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Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation #2
The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown
The second installment in a charming mystery series set in Mumbai, featuring an inspector and his inherited elephant partner, this time hunting for the Queen of England's stolen Crown Jewels.
For centuries, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has set man against man and king against king.
Now part of the British Crown Jewels, the priceless gem is a prize that many have killed to possess.
So when the Crown Jewels go on display in Mumbai, security is everyone's principal concern. And yet, on the very day Inspector Chopra visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose.
The heist was daring and seemingly impossible. The hunt is on for the culprits. But it soon becomes clear that only one man -- and his elephant -- can possibly crack this case...
For centuries, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has set man against man and king against king.
Now part of the British Crown Jewels, the priceless gem is a prize that many have killed to possess.
So when the Crown Jewels go on display in Mumbai, security is everyone's principal concern. And yet, on the very day Inspector Chopra visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose.
The heist was daring and seemingly impossible. The hunt is on for the culprits. But it soon becomes clear that only one man -- and his elephant -- can possibly crack this case...
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2016
277 people are currently reading
2065 people want to read
About the author
Vaseem Khan
55 books1,007 followersVaseem Khan is the author of two award-winning crime series set in India and the upcoming Quantum of Menace, the first in a series featuring Q from the James Bond franchise. His debut, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 40 best crime novels published 2015-2020. In 2021, Midnight at Malabar House, the first in the Malabar House novels set in 1950s Bombay, won the CWA Historical Dagger. Vaseem was born in England, but spent a decade working in India. Vaseem is the current Chair of the UK Crime Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
July 28, 2017
Chopra frowned. "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." Rangwalla stared at him. "I suppose Gandhiji said that". Chopra coloured. His obsession with the great statesman was well known to his subordinates. Not everyone, he knew, appreciated Gandhi's homespun wisdom...
Another lovely crime story with retired Inspector Chopra, his wife Poppy and baby elephant Ganesha in the big city of Mumbai. Quite enjoyable, entertaining holiday read. Four stars for the joy of it! Recommended for all who love stories about India, about baby elephants, and crime stories of course ;-)
The Koh-I-Noor diamond, a priceless gem part of the British crown jewels and on show in a museum in Mubai, is stolen. On the very day, retired inspector Chopra now private detective, visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose. And it soon becomes clear that only one man and his elephant, can possibly crack this case...
Another lovely crime story with retired Inspector Chopra, his wife Poppy and baby elephant Ganesha in the big city of Mumbai. Quite enjoyable, entertaining holiday read. Four stars for the joy of it! Recommended for all who love stories about India, about baby elephants, and crime stories of course ;-)
The Koh-I-Noor diamond, a priceless gem part of the British crown jewels and on show in a museum in Mubai, is stolen. On the very day, retired inspector Chopra now private detective, visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose. And it soon becomes clear that only one man and his elephant, can possibly crack this case...
January 18, 2018
A few months back I got two fantastic books. Unexpected inheritance of Inspector Chopra & The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown two books in series of “Baby Ganesha Agency” by Vaseem Khan. I loved the first part & was equally enthusiastic to read second part but during my relocation, I misplaced this gem. It took me three months to find back this book & every minute spent on finding this book was worth. I found it damn interesting & gripping. In spite of heavy workload, I finished this book in 3-4 sittings.
Last part ended with Retired Inspector Chopra starting his detective agency & restaurant. Both of his plans were instantly hit. But life is not that grateful for Chopra. As the restaurant was managed by her mother-in-law, he had to be on his toe due to her harshness. On other hand, detective jobs were not as great & interesting as his unofficial case of human- trafficking. In his quest, his ex-subordinate also joined him. There were many changes came into Chopra’s life after human trafficking case, which kept the story interesting. Introduction of Irfan’s part was a warm heart touching.
The narration of Vaseem Khan is simple yet powerful. It can take you on the ride of Chopra’s life with as realistic touch as possible. The characters’ development makes you fall in love with the story. Talking about detective part, Vaseem Khan has again created an impossible looking case of Jewel Theft, the beginning of which even made me think how it happened.
This books or I would say series have emotion, drama, sarcasm, humor, thriller & suspense, I think many books with just one of this ingredient became a big hit. And this book has each ingredient in the perfect mix. I am glad my 2018 started with this book. A perfect read for any age group.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/01...
Last part ended with Retired Inspector Chopra starting his detective agency & restaurant. Both of his plans were instantly hit. But life is not that grateful for Chopra. As the restaurant was managed by her mother-in-law, he had to be on his toe due to her harshness. On other hand, detective jobs were not as great & interesting as his unofficial case of human- trafficking. In his quest, his ex-subordinate also joined him. There were many changes came into Chopra’s life after human trafficking case, which kept the story interesting. Introduction of Irfan’s part was a warm heart touching.
The narration of Vaseem Khan is simple yet powerful. It can take you on the ride of Chopra’s life with as realistic touch as possible. The characters’ development makes you fall in love with the story. Talking about detective part, Vaseem Khan has again created an impossible looking case of Jewel Theft, the beginning of which even made me think how it happened.
This books or I would say series have emotion, drama, sarcasm, humor, thriller & suspense, I think many books with just one of this ingredient became a big hit. And this book has each ingredient in the perfect mix. I am glad my 2018 started with this book. A perfect read for any age group.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2018/01...
August 11, 2023
I just love this series. One part private detective procedural, one part Mumbai cozy mystery, and a 100% adorable baby elephant.
Not the best mysteries but fun for me
Not the best mysteries but fun for me
November 2, 2018
This series is such a joy to read. Not only does it propel the Indian culture to the fore, but also a great cosy mystery too.
This time Inspector Chopra (retried) and he’s baby elephant has to solve the mystery of how stole the priceless gem in the British Crown Jewels during the queens visit to Mumbai.
The story races along, Chopra is such a wonderful fun character that really fits with the quirkinesses of the setting.
You really feel as if you’ve been transported to India!
This time Inspector Chopra (retried) and he’s baby elephant has to solve the mystery of how stole the priceless gem in the British Crown Jewels during the queens visit to Mumbai.
The story races along, Chopra is such a wonderful fun character that really fits with the quirkinesses of the setting.
You really feel as if you’ve been transported to India!
October 25, 2017
A quick and fun read. Inspector Chopra's detective agency is off the ground and doing well, same with Poppy's restaurant. Ganesha is keeping himself amused, playing behind the restaurant and going on stakeouts with Chopra. This book's major case is Chopra trying to solve the theft of the Koh-I-Noor diamond.
The tone is light throughout, with the action split between Chopra's endeavours, and those of Poppy and Ganesha. (That elephant is wonderful, though I do wonder how they'll all cope as Ganesha grows....)
The tone is light throughout, with the action split between Chopra's endeavours, and those of Poppy and Ganesha. (That elephant is wonderful, though I do wonder how they'll all cope as Ganesha grows....)
June 9, 2016
Lovely, lovely, lovely!
The Inspector Chopra books by Vaseem Khan are just wonderful, like a warm cup of tea of a cold day! I just love the antics of Inspector Chopra and his little elephant companion, Ganesha. They make me smile so much.
Not only is the story about a jewel theft, there are also some marvellous side plots and investigations going on as well. Ganesha gets to have his own adventure! I love Chopra's relationship with his wife Poppy, and I think it's brilliant that Vaseem Khan weaves Poppy's own tales so well into the book. Another thing he does really well is include Indian history and politics, but without being heavy and without you realising that you're actually getting a bit of a social history lesson as well as a cracking good story.
Great characters, wonderful descriptions of India, perplexing mysteries and a chocolate loving elephant companion – an utter delight from start to finish.
The Inspector Chopra books by Vaseem Khan are just wonderful, like a warm cup of tea of a cold day! I just love the antics of Inspector Chopra and his little elephant companion, Ganesha. They make me smile so much.
Not only is the story about a jewel theft, there are also some marvellous side plots and investigations going on as well. Ganesha gets to have his own adventure! I love Chopra's relationship with his wife Poppy, and I think it's brilliant that Vaseem Khan weaves Poppy's own tales so well into the book. Another thing he does really well is include Indian history and politics, but without being heavy and without you realising that you're actually getting a bit of a social history lesson as well as a cracking good story.
Great characters, wonderful descriptions of India, perplexing mysteries and a chocolate loving elephant companion – an utter delight from start to finish.
March 2, 2017
After thoroughly enjoying the first novel in this series I was really looking forward to reading the second, I have not been disappointed! Vaseem Khan really knows how to describe characters in such a way as to enable the reader to conjure them up immediately. This book concentrates on the theft of a very famous diamond, but to me, the real story is in the descriptions of life in Mubai, its people, food, culture and the chaos. There is humour but also depth and I just love Ganesha!
February 5, 2017
Mr. Khan is expert at developing characters and settings and bringing them to life in his novels. I must say that of all the characters, I like the little elephant best. I was more concerned about the little fella's welfare than the humans. I have no idea if elephants are as smart as Ganesha is portrayed but it's nice to believe. The other part I find fascinating is how the author describes the city of Mumbai, with its 20 million inhabitants (all human). Never been there but after reading the novels by Mr. Khan, I would like to visit. Wonderful story.
April 5, 2017
I want to find a baby elephant and hug him and feed him mangoes. (As a warning, I will probably say this exact same thing after every installment of this series.)
This second book of the Baby Ganesh Agency series is just as delightful as the first, though longer and with the addition of a more complex subplot. I love the way Khan handles the relations between modern (post-Raj) India and Britain, as well as the developments of Indian culture and those who embrace it versus reject it.
I also was particularly amused by the inclusion of the Catholic School secondary plot, which had my Jesuit-and-Franciscan educated self chuckling.
It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: Ganesha is the best sidekick a reader could hope to find, and has instilled in me a far deeper appreciation for elephants.
Khan's mysteries are fresh yet classic. They so far balance humor, heart, and dire situations excellently. I look forward to the next one and will continue to recommend these to my friends.
This second book of the Baby Ganesh Agency series is just as delightful as the first, though longer and with the addition of a more complex subplot. I love the way Khan handles the relations between modern (post-Raj) India and Britain, as well as the developments of Indian culture and those who embrace it versus reject it.
I also was particularly amused by the inclusion of the Catholic School secondary plot, which had my Jesuit-and-Franciscan educated self chuckling.
It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: Ganesha is the best sidekick a reader could hope to find, and has instilled in me a far deeper appreciation for elephants.
Khan's mysteries are fresh yet classic. They so far balance humor, heart, and dire situations excellently. I look forward to the next one and will continue to recommend these to my friends.
October 18, 2023
Das Buch konnte mich leider nicht so fesseln wie ich es mir gewünscht habe.
Ja, der Elefant ist putzig und ich fand es sehr interessant über Indien zu lesen.
Über dessen Kultur, Geschichte und Entwicklungschancen.
Dies konnte leider nicht über die Logiklöcher des Falls hinwegtäuschen.
Außerdem füllt der Fall an sich nur etwa die Hälfte des Buches, daneben kümmern sich
Chopras Frau Poppy und sein Assistent Rangwalla um eine verschwundene Büste
(auch sehr Logiklöchrig) und Ganesha findet ein verschwundenes Kind.
Alles schöne Nebengeschichten, die bei mir aber das Gefühl aufkommen ließen,
als hätte der Titelgebende Kriminalfall nicht genug Seiten abgeliefert.
Ja, der Elefant ist putzig und ich fand es sehr interessant über Indien zu lesen.
Über dessen Kultur, Geschichte und Entwicklungschancen.
Dies konnte leider nicht über die Logiklöcher des Falls hinwegtäuschen.
Außerdem füllt der Fall an sich nur etwa die Hälfte des Buches, daneben kümmern sich
Chopras Frau Poppy und sein Assistent Rangwalla um eine verschwundene Büste
(auch sehr Logiklöchrig) und Ganesha findet ein verschwundenes Kind.
Alles schöne Nebengeschichten, die bei mir aber das Gefühl aufkommen ließen,
als hätte der Titelgebende Kriminalfall nicht genug Seiten abgeliefert.
July 17, 2020
These are great mysteries. Chopra and Ganesh the baby elephant work to solve mysteries and protect those who are in danger.
Chopra's PI business is getting very busy, too busy so he gets help from his former colleague Rumwallah, because right in the middle of his heavy work load the Queen's Crown is stolen and the Koh-I-Nor diamond is removed from it. The man who was in charge of security on the Crown Jewels while they were in India has been arrested and he was a former colleague of Chopra. The police investigator in charge of finding out who stole the crown is a ineffective twit so Chopra must help clear his former colleague of the crime and do the chief investigator's job for him while being opposed by him in the process.
The elephant Ganesh is special. He understands human language and in an almost supernatural way rises to the occasion and ends up where he is needed and doing what must be done. I like this bit of magical reality added to the story because it is just on the cusp of 'it could happen'.
Chopra is imperfect but does his best to do the right thing and be true to himself and others. He's great guy. The characters are all interesting and bring up some interesting views of life, society and philosophy/religion. The author points out the problem of arrogance and materialism having the greatest influence on the youth and mourns that effect on Indian culture.
These are just fun mysteries and a pleasure to read or listen to.
Chopra's PI business is getting very busy, too busy so he gets help from his former colleague Rumwallah, because right in the middle of his heavy work load the Queen's Crown is stolen and the Koh-I-Nor diamond is removed from it. The man who was in charge of security on the Crown Jewels while they were in India has been arrested and he was a former colleague of Chopra. The police investigator in charge of finding out who stole the crown is a ineffective twit so Chopra must help clear his former colleague of the crime and do the chief investigator's job for him while being opposed by him in the process.
The elephant Ganesh is special. He understands human language and in an almost supernatural way rises to the occasion and ends up where he is needed and doing what must be done. I like this bit of magical reality added to the story because it is just on the cusp of 'it could happen'.
Chopra is imperfect but does his best to do the right thing and be true to himself and others. He's great guy. The characters are all interesting and bring up some interesting views of life, society and philosophy/religion. The author points out the problem of arrogance and materialism having the greatest influence on the youth and mourns that effect on Indian culture.
These are just fun mysteries and a pleasure to read or listen to.
September 6, 2020
I love this series featuring an elephant sidekick. Retired Inspector Chopra visits an exhibit featuring the crown jewels in a Mumbai museum. As his group visits the crown with its magnificent diamond, a series of events results in the theft of the priceless gem. A former colleague was framed for the theft. Although Chopra is not 100% convinced of the man's innocence, he decides to pursue the investigation.
Following the success of his previous case, his agency gained popularity. Finding one of his former colleagues cut by his successors, Chopra hires him to help. He assigns him to the case Poppy wishes him to investigate concerning a missing founder's bust at a school. Then Irfan's father finds him and takes him away. That story's ending will delight all of Ganesh's fans.
I love these books and listen to them on audio. I suspect I wouldn't like them half as much without Ganesh the elephant. They are pure entertainment, and in these days of COVID-19, they are exactly what I need! I look forward to the next one.
Following the success of his previous case, his agency gained popularity. Finding one of his former colleagues cut by his successors, Chopra hires him to help. He assigns him to the case Poppy wishes him to investigate concerning a missing founder's bust at a school. Then Irfan's father finds him and takes him away. That story's ending will delight all of Ganesh's fans.
I love these books and listen to them on audio. I suspect I wouldn't like them half as much without Ganesh the elephant. They are pure entertainment, and in these days of COVID-19, they are exactly what I need! I look forward to the next one.
November 17, 2017
Although this is the second book in the Baby Ganesh Detecive Agency series, it can easily be read as a standalone book! In The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown, Chopra is tasked with finding out who stole the Koh-i-Noor diamond from the Crown Jewels, which were on display in Mumbai. Chopra himself was present at the time of the theft as he and his wife were attending the exhibition. Needless to say he is a little put out that it happened right under his nose!
I really enjoyed this book. Its got a very cosy crime feel to it, as its not gruesome or gory, but there is still plenty going on in the book to keep the reader interested. I loved the location descriptions as it painted a very vivid picture and it made it a much richer read. The characters are well-developed, and with the added bonus of a super cute baby elephant, it made it quite an unusual book!
I am definitely going to be reading the other books in the series (The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra and The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star) as it is such a welcome change of pace from my usual choices. Rich in descriptions, interesting characters and a brilliant heist-like plot made it a very engaging read! Recommended for sure!
I really enjoyed this book. Its got a very cosy crime feel to it, as its not gruesome or gory, but there is still plenty going on in the book to keep the reader interested. I loved the location descriptions as it painted a very vivid picture and it made it a much richer read. The characters are well-developed, and with the added bonus of a super cute baby elephant, it made it quite an unusual book!
I am definitely going to be reading the other books in the series (The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra and The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star) as it is such a welcome change of pace from my usual choices. Rich in descriptions, interesting characters and a brilliant heist-like plot made it a very engaging read! Recommended for sure!
May 25, 2017
A delightful book, the second in the series, regarding the adventures of Detective Chopra and his adorable assistant, Ganesha a baby elephant. The sights and smells of Mumbai are present, and we are transported to luxurious homes and a yacht to the most filth infested slums. The main plot involves a daring jewel theft. Some British Crown Jewels are on display to coincide with the visit of Queen Elizabeth to India. Under heavy security on the day of the exhibition the priceless Koh-I-Noor diamond is stolen. Inspector Chopra was present during the robbery and is determined to solve the crime.
Chopra's wife, Poppy, started a restaurant in the previous book, and it is doing well. She now works part time at a school for boys, and there is a mystery involving stolen exam papers from a computerized safe. Chopra has hired a former policeman who worked with him before their retirement and who has fallen on hard times. He and Poppy investigate the mystery at the school.
The fact that another policeman has been blamed and arrested for the jewel thief finds Chopra working hard to apprehend the ones who really stole the diamond. Part of his investigation involves a hilarious episode where he finds himself working in a circus disguised as a clown alongside his painted and decorated buddy, Ganesh. Then to a luxury yacht belonging to a billionaires club. Another subplot has to do with a young street boy from the slums who has become the ward of Chopra and Poppy. He is forced to return to the slums and is badly mistreated until Ganesh comes to the rescue.
I hope there will be another book in this enjoyable series. The only time I put it down was to rush out for some Indian takeout.
Chopra's wife, Poppy, started a restaurant in the previous book, and it is doing well. She now works part time at a school for boys, and there is a mystery involving stolen exam papers from a computerized safe. Chopra has hired a former policeman who worked with him before their retirement and who has fallen on hard times. He and Poppy investigate the mystery at the school.
The fact that another policeman has been blamed and arrested for the jewel thief finds Chopra working hard to apprehend the ones who really stole the diamond. Part of his investigation involves a hilarious episode where he finds himself working in a circus disguised as a clown alongside his painted and decorated buddy, Ganesh. Then to a luxury yacht belonging to a billionaires club. Another subplot has to do with a young street boy from the slums who has become the ward of Chopra and Poppy. He is forced to return to the slums and is badly mistreated until Ganesh comes to the rescue.
I hope there will be another book in this enjoyable series. The only time I put it down was to rush out for some Indian takeout.
February 17, 2018
I totally and completely love these books; mystery, culture, hilarity AND a baby elephant - COULD there be anything better?
A funny story about this book - before I read this, I read a book called "The Mountain of Light" which was about India and Pakistan, the Shah's and the Maharajah's and a diamond called the Koh-i-Noor - the greatest diamond of that time. I learned the history of the diamond and of the fights and the curse and etc etc etc.
Imagine my surprise when I started this book and it was about...you guessed it, the Koh-i-Noor. I almost sighed and then laughed. There were many points in this book where I was like "Yes, yes, I know all this history, let's move on" with a laugh. I now know LOTS about this time in history and a diamond. And all of it was really awesome.
This was a most excellent book; I adore the narrator of these. It makes the books even better. I truly hope that the author never stops writing these; I will be getting them all. :-)
A funny story about this book - before I read this, I read a book called "The Mountain of Light" which was about India and Pakistan, the Shah's and the Maharajah's and a diamond called the Koh-i-Noor - the greatest diamond of that time. I learned the history of the diamond and of the fights and the curse and etc etc etc.
Imagine my surprise when I started this book and it was about...you guessed it, the Koh-i-Noor. I almost sighed and then laughed. There were many points in this book where I was like "Yes, yes, I know all this history, let's move on" with a laugh. I now know LOTS about this time in history and a diamond. And all of it was really awesome.
This was a most excellent book; I adore the narrator of these. It makes the books even better. I truly hope that the author never stops writing these; I will be getting them all. :-)
January 28, 2021
This is the second in the series and even better than the first.
Retired Inspector Chopra has opened his own detective agency, inside his wife's restaurant. As the story starts he is attending an exhibition of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, when it is stolen. One of his friends from his time as a policeman is implicated and Chopra agrees to help prove his innocence.
There are a few new characters in this book, and in addition to the main mystery, a couple of smaller sub mysteries. All are handled well. But the star of this book, as he was in the first, is the baby elephant Ganesha who has been mysteriously gifted to Chopra. Ganesha is a bit more sentient than I imagine most elephants are, and his presence brings out qualities in some of the characters that we might not otherwise see.
The setting in Mumbai is compelling, the mystery solid, but for me, this book is just so charming. I am just so enchanted with these characters that I can't wait to read the next one.
Retired Inspector Chopra has opened his own detective agency, inside his wife's restaurant. As the story starts he is attending an exhibition of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, when it is stolen. One of his friends from his time as a policeman is implicated and Chopra agrees to help prove his innocence.
There are a few new characters in this book, and in addition to the main mystery, a couple of smaller sub mysteries. All are handled well. But the star of this book, as he was in the first, is the baby elephant Ganesha who has been mysteriously gifted to Chopra. Ganesha is a bit more sentient than I imagine most elephants are, and his presence brings out qualities in some of the characters that we might not otherwise see.
The setting in Mumbai is compelling, the mystery solid, but for me, this book is just so charming. I am just so enchanted with these characters that I can't wait to read the next one.
December 30, 2019
I listened to the Audio book version.
Well, I would like a baby elephant. That's all I have to say for this one. Detective Chopra solves the theft of the Koh I Noor diamond from a Mumbai museum.
I found it to be just too ambitious an attempt for the second novel in a series.
I do have the third book in the series and will read that before I decide about the whole thing.
Well, I would like a baby elephant. That's all I have to say for this one. Detective Chopra solves the theft of the Koh I Noor diamond from a Mumbai museum.
I found it to be just too ambitious an attempt for the second novel in a series.
I do have the third book in the series and will read that before I decide about the whole thing.
December 16, 2017
A splendid mystery featuring Inspector Chopra (Retired) late of the Mumbai Police force. The Kohi-Noor diamond is stolen whilst on exhibition in the city. A colourful, chaotic, spicy mix featuring a host of vivid characters, not least of which is Ganesha, the baby elephant. I loved it, and can't wait to read more in the series.
October 17, 2016
Cannot wait for the next one. If you liked Alexander McCall (whom I have not ever read) and you love India - you will adore this book.
November 13, 2020
This was a fine mystery. I continue to be bothered by the carelessness that Chopra exhibits in caring for Ganesh. He continually loses Ganesh and Ganesh needs to be extraordinarily gifted to save himself and others despite his age. I can’t decide if I want to continue with the series or not.
March 21, 2023
I love this fricking baby elephant so much. I love him SO MUCH.
That my entire review.
That my entire review.
January 4, 2020
2 1/2 stars. An enjoyable lighthearted distraction from the current bushfire situation.
February 13, 2024
Enjoyable, light read to take me away.
November 21, 2016
Vaseem Khan has written another enjoyable mystery in his Baby Ganesh series-- the only series I know of that has a baby elephant as a sleuth (and Ganesha does good work). In many ways, this series reminds me of Tarquin Hall's Vish Puri mysteries set in New Delhi. It gives readers the same wonderful cultural flavor (minus the mouth-watering food). If you love books that give a real feel for the climate and culture of another country, this is a series that you should enjoy, especially if you start with the first book, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra.
In this second book, there's so much work that needs to be done that Chopra has to hire another investigator. Rangwalla also worked on the Mumbai police force, and he's a person Chopra likes and trusts. While Chopra focuses on the jewel theft to clear the name of an old friend, Rangwalla is put to work with Chopra's wife, Poppy, to solve a series of crimes occurring at the school in which Poppy teaches. This leaves the young elephant Ganesha at home being cared for by young Irfan, a boy who also helps out at Chopra's restaurant. When Irfan disappears and disreputable people take advantage of the adults' absence to haul away Ganesha, a rather surprising (and endearing) hero rises up to save the day.
The mystery involving the jewel theft is engaging, and I'd say that the series as a whole is almost perfect... except for one area of blight. Chopra's mother-in-law, Poornima, is the darkness in this series. This woman lives to hate, find fault, belittle people, and cause endless trouble simply because she can. Thankfully the woman has a lesser role in this book than she did the first, but she's also been given a larger scope to do damage. I'd love to pick up the next book to discover that Chopra is working to solve Poornima's murder, but I fear the suspect pool would be insurmountable. Oops, I think my involvement with the characters and stories is showing!
Yours just might, too, if you give Chopra and his baby elephant a test read-- and I hope you will!
In this second book, there's so much work that needs to be done that Chopra has to hire another investigator. Rangwalla also worked on the Mumbai police force, and he's a person Chopra likes and trusts. While Chopra focuses on the jewel theft to clear the name of an old friend, Rangwalla is put to work with Chopra's wife, Poppy, to solve a series of crimes occurring at the school in which Poppy teaches. This leaves the young elephant Ganesha at home being cared for by young Irfan, a boy who also helps out at Chopra's restaurant. When Irfan disappears and disreputable people take advantage of the adults' absence to haul away Ganesha, a rather surprising (and endearing) hero rises up to save the day.
The mystery involving the jewel theft is engaging, and I'd say that the series as a whole is almost perfect... except for one area of blight. Chopra's mother-in-law, Poornima, is the darkness in this series. This woman lives to hate, find fault, belittle people, and cause endless trouble simply because she can. Thankfully the woman has a lesser role in this book than she did the first, but she's also been given a larger scope to do damage. I'd love to pick up the next book to discover that Chopra is working to solve Poornima's murder, but I fear the suspect pool would be insurmountable. Oops, I think my involvement with the characters and stories is showing!
Yours just might, too, if you give Chopra and his baby elephant a test read-- and I hope you will!
May 18, 2016
I really enjoyed the first book in this series "The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra" I just fell instantly in love with Mumbai, it's people and Chopra and his wonderfully colourful family and friends, I had to read book two!
Well it's surpassed my expectations! It's so wonderful to be back in Mumbai with Chopra, Poppy and the elephant Ganesha! This time the story centres on a historic exhibition in a Mumbai museum of the British Crown Jewels featuring the legendary Koh-I-Noor diamond, who's very history is tied in with India before the imperial days.
On a visit to see the jewels, Chopra witnesses the worst possible outcome, the crown featuring the diamond is stolen in an incredibly daring heist that shocks both India and Britain. Chopra now retired, having set up his own dectective agency sets out using his contacts in a search to find the crown and diamond - the escapade lurches from comical to serious moments as they track across the city finding clues and getting involved in events no once could of thought of.
A fantastic entertaining read, I can't get enough of these books and I love Vaseem Khan's writing style, easy to follow, with unique twists and turns reuniting old characters from the first book and delving deeper into the colourful sights, smells and people of the wonderful city of Mumbai. Highly recommended and I hope there is more to come!
Well it's surpassed my expectations! It's so wonderful to be back in Mumbai with Chopra, Poppy and the elephant Ganesha! This time the story centres on a historic exhibition in a Mumbai museum of the British Crown Jewels featuring the legendary Koh-I-Noor diamond, who's very history is tied in with India before the imperial days.
On a visit to see the jewels, Chopra witnesses the worst possible outcome, the crown featuring the diamond is stolen in an incredibly daring heist that shocks both India and Britain. Chopra now retired, having set up his own dectective agency sets out using his contacts in a search to find the crown and diamond - the escapade lurches from comical to serious moments as they track across the city finding clues and getting involved in events no once could of thought of.
A fantastic entertaining read, I can't get enough of these books and I love Vaseem Khan's writing style, easy to follow, with unique twists and turns reuniting old characters from the first book and delving deeper into the colourful sights, smells and people of the wonderful city of Mumbai. Highly recommended and I hope there is more to come!
February 19, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but this one is even better.
October 15, 2016
I don't know why I love Khan's series, but I do. I won't read the series (plural) in which cats and other creatures help solve crimes, but for some reason, Baby Ganesha grabs me. Of course, the elephant doesn't actually solve the mysteries, though he does play a critical role at strategic points.
I think it's that these are not cozies. They feature Inspector Chopra (Ret.) as a retired (for health reasons) detective. And, of course, there is the fascination of India. Khan does not hold back in dealing with social issues--especially poverty and police corruption in these books. Here, Khan also takes on the India-England relationship.
Must read more by this author!
I think it's that these are not cozies. They feature Inspector Chopra (Ret.) as a retired (for health reasons) detective. And, of course, there is the fascination of India. Khan does not hold back in dealing with social issues--especially poverty and police corruption in these books. Here, Khan also takes on the India-England relationship.
Must read more by this author!
April 25, 2017
In this sequel to The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, it felt like Vaseem Khan had really hit his writing stride. Much less meandering to get to the meat of the plot, and everything tied together in a satisfying way, with the actual mechanics of the theft explained very well. Several new characters were introduced in this book, and they were almost immediately integrated into the emotional tapestry of the main characters. I especially adore Irfan and his subplot.
November 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It is infused with love on every page. I am left with a deep curiosity over what will come next and for what the many dishes described in the book taste like. I want to stand in Mumbai and see the unreality of extremely modern right next to the ancients. This is a society that is older than many and yet is still struggling with its own identity. This is the world presented in this series, a world I find myself falling in love with. This book fulfills that greatest of all magical quests, it takes you there.
January 15, 2020
A charming book featuring the retd. Inspector Chopra, his wife Poppy and needless to say the baby elephant, Ganesh. Though much of the characters might seem cliched, especially to Indians who have seen such character sketches in countless Bollywood movies but to others not familiar with them, this can be quite an entertaining read.
A highly amusing one indeed!
My Rating - 3/5
A highly amusing one indeed!
My Rating - 3/5
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