A priceless diamond. A tower in lockdown. The clock is ticking to break the siege.
*The new mystery novel from Ajay Chowdhury, for fans of Robert Galbraith and M. W. Craven*
Detective Sergeant Kamil Rahman is riding high on newfound fame and a thrilling new the mysterious death of the Deputy Governor of the Tower of London.
Meanwhile ex-partner Anjoli’s luck is about to change too. Her struggling detective agency has been asked to investigate a series of death threats targeting a high-profile, and controversial, climate activist.
Unbeknownst to them both, rogue historian Rohan Gill is planning the ultimate heist—to reclaim the Kohinoor diamond from the Tower – and Kamil and Anjoli, are an integral part of his plan.
With the Tower locked down and tensions soaring, will Kamil and Anjoli find the strength to do what’s right, or will they be swept away by the tides of history?
Praise for the Detective Kamil Rahman
'Outstanding' SUNDAY TIMES
'Hugely entertaining' ANN CLEEVES
'A rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish' ABIR MUKHERJEE
4* The Patriot - Ajay Chowdhury. An enjoyable sixth instalment in this fun detective series featuring Met Detective Kamil and his restaurant owning come private investigator side kick Anjoli.
A historical podcast throws light on a controversial issue of empire. The Koh-i-Noor diamond, reputedly stolen from India, and now part of the Crown Jewels is potentially being taken off display to avoid controversy. When a senior member of the Tower of London expresses her displeasure, she faces the ultimate consequences. Bit bigger plans and forces are at work.
Meanwhile Anjoli gets her first gig to look into mysterious goings on with a Zimbabwean animal sanctuary charity. A senior member of staff is being threatened.
How are the two cases connected and how are Kamil and Anjoli the key to nefarious goings on in both instances.
A great fun romp in the 6th outing for these two. A heist, murders, clever plotting and historical stories which cannot help but be fascinating - this is a cleverly drawn together book. It may have worked as a standalone - Kamil and Anjoli are a little bit part for most of it, but Ajay pulls it off by the end. Really looking forward to their next outing and I was pleased to see a toning down of some of the cheesier parts of the early books such as the T-shirt slogans).
4+ stars The Koh-i-nor diamond, a body in the Tower of London and a siege. Yes, Kamil and Anjoli are back with Kamil gaining an excellent reputation for his detecting skills and Anjoli struggling both with her restaurant and her newly founded detective agency. However, her luck may be on the turn when she’s asked to investigate threats and deaths associated with Safaris in Zimbabwe. Both of our central protagonists are blissfully unaware of an outrageously daring plan to steal the Koh-i-Nor diamond conceived by Rohan Gill, a decorated soldier in the British Army and a Sikh historian. His plot involves both of them - will they escape from his plotting unscathed? Is Rohan a latter day Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves? Will he succeed where Thomas (‘Captain’) Blood’s ill fated attempts failed in 1671??
The Tower of London is one of the capitals most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. It makes a superb setting for this latest novel by Ajay Chowdhury and gives it a terrific atmosphere totally unique to this 1000+ year old Royal Castle with all its associated history. There’s a terrific contrast between that and many changes over the years, especially in the present day. All the pomp and ceremony attached to the Yeoman Warders is extremely well used and I enjoy the machinations and in-house disagreements therein, the old school traditionalists versus new ideas and more modern approaches. Part of this does indeed affect the future of the infamous diamond.
The plot explores Britain’s colonial past via the diamond and the dilemma this poses in a hopefully modern enlightened world. I like how the author sheds light on this and he gives much food for thought. I enjoy how this plays out via the various characters and in Kamil’s thoughts too.
The plot is audacious, just like the plans and it’s an exciting thriller from beginning to end, with multiple twists as chameleon characters transform and manipulate for their own ends or gain. The plot is complex and doesn’t just involve the shenanigans and derring do at the Tower but also in the African Safari element and does connect to the original starting point via Anjoli. The question of the Chagos Islands is also raised. At times it feels like watching an all action movie especially the incredible scenes at the Tower. I particularly love those as the author so cleverly uses the site.
There’s a great deal of symbolism throughout too, not just that provided by the diamond but what the tower represents as well as other issues.
I really like the central characters of Kamil and Anjoli (and her T-shirts) and their ever changing relationship which helps to keep things fresh. Another great character is Kamil’s boss, Tahir Ismael. It’s always enjoyable when the plot switches to the Tandoori Knights restaurant owned by Anjoli and the humour as always is provided by the talented chef, Chanson with his excellent malapropisms.
Overall, this is another satisfying and atmospheric thriller from the author. It’s fast paced and highly entertaining. I can wholeheartedly recommend the series.
With thanks to Random House UK,Vintage for The much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
This is the 6th book in this brilliant series featuring multiskilled but now Detective Kamil Rahman and, although the main story is self contained, to get the most from him and the rest of the series characters, especially with regard to backstory, you might want to start at the beginning. And, tbh, they are all cracking reads so... We start with the death of the first female Deputy Governor of the Tower of London whose body was found at the bottom of the tower in which she lived. Accident, suicide, murder are all on the table initially, although after making a few enquiries, Kamil is favouring murder. But will his investigation get shut down by the powers that be? Is he going to face the very same things that got him in trouble, forcing him to leave his homeland and start again. His best friend Anjoli is a bit frustrated with lack of work for her newly formed detective agency until a recommend sends her a new case. Someone employed by an animal charity, investigating illegal "safaris" in Zimbabwe has been receiving death threats. Meanwhile, we follow podcaster, decorated soldier and Sikh, Rohan Gill as he plots to liberate the Koh-i-Nor diamond from the Tower of London in a rather audacious plan which, to pull off, will need the unwitting assistance of Kamil and Anjoli who, uncoincidentally have just appeared as guests on his podcast... And so begins a tightly plotted, well executed story, which was also, for me a fascinating insight into the life of a Yeoman Warder and a bit of history of the Tower itself. The pomp and ceremony of it all and the reluctance to be brought more up to date in anything other than security. I've never visited it, but after reading this book, if I ever find myself in the area with time on my hands... It also highlights some of the controversy surrounding colonialism and the "procurement" of certain artefacts. Which I will leave you to discover and make your own minds up on. The heist itself is rather audacious and I absolutely loved reading about how it was set up and executed (read the afterward fr how real it all is and what liberties the author has taken) and how they "overcame" the spanners which were thrown at them. The safari thread was horrible and harrowing and so credible that it had me screaming for justice. Well... it does all sound a bit intense. But to get the balance right as these are some heavy things, we have Anjoli's t-shirt slogans. If you 've read the previous books you'll know what I am referring to. We also have Chanson the TK chef and his wonderful malapropisms and other word play. These things, do keep it all on an even keel. Pacing is perfect, matching the narrative throughout. And with no superfluous waffle or padding, the whole thing gets on with itself very well. And the endings - of all three storylines - when they came were wholly satisfying. All that's left is to wonder what the author will have in store for them in the next book. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
I really enjoyed The Patriot, particularly its wonderfully unusual setting. Using the Tower of London as the backdrop gives the story a fantastic sense of atmosphere, and I loved the detail around the workings, history and traditions of the Tower. The contrast between such a historic fortress and the modern investigation works particularly well.
I was especially fascinated by the security of the Tower and the way centuries old traditions still form part of its protection. The Yeoman Warders have guarded the Tower since Tudor times, while the centuries old Ceremony of the Keys still takes place every night. Chowdhury makes excellent use of that distinctive setting and all its history, making the Tower feel almost like another character in the story.
The plot also explores a much more uncomfortable side of British history: the removal of precious cultural treasures from other countries and the question of who has the right to possess them. The history surrounding the Koh i Noor gives the story plenty to think about, and I found the themes around colonialism, ownership and repatriation particularly interesting. It is an aspect of British history that has often been glossed over, so I appreciated the way it sits at the heart of the thriller rather than simply providing background.
There is plenty of intrigue, tension and twists, alongside the continuing development of Kamil and Anjoli. I did find some parts of the story a little less compelling than others, which is why this lands at four stars for me, but the originality of the setting and the historical questions at its centre more than made up for that.
A clever and atmospheric thriller with a fascinating setting and plenty of history beneath the surface. I will definitely be interested to see where Kamil and Anjoli go next.
overall , I believe much of this book works. Taking a well known heist idea, and a well contended idea of the koh-i-noor diamond, it managed to arouse enough of a reaction but in such a way that is level headed and analytical on both sides of this issue. Held along with the mysteries of murders, it strings along nicely. It is engagingly written as we look at the interaction between characters and those who unbeknownst to the other people are planning a heist, The spurring together of support., all create a readable story.
The actual structure of the story, chapter by chapter it does follow through, in a lightly guessing way, so as not to overtax a reader. I did find myself being drawn to continue to the end, which shows it draws you in nicely.
The cover follows a classical representation of Ajay's books, There is also a great improvement form his first ones, in terms of solidity and readability. Overall , I would say it works well and leaves improvement for other books, in terms of edge of the seat thriller styles.
Another very enjoyable outing for Kamil, now a Met police DS, and Anjoli, who has started her new detective agency alongside her restaurant, Tandoori Knights. This time the mystery involves a murder at the Tower of London, a shady charity for wildlife conservation, and a very convoluted plot about a heist of the Koh-i-Noor .
A popular podcast historian, Rohan Gill, is planning to steal the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Tower in order to highlight the plight of the Chagos Islanders, forcibly evicted from their homeland by the British. Gill is is an activist rather than a terrorist but as a Sikh knows racism, despite being a decorated former British soldier. Kamil and Anjoli, are an integral part of his plan.
I really enjoyed reading this fast-paced thriller. I love this series and have read them all. This is the 6th in the series and I thoroughly recommend it. I read an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publishers and thank them for letting me spend time with Kamil and Anjoli again.
Newly promoted DS Kamil Rahman is back with another thrilling book and complex case for him to solve. This time one of the people in charge of the Tower of London is found dead at the historic building. Murder, accident or suicide? Kamil is detailed to investigate however powerful sources within Buckingham Palace are not being very co-operative with the investigation. At the same time a famous Sikh historian is setting up a major heist to steal the Koh-i-Noor jewel from, part of the crown jewels, held in the Tower and unbeknown to the detective sergeant he is very much a part of it. His long time friend and restaurant owner Anjoli is also a vital part of the plot. As well as being a restaurant owner she is setting up in business as a Private Detective and has landed a case investigating death threats against a major member of an animal rights charity. This is a fast paced and enthralling thriller with humour interspersed throughout. A very good read from start to finish.
Thanks to @netgalley @ajaychowdhury.author and @randomhousebooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This is book 6 in the Kamil Rahman series. I haven't read any of the previous books, although they are now firmly on my #tbr list! Set in London, this fast-paced crime thriller was full of tension, mystery and intrigue with a few twists and turns thrown into the mix!. It was very well researched and well written, I really enjoyed the historicalaspects of it. I did get a bit lost with the characters at times but I think that's because I haven't read the other books, but that's on me! Overall I really enjoyed the book, and I will definitely be reading the other 5! Can't wait to see what book 7 brings!
The Patriot by Ajay Chowdhury is book six in the Detective Kamil Rahman series. I have not read the previous books in the series. So, at first, I found it a bit hard to get into because of the back story of the characters. This is a tense thriller about a local Historian planning heist to steal the Koh in Noor diamond from the Tower of London and bring it back to its rightful place. This has a solid storyline, with lots of action and I think I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the previous books in the series. But I enjoyed learning about the history of the Tower of London, and I am sure the fans of the series will love this next instalment. I found this to be an entertaining read and no doubt now go back and read the previous book. 4 stars from me.
Another fast paced and propulsive thriller from Mr Chowdhury and an update on Kamil and Anjoli's lives and relationship and of course some interesting Tandoori Knights food! The ethics of whether Rohan was a terrorist were well discussed and, although I was slightly surprised they were some of the main themes of the book, the issues of the Chagos Islanders and colonialism were told in a balanced way. Although I enjoyed it, I did struggle with the heist details a bit, partly I think because I was reading on a kindle and the maps weren't well reproduced. I'm looking forward to the next book Thank you to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
Even though I’ve read all the previous books in the series I found myself getting muddled up with some of the characters which was really detracting from the plot. Having said that it’s a solid 4* read, a real adventure through history and the Tower of London. I’ve learnt about things I was only vaguely aware of which is always a bonus.
Overall a rollicking story full of mystery and passion for causes both animal and human with outcomes that seem right, although I’m not sure our policeman hero should have done what he did and got away with it!
I found this book a little disappointing. There was a lot going on, with quite a few characters and storylines, and I sometimes found myself getting mixed up about who was who. That may well have been partly because I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, so I probably missed some of the background and character development. While there were some interesting ideas and moments, overall I struggled to stay fully engaged with the story.
This is such a great series, always good fun and with a different edge to so many other police procedurals. Two young friends trying to fit in in their respective roles, helping each other out along the way, while trying not to get in each other's way! I enjoyed this installment as the storyline was creative and new, and kept up a good pace throughout. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
DS Kamil Rahman returns in a fast paced thriller ! The Koh-i-Noor diamond is in the sight of Rohan Gill a historian who wants to return the diamond to India . This involves a spectacular heist . Kamil and Anjoli find themselves unwittingly in the middle of the plan . This is an excellent addition to the series . The writing makes for an entertaining and absorbing read . Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK.
Another excellent addition to the series and in my opinion the best so far. The plot kept me hooked that I had a to read just one more chapter. I liked the character development as the series continues. I would recommend this book also the series. Thanks to Random House UK Vintage and Netgalley for this review copy.