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Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery #0.5, 1.5, 5.5
The Cambodian Curse and Other Stories
A treasure trove of nine locked room mysteries from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Gigi Pandian, all set in the Jaya Jones world.
Appearing here for the first time, novelette The Cambodian Curse:
When an ancient and supposedly cursed Cambodian sculpture disappears from an impenetrable museum, and the carving's owner is killed by an invisible assailant while a witness is a few feet away, historian Jaya Jones and her old nemesis Henry North team up to solve the baffling crime.
Stories included: "The Cambodian Curse," "The Hindi Houdini," "The Haunted Room," "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn," "The Curse of Cloud Castle," "Tempest in a Teapot," "A Dark and Stormy Light," "The Shadow of the River," plus bonus novella Fool's Gold.
With an Introduction from New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King addressing why we love locked rooms, and a Foreword from impossible crime mystery historian Douglas G. Greene, teasing out the tradition of John Dickson Carr that Pandian is following. This collection is filled with ingenious stories of magic, mystery, and history.
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THE CAMBODIAN CURSE AND OTHER STORIES by Gigi Pandian | A Henery Press Mystery Short Story Collection
Appearing here for the first time, novelette The Cambodian Curse:
When an ancient and supposedly cursed Cambodian sculpture disappears from an impenetrable museum, and the carving's owner is killed by an invisible assailant while a witness is a few feet away, historian Jaya Jones and her old nemesis Henry North team up to solve the baffling crime.
Stories included: "The Cambodian Curse," "The Hindi Houdini," "The Haunted Room," "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn," "The Curse of Cloud Castle," "Tempest in a Teapot," "A Dark and Stormy Light," "The Shadow of the River," plus bonus novella Fool's Gold.
With an Introduction from New York Times bestselling author Laurie R. King addressing why we love locked rooms, and a Foreword from impossible crime mystery historian Douglas G. Greene, teasing out the tradition of John Dickson Carr that Pandian is following. This collection is filled with ingenious stories of magic, mystery, and history.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE CAMBODIAN CURSE AND OTHER STORIES by Gigi Pandian | A Henery Press Mystery Short Story Collection
270 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2018
43 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Pandian
50 books1,581 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 16, 2020
This was such a fun read, to go back and see Jaya Jones from her begining, then up to the events that happened a year before Artifact(the first full length book of the series). I also really enjoyed the stories that featured Sanjay as the narrator. The Locked Room mystery concept has always been fascinating to me, and it was amazing to read a brief history of their origins in literature, especially the part that was written by Laurie R King, one of my favorite authors of all time. Even if you haven’t read Artifact or the other Jaya Jones books, I highly recommend this collection of short stories to anyone who loves the type of mystery where the reader can solve it before the ending, by picking through the details and by using a little imagination.
November 16, 2018
Very enjoyable collection of short stories. My favorites were the novellas since their length allows for more plot development.
October 16, 2018
It has been awhile since I’ve read a collection of short stories. Probably since I read Sherlock Holmes many years ago. I forgot how enjoyable short stories can be. I have not had the pleasure to read Jaya’s other adventures and this was an enjoyable intro to Jaya and her friend Sanjay. They were fun and I liked that Sanjay had several adventures of his own. So many times I love some of the secondary characters in a series and wish to hear more about them – this was a great opportunity to do so. I have already picked up the first book in Pandian’s series and can’t wait to get started on it!
Complete Review Here: https://cozyexperience.com/a-jaya-jon...
Complete Review Here: https://cozyexperience.com/a-jaya-jon...
June 17, 2019
This is a collection of short stories from Gigi Pandian. They feature her historian/detective Jaya Jones or her best friend Sanjay, a master of illusion, sometimes referred to as the Hindi Houdini in her full length stories. Most of these stories have been published in other anthologies, but I had not read any of them. I enjoyed these short stories and novellas, especially since they are all "Locked Room Mysteries". The forward was interesting as well, as it explained the eight methods used in locked room mysteries.
I enjoy the characters of Jaya and Sanjay. They are often right there when a murder occurs and using her wits and historical knowledge, Jaya is able to puzzle out the cause of the death. Sanjay also is able to solve a puzzle by looking outside the box and using his observational skills, is able to find clues other fail to notice and put them together. I enjoyed learning more about some secondary characters from the Jaya Jones stories like Sanjay and Tamarind and even Nadia. The settings in these stories are varied and fun. Visiting a Haunted Inn, an old house, a secluded island, and even a fringe festival in Edinburgh are all interesting and add so much to the story. A great collection of stories from an author that I have come to enjoy very much. I recommend this book to those who like to read a short story interspersed with their longer mysteries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoy the characters of Jaya and Sanjay. They are often right there when a murder occurs and using her wits and historical knowledge, Jaya is able to puzzle out the cause of the death. Sanjay also is able to solve a puzzle by looking outside the box and using his observational skills, is able to find clues other fail to notice and put them together. I enjoyed learning more about some secondary characters from the Jaya Jones stories like Sanjay and Tamarind and even Nadia. The settings in these stories are varied and fun. Visiting a Haunted Inn, an old house, a secluded island, and even a fringe festival in Edinburgh are all interesting and add so much to the story. A great collection of stories from an author that I have come to enjoy very much. I recommend this book to those who like to read a short story interspersed with their longer mysteries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
May 1, 2024
The author is one of the finest exponents of 'Impossible Crimes' and 'Locked-room Mysteries'. This book, featuring shorter works with her various protagonists, especially Jaya Jones, is a solid sampler of her skills.
The book begins with a wonderful 'Introduction' from Laurie R. King. It's followed by an invaluable 'Foreword' from Douglas G. Greene. These two piecesprepare us for the show— where the author demonstrates how each type of supposedly locked-rooms can be created.
The works are~
1. The Cambodian Curse;
2. The Hindi Houdini;
3. The Haunted Room
4. The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn;
5. The Curse of Cloud Castle;
6. Tempest in a Teapot;
7. A Dark and Stormy Light;
8. The Shadow of the River;
9. Fool's Gold (Novella).
These are followed by author's note and a teaser for the next novel.
Overall, I enormously enjoyed this collection with its fresh writing, vibrant characters, wit, and the fair-play mysteries.
I would try to read more books penned by the author. In the meanwhile, this one is highly recommended to all admirers of Golden Era Mysteries.
The book begins with a wonderful 'Introduction' from Laurie R. King. It's followed by an invaluable 'Foreword' from Douglas G. Greene. These two piecesprepare us for the show— where the author demonstrates how each type of supposedly locked-rooms can be created.
The works are~
1. The Cambodian Curse;
2. The Hindi Houdini;
3. The Haunted Room
4. The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn;
5. The Curse of Cloud Castle;
6. Tempest in a Teapot;
7. A Dark and Stormy Light;
8. The Shadow of the River;
9. Fool's Gold (Novella).
These are followed by author's note and a teaser for the next novel.
Overall, I enormously enjoyed this collection with its fresh writing, vibrant characters, wit, and the fair-play mysteries.
I would try to read more books penned by the author. In the meanwhile, this one is highly recommended to all admirers of Golden Era Mysteries.
October 30, 2018
This is a collection of short stories--some feature Jaya Jones, the historian/detective at the center of most of Gigi Pandian's books. Some of them feature Sanjay, her best friend who is a master of illusion and misdirection. Some of them I had already read due to them having been in print before. While I like the Jaya Jones ones the best, they are all interesting reads for anyone who's a fan of a locked-door mystery.
I found the list in the foreword to be very enlightening; it details the eight methods that can be used to furnish a locked-room mystery. I would be interested to keep this list handy anytime I'm reading a book of that sort to see if the solutions really do all fall within those eight categories.
I found the list in the foreword to be very enlightening; it details the eight methods that can be used to furnish a locked-room mystery. I would be interested to keep this list handy anytime I'm reading a book of that sort to see if the solutions really do all fall within those eight categories.
April 4, 2021
Impossible crimes impossible to put down
This wonderful collection of short stories features impossible crimes and locked rooms. Each one is delightful and plays fair with the reader. Highly recommended
This wonderful collection of short stories features impossible crimes and locked rooms. Each one is delightful and plays fair with the reader. Highly recommended
April 26, 2024
It wasn't horrible, but just felt so... watered down. Bland characters, boring mysteries, anemic plots. I tried hard to like it but just couldn't.
November 20, 2019
Great collection of short stories that give you background on the people in Jaya's world.
October 6, 2020
This review originally published in Looking For a Good book. Rated 4.5 of 5
Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones Mysteries were a pleasant surprise for me. I'd discovered her Accidental Alchemist series by ... well ... by accident, and found them really unique and great fun to read. I sought out her other works and came across the Jaya Jones series. Think, female Indiana Jones, but cleverer.
This book is a collection of short stories in the Jaya Jones series. There are eight short stories and one "bonus" novella (what makes it a bonus when it comes between the covers of a book? The fact that it's not a short story?) included here, most of which have been published in various magazines or anthologies, but one of which at least is new to this collection. Since I almost never read mystery short stories, these are all new me.
Not everyone can write short stories and novels - the two forms are different enough to make it challenging. But it impresses me how Pandian is able to write as smoothly here - giving us thoughtful, challenging, mystery plots for some of her familiar characters.
It's hard to pick a favorite here, as I liked them all quite a bit. "The Hindi Houdini" stands out to me - Sanjay Rai is the main character here and it's a good mystery. His is also the main character in "The Curse of Cloud Castle."
Pandian's first published work, "The Shadow of the Rover" is also included here. It was interesting to note that this is the only work featuring Jaya Jones that has a different narrator. While I enjoyed the story, this was not a piece that would have driven me to seeking more of her work.
In addition to appreciating Gigi Pandian's writing a little more, this book has also opened me up to reading more short story mysteries. Any recommendations?
This book contains the following:
Introduction: Why Do We Like Our Rooms Locked? by Laurie R. King
Foreword: In the Tradition of John Dickson Carr by Douglas G. Greene
"The Cambodian Curse"
"The Hindi Houdini"
"The Haunted Room"
"The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn"
"The Curse of Cloud Castle"
"Tempest in a Teapot"
"A Dark and Stormy Light"
"The Shadow of the River"
"Fool's Gold"
Looking for a good book? Whether you've read any of Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones mystery books before, or not, this collection of short mystery stories, The Cambodian Curse and Other Stories, is worth reading,
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones Mysteries were a pleasant surprise for me. I'd discovered her Accidental Alchemist series by ... well ... by accident, and found them really unique and great fun to read. I sought out her other works and came across the Jaya Jones series. Think, female Indiana Jones, but cleverer.
This book is a collection of short stories in the Jaya Jones series. There are eight short stories and one "bonus" novella (what makes it a bonus when it comes between the covers of a book? The fact that it's not a short story?) included here, most of which have been published in various magazines or anthologies, but one of which at least is new to this collection. Since I almost never read mystery short stories, these are all new me.
Not everyone can write short stories and novels - the two forms are different enough to make it challenging. But it impresses me how Pandian is able to write as smoothly here - giving us thoughtful, challenging, mystery plots for some of her familiar characters.
It's hard to pick a favorite here, as I liked them all quite a bit. "The Hindi Houdini" stands out to me - Sanjay Rai is the main character here and it's a good mystery. His is also the main character in "The Curse of Cloud Castle."
Pandian's first published work, "The Shadow of the Rover" is also included here. It was interesting to note that this is the only work featuring Jaya Jones that has a different narrator. While I enjoyed the story, this was not a piece that would have driven me to seeking more of her work.
In addition to appreciating Gigi Pandian's writing a little more, this book has also opened me up to reading more short story mysteries. Any recommendations?
This book contains the following:
Introduction: Why Do We Like Our Rooms Locked? by Laurie R. King
Foreword: In the Tradition of John Dickson Carr by Douglas G. Greene
"The Cambodian Curse"
"The Hindi Houdini"
"The Haunted Room"
"The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn"
"The Curse of Cloud Castle"
"Tempest in a Teapot"
"A Dark and Stormy Light"
"The Shadow of the River"
"Fool's Gold"
Looking for a good book? Whether you've read any of Gigi Pandian's Jaya Jones mystery books before, or not, this collection of short mystery stories, The Cambodian Curse and Other Stories, is worth reading,
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2018
Please Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.
Over the past few years I have started to enjoy reading mysteries. When I think of why I am starting to like this genre, author Gigi Pandian's writing may be the reason. She is a master of what is known as the locked room (or puzzle) mystery. This is a situation where a seemingly impossible crime occurs in a locked room with no way out. This collection on short stories, all set in the world of Pandian's beloved mystery-solving historian Jaya Jones, is a fun sampling of this specific type of mystery.
What I Liked:
Characters:
Throughout the stories, two characters appear again and again: Jaya Jones, and her magician friend Sanjay. Jaya and Sanjay always seem to be where a murder has just occurred. Using her wits, and historical knowledge, Jaya is always able to find the culprit. Sanjay is also able to look outside the box at any situation to find clues that are hidden in plain sight. I enjoyed learning more about these two characters through these short stories.
Settings:
The author is able to quickly establish various scenarios for each story. In "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn," we find our characters in a haunted house on a dark and stormy night. One of the longest stories is called, "Fool's Gold", which takes place at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. I got a kick out of location since this arts festival is happening as I write this, and I have been following it closely.
Mysteries:
Before I read this book, I couldn't say why I enjoyed the mystery genre. But the forward explaining what a puzzle mystery is helped me to understand why. I like mysteries where the reader is given all the information needed to solve the case. I hate it when the crime is solved with information that the reader can't possibly know. But I also don't like it if the crime is too easy to figure out. The author does a masterful job of hitting the right balance between the two.
What I Was Mixed About:
One of the stories was truly short in length, making it hard to feel like the characters were established before the crime was solved. This only happened in once in the book.
Over the past few years I have started to enjoy reading mysteries. When I think of why I am starting to like this genre, author Gigi Pandian's writing may be the reason. She is a master of what is known as the locked room (or puzzle) mystery. This is a situation where a seemingly impossible crime occurs in a locked room with no way out. This collection on short stories, all set in the world of Pandian's beloved mystery-solving historian Jaya Jones, is a fun sampling of this specific type of mystery.
What I Liked:
Characters:
Throughout the stories, two characters appear again and again: Jaya Jones, and her magician friend Sanjay. Jaya and Sanjay always seem to be where a murder has just occurred. Using her wits, and historical knowledge, Jaya is always able to find the culprit. Sanjay is also able to look outside the box at any situation to find clues that are hidden in plain sight. I enjoyed learning more about these two characters through these short stories.
Settings:
The author is able to quickly establish various scenarios for each story. In "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn," we find our characters in a haunted house on a dark and stormy night. One of the longest stories is called, "Fool's Gold", which takes place at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. I got a kick out of location since this arts festival is happening as I write this, and I have been following it closely.
Mysteries:
Before I read this book, I couldn't say why I enjoyed the mystery genre. But the forward explaining what a puzzle mystery is helped me to understand why. I like mysteries where the reader is given all the information needed to solve the case. I hate it when the crime is solved with information that the reader can't possibly know. But I also don't like it if the crime is too easy to figure out. The author does a masterful job of hitting the right balance between the two.
What I Was Mixed About:
One of the stories was truly short in length, making it hard to feel like the characters were established before the crime was solved. This only happened in once in the book.
October 19, 2018
THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES: A JAYA JONES TREASURE HUNT MYSTERY COLLECTION
By Gigi Pandian
THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES is an anthology of locked room mysteries featuring the main characters of the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series and their friends. Each is an ingenious morsel, fully contained within itself, yet leaving readers wanting to read more about the intriguing characters found within. The first story in the book, "The Cambodian Curse", is the only brand new story while the others have been featured previously in various anthologies.
As a fan of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction I really enjoyed, not only the stories included here, but the introduction by Laurie R. King and the forward by Douglas Greene as well. Both are articulate, informative, and plain fun to read!
Each story in THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES features at least one of the methods defined by Golden Age Detective Fiction writer John Dickson Carr's character Dr. Fell. By doing so, not only does the author give a nod to that great age, but she provides a wide range of means as well as motives to these impossible crimes.
My favorite piece in this collection is the bonus novella, "Fool's Gold". Short stories are required to have a single focus and I admit to enjoying more details, more subplots, and, well, more...which the novella delivers! That being said, each short story was a perfect puzzle. A small perfectly contained bite.
"The Haunted Room" is my favorite short story here. Atmospheric detail, history, and ghosts combine for a delightfully spooky tale. Not only does Nadia tell a great story, I found the method here absolutely ingenious. "A Dark and Stormy Night" brought plenty of smiles, reminding me of my first mystery conference. "The Cambodian Curse" was also a delight, especially as it brought Henry North back on the scene.
If you're looking for a series of short puzzling reads, this is the perfect book for you!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through Edelweiss, in the hopes I would review it.
By Gigi Pandian
THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES is an anthology of locked room mysteries featuring the main characters of the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series and their friends. Each is an ingenious morsel, fully contained within itself, yet leaving readers wanting to read more about the intriguing characters found within. The first story in the book, "The Cambodian Curse", is the only brand new story while the others have been featured previously in various anthologies.
As a fan of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction I really enjoyed, not only the stories included here, but the introduction by Laurie R. King and the forward by Douglas Greene as well. Both are articulate, informative, and plain fun to read!
Each story in THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES features at least one of the methods defined by Golden Age Detective Fiction writer John Dickson Carr's character Dr. Fell. By doing so, not only does the author give a nod to that great age, but she provides a wide range of means as well as motives to these impossible crimes.
My favorite piece in this collection is the bonus novella, "Fool's Gold". Short stories are required to have a single focus and I admit to enjoying more details, more subplots, and, well, more...which the novella delivers! That being said, each short story was a perfect puzzle. A small perfectly contained bite.
"The Haunted Room" is my favorite short story here. Atmospheric detail, history, and ghosts combine for a delightfully spooky tale. Not only does Nadia tell a great story, I found the method here absolutely ingenious. "A Dark and Stormy Night" brought plenty of smiles, reminding me of my first mystery conference. "The Cambodian Curse" was also a delight, especially as it brought Henry North back on the scene.
If you're looking for a series of short puzzling reads, this is the perfect book for you!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through Edelweiss, in the hopes I would review it.
May 25, 2019
A collection of closed-room mysteries. I'm finding it a bit tricky to write reviews, as I don't want to spoiler which story is which type of locked-room mystery.
"The Cambodian Curse"
A Cambodian sculpture is purported to be cursed, and the curse is blamed for the death (and pre-death threatening) of the owner, who runs the museum where it's located. CCTV shows she dies in her office, locked in with the sculpture, yet the sculpture is missing...and her husband begins getting threatening letters too. Will the curse strike again? How did it strike in the locked room?
"The Hindi Houdini"
Sanjay takes center stage here, and we see what's beneath his bowler hat.
"The Haunted Room"
A room that steals from visitors... Jaya is compelled to solve the mystery of a haunted room that's been unsolved for decades. A mystery, not a murder, in case you're sick of murders.
"The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn"
I've read this one before (https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...), but it was nice to revisit it in the context of this collection of Jaya Jones stories.
"The Curse of Cloud Castle"
An island set apart from land, inaccessible except by boat and without internet/cell coverage. When Sanjay's friend decides to book his birthday party there, Sanjay agrees to put on his Hindi Houdini act and attend the party as a guest as well...but he ends up solving a murder.
"Tempest in a Teapot"
A magic trick goes awry ... or does it? Again, a mystery, not a murder.
"A Dark and Stormy Light"
Jaya tells Sanjay of one of the first conferences she attended back in the day, one that no other conference has ever lived up to. Again, a mystery, not a murder.
"The Shadow of the River"
A Jaya Jones story told from another perspective. When a professor in their building is found murdered in his locked office, Jaya must take in the clues quickly and decide who among the bystanders is guilty.
"Fool's Gold"
Set in Scotland during the Fringe festival, this novella was a lovely end to this book - a bit longer than the short stories, with more depth to Sanjay and Jaya (and their sleuthing skills). Together, they must solve the mystery of a missing (stolen?) chess set. Pandian really caught the feel of Fringe here; the whole city turns into one giant party, overflowing into the streets and lasting into the night.
"The Cambodian Curse"
A Cambodian sculpture is purported to be cursed, and the curse is blamed for the death (and pre-death threatening) of the owner, who runs the museum where it's located. CCTV shows she dies in her office, locked in with the sculpture, yet the sculpture is missing...and her husband begins getting threatening letters too. Will the curse strike again? How did it strike in the locked room?
"The Hindi Houdini"
Sanjay takes center stage here, and we see what's beneath his bowler hat.
"The Haunted Room"
A room that steals from visitors... Jaya is compelled to solve the mystery of a haunted room that's been unsolved for decades. A mystery, not a murder, in case you're sick of murders.
"The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn"
I've read this one before (https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...), but it was nice to revisit it in the context of this collection of Jaya Jones stories.
"The Curse of Cloud Castle"
An island set apart from land, inaccessible except by boat and without internet/cell coverage. When Sanjay's friend decides to book his birthday party there, Sanjay agrees to put on his Hindi Houdini act and attend the party as a guest as well...but he ends up solving a murder.
"Tempest in a Teapot"
A magic trick goes awry ... or does it? Again, a mystery, not a murder.
"A Dark and Stormy Light"
Jaya tells Sanjay of one of the first conferences she attended back in the day, one that no other conference has ever lived up to. Again, a mystery, not a murder.
"The Shadow of the River"
A Jaya Jones story told from another perspective. When a professor in their building is found murdered in his locked office, Jaya must take in the clues quickly and decide who among the bystanders is guilty.
"Fool's Gold"
Set in Scotland during the Fringe festival, this novella was a lovely end to this book - a bit longer than the short stories, with more depth to Sanjay and Jaya (and their sleuthing skills). Together, they must solve the mystery of a missing (stolen?) chess set. Pandian really caught the feel of Fringe here; the whole city turns into one giant party, overflowing into the streets and lasting into the night.
April 25, 2024
I only read 2 short stories for now, Dark and Stormy Light + The Haunted Room, in this collection based on Tomcat's positive reviews. I also know spoilers that the Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn is similar to Jonathon Creek episode House of Monkeys, so I was uninterested in that.
Haunted Room was decent. I like the idea of a heavy weight with a group of people slightly tilting the floor/hinge to get items to roll under the space under the floor, but I do wonder if police really wouldn't notice since they'd see a gap at the edge of the floor. I'm also not sure if fully works geographically and structurally? But it's a fun idea that I can accept.
Dark and Stormy Light was disappointing. It's just an alibi story with the old lady 70+ year old thief pretending to be the super famous author delayed by her flight, but it was telegraphed too clearly. Then the trick of narrowing it down based on someone who said something fake about a guy who left was also not great. Ex, Jaya says to discredit what only one person said. But if so, you can discredit the maid by saying she ransacked the room, then reported. There's also not really evidence to determine that the diary was suddenly discovered to be fake. Eh. This was disappointing and a bland alibi story. The framing narrative of Jaya telling her friend was unnecessary too as it only made it longer but not more interesting.
I will possibly return to read the other short stories but am not rushing to and may also just not bother. Not sure. I like Gigi Pandian but just haven't yet clicked with any of her pieces. Maybe I'll try Raven Thief or something to see if something will click.
Haunted Room was decent. I like the idea of a heavy weight with a group of people slightly tilting the floor/hinge to get items to roll under the space under the floor, but I do wonder if police really wouldn't notice since they'd see a gap at the edge of the floor. I'm also not sure if fully works geographically and structurally? But it's a fun idea that I can accept.
Dark and Stormy Light was disappointing. It's just an alibi story with the old lady 70+ year old thief pretending to be the super famous author delayed by her flight, but it was telegraphed too clearly. Then the trick of narrowing it down based on someone who said something fake about a guy who left was also not great. Ex, Jaya says to discredit what only one person said. But if so, you can discredit the maid by saying she ransacked the room, then reported. There's also not really evidence to determine that the diary was suddenly discovered to be fake. Eh. This was disappointing and a bland alibi story. The framing narrative of Jaya telling her friend was unnecessary too as it only made it longer but not more interesting.
I will possibly return to read the other short stories but am not rushing to and may also just not bother. Not sure. I like Gigi Pandian but just haven't yet clicked with any of her pieces. Maybe I'll try Raven Thief or something to see if something will click.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2018
I’m a fan of the Jaya Jones mystery series. It is like Indian Jones and Amelia Peabody rolled into one and set in a current day setting with a feisty sleuth.
Jaya is a professor who seems to like to venture outside of the classroom to solve mysteries (Jones and Peabody in one!) She always seems to be put into the heart of the action whether she wants it or not (but she usually is happy to be right in the midst of it.)
In this book, we are given nine short stories which feature Ms. Jones. She is given a series of “unsolvable” mysteries and guess what? Does she solve them? Well, you’ll have to read the book for yourself.
While I love to get lost in one of the full novels by Gigi Pandian, it is fun to have this series of stories to read when I have only a little time. It is the same group of characters and the stories and fun. You don’t have to read the series to enjoy the stories but having the background makes them that much more fun.
I’m looking forward to reading another full novel in the Jaya Jones series – hopefully this coming year!
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.
Jaya is a professor who seems to like to venture outside of the classroom to solve mysteries (Jones and Peabody in one!) She always seems to be put into the heart of the action whether she wants it or not (but she usually is happy to be right in the midst of it.)
In this book, we are given nine short stories which feature Ms. Jones. She is given a series of “unsolvable” mysteries and guess what? Does she solve them? Well, you’ll have to read the book for yourself.
While I love to get lost in one of the full novels by Gigi Pandian, it is fun to have this series of stories to read when I have only a little time. It is the same group of characters and the stories and fun. You don’t have to read the series to enjoy the stories but having the background makes them that much more fun.
I’m looking forward to reading another full novel in the Jaya Jones series – hopefully this coming year!
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.
November 29, 2018
I won this book in a contest on Facebook. It is a series of locked door mysteries and murders that are outstanding. The author has 2 main characters Jaya Jones, a historian and history professor known for solving Historical mysteries and Sanjai Rai, The Hindi Houdini. Throughout these short stories the premise is a murder that has occurred in a locked room. The body is found locked in so how could the murderer have done the deed and escaped. With extremely clever use of their knowledge of history and mystery these two characters are able to come up with the manner of how the crime was committed. It is a fascinating book filled with historical references especially to India and complex yet lovable characters who engage the reader from the first page. I loved this book.
May 15, 2025
The Cambodian Curse
Quick paced wonderful mystery. Jaya works with North to solve a murder and find a missing sculpture in what looks like an impossible crime. Very clever with some twists. Very enjoyable.
The Hindi Houdini
Easily guessed mystery with Sanjay
The Haunted Room
Jaya solves another interesting mystery. Very clever.
The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn
Jaya solves another impossible crime. Another enjoyable read.
The Curse of Cloud Castle
Tempest in a Teapot
A Dark and Stormy Light
Jaya recounts a mystery she solved at a convention.
The Shadow of the River
Fools Gold
Wonderful quick novella that makes me want to read more about these sharp clever characters. Very enjoyable story,
Quick paced wonderful mystery. Jaya works with North to solve a murder and find a missing sculpture in what looks like an impossible crime. Very clever with some twists. Very enjoyable.
The Hindi Houdini
Easily guessed mystery with Sanjay
The Haunted Room
Jaya solves another interesting mystery. Very clever.
The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn
Jaya solves another impossible crime. Another enjoyable read.
The Curse of Cloud Castle
Tempest in a Teapot
A Dark and Stormy Light
Jaya recounts a mystery she solved at a convention.
The Shadow of the River
Fools Gold
Wonderful quick novella that makes me want to read more about these sharp clever characters. Very enjoyable story,
December 31, 2018
This is a fun assortment of short stories featuring a locked-room and/or ghost story mystery. Most, but not all, feature Jaya Jones. I found the character to be well-developed and likable. She is a historian and professor, specializing in Indian history, and uses her love of research and history to help solve crimes. Equally as important, is the idea of magic and illusion--supported by her good friend Sanjay who is a professional magician (also known as the Hindi Houdini). I enjoyed getting to know these unique characters and will be searching out Pandian's full-length novels featuring Jaya and Sanjay.
March 8, 2019
This was a very entertaining collection of short stories, all featuring the same key characters, and all locked room mysteries. To be fair, it contains seven stories and three of those are more aptly called novellas or novelettes. They are long enough to tell a fairly complex tale.
They are definitely the kind of mysteries where all the clues are revealed in a fair way, so the reader actually has a fighting chance at solving the mystery. (Though this reader, at least, did not actually do so.)
The two main recurring characters were enjoyable and likable. I found these stories very entertaining.
They are definitely the kind of mysteries where all the clues are revealed in a fair way, so the reader actually has a fighting chance at solving the mystery. (Though this reader, at least, did not actually do so.)
The two main recurring characters were enjoyable and likable. I found these stories very entertaining.
May 6, 2024
This is a collection of short stories, many about Jaya Jones, some predating most of the other books. You can see that Gigi Pandian has talent, but I implore British readers/listeners not to listen to the final story in the collection if they have any respect for their ears. Whilst the reader is ok with the American accents, (I assume she is American) Fools Gold necessitates both English and Scottish accents and sadly the closest she has to either is that of an American who once heard a fourth generation Irish American in a bar on St Patricks day plus Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins. Definitely a book to actually read.
October 1, 2020
Pandian does a terrific job of providing a powerful collection of locked room mysteries. The locked room mystery features what seems to be a truly impossible crime. I love how Pandian treats her readers to various but unique methods for creating these complex mysteries. I’m also a fan of her amazing Jaya Jones and Sanjay Rai characters, so this short story collection quenched my thirst for both intriguing puzzles and strong protagonists.
A superb collection of locked room mysteries that will lead to much thinking and head scratching.
A superb collection of locked room mysteries that will lead to much thinking and head scratching.
November 15, 2023
ALL THE LOVABLE SIDEKICKS STAR— WONDERFUL!!!
This is one of my favorite Gigi Pandian books and excellently narrated! I loved the explanations about what constitutes a closed room mystery.
This was a busy week, so this was a great book to read as snacks — one short story at a time. All of the great sidekicks showed up and were singled out to be showcased in each story.
I had read all of Gigi’s books, but somehow I had missed this one. It didn’t’ matter one bit, as these are stand alone stories.
Treat yourself to this one, whether you read or listen!
This is one of my favorite Gigi Pandian books and excellently narrated! I loved the explanations about what constitutes a closed room mystery.
This was a busy week, so this was a great book to read as snacks — one short story at a time. All of the great sidekicks showed up and were singled out to be showcased in each story.
I had read all of Gigi’s books, but somehow I had missed this one. It didn’t’ matter one bit, as these are stand alone stories.
Treat yourself to this one, whether you read or listen!
January 8, 2019
This was an enjoyable read of short stories featuring Jaya Jones. I love reading about her adventures. These were intriguing locked room mysteries that keep you guessing. I had already read two of the tales, but I read them again. In fact, the last one, Fool’s Gold, was the one that I read in Other People’s Baggage that got me hooked on Jaya Jones several years ago.
March 30, 2020
Hugely enjoyable collection of short stories and a novella all with either a locked room/impossible crime angle.Author Gigi Pandian is a huge fan of golden age authors such as Dickson Carr and his influence is clearly seen in these mysteries set in a more contemporary setting.Fans of Dickson Carr,Clayton Rawson,Ellery Queen ,Paul Halter et al will find much to enjoy here.Recommended!
November 27, 2018
Pandian shows herself to be a pro at the locked room short story.
Each one is different in its solution. They are tight and very interesting.
And true to the form, she plays fair and gives the reader all they need, assuming they are REALLY clever, to solve the mysteries.
Each one is different in its solution. They are tight and very interesting.
And true to the form, she plays fair and gives the reader all they need, assuming they are REALLY clever, to solve the mysteries.
September 3, 2019
Great collection of short stories that flex the author's muscle in the genre of closed room mysteries. I loved her main character and the various situations she encounters in this collection. Good food for thought.
October 18, 2019
I loved this book of short stories. Every mystery is fun, fast, and mystifying (well, you MIGHT be able to figure a few of them out.) and well worth your time and money. If you like this book, you will love the full length novels of Jaya Jones’ exploits. As you can tell, I’m a big fan!
November 6, 2023
Such a good collection of short stories. I have already read the Jaya Jones series, some of these short stories fall between those books or reference those books, but do not give away any of the plots.
December 17, 2025
I rate this 4.5 stars. This had more stories from my favorite characters from the series. They are a mixture of prequel and stories that would give spoilers if read too early. I enjoyed spending more time in this world.
November 19, 2019
I loved it! This is one of my favourite short story collections! Thank you Gigi for your awesome characters!
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