Historical Mystery Lovers discussion

Nev March is the winner of the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award.

Leaving a long career in business analysis in 2015 she returned to her passion, writing fiction. She is a member of MWA, the Hunterdon County Library Write-Group and volunteers with non-profit organizations.

A Parsee Zoroastrian herself, Nev lives with her husband and two sons in New Jersey. Murder in Old Bombay is her debut novel.

Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries

Murder in Old Bombay
Peril at the Exposition
The Spanish Diplomat's Secret
The Silversmith's Puzzle: A Mystery

I looked in our favorite authors and time period thread and Nev March was mentioned by Peggyzbooksnmusic

We have not read books in India for awhile so I thought it we be a nice change. I have not read this author buy I do have book 1. Looking forward to reading it in October

I enjoy her historical mysteries, and read The Spanish Diplomat's Secret for NG. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

I felt the first book, Murder in Old Bombay was too long and lost my interest.

I have thought of picking up the second book to see if there are some improvements. However, there are so many other authors out there writing mysteries in the same time period that it's hard for me to come back to something I found just meh.

Gretchen wrote: "I felt the first book, Murder in Old Bombay was too long and lost my interest.

I have thought of picking up the second book to see if there are some improvements. However, there ar..."

Seeing I own the book I will give it a try and report back next month

Alice; Thanks for choosing this for Oct. It's set in late 19th century India while other series I've read set in India are usually set in 20th century. Haven't read this author although see that #1 in the series works for 3 Wedges in Wheel Challenge: Historical Mystery; #1 in series; & published 2020.

Gretchen wrote: "I felt the first book, Murder in Old Bombay was too long and lost my interest.

I have thought of picking up the second book to see if there are some improvements. However, there ar..."

I did not finish book one. There are so many other books I want to read. I think I did read the ending to resolve some points.

I read Bombay back in 2021 and came to enjoy it after a slow start. Here was my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished Murder in Old Bombay . I give a 3.5 star. More of a detective novel than historical mystery. There was aspects of live and social norms in India during 1892. It was well put together. I might read book two seeing it is in Boston and I live in the Boston area.

I also finished Murder in Old Bombay yesterday and liked it very much. After reading Alice's comment, I wondered how the story went from India to Boston, but now I know. I will probably read more of this series, but not for awhile, since I have a very long TBR list. I am looking forward to seeing how the hero fares in the US. Since the author herself immigated to the US from India she will have a feel for this.

I read the first one and the history was interesting but I didn't love it enough to jump into the second book. It's on the maybe list.

I read the first one right after it came out and thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice blend of history and mystery with just a little touch of romance. It was well deserving of the award for best first crime novel. I just recently read the second novel and it is a completely different animal. Although it does also touch on social issues as did the first, it read and felt like a historical cozy - a bit heavy on the tropes (misunderstandings, mistaken identities, taking turns rescuing each other, yada, yada). I will read the third as I'm hoping it was just a sophomore slump.

Am still on Libby hold for #1.

I finally was able to read #1 Murder in Old Bombay on Libby Kindle while listening to Libby Audio. Excellent audio narration by Vikas Adam. Loved the cover! Rated 4 stars.
Link to my spoiler free review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...