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Death in Kashmir
When young Sarah Parrish takes a skiing vacation to Gulmarg, a resort nestled in the mountains above the fabled Vale of Kashmir, she anticipates an entertaining but uneventful stay. But when she discovers that the deaths of two in her party are the result of foul play, she finds herself entrusted with a mission of unforeseen importance. And when she leaves the ski slopes for the Waterwitch, a private houseboat on the placid shores of the Dal Lake near Srinagar, she discovers to her horror that the killer will stop at nothing to prevent Sarah from piecing the puzzle together.
332 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1953
121 people are currently reading
1775 people want to read
About the author
M.M. Kaye
33 books577 followersM. M. Kaye (Mary Margaret) was born in India and spent her early childhood and much of her early-married life there. Her family ties with the country are strong: her grandfather, father, brother and husband all served the British Raj. After India's independence, her husband, Major-General Goff Hamilton of Queen Victoria's Own Corps of Guides (the famous Indian Army regiment featured in The Far Pavilions), joined the British Army and for the next nineteen years M. M. Kaye followed the drum to Kenya, Zanzibar, Egypt, Cyprus and Germany.
M. M. Kaye won worldwide fame for The Far Pavilions, which became a worldwide best-seller on publication in 1978. This was followed by Shadow of the Moon and Trade Wind. She also wrote and illustrated The Ordinary Princess, a children's book and authored a dozen detective novels, including Death in Kashmir and Death in Zanzibar. Her autobiography has been published in three volumes, collectively entitled Share of Summer: The Sun in the Morning, Golden Afternoon, and Enchanted Evening. In March 2003, M. M. Kaye was awarded the Colonel James Tod International Award by the Maharana Mewar Foundation of Udaipur, Rajasthan, for her "contribution of permanent value reflecting the spirit and values of Mewar".
M. M. Kaye won worldwide fame for The Far Pavilions, which became a worldwide best-seller on publication in 1978. This was followed by Shadow of the Moon and Trade Wind. She also wrote and illustrated The Ordinary Princess, a children's book and authored a dozen detective novels, including Death in Kashmir and Death in Zanzibar. Her autobiography has been published in three volumes, collectively entitled Share of Summer: The Sun in the Morning, Golden Afternoon, and Enchanted Evening. In March 2003, M. M. Kaye was awarded the Colonel James Tod International Award by the Maharana Mewar Foundation of Udaipur, Rajasthan, for her "contribution of permanent value reflecting the spirit and values of Mewar".
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March 19, 2018
M. M. Kaye was born in what was then 'British India', was sent to boarding school in England when she was 10, returned to India for a brief time in her late teens and after a decade's sojourn in England, she returned after the publication of her first adult novel: Six Bars at Seven. She was in the process of writing her second novel when she met the man who would become her husband - an officer in the British Indian Army. When the British India Army dissolved in favour of home rule in 1947, M. M. Kaye’s husband transferred into the British Army and over the course of the following nineteen years the family relocated twenty seven times.
These many changes in location gave M. M. Kaye the background for the series of mystery novels she wrote. Although none had the world-wide impact of her later novel, The Far Pavilions (1978), she was happy to be able to contribute to the family finances.
From my perspective, M. M. Kaye contributed far more to women in literature. As with other fore-runners, she helped pave the way for many other women writers. I’m thinking specifically here of her mystery novels. With her 1953 publication of Death in Kashmir (originally published as Death Walked in Kashmir she broke ground with a literary spy novel.
The protagonist, Sarah Parrish, inadvertently gets ensnared by a situation where she has no choice but to attempt to find a hidden message that would have utmost importance for several countries. During her highly dangerous and risky quest, she meets Major Charles Mallory and she is drawn to him even though she knows she probably cannot trust anyone.
So there is a hint of romance, an exciting mystery/spy story, and all takes place in an almost mythically beautiful locale. Kashmir. Even the word itself evokes exotic sights and scents and sounds. The Vale of Kashmir, nestled between the Pir Panjal range and the great Himalayas, appears as an oasis in the eye of a political hurricane. Yet underneath there is a sinister undercurrent building. The story begins in Gulmarg ski resort, which is in the mountains above the Vale of Kashmir and ends in Srinagar which is on the Dal Lake where Sarah lives on a houseboat called Waterwitch.
Although this is an early work of M. M. Kaye, those of us familiar with her later novels will experience the same magic through her words that we enjoyed in Shadow of the Moon, Trade Wind, and The Far Pavilions. Her characters are interesting, the plot was intricate and well thought out, the pace is exciting, and the descriptions of place are mystical.
I loved this excursion to Kashmir and I look forward to the second (of six) of her mystery novels, which takes place in Berlin. Reading M. M. Kaye’s series of mystery novels will be like enjoying a world cruise - from the comfort of my living room!
These many changes in location gave M. M. Kaye the background for the series of mystery novels she wrote. Although none had the world-wide impact of her later novel, The Far Pavilions (1978), she was happy to be able to contribute to the family finances.
From my perspective, M. M. Kaye contributed far more to women in literature. As with other fore-runners, she helped pave the way for many other women writers. I’m thinking specifically here of her mystery novels. With her 1953 publication of Death in Kashmir (originally published as Death Walked in Kashmir she broke ground with a literary spy novel.
The protagonist, Sarah Parrish, inadvertently gets ensnared by a situation where she has no choice but to attempt to find a hidden message that would have utmost importance for several countries. During her highly dangerous and risky quest, she meets Major Charles Mallory and she is drawn to him even though she knows she probably cannot trust anyone.
So there is a hint of romance, an exciting mystery/spy story, and all takes place in an almost mythically beautiful locale. Kashmir. Even the word itself evokes exotic sights and scents and sounds. The Vale of Kashmir, nestled between the Pir Panjal range and the great Himalayas, appears as an oasis in the eye of a political hurricane. Yet underneath there is a sinister undercurrent building. The story begins in Gulmarg ski resort, which is in the mountains above the Vale of Kashmir and ends in Srinagar which is on the Dal Lake where Sarah lives on a houseboat called Waterwitch.
Although this is an early work of M. M. Kaye, those of us familiar with her later novels will experience the same magic through her words that we enjoyed in Shadow of the Moon, Trade Wind, and The Far Pavilions. Her characters are interesting, the plot was intricate and well thought out, the pace is exciting, and the descriptions of place are mystical.
I loved this excursion to Kashmir and I look forward to the second (of six) of her mystery novels, which takes place in Berlin. Reading M. M. Kaye’s series of mystery novels will be like enjoying a world cruise - from the comfort of my living room!
August 27, 2015
This was a fun, old-fashioned whodunnit, complete with exotic location, intrepid heroine and steely-eyed hero. And now I really want to visit Kashmir.
Gulmarg ski resort
Dal Lake
This is one of M.M. Kaye's better mysteries, set in the waning days of the British Raj in northern India in the late 1940s. Feisty main character, Sarah Parrish, goes on a ski vacation with fellow British expatriates and finds herself embroiled in dangerous schemes way over her head. The mystery is a good one: the mastermind criminal is well-drawn and well-hidden (I didn't guess who it was), and the clues and pieces are tied together at the end in a satisfying way.
Death in Kashmir is a light mystery novel, not terribly deep, but good fun, and there's a great sense of place, with wonderful descriptions of the people and places in Kashmir. Kaye actually lived in Kashmir in the early 1940s - she met her future husband there - and it shows in the affectionate details of the story.
This was my last of M.M. Kaye's six romantic suspense novels, and a very good one to end on. It reminded me quite strongly of Mary Stewart's novels, which is the highest praise I can pass out to a book in this genre. Highly recommended to those who like these types of classic mysteries!
Gulmarg ski resort
They fanned out on the crest of Slalom Hill and each took their own line, swooping down over the crisp shimmering surface like a flight of swallows, dipping, swaying, turning in a swish of flung crystals, and leaving behind them clear curving tracks on the sparkling snow.
Dal Lake
As the heart-shaped paddles rose and fell in unison, the boat glided under old, old bridges and by temples whose glittering roofs were discovered on closer examination to be plated not with silver, but with pieces of kerosene tins. Brilliant blue kingfishers flashed and darted above the quiet reaches of the stream, and innumerable bulbuls twittered among the willows....as long as there are no murderers there. But handsome British spies - of course, absolutely!
This is one of M.M. Kaye's better mysteries, set in the waning days of the British Raj in northern India in the late 1940s. Feisty main character, Sarah Parrish, goes on a ski vacation with fellow British expatriates and finds herself embroiled in dangerous schemes way over her head. The mystery is a good one: the mastermind criminal is well-drawn and well-hidden (I didn't guess who it was), and the clues and pieces are tied together at the end in a satisfying way.
Death in Kashmir is a light mystery novel, not terribly deep, but good fun, and there's a great sense of place, with wonderful descriptions of the people and places in Kashmir. Kaye actually lived in Kashmir in the early 1940s - she met her future husband there - and it shows in the affectionate details of the story.
This was my last of M.M. Kaye's six romantic suspense novels, and a very good one to end on. It reminded me quite strongly of Mary Stewart's novels, which is the highest praise I can pass out to a book in this genre. Highly recommended to those who like these types of classic mysteries!
October 9, 2017
Years ago I fell in love with M.M. Kaye’s writing, having read her epic tomes The Far Pavilions, Shadow of the Moon and Trade Wind. I felt there couldn’t be anything more exotic and exciting then ‘traveling’ with her to these faraway places and dreaming of the day when I would certainly experience such adventures myself. Unfortunately, those dreams never came to fruition, but I am thankful that I can continue to enjoy such journeys second-hand.
Death in Kashmir is one of six mysteries in Kaye’s “Death in…” series. Much shorter than the aforementioned books, this one offers you a taste of what you would have to look forward to if you decided to immerse yourself in one of her grander tales. Taking place just before the end of British rule in India, the setting is sumptuous, ranging from the snowy ski slopes of Gulmarg in Kashmir, to the dining rooms and ballrooms of Peshawar, and on to the lakeshores near Srinagar. Beneath the shadow of Apharwat Peak, Sarah Parrish is enjoying her holiday respite from the heat of the Indian plains until tragedy strikes the party of skiers. A sinister feeling grabs hold of Sarah and won’t let go. She becomes entangled in a dangerous quest to unravel a mystery that I for one could not quite unveil until the very end. I loved the aura of danger and the very descriptive passages that so wonderfully illustrated the surroundings as well as Sarah’s increasing fear.
"Somewhere out in the darkness beyond the Club grounds a jackal howled eerily, and as other jackals took up the cry and blended it into a yelling, shrilling chorus as of souls in torment, Sarah shivered, and a sudden horror swept over her. A horror of the enormous, sun-baked land around her and the barren Khyber hills that lay just beyond Peshawar, menacing and mysterious in the starlight. Beyond those hills lay Afghanistan and the fierce and lawless tribes, while away and away to the north-east stretched the long line of the Himalayas, with somewhere among them the snow slopes of Khilanmarg."
This is a classic whodunnit, with a touch of romance, a respectable heroine, and a satisfying ending. Everything is tied up nicely, for those that appreciate having all your questions answered. The winning elements for me were the gorgeous scenery as well as the suspenseful and menacing atmosphere. I recommend this one for those that enjoy lighter, yet intriguing mysteries that leave off from shocking the reader with the gorier details.
Death in Kashmir is one of six mysteries in Kaye’s “Death in…” series. Much shorter than the aforementioned books, this one offers you a taste of what you would have to look forward to if you decided to immerse yourself in one of her grander tales. Taking place just before the end of British rule in India, the setting is sumptuous, ranging from the snowy ski slopes of Gulmarg in Kashmir, to the dining rooms and ballrooms of Peshawar, and on to the lakeshores near Srinagar. Beneath the shadow of Apharwat Peak, Sarah Parrish is enjoying her holiday respite from the heat of the Indian plains until tragedy strikes the party of skiers. A sinister feeling grabs hold of Sarah and won’t let go. She becomes entangled in a dangerous quest to unravel a mystery that I for one could not quite unveil until the very end. I loved the aura of danger and the very descriptive passages that so wonderfully illustrated the surroundings as well as Sarah’s increasing fear.
"Somewhere out in the darkness beyond the Club grounds a jackal howled eerily, and as other jackals took up the cry and blended it into a yelling, shrilling chorus as of souls in torment, Sarah shivered, and a sudden horror swept over her. A horror of the enormous, sun-baked land around her and the barren Khyber hills that lay just beyond Peshawar, menacing and mysterious in the starlight. Beyond those hills lay Afghanistan and the fierce and lawless tribes, while away and away to the north-east stretched the long line of the Himalayas, with somewhere among them the snow slopes of Khilanmarg."
This is a classic whodunnit, with a touch of romance, a respectable heroine, and a satisfying ending. Everything is tied up nicely, for those that appreciate having all your questions answered. The winning elements for me were the gorgeous scenery as well as the suspenseful and menacing atmosphere. I recommend this one for those that enjoy lighter, yet intriguing mysteries that leave off from shocking the reader with the gorier details.
June 1, 2015
3 Things about Death in Kashmir:
(1) beautiful opening chapter! wonderfully suspenseful and eerie. a moonlit place in a foreign land full of empty spaces. briskly evocative of an off-kilter period, a time and place that is fading away and being changed into something new.
(2) that time and place is 1947 Kashmir, as the British raj is preparing to get up & go. for a lightweight mystery, it is impressive that Kaye does justice to such a murkily complex period of time. the reason i picked this one up is because i have an unexplainable affinity to that particular time in India (also because i love reading about MURDER).
(3) the rest of the novel is, as mentioned, quite light - typical mysterious motivations, typical long middle (chock-full of very enjoyable details of the time & place), typical ramping up of the action in the last third, typical romance with a typically mysterious young gent who is full of potential derring-do on our intrepid heroine's behalf... or potential menace! but sometimes "typical" is just what the doctor ordered. this is a thin but very pleasant and cozy little mystery.
(1) beautiful opening chapter! wonderfully suspenseful and eerie. a moonlit place in a foreign land full of empty spaces. briskly evocative of an off-kilter period, a time and place that is fading away and being changed into something new.
(2) that time and place is 1947 Kashmir, as the British raj is preparing to get up & go. for a lightweight mystery, it is impressive that Kaye does justice to such a murkily complex period of time. the reason i picked this one up is because i have an unexplainable affinity to that particular time in India (also because i love reading about MURDER).
(3) the rest of the novel is, as mentioned, quite light - typical mysterious motivations, typical long middle (chock-full of very enjoyable details of the time & place), typical ramping up of the action in the last third, typical romance with a typically mysterious young gent who is full of potential derring-do on our intrepid heroine's behalf... or potential menace! but sometimes "typical" is just what the doctor ordered. this is a thin but very pleasant and cozy little mystery.
December 7, 2016
An excellent thriller to read on vacation. I may be a little biased, since I've been a fan of the author for a long time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to this exotic and romantic part of the world under the guidance of M M Kaye ( I read this on the plane going home and I had trouble keeping a straight face and not chuckling). "Death in Kashmir" may be considered one of her 'lesser' works when compared with the monumental historical epics "The Far Pavilions" or "Shadow of the Moon" (it is in fact her debut novel), but her storytelling talent, her enduring love for the subcontinent and her romantic inclinations are already present in this 'divertimento' that combines a whodunit with Cold War espionage, comedy with romance. Mrs. Kaye's decision to set her debut story in her beloved Kashmir is understandable ('Write about what you know best' is a solid advice to new authors), given her family history of military service in India. Her grateful remarks to her first editor (none other than Paul Scott) remain poignant today when the region is still convulsed by civil war and religious intolerance.
My luck was clearly in that day. I hope that it stays in, so that readers will enjoy this story of a world that is gone and of a country that remains beautiful beyond words, despite mankind's compulsive and indefatigable efforts to destroy what is beautiful!
I know there is little chance for me to visit the place anytime soon, so I must be content for now to let M M Kaye take me skiing on the majestic slopes of Gulmarg, with Nanga Parbat peeking above the clouds, or on a night ride in a 'shikara' (the Kashmiri equivalent of a gondola) from Srinagar across Lake Dal, while the spicy breeze blows from the Shalimar Gardens.
The white peaks ward the passes, as of yore,
The wind sweeps o'er the wastes of Khorasan;
But thou and I go thitherward no more.
Laurence Hope, 'Yasin Khan'
The impulse to write the story had probably more to do with this melancholic lament for a lost paradise than with any immediate financial considerations. Luckily for the reader, the author doesn't get bogged down in whimsical reminicences, but sets up an energetic and often wickedly gender subversive criminal investigation into a series of mysterious deaths among the members of a Sky Club vacationing in the mountains above the Kashmir valley. Inclement weather serves both to increase the tension and to limit the number of suspects in a variant of the classical 'locked-room' set-up. Later developments take the group to Lake Dal for a deadly showdown.
Another welcome variation to the typical detective story is to choose as protagonist an innocent bystander turned into amateur sleuth : the Honourable Sarah Parrish is a young lady enjoying a last season in India before the Partition of 1948. She is athletic, determined, resourceful, independent-minded and courageous - a true poster girl for the Post-War feminist movement. As a side note, the role model for one of Sarah's friends is the heroine of Stella Gibbons' enchanting "Cold Comfort Farm":
That's what comes of serving in the WRAF and wearing uniform! The sight of a really womanly woman, complete with fluttering nerves, timidity and the vapours, not to mention migraine and a horror of mice, inspires you with acute irritation.
Did I mention that Sarah is also single and quite capable of casting a roving eye over the eligible bachelors in her entourage? Solving crimes is all very patriotic and guaranteed to raise your adrenaline, but why not have a little side dish of romance on the menu?
... if only that insufferable hulk Charles would stop treating her like a child!
'I think,' said Sarah with dignity, 'you are the most insuferable man I ever met.'
'And you,' said Charles, 'are without any doubt at all, the most attractive and infuriating woman I have yet encountered in the course of a long and varied experience of crime.'
I did enjoy the adventure, but I would be hard pressed to call it a masterpiece. The novel hasn't aged all that well, and the politics are typical of the Communist Scare propaganda ("You mean - you're one of them?' gasped Sarah. 'A RED?"), domino principles and of the British imperial nostalgia. Almost the whole cast is made of the 'white' people having a last party while surrounded by hundreds of humble yet faithul local servants. The plot is pleasantly complex, but not all that original. A couple of scenes were quite poorly written. My personal pet peeve is having the evil mastermind laughing manically with a gun in his hand while explaining his plans in detail to his bound victim. Yet, overall, the magic of the place and the touches of humour helped me ignore all the perceived shortcomings and enjoy My Kashmir vacation.
March 30, 2017
Spooky!!! So glad I read this in daylight. I finished it one day, the joys of having the flu. I have to say, of all the wonderful suspense authors, M.M. Kaye is my favorite, surpassing Mary Stewart, even. (don't get mad at me, Mary Stewart fans!)
Up at a ski resort in Kashmir, things are going down hill. On a still, moonlight night Sarah sees someone sawing through a window latch and goes to warn her fellow skier. What she learns from this one night of watchfulness in Kashmir will follow her to The Waterwitch houseboat on a lake near Srinagar. Will she find the answer to two skiers deaths too late?
Very atmospheric! You can tell the author had been to the places mentioned, and she writes the suspense perfectly.
And that's all I can think to say. Read it! Just Read it! It's wonderful.
Up at a ski resort in Kashmir, things are going down hill. On a still, moonlight night Sarah sees someone sawing through a window latch and goes to warn her fellow skier. What she learns from this one night of watchfulness in Kashmir will follow her to The Waterwitch houseboat on a lake near Srinagar. Will she find the answer to two skiers deaths too late?
Very atmospheric! You can tell the author had been to the places mentioned, and she writes the suspense perfectly.
And that's all I can think to say. Read it! Just Read it! It's wonderful.
April 24, 2025
4.5★
I was told this was the best of Kaye's 'Death In' books.
This is the fourth one I have read & is very definitely my favourite so far.
It is 1947 & Sarah Parrish is enjoying a skiing holiday in the beautiful Gulmarg in Kashmir. The story starts after the discovery of Mrs Matthews body, which has been written off as a tragic skiing accident. But when Sarah befriends Janet Rushton, she finds all isn't as it seems...
Although Sarah originally plans to go to Ceylon for a holiday she returns to Kashmir, stays on a houseboat that Janet had taken as a long term rental
& becomes involved in a terrifying adventure of spying & intrigue. There is a slight plot hole near the end, but I'm not going to mark this book down for this as the ending was genuinely thrilling. (although the denouement went on a little long) & I will say that the writing at the beginning of this book is superior to most of the writing in this book. Kaye had started this tale, her future husband literally turned up on her doorstep & the book was abandoned until the family was financially struggling. While there are lulls in the writing Sarah is far more intelligent that the other 'Death in...Heroines' I have read.
I'm now going to try to find Death in Kenya as that has also been highly recommended to me.
I was told this was the best of Kaye's 'Death In' books.
This is the fourth one I have read & is very definitely my favourite so far.
It is 1947 & Sarah Parrish is enjoying a skiing holiday in the beautiful Gulmarg in Kashmir. The story starts after the discovery of Mrs Matthews body, which has been written off as a tragic skiing accident. But when Sarah befriends Janet Rushton, she finds all isn't as it seems...
Although Sarah originally plans to go to Ceylon for a holiday she returns to Kashmir, stays on a houseboat that Janet had taken as a long term rental
& becomes involved in a terrifying adventure of spying & intrigue. There is a slight plot hole near the end, but I'm not going to mark this book down for this as the ending was genuinely thrilling. (although the denouement went on a little long) & I will say that the writing at the beginning of this book is superior to most of the writing in this book. Kaye had started this tale, her future husband literally turned up on her doorstep & the book was abandoned until the family was financially struggling. While there are lulls in the writing Sarah is far more intelligent that the other 'Death in...Heroines' I have read.
I'm now going to try to find Death in Kenya as that has also been highly recommended to me.
https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...
June 4, 2022
When you read a story that leaves you indifferent, it is difficult to be engaged in the writing of its review. I will be matter of fact.
Reading this was for me an experiment since mysteries ae generally not my cup of tea. I have a very hard time caring who did what and little interest in figuring out how the crimes were perpetrated. This is pure fiction, so who cares?! An avid reader of mysteries will most probably have a completely different point of view.
The geographical setting is Kashmir and the city Peshawar (now in Pakistan). It is the year before India’s independence. In Kashmir the characters reside at a popular expatriate Gulmarg ski resort and on pretty, trim and tidy, rented houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Srinagar is often called Kashmir’s summer capital. Both Gulmarg and Srinagar are renown for their beauty. Landscapes are delightfully depicted in lush, vivid colors.
The story concerns the British intelligence services and espionage. There are multiple murders. One can classify this as a whodunnit mystery. The telling is suspenseful, if this sort of tale captivates you. There are mysterious sounds, lights go out and one is left to stumble in the dark. Storms rage. Every action is meticulously explained at the end.
*That which is done in broad daylight is not seen.
*Those “above suspicion” may not be as clean and without guilt as they seem.
These two points hint at a theme of the novel.
I would not classify the story as a character study.
The political consequences of India’s coming independence and the internecine battles that were to follow are touched upon at the books end.
The audiobook is narrated by Shibani Ghosh. Her Indian accent fits the setting. She is not hard to follow, but there is nothing that makes her performance above ordinary. Three stars for the narration; it’s good but not exceptional.
It does seem that mysteries such as this are not for me , but heck, it was worth a try! The author has many mysteries set in a variety of locations. If you like one, the chances are you will like the others too.
******************
The Far Pavilions 4 stars
Death in Kashmir 2 stars
Reading this was for me an experiment since mysteries ae generally not my cup of tea. I have a very hard time caring who did what and little interest in figuring out how the crimes were perpetrated. This is pure fiction, so who cares?! An avid reader of mysteries will most probably have a completely different point of view.
The geographical setting is Kashmir and the city Peshawar (now in Pakistan). It is the year before India’s independence. In Kashmir the characters reside at a popular expatriate Gulmarg ski resort and on pretty, trim and tidy, rented houseboats on Dal Lake in Srinagar. Srinagar is often called Kashmir’s summer capital. Both Gulmarg and Srinagar are renown for their beauty. Landscapes are delightfully depicted in lush, vivid colors.
The story concerns the British intelligence services and espionage. There are multiple murders. One can classify this as a whodunnit mystery. The telling is suspenseful, if this sort of tale captivates you. There are mysterious sounds, lights go out and one is left to stumble in the dark. Storms rage. Every action is meticulously explained at the end.
*That which is done in broad daylight is not seen.
*Those “above suspicion” may not be as clean and without guilt as they seem.
These two points hint at a theme of the novel.
I would not classify the story as a character study.
The political consequences of India’s coming independence and the internecine battles that were to follow are touched upon at the books end.
The audiobook is narrated by Shibani Ghosh. Her Indian accent fits the setting. She is not hard to follow, but there is nothing that makes her performance above ordinary. Three stars for the narration; it’s good but not exceptional.
It does seem that mysteries such as this are not for me , but heck, it was worth a try! The author has many mysteries set in a variety of locations. If you like one, the chances are you will like the others too.
******************
The Far Pavilions 4 stars
Death in Kashmir 2 stars
December 18, 2016
Another brilliant mystery by M M Kaye, one that kept me biting my fingernails from start to finish.
What could be more suspenseful than a dark and stormy skiing vacation in the hills of Kashmir, where skiers are meeting with mysterious "accidents" on the slopes...
And when the scene shifts to a lake at the base of the mountains and our heroine takes over the lease of a murder victim's houseboat, little does she know what deadly riddle is hidden in those rooms...
I loved this. I loved the "edge of your seat" suspense. I loved the settings, I loved the bazaar and the paper mache shop. The skiing and the houseboats. I loved MM Kaye's realistic portrayal of the area which felt so authentic, and the moods she drew with her pen. I loved the romance which was believable and not over the top, but just right for the type of story.
Highly recommended.
What could be more suspenseful than a dark and stormy skiing vacation in the hills of Kashmir, where skiers are meeting with mysterious "accidents" on the slopes...
And when the scene shifts to a lake at the base of the mountains and our heroine takes over the lease of a murder victim's houseboat, little does she know what deadly riddle is hidden in those rooms...
I loved this. I loved the "edge of your seat" suspense. I loved the settings, I loved the bazaar and the paper mache shop. The skiing and the houseboats. I loved MM Kaye's realistic portrayal of the area which felt so authentic, and the moods she drew with her pen. I loved the romance which was believable and not over the top, but just right for the type of story.
Highly recommended.
October 5, 2024
2024 Re-Read
I love Kaye's use of music and lyrics throughout her books. Granted, half of them I can't actually find tunes for because Google let me down. But in my head it is very cool.
2021 Re-Read
Devouring through Kaye's murder-mysteries and thoroughly enjoying myself. This one holds up as a re-read.
4.5 stars
I think I picked up Death in Kashmir because secretly I just want more Mary Stewart but I already read through everything of hers I could get my hands on and this seemed a second best option.
But you know what? It actually stood well on its own! 5 stars from an entertainment perspective. I loved the atmosphere and environment. It was unique and exciting with spies, romance, and murder. I loved the witty banter, especially between the married couple keeping an eye on the heroine.
And also I knew the author and I would get along when she kicks off by complaining about movies butchering the native language and then provides an (arguably) over-the-top pronunciation guide to the language. She knows her stuff. And as her explanation in the back more than demonstrates, she writes from experience.
The book does fall short of a full 5 stars, however. I can forgive the foreseeable villain and motivation and I don't need an Agatha Christie level murder mystery. But I do need a strong heroine.
And a heroine who spills her guts to the first dashing male who confronts her doesn't do it for me.
Sarah is great. I found her gutsy and fun. But she shakes with fear too often to be totally...likable?
Hero grew on me which redeemed the story some.
If you like Mary Stewart or Dorothy Gilman, you'll love M.M. Kaye. I cannot wait to dig in to more of her books.
I love Kaye's use of music and lyrics throughout her books. Granted, half of them I can't actually find tunes for because Google let me down. But in my head it is very cool.
2021 Re-Read
Devouring through Kaye's murder-mysteries and thoroughly enjoying myself. This one holds up as a re-read.
4.5 stars
I think I picked up Death in Kashmir because secretly I just want more Mary Stewart but I already read through everything of hers I could get my hands on and this seemed a second best option.
But you know what? It actually stood well on its own! 5 stars from an entertainment perspective. I loved the atmosphere and environment. It was unique and exciting with spies, romance, and murder. I loved the witty banter, especially between the married couple keeping an eye on the heroine.
And also I knew the author and I would get along when she kicks off by complaining about movies butchering the native language and then provides an (arguably) over-the-top pronunciation guide to the language. She knows her stuff. And as her explanation in the back more than demonstrates, she writes from experience.
The book does fall short of a full 5 stars, however. I can forgive the foreseeable villain and motivation and I don't need an Agatha Christie level murder mystery. But I do need a strong heroine.
And a heroine who spills her guts to the first dashing male who confronts her doesn't do it for me.
Sarah is great. I found her gutsy and fun. But she shakes with fear too often to be totally...likable?
Hero grew on me which redeemed the story some.
If you like Mary Stewart or Dorothy Gilman, you'll love M.M. Kaye. I cannot wait to dig in to more of her books.
March 9, 2022
My very favorite of M.M. Kaye's 6 "
Death in...
" murder mysteries, and quite possibly my favorite whodunit of all time. While her mysteries haven't the same scope and reach of her 3 masterpieces (The Far Pavillions, Shadow of the Moon and Trade Wind), they are nonetheless well researched, beautifully described, and endowed with snippets of Kaye's own experiences in the countries that she lived in during her childhood and/or her married life.
This outing takes the reader to Kashmir, 1947. British raj rule is due to end within the coming months, and a group of holiday makers are making the most of their last days in the mountain region of Gulmarg, Kashmir. It's the final trip for members of the Ski Club of India, and Sarah Parrish has been enjoying herself until a tragic skiing accident takes the lives of one of their party (or is it an accident??). Chapter One opens to what I consider one of the most suspenseful introductions I've ever read in a mystery, and takes the reader on a journey through the snow capped slopes of Gulmarg to the lush, lovely lake region of Srinagar; to a houseboat with many secrets.
A riveting, engrossing and beautifully detailed mystery from beginning to end. Perfect the first time I read over 25 years ago, and just as excellent today.
This outing takes the reader to Kashmir, 1947. British raj rule is due to end within the coming months, and a group of holiday makers are making the most of their last days in the mountain region of Gulmarg, Kashmir. It's the final trip for members of the Ski Club of India, and Sarah Parrish has been enjoying herself until a tragic skiing accident takes the lives of one of their party (or is it an accident??). Chapter One opens to what I consider one of the most suspenseful introductions I've ever read in a mystery, and takes the reader on a journey through the snow capped slopes of Gulmarg to the lush, lovely lake region of Srinagar; to a houseboat with many secrets.
A riveting, engrossing and beautifully detailed mystery from beginning to end. Perfect the first time I read over 25 years ago, and just as excellent today.
October 17, 2017
One of those oldies but goodies, and could M.M. Kaye write them.
This one has glorious locale of Kashmir for its situations and travel within placements to a grass filled bowl between mountains. But water too as several of the important scenes occur on a houseboat in the summer location. We have a dozen or so possible suspects.
The whodunit is well served but what was superior upon this novel, far more than the plot was the tension. It came out of the gate, and because Sarah is sleeping alone- there are several long periods in the dark of what she can see and /or what can be seen. All mysterious and dangerous, with 2 bodies as evidence before the 1/2 way point.
If you like the Raj orphan or parental units crowd- this one is close to a 5. 4.5 stars but I can't round it up because I thought the ending too pat. Honor and all that, of course, but it still didn't sit logically. Although terrorists and anarchists murdering for collapse all around are certainly not entities that commenced within recent decades invention.
Although I did surprise myself by guessing correctly it wasn't an easy guess at all. Possibly because so many red flags were set into other directions that it was nearly by elimination. But I though there was another accomplice and about that I was incorrect.
Great break from the dysfunctional young whodunits or stabber novels of our current decade- these singles in this period are never in the cognition of a "poor me, our group has been put upon" or "where can I hide" mode. Not even after suffering and serving in four or more years of WWII. Steely eyed veterans at 23 or 25.
I'll look for some of her others eventually. They actually do stand the test of time as well as being highly entertaining.
This one has glorious locale of Kashmir for its situations and travel within placements to a grass filled bowl between mountains. But water too as several of the important scenes occur on a houseboat in the summer location. We have a dozen or so possible suspects.
The whodunit is well served but what was superior upon this novel, far more than the plot was the tension. It came out of the gate, and because Sarah is sleeping alone- there are several long periods in the dark of what she can see and /or what can be seen. All mysterious and dangerous, with 2 bodies as evidence before the 1/2 way point.
If you like the Raj orphan or parental units crowd- this one is close to a 5. 4.5 stars but I can't round it up because I thought the ending too pat. Honor and all that, of course, but it still didn't sit logically. Although terrorists and anarchists murdering for collapse all around are certainly not entities that commenced within recent decades invention.
Although I did surprise myself by guessing correctly it wasn't an easy guess at all. Possibly because so many red flags were set into other directions that it was nearly by elimination. But I though there was another accomplice and about that I was incorrect.
Great break from the dysfunctional young whodunits or stabber novels of our current decade- these singles in this period are never in the cognition of a "poor me, our group has been put upon" or "where can I hide" mode. Not even after suffering and serving in four or more years of WWII. Steely eyed veterans at 23 or 25.
I'll look for some of her others eventually. They actually do stand the test of time as well as being highly entertaining.
February 5, 2017
This was a very well put together mystery with the added bonus of an exotic setting as we're used to getting from MM Kaye. Beginning at the ski trip where two women die under mysterious circumstances that end up with a heroine involved all kinds of mystery and intrigue. Added bonus for the author's notes and how she included a tiny mention of herself while her family was living in Kashmir.
August 10, 2017
I read M.M. Kaye when I was in my teens, first picking up The Far Pavilions, and then stumbling on these mysteries later. I can't remember which of the mysteries I read - perhaps all of them, perhaps only a few, but it has been long enough that they are basically new to me. I had actually been wanting to pick these up, and when I saw that Minotaur Books had finally released a kindle edition on December 1, 2015, I was delighted.
I love the mystery genre, especially the golden age mysteries by Christie and Sayers. This one was originally published in 1953, so it is a bit later than those, but hits a lot of the same marks.
M.M. Kaye lived a wildly interesting life, born in Simla, India to British parents during the period of the British Raj. Her husband was in the British Army, and she "followed the drum" to Kenya, Zanzibar, Egypt, Cyprus and Germany.
This was the first of her series of whodunnits, set in the Kashmir Valley. The setting is exotic, the main character is suitably pretty, the hero is a proper handsome Brit. If you mashed up Victoria Holt and Helen Macinnes, and set in India, you might get this book.
I love the mystery genre, especially the golden age mysteries by Christie and Sayers. This one was originally published in 1953, so it is a bit later than those, but hits a lot of the same marks.
M.M. Kaye lived a wildly interesting life, born in Simla, India to British parents during the period of the British Raj. Her husband was in the British Army, and she "followed the drum" to Kenya, Zanzibar, Egypt, Cyprus and Germany.
This was the first of her series of whodunnits, set in the Kashmir Valley. The setting is exotic, the main character is suitably pretty, the hero is a proper handsome Brit. If you mashed up Victoria Holt and Helen Macinnes, and set in India, you might get this book.
May 19, 2017
Retro Read Group BOTM April 15 -May 15, 2017.
This story takes place in the last gasp of the British Raj and is my first read of M.M. Kaye's, 7 or 8 mysteries. All of these take place in exotic locations, this one in Kashmir.
Two murders take place when a ski-club comprised of British expat's take a trip to enjoy the slopes.
M.M. Kaye'S powers of description are amazing! I can feel the clean cold air in my face, the glare of the sun bouncing off snowy great outdoors and other scenic touches that the author does so well.
She also is adept at giving a the reader a good sense of the character. I feel I "know" these people in this story because of her formidable writing skill.
The mystery itself was excellent because I could not figure out who the murderer was.
After reading this book, I look forward to reading more of her mysteries.
This story takes place in the last gasp of the British Raj and is my first read of M.M. Kaye's, 7 or 8 mysteries. All of these take place in exotic locations, this one in Kashmir.
Two murders take place when a ski-club comprised of British expat's take a trip to enjoy the slopes.
M.M. Kaye'S powers of description are amazing! I can feel the clean cold air in my face, the glare of the sun bouncing off snowy great outdoors and other scenic touches that the author does so well.
She also is adept at giving a the reader a good sense of the character. I feel I "know" these people in this story because of her formidable writing skill.
The mystery itself was excellent because I could not figure out who the murderer was.
After reading this book, I look forward to reading more of her mysteries.
April 7, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning- quite a page turner despite being slightly dated. Reminded me of a Sidney Sheldon or Mary Stewart type of book. It was my first M.M. Kaye Murder In… book and I thoroughly enjoyed the premise, writing, characters and beautiful setting. One of the characters’ dialogue brought to mind the Sheridan Whiteside character in the movie The Man Who Came To Dinner played by Monty Woolley- so that’s how I pictured him!
November 7, 2020
Very mild spoilers ahead.
In the dying throes of the British Empire, Sarah Parrish is in her last year in India, determined to enjoy herself to the fullest before she and other Europeans have to leave. She goes on a skiing holiday to Kashmir with a bunch of other people. A woman gets killed on the slopes and it is put down to an accident. However, when Sarah is disturbed in the middle of the night by a strange sound, she gets involved in a bizarre plot that culminates in multiple murders.
The good things first. I loved the descriptions of Kashmir. Reading the book made me feel like I was watching Kashmir ki Kali with murders. It was strangely evocative of a time and place I have never been to, and Kaye's writing is superb in this respect.
The atmosphere was very well done too. The thrill of murders happening all around was engaging and creepy and kept me on my toes. You keep pointing the fingers at everyone in turn and it was intriguing to note that I guessed almost correctly. Just got the wrong spouse!
However, mere descriptions and atmosphere cannot make a book and Death in Kashmir basically lacks a plot. The whole story hinges on some vague master-plot that would destroy the world and the current social order. There is a lot of class apology and musings about how poor people can do well if they were only brilliant too. No such musings about how dumb and rich people do quite well! The big enemy here is communist Russia.
Which basically makes no sense. Since there is no political background given (except for a feeble attempt to throw off responsibility for the Kashmir mess created by the British on to communists), the story just goes round and round without actually moving forward. From beginning to end, there is really no indication what the victims had found out that was so important that could change the world. Even if communist Russia was interested in randomly murdering a few people down in Kashmir, we are never given any reason why these murders needed to be done.
Apart from the extremely shoddy plotting, the story dragged in the middle part for exactly the reasons mentioned above - it was going nowhere. In addition, a tacky romance was added to make the book even more dreary. It was ridiculous how easily Sarah trusts this person, who might very well be the murderer. Sarah herself is rather irritating at times, especially when she was with Charles.
Definitely not a winner, and nowhere near the quality of Death in Kenya, which I really enjoyed.
In the dying throes of the British Empire, Sarah Parrish is in her last year in India, determined to enjoy herself to the fullest before she and other Europeans have to leave. She goes on a skiing holiday to Kashmir with a bunch of other people. A woman gets killed on the slopes and it is put down to an accident. However, when Sarah is disturbed in the middle of the night by a strange sound, she gets involved in a bizarre plot that culminates in multiple murders.
The good things first. I loved the descriptions of Kashmir. Reading the book made me feel like I was watching Kashmir ki Kali with murders. It was strangely evocative of a time and place I have never been to, and Kaye's writing is superb in this respect.
The atmosphere was very well done too. The thrill of murders happening all around was engaging and creepy and kept me on my toes. You keep pointing the fingers at everyone in turn and it was intriguing to note that I guessed almost correctly. Just got the wrong spouse!
However, mere descriptions and atmosphere cannot make a book and Death in Kashmir basically lacks a plot. The whole story hinges on some vague master-plot that would destroy the world and the current social order. There is a lot of class apology and musings about how poor people can do well if they were only brilliant too. No such musings about how dumb and rich people do quite well! The big enemy here is communist Russia.
Which basically makes no sense. Since there is no political background given (except for a feeble attempt to throw off responsibility for the Kashmir mess created by the British on to communists), the story just goes round and round without actually moving forward. From beginning to end, there is really no indication what the victims had found out that was so important that could change the world. Even if communist Russia was interested in randomly murdering a few people down in Kashmir, we are never given any reason why these murders needed to be done.
Apart from the extremely shoddy plotting, the story dragged in the middle part for exactly the reasons mentioned above - it was going nowhere. In addition, a tacky romance was added to make the book even more dreary. It was ridiculous how easily Sarah trusts this person, who might very well be the murderer. Sarah herself is rather irritating at times, especially when she was with Charles.
Definitely not a winner, and nowhere near the quality of Death in Kenya, which I really enjoyed.
November 14, 2023
I've not read anything but The Far Pavilions by this author, and thought this would be similar. Then I read a review that likened these to Dorothy Gilman and Mary Stewart, and I had to try one. I picked this up at the library when I had some time to kill, thinking I'd just give it a peek; I've hardly put it down since. This is an excellent Romantic Suspense story, with the emphasis on the mystery/suspense. The author knew the areas she wrote about, and the details make the region come alive.
Death in Kashmir is old-fashioned in the sense that there's no on-page violence or gore and the possible romantic relationship is low key. Instead the emphasis is on various characters moving through the story as the reader tries to figure out who is hiding the truth about themselves. I've always been a fan of snowed-in country house stories, because they do a good job of limiting the characters and making everyone suspect everyone else. This setting, India in the last year of British control, works in the same way. The expat community is tight knit and they keep running into the same people everywhere they go as all of them are revisiting their favorites haunts for the last time. The fact that, about 2/3 of the way in, we still aren't sure what the big secret is makes it all more puzzling.
On the negative side I did think the heroine kept objecting how "This can't be real" way too long, considering all the dead bodies! And she clearly wasn't the type to read RS stories, because she asked some silly questions. Still, this was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to get my hands on more of these books!
NB - This particular book, the first Kaye wrote, may be especially interesting to fans of the Amelia Peabody series, because it shows India in the last months before the British withdraw, and that series covers a lot of years leading up to this time. If you haven't read them, start with Crocodile on the Sandbank.
Death in Kashmir is old-fashioned in the sense that there's no on-page violence or gore and the possible romantic relationship is low key. Instead the emphasis is on various characters moving through the story as the reader tries to figure out who is hiding the truth about themselves. I've always been a fan of snowed-in country house stories, because they do a good job of limiting the characters and making everyone suspect everyone else. This setting, India in the last year of British control, works in the same way. The expat community is tight knit and they keep running into the same people everywhere they go as all of them are revisiting their favorites haunts for the last time. The fact that, about 2/3 of the way in, we still aren't sure what the big secret is makes it all more puzzling.
On the negative side I did think the heroine kept objecting how "This can't be real" way too long, considering all the dead bodies! And she clearly wasn't the type to read RS stories, because she asked some silly questions. Still, this was a lot of fun to read. I can't wait to get my hands on more of these books!
NB - This particular book, the first Kaye wrote, may be especially interesting to fans of the Amelia Peabody series, because it shows India in the last months before the British withdraw, and that series covers a lot of years leading up to this time. If you haven't read them, start with Crocodile on the Sandbank.
July 12, 2013
Really 4.5 stars
This book, by one of my favorite authors, takes the reader to India at the very end of the British Raj. It takes place in 1947 just before partition. Sarah Parrish travels to Gulmarg in Kashmir for a ski holiday. There are many interesting characters at the hotel where she is staying. One night she is woken from her sleep by a sound. Upon investigation, she discovers someone trying to break into the bathroom window of her neighbor. This starts a wonderful mystery. Murder, intrigue and just a small touch of romance follow as the action moves to a houseboat named Waterwitch on Dal Lake near Srinagar.
As usual, MM Kaye describes the area so well. To me personally, this book brought back many memories of summers spent on a houseboat on that same Dal Lake, as well as skiing near Gulmarg and camping in the hills above Srinagar in those huge old army tents that were so popular. I am sure I still have one or two of those Kashmiri paper mache boxes that MM Kaye describes so well and was integral to this mystery.
Overall, a very good mystery. I hadn't figured it out and was shocked by the suspenseful ending. The only thing that bothered me in the beginning was some of the conversations seemed to drag on with prattle, hence I knocked the half star.
This book, by one of my favorite authors, takes the reader to India at the very end of the British Raj. It takes place in 1947 just before partition. Sarah Parrish travels to Gulmarg in Kashmir for a ski holiday. There are many interesting characters at the hotel where she is staying. One night she is woken from her sleep by a sound. Upon investigation, she discovers someone trying to break into the bathroom window of her neighbor. This starts a wonderful mystery. Murder, intrigue and just a small touch of romance follow as the action moves to a houseboat named Waterwitch on Dal Lake near Srinagar.
As usual, MM Kaye describes the area so well. To me personally, this book brought back many memories of summers spent on a houseboat on that same Dal Lake, as well as skiing near Gulmarg and camping in the hills above Srinagar in those huge old army tents that were so popular. I am sure I still have one or two of those Kashmiri paper mache boxes that MM Kaye describes so well and was integral to this mystery.
Overall, a very good mystery. I hadn't figured it out and was shocked by the suspenseful ending. The only thing that bothered me in the beginning was some of the conversations seemed to drag on with prattle, hence I knocked the half star.
April 14, 2017
This book originally put Kashmir on my bucket list. Kaye is an excellent writer and this book is a solid mystery with some real moments of terror. It also recalls a forgotten period in history namely the last days of the British Raj.
May 28, 2024
This had all the parts of a good mystery: death, romance, nice character turns out bad
November 3, 2019
I read M.M. Kaye's Death in...series when I was in middle and high school. I have always loved a good mystery and historical fiction novel. M.M. Kaye does a great job with both in Death in Kashmir.
Sarah Parrish is on a ski trip in Gulmarg in the mountains of Kashmir with her ski club. One night she hears a noise and finds that a man is trying to break into the room of one of the club members in the room next to hers. She rushes to warn Janet Rushton and thus begins Sarah's mysterious adventure. Janet and her friend/partner British agent are both found dead while on the ski trip. Sarah is given control over information Janet needs to pass on to her handlers. The information is hidden and in code. Can Sarah find the information and crack the code before she becomes the next victim? Who can she trust to help her?
The historical aspects are pretty good. Kaye gives a lot of background information on Kashmir and the reason for the political climate of the area. The author's commentary on the locals of Kashmir can reveal some very old imperialist sentiments, which can make a modern reader cringe a bit. However, the history itself is sound and well-explained, giving a deeper layer to a mystery.
The mystery is rather good. Part murder mystery, part spy adventure. Sarah is a bit naive for having worked in the WRAF during the war. She doesn't have as much spunk as I wanted her to have, but she does manage to have some really great moments. The romance between Sarah and Charles isn't forced, but it doesn't seem too developed either. I love the hints that keep a reader guessing throughout the action. Although, there are long sections without much purpose since the antics of the secondary characters grate on the nerves. They are annoying, spoiled, listless and part of the problem in India. Outside of the characters, when the action picks up, it is very good. Her description of the setting only helps to support the mood of the scenes. When the big reveal happens, I was actually so tense that I could feel all of my muscles jerk as the murderer came out of the shadows.
Overall, this is a pleasant way to spend a few days of reading, immersing oneself in history, suspense and mystery.
Sarah Parrish is on a ski trip in Gulmarg in the mountains of Kashmir with her ski club. One night she hears a noise and finds that a man is trying to break into the room of one of the club members in the room next to hers. She rushes to warn Janet Rushton and thus begins Sarah's mysterious adventure. Janet and her friend/partner British agent are both found dead while on the ski trip. Sarah is given control over information Janet needs to pass on to her handlers. The information is hidden and in code. Can Sarah find the information and crack the code before she becomes the next victim? Who can she trust to help her?
The historical aspects are pretty good. Kaye gives a lot of background information on Kashmir and the reason for the political climate of the area. The author's commentary on the locals of Kashmir can reveal some very old imperialist sentiments, which can make a modern reader cringe a bit. However, the history itself is sound and well-explained, giving a deeper layer to a mystery.
The mystery is rather good. Part murder mystery, part spy adventure. Sarah is a bit naive for having worked in the WRAF during the war. She doesn't have as much spunk as I wanted her to have, but she does manage to have some really great moments. The romance between Sarah and Charles isn't forced, but it doesn't seem too developed either. I love the hints that keep a reader guessing throughout the action. Although, there are long sections without much purpose since the antics of the secondary characters grate on the nerves. They are annoying, spoiled, listless and part of the problem in India. Outside of the characters, when the action picks up, it is very good. Her description of the setting only helps to support the mood of the scenes. When the big reveal happens, I was actually so tense that I could feel all of my muscles jerk as the murderer came out of the shadows.
Overall, this is a pleasant way to spend a few days of reading, immersing oneself in history, suspense and mystery.
May 17, 2019
I loved M.M. Kaye three priceless, magnificent historical fictions (The Far Pavilions, Shadow of the Moon, Trade Wind). They are of those books I would take to a desert island.
I have seen Kaye's philosophical views in 'Death in Kashmir'. Her observant eye and wise review of the political world, how it changed etc.
Moreover, there was humour a bit and I liked (I find it interesting) the reasons for the main mystery plot. You can also see she knew the places she described.
It was definitely well written, thoughtfully.
But I wasn't gripped by the mystery, the thrill. I am really sorry but I was often rather bored instead of excited when the tension supposedly grew. I am not a big fan of the genre but sometimes I do enjoy a mystery book. Unfortunately not this time. Perhaps it was a bad moment. Whatever the reason - I admire M.M. Kaye so much I am going to read more of the series anyway.
I have seen Kaye's philosophical views in 'Death in Kashmir'. Her observant eye and wise review of the political world, how it changed etc.
Moreover, there was humour a bit and I liked (I find it interesting) the reasons for the main mystery plot. You can also see she knew the places she described.
It was definitely well written, thoughtfully.
But I wasn't gripped by the mystery, the thrill. I am really sorry but I was often rather bored instead of excited when the tension supposedly grew. I am not a big fan of the genre but sometimes I do enjoy a mystery book. Unfortunately not this time. Perhaps it was a bad moment. Whatever the reason - I admire M.M. Kaye so much I am going to read more of the series anyway.
March 19, 2012
M. M. Kaye certainly knows how to write, and her upbringing in India lends legitimacy to how she paints her scenes in this one. There's a very short list of authors (women, mostly) who wrote excellent books grouped mostly in the thriller-suspense-murder mystery-mild romance genre. M. M. Kaye, Mary Stewart (Moonspinners, Touch not the Cat, etc), Helen MacInnes...I've run out of names. I think there's two more, but they escape me at the moment. Anyway, M. M. Kaye is in good company. I need to read her other books. I think I read Death in Berlin a long time ago, but I'll have to re-read that one, along with Andamans, Kenya, and Cyprus. Not sure if there are more. She writes in what I think is a deceptively difficult genre to write. Lord knows there are a lot of dreadful books written in that one. At any rate, I heartily recommend this book.
August 2, 2011
This is one of my most loved books. It's true that I have read deeper books with more substance, even in the mystery genre. But M.M. Kaye wrote a top notch mystery for her time. She truly transports the reader to Kashmir, I could feel the house boat rocking as I was turning the pages. The ending came as a complete surprise and was absolutely stunning. Yes, it is a light novel, but hey, isn't it entertainment we want from mysteries?
October 15, 2017
Just the right level of suspense. Didn't guess the villain ahead of time. Really enjoyed the writing style and pacing of the book, that is until the wrap up. I felt like too much time was spent on explaining the motive and highlighting the evils of certain political ideologies. I would have liked more of that time spent on what happened to all characters outside of just who was guilty and who was innocent.
September 23, 2020
I always love a good M M Kaye.. But honestly the heroine really was acting stupid. Why is it so hard to see facts as facts woman..
Still love the setting and the overall story. He sparked my imagination, the colours the nostalgia. I want to see it as it was.
Still love the setting and the overall story. He sparked my imagination, the colours the nostalgia. I want to see it as it was.
December 14, 2016
Death in Kashmir (originally published as Death Walked in Kashmir, 1953) takes place in a region now under Indian control (with other portions of the Kashmir area controlled by Pakistan and China). The time is 1947 and Britain is preparing to leave India and lose part of her empire. Sarah Parrish is one of many British subjects taking advantage of one last chance to visit the skiing playground in the mountains near the Vale of Kashmir. Little does she know that among her fellow vacationers are spies and counter-spies all seeking information vital to fate of Kashmir and India post-empire. When a middle-age woman dies in a skiing accident and Sarah then notices someone trying to break in the window of the woman's niece that night, she is plunged into the thick of things. She warns Janet Rushton (the niece) of the attempted break-in and as a result Janet shares some rather startling secrets with her. As a result of the shared secrets...and another murder or so, Sarah becomes the focus of some unwanted attention. Everyone seems to think she possesses more knowledge than she has and someone is willing to kill for what they think she has. There's also a dashing young gentleman in the offing...but can she really trust Charles Mallory? And if not him, then who?
Despite the rather heavy shadow of espionage, this is a very light mystery. Yes, there is a feeling of danger surrounding our heroine, but we read about it with a nod and wink, knowing that she's going to come through the danger even though all of her fellow vacationers may not be so lucky. And, knowing M. M. Kaye, we also know that any hints of romance will be completely fulfilled by the story's end. It may be a bit of a formula, but it's a comforting formula and Kaye does it very well.
Kaye is also superb at describing the time and place. In part, this is because she writes from her own experience--using actual places she has visited and incorporating incidents from her own life where they will be most useful. The mystery itself is a good one. It kept me guessing on who the culprit was and made for an interesting read. ★★★ and a half.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
Despite the rather heavy shadow of espionage, this is a very light mystery. Yes, there is a feeling of danger surrounding our heroine, but we read about it with a nod and wink, knowing that she's going to come through the danger even though all of her fellow vacationers may not be so lucky. And, knowing M. M. Kaye, we also know that any hints of romance will be completely fulfilled by the story's end. It may be a bit of a formula, but it's a comforting formula and Kaye does it very well.
Kaye is also superb at describing the time and place. In part, this is because she writes from her own experience--using actual places she has visited and incorporating incidents from her own life where they will be most useful. The mystery itself is a good one. It kept me guessing on who the culprit was and made for an interesting read. ★★★ and a half.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
September 10, 2016
Delightful. As M. M. Kaye's writing invariably is delightful, this does not surprise. The dialogue is smart and witty, the hero and heroine glamorous, the murder mystery spine-chilling, and the setting a feast for the senses. Sarah Parrish and Charles Mallory are are not my favorites among Kaye's characters as they are less fully realized than others; still, there are some rather smashing moments of dialogue, particularly between Sarah and the villain, and there is wonderful sexual tension between Sarah and Charles largely as the result of that elegant, understated, 40s-era banter of which Kaye is a mastermind!
July 18, 2018
This is a re-read of a book I read in my twenties. I loved it then, and I still love it. M. M. Kaye paints a picture of 1947 Kashmir that makes one wish it still existed in that way, instead of the war-torn place it has become. The mystery is a good old-fashioned whodunit, and the heroine is very likable (unlike some heroines in the romantic-suspense genre, who are annoying). I read several M. M. Kayes way back when, and having picked several up in a used bookstore, I'll continue to revisit her when I need nostalgia and comfort in my reading.
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