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Midnight at Malabar House

The Malabar House Series, Book 1

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Midnight at Malabar House

By: Vaseem Khan
Narrated by: Maya Saroya
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About this listen

Bombay, New Year's Eve, 1949

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India's first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.

And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country's most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost.

©2020 Vaseem Khan Limited (P)2020 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Crime Fiction Mystery Fiction
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What listeners say about Midnight at Malabar House

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not up to Agatha Christie in any way!

Disjointed and pedestrian. Marred by political and racial bias, stereotypical characters . I persevered in the hope that it would improve but sadly, it didn’t.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Good ☝

Great to have an Indian female roll which guts. Narration great, story great. Cheers again Audible.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Passable mystery

An ok listen, not awful, but not in any way brilliant. I did enjoy the history lesson re partition in India, but didn’t really engage with any of the characters much, I don’t think I’ll bother with any more unless they’re a good sale price!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent historical murder mystery

Brilliant murder mystery surrounded by a wealth of historical detail. Narrator is clear-voiced, with a measured pace, suitable to the material.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great narration and interesting history

Really enjoyed the narration and the context of partition India. Learnt a lot about history whilst also enjoying the very Christie style detective story. Very much Poirot style big reveal at the end is a bit cliche but does what it says on the tin. All in all an enjoyable listen and a good story.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A random suggestion from someone at audible!

I was suggested this as a random aside from a recent response from someone at audible tech support. I must say, I don't think this is a genre or premise I may have ordinarily just stumbled upon... But I am so grateful to have read it!

Vaseem Khan paints an intricate picture, bringing so much detail to life, aided by the vocal talents of Maya Saroya. Saroya's breadth of vocal talent, gift for pacing and emphasis, really drives home the emotion and imagery of Khan's vision for this story.

Heartily recommend this to anyone else! It was a new one for me, it could be a new one for you, too! :-D

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting Diversionary reading

The unfamilar setting, two dimensional but interesting characters overlay a fighting feminist heroine overcoming gender bias during one of India’s most turbulent modern periods, post independence and partitiin Interesting story well narrated and providing historical insight into a ’foreign’ culture to Euroreaders. not sure i woukd read a second story with the same protagonist but once was enjoyable and informative

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enjoyable

very engaging , narration very good and fits the story
I highly recommend
cheers

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    4 out of 5 stars

An interesting and entertaining murder mystery

This is my first listen to this author and found it fascinating, entertaining and informative. I am not sure I like Persus but I think she will grow on me in future tales. She has the unenviable position as the only female detective in India only a few years into Indian independence so her prickliness is probably understandable. I look forward to more on this indomitable female and also learning more on the development of the amazing continent of India.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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An interesting addition to the detective roster

Very enjoyable main character. An independent woman breaking boundaries but also not superwoman. She gets things wrong, she’s let down by colleagues and the ‘system’ but still looks to do right. I’m looking forward to more in the series.

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