Tricky plot

You’ve got to pay attention. Complex twisty plot, if a little slow at times. Wyndham is a pretty rubbish detective though.

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Nothing is what it seems!

Vivid and engaging, this keeps you gripped and guessing till the very end, which, when it comes is oddly satisfying.

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Exceptional

What a throughly enjoyable follow up to A Rising man, kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last chapter. Cannot recommend this enough and look forward to reading what Sam and Surrender-Not get up to next.

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Just as good as the first book.

Brilliant narration, beautifully crafted story. Has made me want to find out much more about India in the 1920s.

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Out of his comfort zone!

Moving the story to a principality that is not dominated by the English gives opportunities to deepen the individuality of 'Surrender-Not' and 'Annie' and by interaction, 'Sam'. 'Sergeant Bannerjee's' patrician background comes into amusing play in a role reversal as do his superior capabilities in many areas. Annie is a more independent character and her dual nationality and deep feelings about that are challenged. Characters are starting to 'pick sides' in this historical era and the representative of the conventionally 'dominant' team has his ambivalence towards the justifications of the British Empire extended by the experience; more and more taking mental refuge in a focus on the technical aspects of police detection. Added to this are really interesting depictions of contemporary Indian life and a very satisfying and exciting detective story. Top stuff, although I still don't understand why Colonel Dawson of Book 1 has become Major Dawson of Book 2! Great books!

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A good story which is well narrated.

This is a really good listen. I liked the way that the characters and relationships had all developed onwards from the first book. The 1920s setting in an India under British rule makes for interesting twists. The narration is excellent depicting a lively caste of characters and nationalities with ease.

Cannot wait for Book 3 !

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So sad when the Audio book ended ...

My favourite of the 3 (so far?) Sam Wyndham Audio books ... engrossing story, wonderful narration and very atmospheric setting.

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Engaging from start to finish

Loved this! The narration is first class and Simon’s voice brings the characters to life. The story is super with Sam Wyndham and Surrender-a-not’s Banerjee on their second adventure in the hunt for the murderer and plot for who would want to kill the Maharaja of Sambalpore’s son. I bought the paperback and also the audible and while I am a avid physical book reader, found myself reaching for the audible version because the narration is just so good! Highly recommended.

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Great story, outstanding narration by Audible

I am so glad to have found this author! Once again Captain Wyndham and his sergeant Banerjee are involved in an intriguing murder mystery which rattles along briskly. Set in 1920s colonial India, the author skilfully weaves a compelling tale of two jarring cultures jostling along. The sights, sounds and indeed the smells of the Subcontinent are superbly depicted. Above all, the narrator is faultless, effortlessly switching from a Glaswegian artist to a haughty Maharaja. I strongly recommend this Audible version, I am already looking forward to the next one!

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1 person found this helpful

Another excellent book by Abir Mukherjee

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a well researched story with excellent characterisation and plot. It combines the interest of a detective story with historical information about the reality of British rule in India.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Necessary Evil?

For me the description of the tiger hunt, authentic but horrific, I almost didn't want to listen.

What about Simon Bubb’s performance did you like?

The narrator, although not from the Indian Sub continent, reproduces 'posh' Indian accents well.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I think my emotional reaction would be to hope that Sam eventually can be happy.

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