Murder at the Grand Raj Palace: Baby Ganesh Agency Book 4

Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation #4

by Vaseem Khan

In the enchanting new Baby Ganesh Agency novel, Inspector Chopra and his elephant sidekick go undercover to investigate a murder at Mumbai's grandest hotel.

For a century the iconic Grand Raj Palace Hotel has welcomed the world's elite. From film stars to foreign dignitaries, anyone who is anyone stays at the Grand Raj.

The last thing the venerable old hotel needs is a murder...

When American billionaire Hollis Burbank is found dead - the day after buying India's most expensive painting - the authorities are keen to label it a suicide. But the man in charge of the investigation is not so sure. Chopra is called in - and discovers a hotel full of people with a reason to want Burbank dead.

Accompanied by his sidekick, baby elephant Ganesha, Chopra navigates his way through the palatial building, a journey that leads him steadily to a killer, and into the heart of darkness . . .

Genres: Mystery, India, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2018

About the author

Vaseem Khan is the author of two award-winning crime series set in India and the upcoming Quantum of Menace, the first in a series featuring Q from the James Bond franchise. His debut, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 40 best crime novels published 2015-2020. In 2021, Midnight at Malabar House, the first in the Malabar House novels set in 1950s Bombay, won the CWA Historical Dagger. Vaseem was born in England, but spent a decade working in India. Vaseem is the current Chair of the UK Crime Writers Association.

Reviews

[Annet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind..- Ghandi.

Wonderful! This 4th book in the Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation equals the first book in quality. Entertaining, relaxing and fun! Private Investigator Chopra is now drawn into the Grand Raj Palace in Mumbai to investigate a suicide, or was it a murder? His feisty and lovely wife Poppy is now also showing her talents as a private detective, involved in another mystery in the Grand Raj Palace. And of course, the baby elephant Ganesha again turns out to be a witty, intelligent little animal playing his part in solving the mysteries, while at the same time up to mischief all the time.
Delightful and really easy to read. A big four star plus, great summer read. I do recommend this series! Heart-warming for me.

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first taste of this brilliant series, and I absolutely adored it! It is set in Mumbai, featuring Inspector Ashwin Chopra and his adorable and scene stealing baby elephant, Ganesha. It is full of quirky characters, with all the colour, culture and vibrancy of India and full of wit and comic humour. The iconic Grand Raj Palace Hotel is the place to stay in Mumbai if you are anyone, this venerable institution is shocked to discover that the much disliked American billionaire businessman, Hollis Burbank, has been stabbed through the heart in his hotel suite after an art auction in which he acquired the famous and valuable painting by Zoze Rebello's 'The Scourge of Goa'. Assistant Commissioner Gunaji of the Central Bureau of Investigations, known for its highly political actions and corruption, immediately has the death down as a suicide, but the local police are not so sure, and call in Private Investigator Chopra to delve deeper into the case.

Chopra finds himself under pressure to resolve the case as soon as possible but it is complex and he is struggling to find out anything about the mysterious past of Burbank. He does uncover a host of characters with a motive to kill the businessman. The suspects include the bitter art critic, Adam Padamsee and his sculptor wife, Layla, India's famous artist, Shakti Kishore, the wealthy IT entrepreneur with his India first philosophy, Agnihotri, who is involved in a fierce and competitive conflict with the American businessman. Chopra finds himself in the bad books of his beloved wife, Poppy, who wants him to have an input into their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary, which he has little interest in. He loves Poppy dearly but he is not a man to make a huge public deal of his anniversary, not to mention that his time is taken up by the case. However, Poppy in an effort to spend time with him wangles a complementary suite at the hotel, bringng her adopted son, Irfan and Ganesha with her. Chopra finds himself dropped by the police after severe pressure from the Assistant Commissioner, but is hired by the beautiful Lisa to continue his work. Poppy meets the young Anjali, who expresses her doubts about her upcoming nuptials to her. When Anjali, bride for the upcoming royal wedding of the year, runs away, Poppy feels honour bound to track her down. Chopra finds the case moving in a myriad of directions as he pursues all possible leads, revealing secrets, tragedy, financial difficulties and more.

This is a lovely crime novel that is full of charm, atmosphere, with Mumbai serving as the perfect foil for the unfolding action. Khan beautifully informs of India's past when the royals used to reign supreme, having their wings clipped by the British Raj, to their present depleted life force and diminishing power, echoing past glories with the present day wedding extravaganza and pageant. The author accurately depicts India's royals with their power seeping away, suffering from bankruptcy and moral ruin, and many failing to adapt to their new circumstances. This is a novel with fabulous characters, including a malevolent monkey, and a murder that reflects other aspects of Indian history such as its politics, intrigue, corruption and cover ups. A fantastic heartwarming book that ensnared my interest, had me laughing, and gripped by the mysteries of Anjali's disappearance as well as Chopra's murder case. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what? I really *really* love this series.

I read a lot and I read a lot of very different stuff but Vaseem Khan’s Baby Ganesh Agency series is one of the most witty, charming and beautifully written series out there. By about halfway through this one, book 4, I was thinking how wonderful it would be if it ran and ran…

There is a very subtle dark heart here, with clever plotting and that old school feel, once again the sense of place is wonderfully immersive. Chopra – and we must not forget wife Poppy one of my favourite characters – are both beautifully drawn with an engaging relationship, then you have Ganesha who is the most human non human I’ve ever read about.

In this story we have a dead American, an artistic crime element and the trademark charisma that I’ve come to expect from these books, there is literally not one thing not to love here (a bit convoluted but I know what I mean) I just read it in a day, probably drinking twice as much tea as usual whilst doing so. Highly addictive and endlessly captivating, this is a set of books that has a rare and indescribable sense to them that brings you back time and time again.

Loved it. Also look I’ve reviewed quite early so if you haven’t read any of these yet you’ve got time to catch up. You are welcome.

Highly Recommended.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these delightfully cozy yet equally fascinating insight into Indian culture that each book in the Baby Ganesh series explores.

The stories follows former Inspector Chopra who'd been forced to retire early due to his health, though still wanting to scratch that investigative itch.
Alongside his super cute baby elephant Ganseh (who he'd inherited in the first book) they attempt to solve various mysterys around Mumbi.

This time an American billionaire is found stabbed in his room, alongside the words 'I AM SORRY' scrawled on the walls making this appear as a simple suicide.
It's upto Chopra to prove otherwise - which becomes a race against time as others would be quite happy to sweep the incident under the carpet.

The novel also follows Chopra's wife Poppy who is determined that her husband will celebrate their forthcoming 25th wedding anniversary rather than focusing all his time on the case.
I really liked that she also got her own little mystery to solve too.

There's some really great insight into how important marriage is as part of Indian culture, especially the notion of arranged marriages.

Some of the plot also revolves around a real life event in India, after finishing the book I found myself reading various articles and YouTube videos concerning the event - I appreciated the author raising awareness of this news story that I wasn't originally aware of.

This series has become a real firm favourite of mine and this fourth outing is possibly the best one yet.

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a reader is a fan of fast pace novels and if he still loves a medium or slow placed story then mark my word such tales are worth reading. Same is my experience with Vaseem Khan. He is my favorite detective genre author. His stories and concept are unique. "The Baby Ganesh Detective Agency" concept is just awesome. This is my 3rd read in series after "The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra" and "The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown", though I have missed "The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood Star", I was able to cope up this part very easily. I bet you guys can easily start with any part without feeling lost.

Coming to the story part, "Murder at the Grand Raj Palace" revolves around a high profile murder at a high profile event at a high profile location. Fun apart, an American Billionaire was found dead after he bought a multi-million dollar painting at India's grand Art Exhibition in India's most notable hotel. Just like his earlier cases, inspector (I would say Detective) Chopra entered in the case by his ex-colleague from the force. But seniors in the force didn't want to mess things up and were trying to close the case on the name of suicide. The moment Chopra visited the crime scene he was sure that things were not to be taken at face value. With his potent case solving style and fieldwork, he started revealing dark chapters of the victim. As usual, apart from this case, one thing or another kept happening in Chopra's life. In this part, he was just a few days from his marriage anniversary when he took the case. Poppy (his wife) was expecting a grand celebration, landed in the hotel with Irfan and Ganesh. Her entry had also encouraged another incident and Poppy took charge to solve the case (not murder one). Read the book to know more,.

While reading the book whole setup and scenes came into my mind as if watching a movie or series. I wish rights for the same would be sold or series starts soon. So the next time I read I can visualize Chopra and Poppy.


Coming to my personal observations
1) Awesome narration style
2) Easy language
3) Funfilled incidents and nail-biting suspense
4) Single-themed multiple cases

Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this entire series which features Inspector Chopra and his delightful companion, Ganesha, a baby elephant. Each book is set in Mumbai and immerses in the sights, colours and chaos of modern day India and takes us back to the extravagant lifestyle of India’s royal houses and their financial decline and loss of influence.

Written with humour, and absorbing the reader in the vibrancy of India we still get a complicated, believable murder mystery. A wealthy and despised American art collector, Hollis Burbank, has been found dead in his room at the Grand Raj Palace Hotel. This was after his success in outbidding others for a valuable painting at an auction at the luxurious hotel. The Grand Raj Palace is the place for the rich and famous go to congregate and be seen. There is concern that the death may damage the hotel’s reputation.

The corrupt Assistant Commissioner of the Central Bureau of Investigations closes the case as a suicide. Local police suspect it may be murder and ask Chopra to investigate further. Political pressure from above orders the police to stop Chopra delving into the case, but he is then hired by a beautiful, flirtatious, blond American art dealer. Chopra is under pressure to uncover the truth. Was it suicide or murder? There are so many suspects both in the art world and from Burbank’s mysterious past, all with valid reasons to want him dead. The truth about Burbank lies in his past position when he was known by a different name. The case is convoluted and complex.

Inspector Chopra’s work is difficult and time consuming, which leaves his wife, Poppy, feeling neglected as their 25th wedding anniversary draws near. She seems jealous of Chopra spending time with the gorgeous art dealer who now is his employer. Poppy, herself, now becomes involved in a second mystery at the same posh hotel. While Chopra investigates the art collectors death, which is now looking like murder, Poppy moves into the hotel with their adopted son, Irfan, and their little elephant, Ganesha.


An elaborate wedding was being prepared at the hotel, an extravagant production to unite the bride and groom from two opposing royal houses. The bride-to-be confesses to Poppy that she is apprehensive about the upcoming arranged marriage and then vanishes from her hotel room. Poppy is determined to find the young woman and now has a second hotel mystery to solve of her own.

On the hotel grounds a movie is in production starring a malicious monkey who has reason to hate elephants. He causes the mischievous Irfan and Ganesha to be blamed for his pranks. When Chopra solves Burbank’s murder and reveals the killer, I was not expecting the twist. Ganesha is instrumental in helping Poppy find the ‘runaway bride’.


This is a charming, enjoyable book which features a vibrant picture of the old India with its Maharajahs and princes as it emerges into the modern age. Other crime series have lead inspectors with their own weaknesses, foibles, traumas and methods. Have to love Chopra. He is the only detective with his own baby elephant.

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good enough, but like many Bollywood movies, too long.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of Murder at the Grand Raj Palace, the fourth novel to feature Mumbai's Baby Ganesh Detective Agency.

The police are called out to the death of American billionaire Hollis Burbank at Mumbai's premier hotel, The Grand Raj Palace. The police hierarchy is anxious to avoid a diplomatic incident and label it suicide but Inspector Tripathi, the man leading the investigation, isn't so sure and enlists the help of Inspector Chopra (Retd) and his Baby Ganesh Detective Agency for help. In a separate plot Chopra's wife, Poppy, gets involved in the hunt for a missing princess bride.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at the Grand Raj Palace which, with its mixture of humour, outlandish characters and Ganesha, the baby elephant, could be regarded as a cosy read but its pointed comments on the reality of life for millions of Indians give it an edge far from cozy territory. The plot is intentionally rather silly with its multitude of suspects and a baby elephant and done in the Agatha Christie style with all the suspects gathered in one room for the unmasking but I found it absorbing as I tried to work out the perpetrator and motive. I also enjoyed the humour in the novel from the feud between Ganesha and another guest at the hotel, a monkey, to Chopra's marital woes. It gives the novel a real feel good factor.

Inspector Chopra (Retd) is an excellent character. In what seems like a seething mass of corruption and/or self interest he is a moral man with a desire to right wrongs and seek out the truth and no heart condition or Poppy nagging him to take things easy will prevent him from doing this. His battles with his volatile wife are at the heart of much of the humour in the novel with their valid points on human frailty.

Mr Khan makes it all seem effortless as the situations, political commentary, characters and humour all blend together seamlessly into a well paced, extremely enjoyable read. I doff my hat to his skill in achieving this so I have no hesitation in recommending Murder at the Grand Raj Palace as a great read.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this series began with The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra, I wasn't entirely sure which direction it would take. There was a supernatural element that really didn't fit well with the rest of the story. However, with each new book, this series has gotten stronger and stronger, and now I have to get my hands on each new installment as quickly as possible. I first began reading because I was desperately missing my Vish Puri fix-- the superb series written by Tarquin Hall. Now I still miss Vish Puri, but I've found that Ashwin Chopra does not stand in the shadow of the wily investigator from New Delhi. Not at all.

Khan always includes interesting bits of Mumbai history in his books, and Murder at the Grand Raj Palace is no exception. There are several things going on at this opulent hotel, and one of the most important involves Chopra's wife, Poppy, who wants their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary to be very special. There's only one problem: her husband refuses to cooperate, so she finds herself drawn into the mystery of a young woman who's run away from an arranged marriage. This runaway bride subplot is the weaker of the two, but I cut Poppy some slack because it's her first real investigation-- and it provides some fantastic laugh-out-loud comic relief.

The major investigation concerning the billionaire is as twisty-turny as any crime fiction lover can want, and it really kept me guessing. To this first-rate mystery, readers can then add uproarious scenes of a baby elephant tracking someone through the hotel, and characters like Big Mother (Shubnam Tejwa Parwardhan, former maharani of Tejwa, and her Panzer-like wheelchair). Murder at the Grand Raj Palace is a wonderful puzzle for the mind and the perfect balm for the spirit. If you haven't tried the series yet, I urge you to do so. Begin at the beginning with The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra because these characters do grow and change. Now... follow that elephant!

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY good read. There was a lot of sadness in this one - lies, tragedy, secrets and burning desires for revenge. Plus the burning desire to own what no one else has. All of that makes for a lot of sadness. Add a wedding gone wrong, a monkey out for revenge and the adorable Ganesha and Ifran running loose in one of the most expensive hotels in Mumbai and you have an excellent story. And the end - I never saw it coming.

[G.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaseem Khan has written another entertaining edition to this series ! For those familiar with this series, Chopra, his wife Poppy and of course the baby elephant Ganesha return for another mind boggling crime to solve. In this novel Poppy gets her own small investigation to solve with the help of Ganesha, whilst her husband gets his teeth into something more serious. I really enjoyed this light entertaining novel.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book as have all been in this series.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest book in the Inspector Chopra series, which just keeps getting better and better. I like the way the author takes common tropes, such as the theft of a large gem or a locked room mystery, but gives them a new twist. I was also glad to see that Poppy had a larger role to play in this one. I really hope this series continues!

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grand Raj Palace-the most sumptuous hotel in Mumbai. When an American billionaire is found in bed with a knife in his chest the hotel and police are quick to call it a suicide. Inspector Chopra (Ret’d) is called in by a friend on the force to investigate. Could it be murder? Ganesha, the baby elephant is as cute as ever.
Such a charming series and great characters.
Highly recommended.

[Marco Giorgini · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, probably the best case for detective Chopra so far as a whole, with the best mystery part. And Poppy has a greater role in this book and her wit and behavior add an intriguing tone to the narration, without of course changing too much the Baby Ganesh Agency typical structure - that contains also a lot of insights of ancient and modern India - that I love to read - and elephant Ganesh interventions.
A book I'd suggest to every reader of the previous ones, but also to whom just want to read a fun and well-written mystery novel with an original and interesting setting.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐ a fun and cosy read 🤗

[Iona Sharma]

I really liked this one! The prose in these books is far from stellar but the stories themselves are so much fun and improving in each instalment. My favourite bit about this one is Chopra's wife, Poppy, getting to have her own mystery to solve and doing it in inimitable style. Plus, there's an elephant.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the previous books in this series and that might explain why this one has been on my shelf for so long. I soon remembered much of the back story about Inspector Chopra, his wife Poppy and the baby elephant Ganesha (although I still have difficulty visualizing the elephants apparent freedom to wander inside and out).

When you know an area where a story is set, be it Beckham's Lake District for Skegill , Lovesey's Bath for Diamond , Pawson's West Yorkshire for Priest or many more, it is easy to picture the story as it unfolds. I have never been to India and yet the author brought it alive for me and I had no difficulty following the story in my minds eye . In addition his narrative and character description meant that I didn't lose track of them as usually happens to me when non-English names are used.

The storylines were enjoyable with almost an alternation between Chopra's investigation into the death of a billionaire and his wife (and Irfan and Ganesha)'s into the whereabouts of a missing bride from a locked bathroom both at the same hotel.

As well as the mystery Chopra is in trouble with Poppy as he doesnt seem to be paying enough attention to their big wedding anniversary only a few days hence.

The book doesnt show the Indian administration in a very good light which seems to be borne out by an actual incident mentioned in the authors notes at the end of the story.

An enjoyable ,entertaining read.

[David Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chopra is back at it in the newest detective novel from Vaseem Khan. The familiarity's are there from the past three books. This investigation is rich in culture and character. We have an ancient royal family wedding, the enchanting Grand Raj palace, wealthy investors from the West and then at the center of all our humble hero Chopra. It's quite a fun ride as we watch him struggle to get the bottom of this newest mystery, the apparent suicide of Hollis Burbank. Burbank's death is most definitely a murder and through his lengthy investigation so many pages are pulled back revealing a dark past. it seems everyone has a dramatic secret tucked away.

I enjoyed the book however it never blew me away. Instead it was more of fun and fascinating jaunt through The Grand Raj palace and the many over the top characters that inhabit the rooms and halls there. I also still struggle to picture how an elephant roams freely throughout the book. Ganesha is wildly cute, inquisitive and smart but how does she ride an elevator? Or navigate through the narrow halls of an old hotel!? I think it's time this series was picked up as a motion picture :)

[Matt Tarasuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for the latest adventure of Inspector Chopra and the Baby Ganesh Detective Agency! Another great story from Vaseem Khan that kept me guessing all along the way. An intriguing insight into the world of art auctions wrapped around a murder mystery.
A well conceived plot with side stories, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved Poppy’s role and the new highjinx from Irfan and Ganesh.
Please keep these quality stories coming!

[Kathy]

tried it out as I thought it sounded amusing, but that did not turn out to be true for me...


Library Loan

[Ashley *Booksbrewsandbarks* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounding down to 4. I feel like so often I read mysteries that forget about actually solving a mystery by creating too much suspense for the reader. Murder at Grand Raj Palace instead takes the mystery format back to basics in an incredibly entertaining format. Taking place in India, this book provides cultural insight to the reader regarding Indian culture as well as atmosphere while executing not one but two extremely captivating mysteries. With lovable characters, including a baby elephant named Ganesha, this mystery series is one that I definitely look forward to reading more of in the future.

In this particular installment, the reader is not only treated to a murder mystery with Detective Chopra at the forefront, but also a secondary mystery to be solved, this time led by his wife, Poppy. I enjoyed both of these plots so much and it is hard to choose a favorite. While Poppy's is a bit lighter, they balance each other out extremely well and helped to shape the relationship betweet Poppy and Chopra at the same time. Along for the ride was their "adopted" son, Irfan, and of course their baby elephant Ganesha. I really wanted more Ganesha! I have a feeling that the other books in the series may focus on Ganesha a bit more and I hope to try them out to see if I am right but, as for this book, I missed seeing him often enough. He was definitely an integral part of Poppy's mystery though and am interested to see his other talents in the other installments.

One of my critiques was that, in Chopra's mystery, there were a lot of people and at times it was hard to keep them straight. By the end, I had them down but I found myself having to flip back to check on certain names. This did not harm the overall mystery for me though and both his and Poppy's had me guessing until the very end, where their solutions were totally sensical yet I did not see coming.

This book was a breath of fresh air when it comes to mysteries for me. It was really fun and enjoyable and made me want to spend more time with the Chopra family to see what other mysteries transpire and what antics they find themselves in. If you are looking for a mystery with a classic structure and a sense of entertainment and culture that is hard to find these days, definitely check these books out.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this latest in the Baby Ganesh mystery series! The mystery is great - loved its delving into the art world of India, the country's development & past, the legacy & future of royalty, the movie industry, etc. Inspector Ashwin Chopra (Retd.) just keeps getting better - as a detective & a person. Also loved the subplot & development of his wife Poppy in this one, as well as those of their son Irfan & of course Baby Ganesha!

Definitely my fave so far! The first one was great but not this complex. The second & third I liked but felt like they both lacked some of the fun & movement of the first. In this one, Vaseem Khan has reached a new level, I think. Looking forward even more now to future installments!

LOVE the covers on this series too! They are as fun & engaging as the books themselves. Hope the publisher continues with them as well. (Just in case they read these... :) )

[Sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming. Chopra is trying to determine who killed the American billionaire Hollis Burbank in the Grand Raj Palace. Since he won’t cooperate with his wife in planning their 25th anniversary celebration, Poppy takes a suite in the Grand Raj to be close to him and gets involved in trying to find a runaway bride-to-be that she had just met. Everything’s in good fun in Poppy’s case -the monkey that is tormenting Baby Ganesh, the runaway maybe bride’s grandma Big Mother, even the family feud. Since Chopra is investigating a murder it’s much more serious, though his life is never threatened. The 2 cases balance each other out, & Vaseem Khan brings both to a satisfactory conclusion.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired police detective Inspector Chopra loves his wife Poppy, he really does. But he's busy investigating the murder of an American billionaire (or is it suicide, as the hotel and police would prefer?) at the finest hotel in Mumbai, if not in Asia. Poppy has had enough of his procrastination about their 25th wedding anniversary, and moves into a suite (complimentary!) at the hotel with their orphaned charge and their little elephant. Poppy soon finds herself embroiled in the search for a missing bride, who should be having a role in the biggest wedding of the year, while Chopra unearths secrets about the billionaire and the suspects who hated him. A charming series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another worthy addition to the series. I appreciated the multiple story arcs here, even if if Ganesha was relegated to a subplot. I do hope he returns to the forefront in the next installment, as I missed him being in the true center of things. That said, I am always up for a good mystery surrounding royalty and art and this book had both so I enjoyed being able to escape from real life to go along for the ride here. Chopra and Poppy have one of my favorite marriages in modern writing, so anything with them at the center is okay by me.

[Susan Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy this mystery series, set in Mumbai, India. A wealthy American is found dead in Mumbai’s poshest hotel. Is it murder or suicide? Chopra investigates, while neglecting his 25th anniversary with his wife, Poppy. (There were a few typographical mistakes with names - I’d be happy to do some proofreading!) (Own)

[Aninha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Baby Ganesh series is always a pleasant and light read. I really like following Detective Chopra through Mumbai during his investigations. I always end up googling some of the places, historical figures and historical moments mentioned in the books. I also love Chopra's commitment to truth, honesty and hard work. His wife Poppy, his elephant calf mascot Ganesha and his young ward Irfan are adorable, as usual.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vaseem Khan is getting better and better. The use of contrasting investigations ongoing simultaneously is entertaining and adds intrigue. Baby Ganesh continues to develop his personality and make a difference. He is a remarkable elephant indeed.

[Toast · Rating 4 out of 5]

VK is really getting the hang of these little gems - a 'cop' story and a life lesson all wrapped up together in the best tradition of AMcS. This is by far the best of the 4, after the original when Baby Elephant Ganesha first entered our lives. And just like AMcS, can be taken as light or as heavy as you like, taking as it does the Bhopal gas tragedy as its inspiration. I love them.
Toast