Death at the Durbar

Maharajah Mystery #2

by Arjun Raj Gaind

December, 1911. All of India is in a tizzy. A vast tent city has sprung up outside the old walled enclave of Mughal Delhi, where the British are hosting a grand durbar to celebrate the coronation of the new King, George V. From across India, all the Maharajas and Nawabs have gathered at the Viceroy's command to pay homage and swear loyalty to the King Emperor, the first monarch of England to travel out to India personally.

Amidst the hullabaloo of the Durbar preparations, Maharaja Sikander Singh of Rajpore is growing increasingly frustrated, cooling his heels at the Cecil Hotel as he awaits the King's imminent arrival. Just as his boredom is about to peak, he is paid a surreptitious visit one night by a pair of British officers, who insist that he accompany them to the British Encampment. His curiosity piqued, Sikander agrees to go with them. Much to his surprise, they take him to the King Emperor's camp, where he an old school friend, Malik Umar Hayat Khan, who is also the Durbar herald, is waiting for him. It turns out that Malik Umar is working for none other than Lord Hardinge himself, the Viceroy of India and the highest-ranked Englishman in the country. He tells Sikander that his services as a sleuth are needed by King and country. After being sworn to secrecy, Sikander is ushered into the King Emperor's personal chambers.

Inside, a most unexpected surprise awaits him - a dead nautch-girl who appears to have been strangled. Lord Hardinge tasks him with uncovering the killer before the King arrives, and Sikander agrees to take the case. Faced with Malik's insistence that one of the British officers accompany Sikander on his investigations, and with far too many suspects and motives, Sikander, an admirer of Sherlock Holmes, puts his skills to work...and in the end, wishes he hadn't.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, India, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

318 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2018

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at the Durbar is the second in a trilogy (the third book hasn’t been published) of historical fiction novels by Arjun Raj Gaind, one of India’s best-known comic book writers and also creator and author of several graphic novels. It takes place in 1911 in India, and features Sikander Singh, the Maharaja of Rajpore (a fictitious kingdom), an amateur detective by interest and choice, and in this novel strong-armed into investigating a crime on behalf of the British Raj. I didn’t read the first in the series, although I now will, and I’m looking forward to the third, as well. There were no references to events or characters in the first book.

I highly recommend Death at the Durbar to those readers who read historical mysteries set in countries other than America and England because they are curious about other cultures, other times and justice systems other than the ones with which they are most familiar. On the other hand, a reader who reads primarily for the pleasure of solving whodunits may not find Durbar as engaging a read as I did.

The 1911 Durbar was the third Imperial Durbar organized by the British in Delhi. It was the only one attended by the then-reigning monarch, King George V. All three Durbars were mass assemblies of India-based British officialdom, Indian princes, higher-level military officials and the public. The first Durbar, held in 1877, celebrated the proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India, marking the transfer of control of much of India from the British East India Company to the Crown. The second Durbar, held in 1903, celebrated the succession of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark as Emperor and Empress of India. A plain was transformed into an elaborate tent city. Two weeks of events, formal dances, polo matches, souvenir guide books, fireworks, exhibitions, temporary hospitals and post offices, and other components of a display of regal power and grandeur.

The third Durbar was organized by the then-Viceroy, Lord Charles Hardinge (target of multiple unsuccessful assassination attempts by Indian nationalists). The Durbar began on December 7th and ended on December 16, 1911. 40,000 tents, to house approximately 300,000 inhabitants, were erected. The Durbar was attended by almost all, if not all, of the Indian Maharajas and Nawabs, along with their respective entourages of servants, aides and friends. The world’s newspapers sent their best journalists and photographers to cover the event. Motion pictures of the event were created by many British and Indian photographers. It's worth searching Google images for photos of the event. They are stunning.

With that background, Death at the Durbar starts with a dead body, discovered 72 hours or so before King George is anticipated to arrive for his Durbar. Someone has murdered 19-year old Zahra, a Kashmiri nautch girl, e.g., a professional dancer, who had been delivered by the Maharaja of Kapurthala as a present to the King. One hundred years and a different culture later, and all of the connotations of “professional dancer” remain the same. The only thing more scandalous than a live dancer keeping company with the King is a dead dancer in the King’s camp. Hence, Hardinge and his colleagues are uninterested in calling the police and spreading news of Zahra’s death and location, but have a certain amount of interest in doing the right thing in terms of pursuing justice and locking up a murderer, so long as that justice can be achieved in short order – prior to the King’s arrival in Delhi. Accordingly, they arrange for amateur, but discreet, Sikander to be engaged off-the-record to solve the crime. Quickly. If he doesn't solve the crime in a timely manner, Zahra's death will be covered up and the investigation closed. After all, she's only a nautch girl to the powers that be.

Of course, forensic evidence is non-existent. Potential murderers are many. The motive also remains a mystery. Sikander’s method of investigation primarily involves traveling from place to place throughout the tent camp and nearby hotels, meeting with and interrogating potential witnesses, few of which have any interest in meeting with or being interrogated by him, because he is of lower social status – in several instances – substantially lower status. He is saddled with an annoying British barnacle, named Campbell. The best moments are when Sikander is explaining the social dynamics, politics, bigotry and personal history between the various Maharajahs, enjoying playing his piano late at night, as well as those when Campbell disappears for a few dozen pages.

An historical mystery novel comprised of a single person traveling from place to place, having conversations, frequently being insulted, and hearing entirely inconsistent stories, would seem to be an exercise in frustration and boredom. I assure you, it isn’t. Gaind does a great job of pacing and creating a sense of urgency around solving the crime. As the Author’s Note (an excellent and informative one) provides, other than Zahra and Sikander, all of the other characters and incidents are real, and Gaind indicates where and to what extent he has taken creative license. And the characters, including Sikander, are intriguing. Gaind provides a tremendous amount of detail about the history, the culture, the kingdoms and princelings, the politics, but does so without ever creating the appearance of a brain dump, or impeding the progress of the plot. The background information he includes is fully integrated into the mystery and not bolted on.

In the interest of full disclosure, there are a couple of contemporary American phrases that turn up (“snuck out” is one) from time to time that characters in 1911 India would never have used. Sikander is moody and inconsistent, as if the author is still learning his own main character. Plot holes exist. Sometimes the sheer volume of witnesses is confusing and the relationships between them difficult to recall. Sikander determines certain suspects couldn’t be guilty on what appear to be the flimsiest of bases. I raised an eyebrow at the identification of the culprit and explanation for the motive. Nonetheless, Gaind’s writing and his main character are highly engaging and overcome these deficits. The majority of characters come across as authentic, and Gaind’s description of the British Raj and the hierarchy of the princes and their kingdoms is detailed and fascinating. And after the big reveal? The novel closes with a letter from Sikander to his significant other that captured Sikander’s thoughtful, melancholy soul, finding his place in a world run on one level by the Brits, and on another by peers who have disdain for his darker-than-theirs skin, a world that is only a few years away from the Great War. Sometimes, as with Death at the Durbar, a great ending reminds you of everything you enjoyed about a good book, and allows you to forget some of its shortcomings.

As a special bonus, Gaind captured my heart by describing the make, model and other design details of every automobile used in the novel. (Readers who don’t care wouldn’t notice.)

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing an ecopy.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated by the fact that this was a historical mystery set in the waning days of the British Colonial era in India and the detective is a maharajah.

Death at the Durbar is the second book in the series and I didn't realize until after I read this one which worked just fine as a standalone or out of order.

Sikander Singh is the maharajah of the fictitious Indian kingdom of Rajpore. His is one of the less powerful and smaller, but nonetheless he is expected by the Brits to be at their latest Durbar in honor of George V who is the first British monarch to actually visit India. Sikander is not impressed with the hoopla and is bored until he is brought to the Viceroy and practically ordered to look into the death of a dancing girl right in the royal enclosure at the Durbar in Delhi.

I found the strong mix of historical background and setting blended with the mystery was a heady combination. I admit that all the details about each Indian maharajah and their history, general history up to and including the British era could be considered ponder-some to many readers, but because I love history and was lacking when it came to Indian history that I ate it all up with eagerness.

Sikander was an amazing character. He can get autocratic and cranky, but he is also personable and understanding. He is not afraid to say and do what he must though he has the rep of being a hot head and one who speaks his mind. But, he's also one who takes the time to think. There are moments in the story where other characters challenge him and he gives their words due consideration- will he support the Nationalist movement or British Colonial rule. The time is there when he can no longer stay out of the argument.
His situation is fascinating to me all through this book. I don't know if it was authentic, but it didn't ring false to me. This man is a wealthy, educated, traveled King of a minor kingdom and yet, when near anyone British, he is treated like a second class citizen or beneath them. Among his own people he's king, but among Brit's he just one of the natives. It was a stunning realization.

The author has an Indian protagonist so this book/series is a frank look at British Colonialism from one who was not a fan. I didn't feel it went overboard as Sikander is portrayed as being a moderate in word and action though he would prefer the British went away and left India to its own devices. The time period is 1911 so Imperialism and Colonialism are actually on their last wheeze.

The setting was Delhi and the grounds used for the Durbar. It was lavish and I enjoyed the vivid descriptions that took me right there. The diversity of peoples and classes, the opulence of the Maharajahs, the entertainments of the period from balls to wrestling matches to moving pictures was all captured and made the story three dimensional.

The mystery is a little complex. I actually guessed somewhere in the middle of it all as people were being eliminated as viable suspects. It was the motive that I couldn't fathom. There is a lot of interviewing going on and it was mostly a process of whittling down the suspect list which turned out to be a long one.

I enjoyed Sikander and some of the side characters. I enjoyed getting immersed in historical India so now I want to go back for the first book and press forward as the series continues. This had a feel more of historical fiction, but the mystery element is the catalyst so I think this would appeal to both genre's lovers and particularly those who enjoy the combo of the two.

I rec'd this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent mystery is set in 1911 in Delhi, India. The British are presenting the new king, George V, in a durbar that will be attended by all the Maharajas and Nawabs. The Delhi Durbar in 1911 was organized by the British to honor the coronation of the new king. It is a historical fact that George V was the only actual British king to attend a durbar. Maharaja Sikander Singh of Rajpore is summoned by the British to help solve the murder of a nautch-girl. (A nautch girl was a highly skilled dancer who served as entertainment and companionship for the British, especially soldiers.) Sikander accepts the large task of trying to solve the murder before George V arrives. I loved all the rich history and carefully woven plot in this thoughtful mystery.  The second in the series, I recommend this book as an excellent addition to historical fiction-mystery. 

Death at the Durbar by Arjun Raj Gaind will be available March 6, 2018 by Poisoned Pen Press. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[Qube · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story reminded me of bagatelle or pinball, where the ball bounces mindlessly from pin to pin until it eventually settles somewhere. Similarly, the investigator in this story bounces (or is booted) from suspect to suspect until, voila, he finds the killer. The story is largely devoid of clues and detection, and instead provides a series of disjointed interviews. There is no real thread of investigation where the reader sees a story developing. Instead, you begin with a list of suspects (each more unlikely than the other) and watch as a name is struck off every chapter. But before striking off the name, you are offered a few pages about the suspect’s background and a description of the environs. Soon, I began skipping these passages.

As far as the writing is concerned, it is the same as the earlier book . I don’t have much to add and won’t repeat myself here. As with the earlier book, I didn't care much for the protagonist or his views. His efforts to emulate Sherlock Holmes fall flat.

I began following this author after he was recommended by another crime novelist (whom too I have reviewed). I have bought and read both of Mr. Gaind's books, but remain unimpressed. I had hoped that the second book would be an improvement over the first one, but that was not to be. Not sure how much longer I will follow this author.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 bk 150. The Maharajah of Rajpore finds himself waiting the arrival of King George and for the Durbar of 1911 to open. He is bored. His assigned tent is in just about the worst place imagineable, and he can't leave. Finding a hotel that is barely respectable, but fairly quiet, he hopes to spend the Durbar in splendid isolation. When two British officers burst into his rooms, subdue his servants, and hustle him away in a car, he can't imagine what is going on - but quickly learns murder has been done, and a heady circle of British and Indian leaders want him to solve the murder before the King arrives and in absolute secrecy. What's more, they have assigned a pesky Captain to be with him in all of his investigations. The next hours are filled with tension as the duo interview, think, and pursue justice. An excellent example of a golden era of mystery style plotting.

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the interesting first book A Very Pukka Murder this was a bit of a disappointment. In the earlier book Sikander, the Maharaja of Rajpore, was a big fish in the relatively small pond of his small kingdom but here he is only a minor prince among all the princes of India who have come to Delhi along with all the Bigwigs of the Raj for the Grand Durbar to welcome King George V on his visit to India in 1911. Because of Sikander’s reputation as an investigator he is asked to discover who has killed a dancing girl inside the King’s own reception room in the Durbar compound- and he must complete the investigation before the King’s arrival to prevent an unacceptable scandal.
Too much of the book was Sikander going around the Durbar to question all the potential suspects with little success as most have alibis or good reasons not to be guilty. The result was too many names, too many kingdoms ( a map would have been helpful) and too many connections to Sikander or the dancing girl. The ending was pulled out of a hat at the last moment although I did not find it surprising. While there is a tiny mention of Sikander studying under French masters of the new science of forensics there was no mention of his Sherlockian abilities. I would still read the third book when/if I can track down a copy

[Rajesh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Avoidable. Oppressingly boring tale. By the end I couldn't care less who was the killer. Finished it only because I finish every book I start.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A murder mystery set in 1911 Delhi. It's the sequel to A Very Pukka Murder , but you could easily read this without having read that one. Our main character is Sikander Singh, the maharaja of a small state in northwest India. He's a fairly typical hero of the mystery genre: rich, privileged, intelligent, and oh so very bored with life. Thus he turns to solving mysteries. In this case he's been summoned to Delhi for the British Empire's Durbar: an enormous celebration crowned by the arrival of King George V, the only time one of the so-called 'Emperors of India' actually bothered to visit the subcontinent. Sikander – along with every other person of significance in British or native India – has been required to attend. The plot heats up when a young woman is found dead in the King's private quarters, and Sikander is given only two days to get justice for her; the king himself hasn't actually arrived yet, and the powers that be want the matter either closed or hushed up before he does.

The dead woman was a nautch girl (literally 'dancing girl', but the cultural role is much closer to the geisha of Japan than anything else. They traditionally were extremely respected artisans of dance, singing, and poetry, and didn't necessarily do sex work at all, but the arrival of the British tended to blur the lines between the different categories of working women and downgrade all of them), who spent her last day alive entertaining an entire crowd of maharajas – all of whom, of course, are now suspects. The rest of the book falls into a fairly repetitive pattern: Sikander visits a maharaja, interviews him, recaps the history of his (or her, in a few cases) particular state, and eliminates him as a suspect, until he's narrowed down the possibilities to only one. I found this part of the book fairly entertaining, though I probably have a much higher tolerance for long historical infodumps than average. Most of the suspects are real historical figures as well, which was an unexpected twist. I knew a few of them (not personally, of course!) and seeing them turn up in a pulp novel was amusing.

Unfortunately I didn't like the eventual conclusion, particularly that Sikander and the other characters had an inexplicable amount of understanding for the murderer, once revealed. A woman is dead! Don't act all sympathetic to her killer!

The writing itself is fine though not great. The POV, which is mostly tied to Sikander, occasionally drifts, and I caught a few contradictions and editing mistakes here and there. But it reads quickly and easily, and there's certainly worse ways to spend your time.
I read this as an ARC via NetGalley.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this as much as I did the first in the series ("A Very Pukka Murder"), but unfortunately...Sikander Singh, the Maharaja of Rajpore, is one of the many Indian rulers attending the Durbar, a ceremonial gathering, celebrating George V's ascension to the throne, and the first visit of a British monarch to India. While preparations are still under way, officials find a dead body in the king's quarters. Since Sikander is known as an amateur detective, he's asked to find the murderer without causing a scandal. There are a number of maharajas with opportunity and motive, and--here's the snag--each one is introduced with a brief history of his dynasty. For the non-Indian reader, there are a lot of confusing names and details, which interfere with the thrust of the story. Also, I would have liked some maps, and a glossary. Maybe a cast of characters of the living characters would have helped, too.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An intriguing beginning quickly degenerates into a "then we talked to this man, and then this guy, and this other woman, and then her brother" with little to no actual detecting and a laughable ending. An editor should have gripped the author by the shoulder and firmly told him to write the novel about the durbar and stop trying to fool everyone with this mystery nonsense. Anyway, super repetitive and wastes a potentially interesting setting - a pass for me.

I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brian Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book to review.

This is a historical murder mystery set during the time of the Raj when the British were in control of India.

The King of England, George V, who is also Emperor of India, is visiting India. He is the first British king to do so. Huge celebrations have been scheduled to mark the visit and all the Indian maharajas have come to Delhi to pay homage to the king. The Durbar is a lavish tent city which has been constructed for them. Shortly before the king's arrival the body of a native dancer is found hanging near the king's quarters in the Durbar.

Sakinder Singh, the Maharaja of Raypole, is well known among the British ruling class and his peer maharajas for being a curious busybody. He is therefore assigned the task of solving the murder mystery, but has only a couple of days before the arrival of the king to do it. His trusty manservant is there to assist him, but he is saddled with a British army officer to supposedly keep an eye on him.

There is no shortage of suspects. It seems the dancer had many visitors during the days before her death -- someone actually maintained a list of them. As Sakinder goes about interviewing those on the list, even more visitors are discovered and questioned. Several of these visitors are unpleasant or just plain nasty people but Sakinder thinks none of them is the killer. Finally, a chance discovery provides the missing clue to Sakinder.

Sakinder is the star of the show -- he's a unique mixture of tradition and modern man. Similarly, there's an ambivalence about the British rule. The one nationalist character is a power-hungry weasel, while the British characters (except for a gang of young nobles) are cast in a generally favourable light. The story is set in 1911, when British power was at its height and the old order was yet to be swept aside by World War 1. It's a snapshot of the times.

Among the British there is an arrogance towards the Indians. The book portrays the class distinctions prevalent in both Indian and British society. Among the maharajas there is distinction between a thirteen gun maharaja and a seventeen gun one; that's based on the number of guns in the salute they are given at events. There's similar distinctions among the various regiments of the British army: the Coldstream Guards outrank the Black Watch.

This is the second book in what I hope becomes a series.

Recommended.

[Karla Huebner]

This is the second of the author's mysteries featuring the aristocratic fin-de-siecle sleuth Sikander Singh, the Maharaja of a small state in British India. I was pleased to be able, for once, to read two library mysteries in a series in the correct order and close together. On the other hand, this also made me more aware of things that I wasn't as fond of. In addition to not being as fond of the sleuth as I might like (which is perfectly okay--obviously one does not have to love every protagonist, although in a mystery series one usually wants to cheer for the sleuth), I became quite aware that the author was using the same structure as in the first book, namely that Sikander Singh is under time pressure from the British to solve the murder and goes through a raft of suspects one by one. Oh, and also (I hope this is not a spoiler) the killer in the two cases have certain things in common from a structural standpoint. So while the structure the author has set up is a usable one--and readers do often like a mystery series to be, in some ways, a theme-and-variations exercise--I think I would be mildly disappointed if the third book proves to have the same basic structure and that this would enable me to pick out the killer fairly quickly. But overall, it's a readable novel that many mystery fans will enjoy quite a bit, and the series also provides considerable historical information about British India at the start of the 20th century. For instance, while I had been familiar with the term "Durbar" for decades as a result of reading Saki, I had never bothered to look it up, but I now know that the British held three Coronation Durbars in India, with the final one in 1911 (the one used in this book). I am also appalled to learn, via the Author's Note, that the more horrible attributes of various historical characters described are firmly based in fact.

[Anna Bergmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story kicks off straight away, swooping us up into activity and mystery at the Durbar (a strange, luxurious large scale scout camp!) and then...

Finally! What the first installment sorely lacked; a sidekick! Race and rank separates them and our grumpy and arrogant maharajah sure doesn’t want a helping hand with anything, but on page 88 Captain Campbell has already grown on him, just as the maharajah grows on the captain and both of them grows on us. Ah, male friendship! Ain’t it marvellously gooey!

The new kid on the block is somewhat on the violent side perhaps, but then the whole story starts out with a bit of an edge, almost as if it’s striving for the hard boiled. Quite exciting! But then we hit the middle and we’re in the Agatha C. whodunnit interview doldrums again. Going from suspect to suspect to suspect...

They are all Indian blue bloods this time and though far more interesting than British sticks-in-the-mud, I’m afraid it felt like “all Chinese look alike” to me. I just couldn’t tell all these maharajahs and princes apart, or keep track their names, or of how their different ancestors weaselled their way to power, or what current perversities they indulged in, or wether they were fat or thin, jovial or evil... No, it all turned into a blur, a colourful and sometimes funny blur, but all the same. It was a section of the book where the story got bogged down. Pity that. I thought that maybe we were heading into top rating country there for a while.

4 entertaining stars that could perhaps lead to 5 in the last part of the trilogy. I haven’t lost hope yet. A firmer hand on the plot-tiller and we might just get there.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

King George V, Emperor of India, is about to arrive in Delhi for his very public coronation. The who's who of Indian society, Maharajahs and princes, and members of the British Raj, have arrived in their thousands. The Maharajahs and princes have set up pavilions and courts, all designed to show how rich and influential they are.

And in the middle of it all, in the King's own pavilion, an Indian dancer is found murdered. The King is due to arrive within 48 hours and Sikander Singh, Maharajah of Rajpore, who would much rather be a detective than a Maharajah, is asked by the Viceroy, to solve the mystery.

Blending fictitious with actual characters, the author presents us with a panoply of suspects, and authentic historical detail on a grand scale. I was impressed above all by the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this book. The overall effect is sumptuous beyond measure.

If historical India is your "thing", then you will enjoy this.

[Arpita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book cos #1 it was recommended by a blog, #2 it suggested a fictional story spun around the maharajas of India, and was a welcome departure from the fiction I usually read.
Now, this book is a simple one of whodunnit, and hence the characters - for e.g. prince of baroda, nizam of hyderabad, etc come and go. A very superficial picture is painted of their characters, and a brief history provided about their kingdom along with their dealings with the English.
That’s it. It doesn’t make a good read as a mystery- the underlying story is bland. It doesn’t entrap you in the India of early 20th century cos the description is pretty basic, something you would be aware of anyway. (However, if you’re a younger reader you can give it a go). The set up of the durbar reminded me of Harry Potter when he visits the different tents in Quidditch World Cup.
Gotta find a new book to get over this one

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is 1911, and all of India is preparing for the Great Durbar to welcome King George V, the first King-Emperor to visit. But when the body of a nautch girl is found in the Durbar grounds, the mystery must be cleared up before the king arrives, in less than two days. Tasked with that job is Sikander Singh, Maharaja of Rajpore. As he seeks out interviews with the various Indian potentates who may have had motives, Sikander is also fighting the clock. The story includes fascinating background information, not just on India, but on each of the princely houses and how the various families acquired their domains. The characters are interesting and fully-formed, and the book is hard to put down as it races toward the conclusion. However, I would really have appreciated both a glossary and a cast of characters, as many are referred to both by name and by title. That aside, this book is highly recommended.

[Deepika Anand · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book a lot of historical insights and some Sherlock's level of reasoning but unfortunately either I knew those facts already so maybe I skipped or may there weren't any "historical insight". The climax of this book was very predictable if you have seen even a single episode of CID or Crime patrol. Although I liked the fact that the protagonist could actually see why the British Rule was not beneficial for Indians in the long run. I have met people who think British Rule did some good for Indians for ex: Railway System but the protagonist gives an alternate view which is quite interesting to read. Again, very easy to read. The language is simple. It is basically a mediocre mystery set in the time when Britishers ruled India. If you are hoping for Sherlock level of reasoning just skip this book.

[jammaster_mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery series set in colonial India before WWI. The stories revolve around the Maharaja of Rajpore who has studied modern detective techniques and enjoys putting those skills to work.

This book is set in Delhi at the Durbar for King George V. This is a gathering of all the princes of India to celebrate and acknowledge the King Emperor. Days before the King is set to arrive a dead body is discovered in the Kings own private quarters. Sikander is brought in to solve the mystery without drawing attention that would negatively impact the Durbar.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is full of details about the history of India that I was not familiar with and enjoyed learning about. The mystery was intricate and I didn't figure out who the killer was until the very end. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical mystery might make you work to keep track of what's going on and who's who but that's a good thing. India in 1911 was a very different place than it is today and if you aren't familiar with the real life players, well, you'll learn as you follow Sikander as he tries to determine who killed a dancing girl before King George V arrives in Delhi. The British give him a partner- Captain Campbell. There's good interplay between them as they work through the very lengthy list of suspects (the woman saw a LOT of men). There's quite a bit of info about protocol, some of which is relevant and interesting. The mystery moves a little slowly but it isn't too complicated. The characters are the real draw here. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.

[Nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable and I did learn a lot of quirky things I never knew about India before, but at times it really bogged. Most particularly when the author embarked on the "begats" as it were of each of the suspected Maharajas family lifelines. Not that they were not interesting and based primarily on anecdotes of the real flesh and blood ones, but it did sort of go on and on just a bit too long. Other than that, the plot was a good one, the twists and turns unexpected and the eventual identifying who done it was a satisfying end. All in all, it is well worth the read and I have no doubt that I will be reading the next ones in this series.

[Anil Dhingra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a whodunnit based in Delhi of 1911. A durbar was held in Delhi to celebrate the appointment of George 5 as Head of the Indian empire. It was attended by all the Kings of various states, big and small, of India in all their splendour.
The book outlines actual facts and anecdotes of various Kings from Scindia of Gwalior to Patiala, Kashmir and other states. The only fiction is the murder at the durbar before the arrival of the Chief guest and it's investigation by a sleuth King. The book is very interesting to read though should have been shorter by about 40 pages.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Durbar," a reception held by an Indian (South Asian) Prince.
Although this novel is a murder mystery, and Maharaja Sikander Singh is tasked with solving it, it is also a trove of Raj related history.
Based at the time(1911) of the Durbar where King George V and Queen Mary are presented as Emperor and Empress of India, the book goes to great length in describing the provinces of India, and the ruling Maharajas of each. All of the ruling class are gathered for the Durbar.
A fascinating history lesson, while being a sometimes humorous mystery.
A fulfilling read.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the narrative style but much of my complaint is the plot. The author seemed to want to go meander in the streets of Delhi during 1911. That is what he did.
Some of the motives were a tad repetitive. A lot of padding existed.
The ending did have a twist which was meh.
Mileage may vary.

If you must buy the book do it online.
But honestly speaking? Go to the library instead.
Also there are multiple books about the Delhi Durbar 1911. They may be better when it comes to historical facts.

[Komal · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful. Gaind is at pains to point out that Sikander Singh isn't a misogynist but the entire damn book is steeped in misogyny. The narrative is weighed down with too much 'telling' and the diction is painfully, earnestly posh British. Save yourself.

[Susan H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this-as much for the wonderful description of Delhi during the Raj period as for the whodunit plot. The detectiv, Maharaja Sikander Singh is a beguiling character with a Sherlockian sense of deduction. I will definitely read the others in the three book series.

[Anish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story ain't that great but my gosh what a flowery English the author has used. I mean it's impeccable. The story keeps you guessing until the end but I was more impressed by his writing style than the actual story. It's a must read.

[Apurva SHAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed research into the princely states in late 1800s woven into a gripping murder mystery...and loved the use of not often used words...was using google dictionary all along. Once you get engaged its almost unputdownable. Historical Mystery is an interesting genre!!!!

[Doug Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Maharaja detective solves a murder at King George V’s Durbar.

[Susan Pola Staples · Rating 4 out of 5]

really fun and good.

Review

[L.V. Krish · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was pretty thin. The language felt a bit pretentious to me. The grand, wordy descriptions are likely to impress non-Indians, I guess, but I found it tiresome.