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Wyndham & Banerjee #6
The Burning Grounds
Award-winning crime novelist Abir Mukherjee returns to his brilliant mystery series set in late-1920s Calcutta, as Sam Wyndham and Surendranath Banerjee must reunite to solve a high profile murder and disappearance.
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 philanthropist and patron of the arts. A man, who was, by all accounts, beloved by all. So what could possibly be the motive for murder? Though 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 cinema when his investigation leads him to a film the victim was funding.
Meanwhile Sam's former colleague, Surendranath Banerjee, recently returned from Europe after three years running from the fallout of his last case, is searching for a vanished photographer, one of the first women in the profession. When he discovers the missing woman is somehow linked to Sam's murder investigation, the two men are forced to work together once again—but will Wyndham and Banerjee be able to put their differences aside to solve the case?
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 philanthropist and patron of the arts. A man, who was, by all accounts, beloved by all. So what could possibly be the motive for murder? Though 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 cinema when his investigation leads him to a film the victim was funding.
Meanwhile Sam's former colleague, Surendranath Banerjee, recently returned from Europe after three years running from the fallout of his last case, is searching for a vanished photographer, one of the first women in the profession. When he discovers the missing woman is somehow linked to Sam's murder investigation, the two men are forced to work together once again—but will Wyndham and Banerjee be able to put their differences aside to solve the case?
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 4, 2025
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1038 people want to read
About the author
Abir Mukherjee
13 books1,336 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 154 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.
December 26, 2025
A series I thought done after the last entry & with no reason to think it was going to continue it was grand to see this book listed in what has been a series ive come to very much enjoy after perhaps a slow start (book 1)
Are all the players going to be present was my first question?
Yes they are… well the two male leads at least and we find out the reason, early on, for Banerjee’s absence for the past 3 years, the story being told through both characters POV’s which includes flashbacks in the case of Banerjee’s.
Early doors we have a murder… are the two detectives, one former, paths going to collide on this one….. of course they bloody are… coulda told you that before you even picked this one up 😊
And away we go.
Must admit Sam’s POV is much easier to follow than Banerjee’s who I would have thought would have come across as different, they are very alike in the reading….. even though their cultural differences/divide are clearly miles apart? And as it progressed I found Bannerjee’s POV somewhat of a disappointment… I expected much more from his stance, he surely had more of a story to be told?
Old characters are still around although they take time to appear & we have to guess, as to why, their absence apart is 3 years? It’s a slow release but it builds in the background as the story progresses, all have (some) relevance.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about the duo again within the setting of Calcutta in the 1920’s & how that landscape was brought to life. Not so enamoured with the POV style in this book, felt somewhat disjointed as it read like the two diffo POV’s were as one person?! I could not differentiate between the two personas in the early stages; might jus be me? In the end it was Sam’s POV that held it all together despite them having equal billing.
As to the mystery, a slow burn, lots of moving parts that inevitably collide but I shall say no more, you’ll have to read for yourself, no spoilers here!
Just under the 4 stars & perhaps that’s being generous as Im such a fan of the series (three perhaps dur to Banerjee’s POV)
Are all the players going to be present was my first question?
Yes they are… well the two male leads at least and we find out the reason, early on, for Banerjee’s absence for the past 3 years, the story being told through both characters POV’s which includes flashbacks in the case of Banerjee’s.
Early doors we have a murder… are the two detectives, one former, paths going to collide on this one….. of course they bloody are… coulda told you that before you even picked this one up 😊
And away we go.
Must admit Sam’s POV is much easier to follow than Banerjee’s who I would have thought would have come across as different, they are very alike in the reading….. even though their cultural differences/divide are clearly miles apart? And as it progressed I found Bannerjee’s POV somewhat of a disappointment… I expected much more from his stance, he surely had more of a story to be told?
Old characters are still around although they take time to appear & we have to guess, as to why, their absence apart is 3 years? It’s a slow release but it builds in the background as the story progresses, all have (some) relevance.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about the duo again within the setting of Calcutta in the 1920’s & how that landscape was brought to life. Not so enamoured with the POV style in this book, felt somewhat disjointed as it read like the two diffo POV’s were as one person?! I could not differentiate between the two personas in the early stages; might jus be me? In the end it was Sam’s POV that held it all together despite them having equal billing.
As to the mystery, a slow burn, lots of moving parts that inevitably collide but I shall say no more, you’ll have to read for yourself, no spoilers here!
Just under the 4 stars & perhaps that’s being generous as Im such a fan of the series (three perhaps dur to Banerjee’s POV)
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
January 3, 2026
Awesome to be reading the book set in Calcutta while actually staying in the city 100 years after the events in the book ) The geography of the series is very much alive now 💚
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.
December 27, 2025
Any year that Abir publishes a “Sam and Surrender-Not” book is a good one. I hope this series continues for a long time.
Both Sam and Suren are older and have more wounds to lick. They partner up to address a series of murders while finding that they must catch up on each other’s (separate) lives
I’m here for the mystery of course. I thoroughly enjoyed the smart assessment of and jabs at British colonialism; these are delivered with wry, surgical wit…and devastating. But more than anything, I appreciated the atmospheric feel of these books, as if we’ve found a time machine. In this title, Estelle, the actress, is based loosely on a real-life actress. Abir reveals who in the end.
I looked forward to picking up this hardback book each day. The pacing is fast and engaging.
Please bring Sam and Suren back soon. In the meantime, I will enjoy Abir and his co-host, author Vaseem Khan, in their podcast (formerly, Red Hot Chilli Writers; now named “Murder Junction”). The two talk lots of smack. Abir’s humor shines as his Scottish accent trills. (He discloses in Episode 162 that he submitted his first draft of a contemporary thriller set in Mumbai...which will be out June or July 2026.)
Several quotes:
He was a nice enough lad. Not too much between the ears, which was surprising given the ample volume of his head, but nevertheless keen as mustard.
With my limited salary, I was hardly the Fox’s ideal patron, but Petros made an exception for men like me – men with potential, as he put it, which I took to mean men with the power to arrest him.
To be fair, it was Axar who’d introduced the drink to the both of us, but this was India and it was par for the course that a white man be given the credit for the work of natives.
And there it was, that infuriating way he had of obfuscating. I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d been to Cambridge. He’d learned from the best.
…and it struck me that there was the relationship between the British and the Indians in a nutshell. They could do whatever they wanted, but if we complained, we were the ones being unreasonable.
Bengalis liked to make a show when they mourned their heroes, especially if they’d never actually met them.
You can tell a lot from a clergyman’s smile. The mere act of it denoted that the man was not a Scot. Scottish clergy do not smile, certainly not while there is still sin in the world.
What mattered was the sheer fact of it. For the smile signified a willingness for conversation with perfect strangers and that was never a good thing.
He was of that new breed of Englishman, earnestly interested in the ways of Indians, almost as keen on understanding us as in telling us what to do. I hoped his fervour might continue. Too often, though, the eagerness to understand us was blunted by the hard business of actually spending time with us.
A typical Indian scene: grinding progress achieved through utter chaos. One saw it not only at stations but at post offices, cinemas and any place else in the country where demand exceeded supply...
Anger, too, that we should allow the treasures of our past, the bequest of our ancestors to fall into such a state of disrepair. And yet it was not unexpected. We were a subjugated people whose shackles extended from the physical to the mental. We discarded the wisdom of our heritage in order to ape the ways of the others and we called that progress. We threw out the kurta and dhoti so that we may sweat in trouser and starched collar. It was madness and yet we did it, believing it would improve us. We were a people who despised ourselves in the present. Why then should we care about our past?
Sometimes, the best way to get someone talking is to make them believe it’s an exchange of information rather than an interrogation. People are often happy to divulge confidences if they think they’ll get something in return.
Indeed, the hardest part of my European sojourn had been the food; worse than the climate, the foreign languages and other Indians.
…Then, of course, there was Britain. I fear there is little one can say in defence of a nation who had expended so much blood and treasure conquering the parts of the world where the spices grew, yet had never let this bounty come anywhere near its own dining tables.
I had never met an American who wasn’t at least a couple of inches too tall, who didn’t speak too loudly, or who didn’t seem to believe himself and his nation to be God’s gift to the rest of mankind. And those were just the good ones.
And if things didn’t work out, there was always Canada. I thought I might like Canada. I had a feeling people were less optimistic there.
Both Sam and Suren are older and have more wounds to lick. They partner up to address a series of murders while finding that they must catch up on each other’s (separate) lives
I’m here for the mystery of course. I thoroughly enjoyed the smart assessment of and jabs at British colonialism; these are delivered with wry, surgical wit…and devastating. But more than anything, I appreciated the atmospheric feel of these books, as if we’ve found a time machine. In this title, Estelle, the actress, is based loosely on a real-life actress. Abir reveals who in the end.
I looked forward to picking up this hardback book each day. The pacing is fast and engaging.
Please bring Sam and Suren back soon. In the meantime, I will enjoy Abir and his co-host, author Vaseem Khan, in their podcast (formerly, Red Hot Chilli Writers; now named “Murder Junction”). The two talk lots of smack. Abir’s humor shines as his Scottish accent trills. (He discloses in Episode 162 that he submitted his first draft of a contemporary thriller set in Mumbai...which will be out June or July 2026.)
Several quotes:
He was a nice enough lad. Not too much between the ears, which was surprising given the ample volume of his head, but nevertheless keen as mustard.
With my limited salary, I was hardly the Fox’s ideal patron, but Petros made an exception for men like me – men with potential, as he put it, which I took to mean men with the power to arrest him.
To be fair, it was Axar who’d introduced the drink to the both of us, but this was India and it was par for the course that a white man be given the credit for the work of natives.
And there it was, that infuriating way he had of obfuscating. I shouldn’t have been surprised. He’d been to Cambridge. He’d learned from the best.
…and it struck me that there was the relationship between the British and the Indians in a nutshell. They could do whatever they wanted, but if we complained, we were the ones being unreasonable.
Bengalis liked to make a show when they mourned their heroes, especially if they’d never actually met them.
You can tell a lot from a clergyman’s smile. The mere act of it denoted that the man was not a Scot. Scottish clergy do not smile, certainly not while there is still sin in the world.
What mattered was the sheer fact of it. For the smile signified a willingness for conversation with perfect strangers and that was never a good thing.
He was of that new breed of Englishman, earnestly interested in the ways of Indians, almost as keen on understanding us as in telling us what to do. I hoped his fervour might continue. Too often, though, the eagerness to understand us was blunted by the hard business of actually spending time with us.
A typical Indian scene: grinding progress achieved through utter chaos. One saw it not only at stations but at post offices, cinemas and any place else in the country where demand exceeded supply...
Anger, too, that we should allow the treasures of our past, the bequest of our ancestors to fall into such a state of disrepair. And yet it was not unexpected. We were a subjugated people whose shackles extended from the physical to the mental. We discarded the wisdom of our heritage in order to ape the ways of the others and we called that progress. We threw out the kurta and dhoti so that we may sweat in trouser and starched collar. It was madness and yet we did it, believing it would improve us. We were a people who despised ourselves in the present. Why then should we care about our past?
Sometimes, the best way to get someone talking is to make them believe it’s an exchange of information rather than an interrogation. People are often happy to divulge confidences if they think they’ll get something in return.
Indeed, the hardest part of my European sojourn had been the food; worse than the climate, the foreign languages and other Indians.
…Then, of course, there was Britain. I fear there is little one can say in defence of a nation who had expended so much blood and treasure conquering the parts of the world where the spices grew, yet had never let this bounty come anywhere near its own dining tables.
I had never met an American who wasn’t at least a couple of inches too tall, who didn’t speak too loudly, or who didn’t seem to believe himself and his nation to be God’s gift to the rest of mankind. And those were just the good ones.
And if things didn’t work out, there was always Canada. I thought I might like Canada. I had a feeling people were less optimistic there.
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!
January 9, 2026
I love this series with its unusual cross racial camaraderie in imperial Calcutta in the 1920's. The reunion of Sam Wyndham and Suren. It's an awkward one. Both have suffered. Suren is no longer a cop and has returned from three years in Europe. He's left behind the love of his life too.
Suren asks Sam to help him find a female cousin who has disappeared. Sam is preoccupied with the murder of a wealthy Indian businessman but can't say no. What ensues is two investigations uniting into one with more murders, intrigue, movie stars, and a race against time. Can't wait for the next one. Some of the characters we meet were inspired by real people.
Suren asks Sam to help him find a female cousin who has disappeared. Sam is preoccupied with the murder of a wealthy Indian businessman but can't say no. What ensues is two investigations uniting into one with more murders, intrigue, movie stars, and a race against time. Can't wait for the next one. Some of the characters we meet were inspired by real people.
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.
January 14, 2026
This is the sixth book in the excellent Sam Wyndham series, but a disappointment. The writing is colourful and atmospheric as in the earlier works, but the plot is dull, and the ending is most unsatisfying. It was a struggle to read this boring book.
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.
January 2, 2026
It seems forever since the previous book. So glad that Sam is back on good form and his relationship with Suren is stronger than ever. Twists and turns some politics relating to the British in India but with brilliant asides from both characters. Thank goodness there’s another episode coming at the end of the year.
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.
January 16, 2026
As a newbie to this series, I was worried that I would not be able to follow as well as someone who's been steeped in the character dramas, but author Abir Mukherjee deftly delivered just enough background for me to understand the somewhat adversarial, but also understanding of each other's capabilities of the two main characters: Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee and Captain Sam Wyndham.
Sam has been taking opium and drinking to excess, while Surendranath "Suren", no longer a police officer, has been nursing a broken heart for a woman he fell in love with while in Paris.
The mystery opens with the murder of popular and wealthy patron of the arts. Sam who is not in anyone's good books at the moment, much less the Imperial Police Force's, is tasked with investigating. He's thrust into the world of Indian cinema, with its variety of personalities and their frictions. He meets a glamourous, famous American actress who's presently contracted to appear in a work that's filming.
Sam encounters Suren while investigating, and is surprised, as Banerjee has been in Europe for the past three years, and out of all contact. Sam is miffed and hurt for the silence since he saw Suren board a ship out of Bombay, and had not realized Suren was back in India for a few weeks already.
Suren, meanwhile, as a favour to family friends since returning to his father's home, has been looking for a missing woman, a photographer, when the two former colleagues encounter one another.
When Suren finds out that the missing woman he's looking for is connected so Sam's case, the two team up, even while Sam is pushed by British military intelligence to bring Banerjee in to debrief about people he met in Europe, and that Intelligence sees as inimical to British rule in India.
That the two would solve the cases was never in doubt for me. Rather, I was intrigued by this time in Calcutta's past, as well as the sniping former partners' relationship. The two know each other's foibles and strengths, and rely on these to work together.
I listened to this book, and enjoyed the work of Simon Bubb and Mikhail Sen. Sen beautifully conveys Suren's ambivalence about being home again, as well as the heartbreak he is experiencing, and his intelligence. Bubb does a great job with Sam's surliness, but also hurt and gradually ease and comfort as he and Suren begin not only working together, but making positive strides in their investigation, which reveals some dark things about people they admired or were attracted to.
This story has convinced me to check out the rest of the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Sam has been taking opium and drinking to excess, while Surendranath "Suren", no longer a police officer, has been nursing a broken heart for a woman he fell in love with while in Paris.
The mystery opens with the murder of popular and wealthy patron of the arts. Sam who is not in anyone's good books at the moment, much less the Imperial Police Force's, is tasked with investigating. He's thrust into the world of Indian cinema, with its variety of personalities and their frictions. He meets a glamourous, famous American actress who's presently contracted to appear in a work that's filming.
Sam encounters Suren while investigating, and is surprised, as Banerjee has been in Europe for the past three years, and out of all contact. Sam is miffed and hurt for the silence since he saw Suren board a ship out of Bombay, and had not realized Suren was back in India for a few weeks already.
Suren, meanwhile, as a favour to family friends since returning to his father's home, has been looking for a missing woman, a photographer, when the two former colleagues encounter one another.
When Suren finds out that the missing woman he's looking for is connected so Sam's case, the two team up, even while Sam is pushed by British military intelligence to bring Banerjee in to debrief about people he met in Europe, and that Intelligence sees as inimical to British rule in India.
That the two would solve the cases was never in doubt for me. Rather, I was intrigued by this time in Calcutta's past, as well as the sniping former partners' relationship. The two know each other's foibles and strengths, and rely on these to work together.
I listened to this book, and enjoyed the work of Simon Bubb and Mikhail Sen. Sen beautifully conveys Suren's ambivalence about being home again, as well as the heartbreak he is experiencing, and his intelligence. Bubb does a great job with Sam's surliness, but also hurt and gradually ease and comfort as he and Suren begin not only working together, but making positive strides in their investigation, which reveals some dark things about people they admired or were attracted to.
This story has convinced me to check out the rest of the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
January 16, 2026
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
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