the history of the period, when Mahatma Gandhi and others had begun to gnaw away at the foundations of the British Raj, emerges clearly in the background. The Burning Grounds is a worthy addition to the ranks of historical novels that illuminate the past of the world’s most populous nation.
About the author
Abir Mukherjee‘s parents moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to the UK before he was born in 1974. Mukherjee then grew up in Scotland. Before turning to writing crime novels, he worked as an accountant for 20 years, writing his first novel at the age of 39. As of 2025, he has published six novels in the Wyndham and Banerjee series set in the years following World War I and, recently, one standalone thriller. Most of the books in the series have been shortlisted for awards or, in three cases, won them. He now lives in the county of Surrey with his wife and two sons.
Captain Sam Wyndham, late of the Western Front in World War I, had made powerful enemies in the Imperial Police in Calcutta, where he transferred after the war. Perhaps he was too honest, or too thorough. But when he helped his sergeant, Surendranath Banerjee, to flee India when falsely accused of treason, the hammer came down with full force. By 1925, he’s sidelined from the major investigations that were his stock in trade. And he has fallen out with Annie Grant, the woman he loves.
Then, to make matters worse, Suren turns up after three years in Europe, where he had joined the Indian independence movement. And the young Bengali expects his help to locate a missing friend! This is the point of departure in Abir Mukherjee’s sixth Wyndham and Banerjee mystery, The Burning Grounds. The two old friends are now at loggerheads.
A revered philanthropist turns up murdered
But Suren’s sudden reappearance is not the only surprise. Sam had been called when a body turned up on the banks of the Hooghly River, where the Hindu cremate their dead. Someone had slit the man’s throat. And Sam recognizes him. Lying there is the revered Indian businessman and philanthropist J. P. Mullick. It’s obviously a high-profile case, which Sam’s superiors will obviously assign to someone else. But then to his astonishment the superintendent picks him. And, to his supreme annoyance, he will need Suren’s help to pursue the case. There’s no avoiding it.
Eventually, the two reach a shaky agreement. Suren will help him in exchange for his help in turn to locate his missing childhood friend, Dolly. And both cases will pose great risks to their own lives and reputations.
Two compelling cases in an exotic setting
Since we’re no strangers to the wiles of detective novelists, we know at the outset that the two cases confronting Sam and Suren will prove to be linked. But Mukherjee takes a long time to get us there. And along the way he introduces us to a stunningly beautiful British actress on her way to Hollywood stardom, Mullick’s feckless son, a ruthless local crime boss, the equally ruthless head of the British secret police for Eastern India, and the Russian emigré who is now Annie Grant’s infuriating new love interest. The story is complex, the setting exotic. And the history of the period, when Mahatma Gandhi and others had begun to gnaw away at the foundations of the British Raj, emerges clearly in the background. The Burning Grounds is a worthy addition to the ranks of historical novels that illuminate the past of the world’s most populous nation.
About the author
Abir Mukherjee‘s parents moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to the UK before he was born in 1974. Mukherjee then grew up in Scotland. Before turning to writing crime novels, he worked as an accountant for 20 years, writing his first novel at the age of 39. As of 2025, he has published six novels in the Wyndham and Banerjee series set in the years following World War I and, recently, one standalone thriller. Most of the books in the series have been shortlisted for awards or, in three cases, won them. He now lives in the county of Surrey with his wife and two sons.
November 25, 2025
After 3 years, Sam Wyndham and Suren Banerjee see each other again. It’s an uneasy reunion, with hints of past friendship and current resentment. Suren is back from Europe and hiding in his bedroom while Sam is pissed that he got ghosted.
Suren is bolder, more cynical and more willing to use bluffing threats and bribery. He openly talks back to Sam, and while their bickering has always bee a source of humour, it is more prominent now. Both offer dry commentary on themselves, each other, and literally everyone else.
I really enjoy the progression of this dynamic. Yes there is mutual respect and fondness, but they cannot be true friends unless Suren lets Sam have it more often.
And the great thing about Sam is that he’s not nearly a ‘good’ white person, he’s blunt, witty and out of fucks to give. He’ll take Suren’s jabs because he is aware of their racist colonial world, but only works against the colonial structure when it suits him.
Interestingly enough, Suren spent three years in Europe as part of the working class and now comments on his upper-class Brahmin status. Now that he is no longer Sam’s subordinate, he is a powerful man in his own right, with money and status that help him in ways not unlike the way Sam’s whiteness helps him. I think this is a a great addition to the setting.
The mystery was fine. Not as tense as the ones from book 3 and 5, but then again, these books are more about following the investigation than outright suspense. I do think that the questioning of justice was stringer in this one than some of the earlier books. The writing style got better too.
I do still think every single romantic subplot in this series has been meh. Annie Grant only got interesting when she and Sam were on difficult terms and neither Sarah nor Elise left a mark. Both men’s lovelorn sadness felt cliche. At least this book comments on the fact that Sam tends to lose his brain cells whenever he sees a beautiful woman.
Now that I am 6 books into this series, the amount of character development and sniping at each other/the world is more than enough to enjoy.
And oh, how the tables have turned! Suren is dealing with Colonel Dawson and the high political games while Sam is in a backalley talking to criminal overlords.
Part of me thought that Suren would be 50ish by the time of Indian independence and end up in Taggart’s office as highest police official, but I’m curious to see where his status and knowledge take him.
Suren is bolder, more cynical and more willing to use bluffing threats and bribery. He openly talks back to Sam, and while their bickering has always bee a source of humour, it is more prominent now. Both offer dry commentary on themselves, each other, and literally everyone else.
I really enjoy the progression of this dynamic. Yes there is mutual respect and fondness, but they cannot be true friends unless Suren lets Sam have it more often.
And the great thing about Sam is that he’s not nearly a ‘good’ white person, he’s blunt, witty and out of fucks to give. He’ll take Suren’s jabs because he is aware of their racist colonial world, but only works against the colonial structure when it suits him.
Interestingly enough, Suren spent three years in Europe as part of the working class and now comments on his upper-class Brahmin status. Now that he is no longer Sam’s subordinate, he is a powerful man in his own right, with money and status that help him in ways not unlike the way Sam’s whiteness helps him. I think this is a a great addition to the setting.
The mystery was fine. Not as tense as the ones from book 3 and 5, but then again, these books are more about following the investigation than outright suspense. I do think that the questioning of justice was stringer in this one than some of the earlier books. The writing style got better too.
I do still think every single romantic subplot in this series has been meh. Annie Grant only got interesting when she and Sam were on difficult terms and neither Sarah nor Elise left a mark. Both men’s lovelorn sadness felt cliche. At least this book comments on the fact that Sam tends to lose his brain cells whenever he sees a beautiful woman.
Now that I am 6 books into this series, the amount of character development and sniping at each other/the world is more than enough to enjoy.
And oh, how the tables have turned! Suren is dealing with Colonel Dawson and the high political games while Sam is in a backalley talking to criminal overlords.
Part of me thought that Suren would be 50ish by the time of Indian independence and end up in Taggart’s office as highest police official, but I’m curious to see where his status and knowledge take him.
December 14, 2025
Enthralling and absorbing 1920’s Calcutta set crime novel. Book 6 of a series 4.5
Firstly, I had not read any of the previous novels involving his detectives Sam Wyndham and Suren Banerjee, with their post First World War Indian Raj setting, when I was offered this as a digital ARC. It’s possible, had I properly realised that this was a series, that I might not have taken the book. If so, I’m very very pleased that I hadn’t realised.
It absolutely is/was possible to read this as a stand-alone, but, almost from the off, I realised that there was a complex professional relationship, one that had a deepening, evolving friendship of some years duration, despite the difference of culture, class and politics, and that there had to be much that I was missing through failing to make the journey as a reader that the earlier books would be detailing.
SO – if you are considering this particular, thoroughly immersive book, as your first, take my advice and start with the first. I fully intend to make that journey myself, and in due course, will read this one again, with a deeper satisfaction.
For those who already have journeyed through the books, Captain Wyndham, not in particular favour with the more blimpish imperialists. is called to deal with the body of a murdered man, who turns out to be an apparently well-loved, wealthy Bengali entrepreneur. Meanwhile Surendranath Banerjee, his erstwhile sergeant, has recently returned from Europe. The two men have not been in contact with each other for some time, and Suren also has had some disagreement with his family, particularly his influential father. But the disappearance of a member of his extended family bring the two back working together.
What is fascinating is the way the time, the place, and the history of India, Colonialism and Independence are explored, not in a heavy handed way, but through these two somewhat unlikely colleagues who have forged a friendship. Events are told, first person narrative, by both of them, so the reader also gains a dual perspective. The plot itself, is excellent, and the final solving has a great, unexpected, reveal
Firstly, I had not read any of the previous novels involving his detectives Sam Wyndham and Suren Banerjee, with their post First World War Indian Raj setting, when I was offered this as a digital ARC. It’s possible, had I properly realised that this was a series, that I might not have taken the book. If so, I’m very very pleased that I hadn’t realised.
It absolutely is/was possible to read this as a stand-alone, but, almost from the off, I realised that there was a complex professional relationship, one that had a deepening, evolving friendship of some years duration, despite the difference of culture, class and politics, and that there had to be much that I was missing through failing to make the journey as a reader that the earlier books would be detailing.
SO – if you are considering this particular, thoroughly immersive book, as your first, take my advice and start with the first. I fully intend to make that journey myself, and in due course, will read this one again, with a deeper satisfaction.
For those who already have journeyed through the books, Captain Wyndham, not in particular favour with the more blimpish imperialists. is called to deal with the body of a murdered man, who turns out to be an apparently well-loved, wealthy Bengali entrepreneur. Meanwhile Surendranath Banerjee, his erstwhile sergeant, has recently returned from Europe. The two men have not been in contact with each other for some time, and Suren also has had some disagreement with his family, particularly his influential father. But the disappearance of a member of his extended family bring the two back working together.
What is fascinating is the way the time, the place, and the history of India, Colonialism and Independence are explored, not in a heavy handed way, but through these two somewhat unlikely colleagues who have forged a friendship. Events are told, first person narrative, by both of them, so the reader also gains a dual perspective. The plot itself, is excellent, and the final solving has a great, unexpected, reveal
November 15, 2025
I didn't really know what to expect with this book but I was pleasantly surprised. It is part of a series but the first one that I have read, the author gives enough information from the previous books so that it can be easily read as a standalone.
Set in 1920s Calcutta.
Sam Wyndham is an English detective working for the Calcutta Imperial Police, Sam is out of favour and doing menial tasks after helping his former partner, Surendranath Banergee (Suren) escape from India, after being charged for a crime for which he was later acquitted.
Sam was quite surprised when he was given the case of a murdered man, found dumped in the burial ghats with the other bodies ready for the funeral pyres, this man was eminent Indian, J.P, Mullick, a wealthy man, loved by the people of Calcutta for his generosity.
In the meantime, Cambridge educated Suren, who comes from a wealthy, respected, Indian family and is now out of the police force, approaches Sam for help. Suren's cousin, Dolly, a photographer of women, has disappeared and her family think that she may be in danger, these two cases become entwined in a complex way and Sam and Suren join forces once again to solve them, but not before more murders are committed.
This story has everything, suspense, fast action, danger and even a flirtation with a beautiful, famous, American actress. The author has brought to life the atmosphere of India at the time of the Raj, the sounds and the smells of the city, the class difference, how the high caste Indians despised the British being in their country and yearned for independence, but were still deferential to them (although they would never allow a daughter or son to marry one), how the British looked down on the Indians no matter how high the caste. Although the people of the two nations have completely different ways and traditions, the author has illustrated that under the surface they both adhere to their class prejudices.
A really, informative and enjoyable read
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
Set in 1920s Calcutta.
Sam Wyndham is an English detective working for the Calcutta Imperial Police, Sam is out of favour and doing menial tasks after helping his former partner, Surendranath Banergee (Suren) escape from India, after being charged for a crime for which he was later acquitted.
Sam was quite surprised when he was given the case of a murdered man, found dumped in the burial ghats with the other bodies ready for the funeral pyres, this man was eminent Indian, J.P, Mullick, a wealthy man, loved by the people of Calcutta for his generosity.
In the meantime, Cambridge educated Suren, who comes from a wealthy, respected, Indian family and is now out of the police force, approaches Sam for help. Suren's cousin, Dolly, a photographer of women, has disappeared and her family think that she may be in danger, these two cases become entwined in a complex way and Sam and Suren join forces once again to solve them, but not before more murders are committed.
This story has everything, suspense, fast action, danger and even a flirtation with a beautiful, famous, American actress. The author has brought to life the atmosphere of India at the time of the Raj, the sounds and the smells of the city, the class difference, how the high caste Indians despised the British being in their country and yearned for independence, but were still deferential to them (although they would never allow a daughter or son to marry one), how the British looked down on the Indians no matter how high the caste. Although the people of the two nations have completely different ways and traditions, the author has illustrated that under the surface they both adhere to their class prejudices.
A really, informative and enjoyable read
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.
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