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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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All stars
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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.

Not up to Agatha Christie in any way!

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

Good ☝

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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!

Passable mystery

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

Excellent historical murder mystery

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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.

Great narration and interesting history

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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

A random suggestion from someone at audible!

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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.

An interesting and entertaining murder mystery

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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.

An interesting addition to the detective roster

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I loved the flavour of India in this well described story. The characters come alive, the plot is convoluted and I didn’t guess the ending though I came close. The reader is excellent. I thoroughly recommend this story.

Delightful tale

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I loved this tale. Persis is a character whom I look forward to meeting again hopefully. The plot is detailed and thorough and setting took me to her world. I thought the narrator was excellent...with one minor grumble. I found the Scottish accent on one of the characters a bit difficult to hear.. maybe because I am Scottish!!! Loved this audio book.

Engaging mystery, Persis is a joy !

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