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Vish Puri #5
The Case of the Reincarnated Client
A client claiming she was murdered in a past life is a novel dilemma even for Vish Puri, India's Most Private Investigator.
When a young woman comes forward claiming to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a wife and mother who vanished during the bloody 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Puri is dismissive. He's busy enough dealing with an irate matrimonial client whose daughter is complaining about her groom's thunderous snoring. Puri's indomitable Mummy-ji however is adamant the client is genuine. How else could she so accurately describe under hypnosis Riya Kaur's life and final hours? Driven by a sense of duty - the original case was his late father's - Puri manages to acquire the police file only to find that someone powerful has orchestrated a cover-up. Forced into an alliance with his mother that tests his beliefs and high blood pressure as never before, it's only by delving into the past the help of his reincarnated client that Puri can hope to unlock the truth.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2019
122 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Tarquin Hall
17 books654 followersTarquin Hall is a British author and journalist who has lived and worked throughout South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He is the author of The Case of the Missing Servant, dozens of articles, and three works of non-fiction, including the highly acclaimed Salaam Brick Lane, an account of a year spent above a Bangladeshi sweat shop in London’s notorious East End. He is married to Indian-born journalist, Anu Anand. They have a young son and divide their time between London and Delhi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
June 6, 2020
It was seven long years since author Tarquin Hall published The Case of the Love Commandos; however, the wait for this, the fifth novel in the Vish Puri detective series, was definitely worth the wait.
Vish Puri faces several investigations: a 20-something woman who believes she is the reincarnation of a Sikh woman murdered in the 1984 riots, a snoring bridegroom, and a currency crisis. Puri’s clever, formidable mother, Mummy-ji, plays a central role in one of the investigations, as she did in The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken and The Case of the Love Commandos; I loved every minute of the delightful Mummy-ji, who proves a better detective than her son in this book!
Vish Puri fans, of course, rejoice at the release of this new novel long last; however, those new to the series won’t be at a loss, as the book works as a stand-alone. As always, Hall, a British journalist who lives in India and is married to an Indian, reveals so much of Indian life that readers will feel as if they can taste every scrumptious snack, smell every spice and flower, and observe every spectacle. Highly recommended.
Vish Puri faces several investigations: a 20-something woman who believes she is the reincarnation of a Sikh woman murdered in the 1984 riots, a snoring bridegroom, and a currency crisis. Puri’s clever, formidable mother, Mummy-ji, plays a central role in one of the investigations, as she did in The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken and The Case of the Love Commandos; I loved every minute of the delightful Mummy-ji, who proves a better detective than her son in this book!
Vish Puri fans, of course, rejoice at the release of this new novel long last; however, those new to the series won’t be at a loss, as the book works as a stand-alone. As always, Hall, a British journalist who lives in India and is married to an Indian, reveals so much of Indian life that readers will feel as if they can taste every scrumptious snack, smell every spice and flower, and observe every spectacle. Highly recommended.
February 27, 2020
In my first India-set mystery, Tarquin Hall has provided the sights, sounds, flavors and smells of the country in building the story of Vish Puri’s Most Private Investigators’ latest case, or rather, cases. Mr Puri does not really work on one case at a time. Nor does he work alone. He has undercover associates with nom de plume such as “Facecream” and “Flush” ready to assist. And then there is the always present, completely unofficial member of his team, Mummy-ji. His mother is always ready to help, wanted or not, but with a history of some success.
In this episode, The Case of the Reincarnated Client, Puri learns of a young woman who may in some unusual way be linked to the presumed death of a young Sikh wife and mother during riots after the assassination of Indira Ghandi. Can this be a reincarnation? What happened in this unsolved case? Other cases involve a marriage disturbed by horrific and unexpected snoring and a possible case of money laundering.
After a slow beginning, the story took off, with plots and subplots, providing close up pictures on life in India today, the crush and noise of traffic, the uncertainty of everyday life when government changes money values in attempts to disrupt corruption; the specter of homelessness; the sheer bustle of life. All in all, a satisfying story with a well-earned conclusion.
4*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
In this episode, The Case of the Reincarnated Client, Puri learns of a young woman who may in some unusual way be linked to the presumed death of a young Sikh wife and mother during riots after the assassination of Indira Ghandi. Can this be a reincarnation? What happened in this unsolved case? Other cases involve a marriage disturbed by horrific and unexpected snoring and a possible case of money laundering.
After a slow beginning, the story took off, with plots and subplots, providing close up pictures on life in India today, the crush and noise of traffic, the uncertainty of everyday life when government changes money values in attempts to disrupt corruption; the specter of homelessness; the sheer bustle of life. All in all, a satisfying story with a well-earned conclusion.
4*
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 23, 2020
It was great to see Vish Puri in action again.
Very convoluted case--with a beleaguered Puri being 'assisted' by Mummy-ji. I love Mummy-ji!
She saves the day, as always.
Though this series is usually humorous in tone, the cases are often based on very serious incidents in India's recent history. Here, the person of interest is presented as the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a young wife and mother, who disappeared (believed murdered) during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Vish Puri's late father, a policeman, had worked the case in 1984 but could not close it. Now, Mummy-ji has found this young woman (Saanvi) who knows all of these details of Riya's life; and she wants wants Vish to investigate. Puri is skeptical and very reluctant but eventually gives in to his mother's pressure. He is soon caught up in Saanvi's real life and her sessions with a 'past life regression therapist'. He also learns that Saanvi is under the care of a psychiatrist for possible schizophrenia. Just what is going on with this young woman?
Meanwhile, he has to deal with a national currency crisis that leads him into a money laundering scam and the notice of a big-time gangster. Also on his plate is the case of the snoring bridegroom.
All of the cases reach very satisfying conclusions--with the baddies being hauled off the jail in the two serious cases. As for the poor snoring bridegroom--a mostly happy ending for all, as well as a return to nighttime peace and quiet.
Speaking of plates--do not read while hungry! Vish Puri noshes his way through his investigations; the author delights in presenting a broad sampling of Indian street food, carry-out, restaurant, home cooking. Yum! (I was hoping for a fuller description of Puri's favorite Pinky Pinky Pudding--alas, my curiosity remains unsatisfied).
I hope it won't be so long until the next case for our Most Private Investigator.
Very convoluted case--with a beleaguered Puri being 'assisted' by Mummy-ji. I love Mummy-ji!
She saves the day, as always.
Though this series is usually humorous in tone, the cases are often based on very serious incidents in India's recent history. Here, the person of interest is presented as the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a young wife and mother, who disappeared (believed murdered) during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Vish Puri's late father, a policeman, had worked the case in 1984 but could not close it. Now, Mummy-ji has found this young woman (Saanvi) who knows all of these details of Riya's life; and she wants wants Vish to investigate. Puri is skeptical and very reluctant but eventually gives in to his mother's pressure. He is soon caught up in Saanvi's real life and her sessions with a 'past life regression therapist'. He also learns that Saanvi is under the care of a psychiatrist for possible schizophrenia. Just what is going on with this young woman?
Meanwhile, he has to deal with a national currency crisis that leads him into a money laundering scam and the notice of a big-time gangster. Also on his plate is the case of the snoring bridegroom.
All of the cases reach very satisfying conclusions--with the baddies being hauled off the jail in the two serious cases. As for the poor snoring bridegroom--a mostly happy ending for all, as well as a return to nighttime peace and quiet.
Speaking of plates--do not read while hungry! Vish Puri noshes his way through his investigations; the author delights in presenting a broad sampling of Indian street food, carry-out, restaurant, home cooking. Yum! (I was hoping for a fuller description of Puri's favorite Pinky Pinky Pudding--alas, my curiosity remains unsatisfied).
I hope it won't be so long until the next case for our Most Private Investigator.
February 6, 2022
Another wonderful addition to one of my favorite mystery series. Do yourselves a favor and listen to the audiobook version, the narrator is wonderful and really adds another dimension to the story!
Find my book reviews and more at https://maliayz.wixsite.com/princessa...
Find my book reviews and more at https://maliayz.wixsite.com/princessa...
April 22, 2025
The Case Of The Reincarnated Client is the fifth book in the Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator series by British journalist and author, Tarquin Hall. Just after a client pays a large, longstanding debt in cash, a new ruling by the government, designed to curtail the black economy, sees Vish Puri trying to legally launder a large number of soon-to-be-defunct high-denomination notes: he’s not the only one to be scrambling not to lose the value of their hard-earned cash investigation.…
Meanwhile, he puts Facecream onto the case of the bridegroom vetted by Most Private Investigations, whose now stentorian snoring threatens not just his marriage, but also Puri’s reputation for thorough marriage investigation. Flush puts Gordon, his electronic gecko into place to aid surveillance.
But what Puri is devoting most time to is a request from Mummy-ji. Back during the Anti-Sikh Riots of October/November 1984, an unhappy young mother of two, Riya Kaur went missing when the family quit their home to flee the Hindu mob. Her husband, Mantosh Singh claimed she was a victim of the pogrom, but Riya’s father, a close friend of Delhi Police Inspector, Om Chander Puri, believed she had been murdered by Mantosh.
In the chaos of that time and its aftermath, many victims were thrown in the river; no trace of Riya was ever found, and the case always troubled Puri’s Pappa-ji. But now, Mummy tells Puri she has a witness to the young woman’s murder. The catch is that the witness claims to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur. And the usually-shrewd Mummy is convinced. She urges Puri to approach it with an open mind. She needs him to obtain the police file on the cold case.
Using his connections, Puri reluctantly does so, but it’s surprisingly thin, giving them little to go on. While Puri talks to his father’s now-retired associate, Mummy tracks down the Singh family’s cook, who was friendly with Riya. But this far on, can they really hope to discover what actually happened?
Another distraction is that his youngest daughter, Radhika has a non-Punjabi boyfriend, a Bengali, no less. Puri is a big believer in arranged marriage, but Rumpi tells him that Radhika wants to marry for love. Puri’s not at all sure how he feels about that.
Hall gives the reader another entertaining instalment in Vish Puri’s life that includes a few twists and surprises, another attempt on Puri’s life, and a delightful epilogue. Fans will be pleased that a sixth instalment, The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck is available for their enjoyment. Indian cosy crime at its best.
Meanwhile, he puts Facecream onto the case of the bridegroom vetted by Most Private Investigations, whose now stentorian snoring threatens not just his marriage, but also Puri’s reputation for thorough marriage investigation. Flush puts Gordon, his electronic gecko into place to aid surveillance.
But what Puri is devoting most time to is a request from Mummy-ji. Back during the Anti-Sikh Riots of October/November 1984, an unhappy young mother of two, Riya Kaur went missing when the family quit their home to flee the Hindu mob. Her husband, Mantosh Singh claimed she was a victim of the pogrom, but Riya’s father, a close friend of Delhi Police Inspector, Om Chander Puri, believed she had been murdered by Mantosh.
In the chaos of that time and its aftermath, many victims were thrown in the river; no trace of Riya was ever found, and the case always troubled Puri’s Pappa-ji. But now, Mummy tells Puri she has a witness to the young woman’s murder. The catch is that the witness claims to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur. And the usually-shrewd Mummy is convinced. She urges Puri to approach it with an open mind. She needs him to obtain the police file on the cold case.
Using his connections, Puri reluctantly does so, but it’s surprisingly thin, giving them little to go on. While Puri talks to his father’s now-retired associate, Mummy tracks down the Singh family’s cook, who was friendly with Riya. But this far on, can they really hope to discover what actually happened?
Another distraction is that his youngest daughter, Radhika has a non-Punjabi boyfriend, a Bengali, no less. Puri is a big believer in arranged marriage, but Rumpi tells him that Radhika wants to marry for love. Puri’s not at all sure how he feels about that.
Hall gives the reader another entertaining instalment in Vish Puri’s life that includes a few twists and surprises, another attempt on Puri’s life, and a delightful epilogue. Fans will be pleased that a sixth instalment, The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck is available for their enjoyment. Indian cosy crime at its best.
July 31, 2020
This light funny and mysterious book is my first audio book by Tarquin Hall, so obviously the first book in the Vish Puri series.
This book reminded me of Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Investigation series.
Though this is the fifth book in the series, I can easily go through it without finding any problems.
One of the best recommendations to mystery lovers.
This book reminded me of Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Investigation series.
Though this is the fifth book in the series, I can easily go through it without finding any problems.
One of the best recommendations to mystery lovers.
August 6, 2022
Such an enjoyable series! Love the setting and culture, not to mention the food descriptions! Vish Puri is a common everyday type but an honorable family man and private investigator extraordinaire. I found it amusing Inspector Singh alluded that Puri's Mummy-ji was the better detective!
January 31, 2020
Totally delightful Indian mystery complete with a hard working, food loving Detective, his family and his staff.
Vish Puri is the owner of a successful Detective Agency. A cold case from his father has been brought to his notice by his mother. Mummy-ji wants his assistance, and of course she wants in on the action.
This was very much a feel good Bollywood style mystery that edges onto farcical but remains within the circle of fascinating intrigue, being both humorous and mysterious. Mummy-ji is somewhat the bane of Puri's existence. She calls him Chubby, and is desperate to help her son solve cases. Of course Puri doesn't want his mother muddying the waters, but somehow Mummy-ji inserts herself into the investigation and et voilà, finds out something new. And then there's the added positive, Mummy-ji is able to ask questions and go places that Puri can't. Not that Puri is even aware of these places half the time. That is until his mother alerts him.
I loved that Mummy-ji's old phone completely circumnavigated any searches for her by sophisticated machinery the tech's used when Puri was trying to find her.
Added to Puri's grief on a personal level, he believed in cash not banks and so when the government put strictures in place to thwart black monies in the economy, Puri was caught short. His poor employees are paid in cash. Puri does everything in cash!
Our foodie detective quite undid me with the rather mouth watering descriptions of the food encountered every which way throughout the story.
I didn't really know what I was getting into with this Indian detective novel. A mystery that opens up the past for Puri and the Anti-Sikh Riots of October-November 1984. Parts of the story are historically accurate and form a springboard for Puri's investigations.
A heartwarming mystery and I loved every moment of it!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
Vish Puri is the owner of a successful Detective Agency. A cold case from his father has been brought to his notice by his mother. Mummy-ji wants his assistance, and of course she wants in on the action.
This was very much a feel good Bollywood style mystery that edges onto farcical but remains within the circle of fascinating intrigue, being both humorous and mysterious. Mummy-ji is somewhat the bane of Puri's existence. She calls him Chubby, and is desperate to help her son solve cases. Of course Puri doesn't want his mother muddying the waters, but somehow Mummy-ji inserts herself into the investigation and et voilà, finds out something new. And then there's the added positive, Mummy-ji is able to ask questions and go places that Puri can't. Not that Puri is even aware of these places half the time. That is until his mother alerts him.
I loved that Mummy-ji's old phone completely circumnavigated any searches for her by sophisticated machinery the tech's used when Puri was trying to find her.
Added to Puri's grief on a personal level, he believed in cash not banks and so when the government put strictures in place to thwart black monies in the economy, Puri was caught short. His poor employees are paid in cash. Puri does everything in cash!
Our foodie detective quite undid me with the rather mouth watering descriptions of the food encountered every which way throughout the story.
I didn't really know what I was getting into with this Indian detective novel. A mystery that opens up the past for Puri and the Anti-Sikh Riots of October-November 1984. Parts of the story are historically accurate and form a springboard for Puri's investigations.
A heartwarming mystery and I loved every moment of it!
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
December 17, 2019
Vish Puri finds himself in the middle of an unbelievable case of a murdered woman being reborn. Is she telling the truth, or is there something more sinister at play?
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read in the Vish Puri series. It kinda reads as a stand-alone, but I would have benefited knowing more of the history.
Puri - aka "Chubby" - is a middle-aged, overweight private detective. His company is busy with several small cases, when something a little more personal drops into his lap. The murder of Riya Kaur nearly forty years ago, is one of Puri's late-father's unsolved cases.
Driven by the relentlessly-well-meaning Mummy-ji, new evidence comes to light. A young woman believes that she is the reincarnated Riya.
Puri has to uncover the truth behind the young woman's visions, to get to the bottom of this case.
It was interesting to read of this story set in India, getting a feel for the daily life, and the corruption that Puri is aware of all around him.
I like how it wove together the languages, making it feel very authentic.
The not-so-good
I did not like Puri. Our main character has all the arrogance of a big fish in a small pond. He's dismissive of all the work his colleagues and employees do. He treats women like second-class citizens. His wife is only appreciated as far as she's providing food; and Puri cares more about food than anything else.
This could be a cookbook, as Puri salivates over his various meals, replaying them in his mind in such detail; compared to the rushed "plot".
It would be OK if Puri being unlikeable was the point, but everyone treats him with deference.
There was a lot of posturing over previous cases. If I'd read the rest of the series, I might have appreciated these little nods. As I've come in at this point, it felt pretentious.
There were loads of annotations, linking to explanations at the back of the book. A few of these explained phrases, but they mostly echoed back to Puri's previous successes, with a similar smugness.
The book was not for me, and I'm not in a rush to read other books by this author.
I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read in the Vish Puri series. It kinda reads as a stand-alone, but I would have benefited knowing more of the history.
Puri - aka "Chubby" - is a middle-aged, overweight private detective. His company is busy with several small cases, when something a little more personal drops into his lap. The murder of Riya Kaur nearly forty years ago, is one of Puri's late-father's unsolved cases.
Driven by the relentlessly-well-meaning Mummy-ji, new evidence comes to light. A young woman believes that she is the reincarnated Riya.
Puri has to uncover the truth behind the young woman's visions, to get to the bottom of this case.
It was interesting to read of this story set in India, getting a feel for the daily life, and the corruption that Puri is aware of all around him.
I like how it wove together the languages, making it feel very authentic.
The not-so-good
I did not like Puri. Our main character has all the arrogance of a big fish in a small pond. He's dismissive of all the work his colleagues and employees do. He treats women like second-class citizens. His wife is only appreciated as far as she's providing food; and Puri cares more about food than anything else.
This could be a cookbook, as Puri salivates over his various meals, replaying them in his mind in such detail; compared to the rushed "plot".
It would be OK if Puri being unlikeable was the point, but everyone treats him with deference.
There was a lot of posturing over previous cases. If I'd read the rest of the series, I might have appreciated these little nods. As I've come in at this point, it felt pretentious.
There were loads of annotations, linking to explanations at the back of the book. A few of these explained phrases, but they mostly echoed back to Puri's previous successes, with a similar smugness.
The book was not for me, and I'm not in a rush to read other books by this author.
April 25, 2021
Vish Puri #5 - India's Most Private Investigator
*Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon 4/24/21*
Yipee! So glad to finally see a new installment in this complex, fun, mystery series set in India. As usual, Vish Puri's mother ignores his pleas to stay out of his investigations, and she stirs the pot and further complicates the various investigations. This is a stay up late turning the pages read!
I like that author Tarquin Hall shows all sides of India -- the soul crushing poverty, the bribes that must be paid, the jarring wealth amid the chaos of India's streets.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery series! You could begin with any book, but start with #1 to get the full fleshing out of characters as they grow and change. Or in Mummy-Ji's case, don't change!
*Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon 4/24/21*
Yipee! So glad to finally see a new installment in this complex, fun, mystery series set in India. As usual, Vish Puri's mother ignores his pleas to stay out of his investigations, and she stirs the pot and further complicates the various investigations. This is a stay up late turning the pages read!
I like that author Tarquin Hall shows all sides of India -- the soul crushing poverty, the bribes that must be paid, the jarring wealth amid the chaos of India's streets.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery series! You could begin with any book, but start with #1 to get the full fleshing out of characters as they grow and change. Or in Mummy-Ji's case, don't change!
December 1, 2019
My feelings about Tarquin Hall's The Case of the Reincarnated Client are mixed, but I will admit that they got more enthusiastic as I kept reading. This is an interesting series, set in modern-day Mumbai, one that I've been wanting to check out. Beginning with the fifth book in the series probably wasn't the best way to do things, but that's what I did.
The fact that this is a series matters immensely. Readers are assumed to know something about the relationships among the characters, to anticipate how they will respond in specific situations, to foresee points of conflict or humor. Because I didn't know the characters, I was reading in a sort of back-pedaling way. Hall would signal that something should be surprising or funny, and I had to take that on trust, realizing a few pages or chapters later what the surprise or the joke was.
The book is pretty extensively footnoted, commenting on references to previous cases, presumably from volumes 1-4. I have to acknowledge that this is a device I don't enjoy. I want a book to succeed or fail on its own, without requiring regular bits of explanation. If I need to know something, tell the story in a way that makes that something clear—don't pull me out of the narrative to explain that something then expect me to move right back in again.
That said, I really did warm to this book, though that didn't start happening until after the halfway point. Once I'd spent enough time with the characters to get to know them a bit, I was able to do the kind of anticipating and appreciating I'd been missing earlier on. I particularly enjoyed the author's ability to blend humorous and serious plot lines.
The novel juggles several related cases. The one referred to in the title gets the most coverage. Vish Puri, owner of The Most Private Detective Agency gets pulled in by his mother, Mummy-ji, to investigate a woman who may be the reincarnation of the victim of an unsolved murder from the anti-Sikh riots og 1984. The case is significant for Chubby (that's what everyone call Vish) because his deceased father, a police officer, had led the original investigation. Added to that case are a number of variations on money-laundering, necessitated by the government's cancellation of a particular monetary denomination—intended to prevent fraud, but actually sparking all kinds of new fraud as individuals try to unload any bills of the the soon-to-be-cancelled denomination before they become worthless. Finally, there a problem with a bridegroom Chubby previously investigated (apparently a fairly typical assignment for a private detective in this part of the world) who has turned out to be an unbearably loud snorer. The bride's father, who had commissioned the initial investigation, threatens to sue Chubby for failing to discover and report on the snoring issue before the marriage took place. Lots of cases, lots of humor, occasional real danger.
If you like "cozy" mysteries with an international flair, you should enjoy The Case of the Reincarnated Client, though you may want to work through the series sequentially.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
The fact that this is a series matters immensely. Readers are assumed to know something about the relationships among the characters, to anticipate how they will respond in specific situations, to foresee points of conflict or humor. Because I didn't know the characters, I was reading in a sort of back-pedaling way. Hall would signal that something should be surprising or funny, and I had to take that on trust, realizing a few pages or chapters later what the surprise or the joke was.
The book is pretty extensively footnoted, commenting on references to previous cases, presumably from volumes 1-4. I have to acknowledge that this is a device I don't enjoy. I want a book to succeed or fail on its own, without requiring regular bits of explanation. If I need to know something, tell the story in a way that makes that something clear—don't pull me out of the narrative to explain that something then expect me to move right back in again.
That said, I really did warm to this book, though that didn't start happening until after the halfway point. Once I'd spent enough time with the characters to get to know them a bit, I was able to do the kind of anticipating and appreciating I'd been missing earlier on. I particularly enjoyed the author's ability to blend humorous and serious plot lines.
The novel juggles several related cases. The one referred to in the title gets the most coverage. Vish Puri, owner of The Most Private Detective Agency gets pulled in by his mother, Mummy-ji, to investigate a woman who may be the reincarnation of the victim of an unsolved murder from the anti-Sikh riots og 1984. The case is significant for Chubby (that's what everyone call Vish) because his deceased father, a police officer, had led the original investigation. Added to that case are a number of variations on money-laundering, necessitated by the government's cancellation of a particular monetary denomination—intended to prevent fraud, but actually sparking all kinds of new fraud as individuals try to unload any bills of the the soon-to-be-cancelled denomination before they become worthless. Finally, there a problem with a bridegroom Chubby previously investigated (apparently a fairly typical assignment for a private detective in this part of the world) who has turned out to be an unbearably loud snorer. The bride's father, who had commissioned the initial investigation, threatens to sue Chubby for failing to discover and report on the snoring issue before the marriage took place. Lots of cases, lots of humor, occasional real danger.
If you like "cozy" mysteries with an international flair, you should enjoy The Case of the Reincarnated Client, though you may want to work through the series sequentially.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
October 25, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of The Case of the Reincarnated Client, the sixth novel to feature New Delhi’s most private detective, Vish Puri.
When Puri is presented with the case of a young woman who claims to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a young woman who was presumed murdered in the 1984 race riots, he initially wants nothing to do with it but pressure from his mummy-jii and the fact that Riya Kaur was one of his father’s unsolved cases persuade him to take a look. This is not, however, his only case as a disgruntled father is insisting that he re-investigate his son-in-law, claiming that Puri’s investigation should have uncovered the son-in-law’s marriage breaking snoring.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Reincarnated Client which is a humorous romp with a good mystery attached. It made me laugh but it is equally capable of tugging the heartstrings when discussing the poverty and casual cruelty in Indian society. Not that the author labours these points, rather they just appear as a natural part of his narrative as do the 2016 demonetisation where most bank notes became obsolete overnight and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which killed hundreds. I found the novel extremely informative on Indian culture, a subject I know little about, and I liked the way it was part of the story without overwhelming it.
There is a hint of the absurd in the plot, especially the snoring part, which gives the novel a warm, feel good tone so this tone and the mental contortions involved in solving the cases make it an easy, absorbing read.
The characterisation adds to the charm of the read. Vish Puri is a middle aged, overweight man with high blood pressure who runs a successful detective agency. This does not mean he is without issues as his wife is frequently pulling him up for overworking and his mummy-jii rides roughshod over him at every turn. She is the star of the show, being smart, determined and extremely capable of getting her son to do as she wants.
The Case of the Reincarnated Client is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Puri is presented with the case of a young woman who claims to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a young woman who was presumed murdered in the 1984 race riots, he initially wants nothing to do with it but pressure from his mummy-jii and the fact that Riya Kaur was one of his father’s unsolved cases persuade him to take a look. This is not, however, his only case as a disgruntled father is insisting that he re-investigate his son-in-law, claiming that Puri’s investigation should have uncovered the son-in-law’s marriage breaking snoring.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Reincarnated Client which is a humorous romp with a good mystery attached. It made me laugh but it is equally capable of tugging the heartstrings when discussing the poverty and casual cruelty in Indian society. Not that the author labours these points, rather they just appear as a natural part of his narrative as do the 2016 demonetisation where most bank notes became obsolete overnight and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which killed hundreds. I found the novel extremely informative on Indian culture, a subject I know little about, and I liked the way it was part of the story without overwhelming it.
There is a hint of the absurd in the plot, especially the snoring part, which gives the novel a warm, feel good tone so this tone and the mental contortions involved in solving the cases make it an easy, absorbing read.
The characterisation adds to the charm of the read. Vish Puri is a middle aged, overweight man with high blood pressure who runs a successful detective agency. This does not mean he is without issues as his wife is frequently pulling him up for overworking and his mummy-jii rides roughshod over him at every turn. She is the star of the show, being smart, determined and extremely capable of getting her son to do as she wants.
The Case of the Reincarnated Client is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 23, 2022
I’m so glad I discovered this well-written and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery series. I love Vish Puri, his wife, Rhumpi, mother, Mummy ji and the other colorful characters, including India itself.
May 10, 2022
With a cast of characters with names like these you know you are in for a treat:
Puri aka Chubby
Hari Dev aka Hairy Toes
Tubelight
Facecream
Flush
Handbrake
Narration by Sam Dastor was very smooth and enjoyable to listen to. The story was quite involving and I enjoyed how Puri's mother 'mummy' inserted herself into his investigation. Somehow, I was expecting more humor, however it has been a while since I listened to the previous volume in this series and perhaps my memory is faulty, or the topic more serious.
Puri aka Chubby
Hari Dev aka Hairy Toes
Tubelight
Facecream
Flush
Handbrake
Narration by Sam Dastor was very smooth and enjoyable to listen to. The story was quite involving and I enjoyed how Puri's mother 'mummy' inserted herself into his investigation. Somehow, I was expecting more humor, however it has been a while since I listened to the previous volume in this series and perhaps my memory is faulty, or the topic more serious.
February 17, 2020
4.5 stars - I’m so glad Tarquin Hall is still writing this fun and interesting series, I love the characters and always learn so much about modern India! This time, I listened to the Audible also, and discovered a wonderful new narrator who really brought these characters to life.
This time, the Most Private Investigators agency of Vish Puri has several interesting cases on the boil - and Mummy-ji to contend with, as well! Vish’s widowed mother was married to a police officer, and has a real nose for detective work; Vish, of course wants to protect her, and keep her out of his business! It adds a lot of humor to the story, she’s a great character.
As usual, one of the cases is more comical, the other two are more serious, but all three illustrate social customs and recent Indian history. In this book, we have an arranged marriage gone awry, a money laundering operation following the government pulling bills out of circulation in 2016 to try and get on top of the massive scale of the illicit economy (“black money”), and a young woman who thinks she’s the reincarnation of a Sikh woman murdered in the riots of 1984 following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh guards.
Along with the opportunity to learn about recent Indian history, this series shows, with humor and compassion, the seismic shifts imposed on an ancient culture by astronomical economic growth and rapid social changes. I hope we won’t have to wait so long for the next entry in the series, it’s one of my favorites.
This time, the Most Private Investigators agency of Vish Puri has several interesting cases on the boil - and Mummy-ji to contend with, as well! Vish’s widowed mother was married to a police officer, and has a real nose for detective work; Vish, of course wants to protect her, and keep her out of his business! It adds a lot of humor to the story, she’s a great character.
As usual, one of the cases is more comical, the other two are more serious, but all three illustrate social customs and recent Indian history. In this book, we have an arranged marriage gone awry, a money laundering operation following the government pulling bills out of circulation in 2016 to try and get on top of the massive scale of the illicit economy (“black money”), and a young woman who thinks she’s the reincarnation of a Sikh woman murdered in the riots of 1984 following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by two Sikh guards.
Along with the opportunity to learn about recent Indian history, this series shows, with humor and compassion, the seismic shifts imposed on an ancient culture by astronomical economic growth and rapid social changes. I hope we won’t have to wait so long for the next entry in the series, it’s one of my favorites.
December 14, 2019
I enjoy this series so much that I had to go to Flavors of India to eat onion bhajis and lamb biryani afterward-- especially since it's been a few years since the last Vish Puri mystery, and The Case of the Reincarnated Client met and exceeded all my expectations. You can enjoy this series for the mouth-watering food (I'd never tried it until I made Vish Puri's acquaintance) or the (often) laugh-out-loud humor or all the things you can learn about both modern-day and historical India or the interactions between the marvelous characters... or you can just enjoy the excellent mysteries. But when you can combine all of these into one series or one book, it's magic.
The humor comes into play when Puri faces the possible demise of his beloved car, but it is also scattered throughout the story. But everything isn't all slapstick and laughs. The author can also make you furious or make you want to cry. The main mystery involves a woman who disappeared during the terrible riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination and justice is the major theme-- both of obtaining it for Riya Kaur and for its total absence in the wake of those riots.
India's demonetization also brings forth another element of mystery, and while Puri is traveling around the city to keep up with all his cases, readers experience New Delhi's pollution. So much of modern Indian life is explored here that I want to talk about it all-- and I know that I can't because I want you to read this book. It's all seamlessly woven into the story in such a way that you can almost feel as though you're actually there as you read. Perfect for armchair travelers, eh?
And The Case of the Reincarnated Client is also perfect for armchair sleuths. Can justice be brought to a money launderer and to Riya Kaur? Can an irate matrimonial client be made happy and forget to file a lawsuit? If anyone can do all this, it's Vish Puri. Fans of this series, rejoice. Vish is back! Those of you new to the series, I envy you. You have so much good reading ahead of you!
The humor comes into play when Puri faces the possible demise of his beloved car, but it is also scattered throughout the story. But everything isn't all slapstick and laughs. The author can also make you furious or make you want to cry. The main mystery involves a woman who disappeared during the terrible riots following Indira Gandhi's assassination and justice is the major theme-- both of obtaining it for Riya Kaur and for its total absence in the wake of those riots.
India's demonetization also brings forth another element of mystery, and while Puri is traveling around the city to keep up with all his cases, readers experience New Delhi's pollution. So much of modern Indian life is explored here that I want to talk about it all-- and I know that I can't because I want you to read this book. It's all seamlessly woven into the story in such a way that you can almost feel as though you're actually there as you read. Perfect for armchair travelers, eh?
And The Case of the Reincarnated Client is also perfect for armchair sleuths. Can justice be brought to a money launderer and to Riya Kaur? Can an irate matrimonial client be made happy and forget to file a lawsuit? If anyone can do all this, it's Vish Puri. Fans of this series, rejoice. Vish is back! Those of you new to the series, I envy you. You have so much good reading ahead of you!
May 13, 2020
Tarquin Hall's detective, Vish Puri, tickles me. He's India's answer to Nero Wolfe: he's a gourmand; a gardener (chilies, not orchids): he employs smart, wisecracking operatives like Archie Goodwin; and he has an ego the size of a bus. I adore him. His use of language is pure poetry. His relationship with his redoubtable Mummy is hilarious. With all this, the plot is almost incidental - and pretty preposterous - but these mysteries are about the sounds and smells and tiny stitches that make up the fabric of modern India.
December 16, 2019
Delightful
July 19, 2022
As fun as reading this book is, the audiobook adds another level of entertainment. I was going to say spice, but that's just too Too.
For a light read - awesome!
For a light read - awesome!
January 3, 2021
Another good Vish Puri episode. Through this series, there are more than just mysteries and "bad guys". There is Indian history, customs, foods. There's the hub-bub, the crowding, the turmoil of everyday life. There's the neighbourhoods, the buildings. India is wrapped all around Vish Puri.
Vish Puri has to juggle a lot of cases in this book. From the reincarnated client to the unhappy client. He struggles to face his past and changes of customs. Vish Puri is a man wanting to do right, struggling with change, and always wanting to face the truth.
Vish Puri has to juggle a lot of cases in this book. From the reincarnated client to the unhappy client. He struggles to face his past and changes of customs. Vish Puri is a man wanting to do right, struggling with change, and always wanting to face the truth.
December 31, 2019
Oh my god! What a read this book was! I don’t know which godforsaken rock I was living under up until now because I cannot believe I missed out on such a unique story teller! Yeah, I’m going to be whining about this for a while now.
Anyways, The Case of the Reincarnated Client by Tarquin Hall is an absolute pleasure of a mystery read. And I cannot wait to tell you guys all about it, so here goes.
Summary
Vish Puri is a private investigator from Delhi and he continues his investigation streak in this book. A lady seems to have reincarnated and claims to remember the way she died in her previous birth during the 1982 Sikh riots in Delhi.
On the other hand, another client of his is threatening to sue Vish as his daughter’s marriage is on the edge due to the son-in-law’s snores. And then when Vish’s mother urges him to take on the reincarnated client’s case and dig deeper, he realises that there is no escape but to find out more about the woman’s past.
What I Liked
Where do I begin? For starters, it was like taking a walk through Delhi. Having been a Delhiite myself, it was just reminisces galore! Also, the characters were perfect. It looked like they were inspired by real people from the author’s life.
But the highlight of the book, I would say, was the absorbing and humorous narrative. What fantastic writing style! It is a perfect mix of humour, emotions, and thrill that are rare to find. One must read the book just for the writing.
The story is a great example of the ingredients required to hold the reader’s attention for a thriller such as this. Although it is spiked with humor and the typical Indian affairs, it does not, for one moment, take away from the actual plot.
The reason I agreed to review this book was of course, the cover. I simply love it! And I actually can’t wait to get my hands on the other books.
Tarquin Hall, I’m a fan! Where have you been all my life?
What I Did Not Like
Nada.
Other Details
This book is a part of a series where Vish Puri is the main character who investigates cases. Each book is a standalone. This is the 5th book of the series.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, of course!
Read the book and let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
Anyways, The Case of the Reincarnated Client by Tarquin Hall is an absolute pleasure of a mystery read. And I cannot wait to tell you guys all about it, so here goes.
Summary
Vish Puri is a private investigator from Delhi and he continues his investigation streak in this book. A lady seems to have reincarnated and claims to remember the way she died in her previous birth during the 1982 Sikh riots in Delhi.
On the other hand, another client of his is threatening to sue Vish as his daughter’s marriage is on the edge due to the son-in-law’s snores. And then when Vish’s mother urges him to take on the reincarnated client’s case and dig deeper, he realises that there is no escape but to find out more about the woman’s past.
What I Liked
Where do I begin? For starters, it was like taking a walk through Delhi. Having been a Delhiite myself, it was just reminisces galore! Also, the characters were perfect. It looked like they were inspired by real people from the author’s life.
But the highlight of the book, I would say, was the absorbing and humorous narrative. What fantastic writing style! It is a perfect mix of humour, emotions, and thrill that are rare to find. One must read the book just for the writing.
The story is a great example of the ingredients required to hold the reader’s attention for a thriller such as this. Although it is spiked with humor and the typical Indian affairs, it does not, for one moment, take away from the actual plot.
The reason I agreed to review this book was of course, the cover. I simply love it! And I actually can’t wait to get my hands on the other books.
Tarquin Hall, I’m a fan! Where have you been all my life?
What I Did Not Like
Nada.
Other Details
This book is a part of a series where Vish Puri is the main character who investigates cases. Each book is a standalone. This is the 5th book of the series.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes, of course!
Read the book and let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
February 28, 2020
A client remembers details of being murdered in her “pichhla janam”, and she was born around the time the murder took place. This could have led down only one pathway of investigation. The author did try to add minor sub-plots and twists but the deal was sealed.
This was perhaps the weakest of the 5 Vish Puri novels - it lacked the humorous insights on Indian society too. On the positive side, “Mummyji” had a much bigger role in this one and to an extent that made it worth reading for Puri fans.
This was perhaps the weakest of the 5 Vish Puri novels - it lacked the humorous insights on Indian society too. On the positive side, “Mummyji” had a much bigger role in this one and to an extent that made it worth reading for Puri fans.
March 12, 2021
After a bit of a slow start this became quite the rollercoaster. I hugely enjoyed myself, following Vish Puri, his Mummy-ji and all his operatives - my favourite being Facecream! That name! - through Delhi and surroundings, listening in on the conversations. (And I appreciated the glossary and footnotes!)
Looking back I'm counting three cases - a murder in the past, a snoring husband and a money-laundering scheme. Plus a prospective new son-in-law ...
Word of caution: There is a lot of eating going on, so do not read when hungry!
I hope we won't have to wait too long for the next one.
Looking back I'm counting three cases - a murder in the past, a snoring husband and a money-laundering scheme. Plus a prospective new son-in-law ...
Word of caution: There is a lot of eating going on, so do not read when hungry!
I hope we won't have to wait too long for the next one.
August 21, 2022
This is the most recent ( and possibly the last) of the 6 book series about Vish Puri,Most Private Investigator. It seems a long time ago that I read the others but must have enjoyed them or I wouldn't have left this one on my shelf.
I cant say that the book was a particularly easy read because of the large use of indian words. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I found the 150+ word glossary but even had I known it was there I couldn't see myself interrupting the story that many times. I would have finished up ignoring them, as I did anyway, and probably missed out because of it.
I enjoyed the actual story of the investigations and the help/hindrance of Mummy-ji . It seemed to reinforce the stereotypes on India that we have, of the few incredibly wealthy families and the masses of poor and homeless together with the endemic regime of bribery.
I had never heard of the country's radical (and unsuccessful) attempt to solve it's 'black' money problem in 2016 and can only imagine the anguish that caused. I had heard of the assassination of the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 but was unaware of the dreadful aftermath.
May be the series will be resurrected along with Vish Puri's battered Ambassador. If it is, I will check on the size of the Glossary before I decide whether to read it or not.
I cant say that the book was a particularly easy read because of the large use of indian words. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I found the 150+ word glossary but even had I known it was there I couldn't see myself interrupting the story that many times. I would have finished up ignoring them, as I did anyway, and probably missed out because of it.
I enjoyed the actual story of the investigations and the help/hindrance of Mummy-ji . It seemed to reinforce the stereotypes on India that we have, of the few incredibly wealthy families and the masses of poor and homeless together with the endemic regime of bribery.
I had never heard of the country's radical (and unsuccessful) attempt to solve it's 'black' money problem in 2016 and can only imagine the anguish that caused. I had heard of the assassination of the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 but was unaware of the dreadful aftermath.
May be the series will be resurrected along with Vish Puri's battered Ambassador. If it is, I will check on the size of the Glossary before I decide whether to read it or not.
October 15, 2022
I enjoyed this a lot and as the fifth Vish Puri mystery it shows that Tarquin Hall is still going strong delivering interesting mysteries that cover many facets of Indian life and culture. In this one, Puri is finally forced to join forces with Mummy-ji when she brings him a case where the client has a mystery which occurred in a previous existence. Puri is left facing the conundrum of believing in reincarnation but being skeptical of the example he's presented with. Somehow these have a cozy feel despite often containing serious topics.
April 17, 2021
These Indian mysteries are quirky but fun! (Own)
September 6, 2021
This one just didn't hold me.
April 18, 2022
I do love this Punjabi detective, Vish Puri, “India’s most private investigator”! I needed something light and this was perfect. There were times I couldn’t help laughing. It was a fun read … also enlightening as you do learn about India, it’s people and the food!!! This is the third book in the series that I’ve read and it hasn’t mattered that I have them out of order. Looking forward to more.
August 24, 2025
Could not put this one down! Very engaging storyline and every chapter flowed into the next. There was always the ‘ I wonder what’s next’ intrigue! Set against the backdrop of the Sikh genocide of 1984, it had so many twists and turns! Its a well written book through and through, with the places of historic names and events thoroughly researched. the reader is left wondering right until the end of all the possible outcomes. Probably the best book I’ve read all year!
September 10, 2025
The interaction of Puri and his mother in the beginning of this book is priceless for the humor it provides.
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