The mystery of the Missing Servant- Tarquin Hall

[Susie Shy]

Tarquin Hall( I had never read his books before) who has connections with India through marriage and also through his periods of stay in New Delhi, seems to know the intricacies of modern Indian life, like a pro. Read this book and you will know how the average, middle class, upper class and even lower class Indian lives in India today. For even though the caste system might have seen its last days, there is still a class system of sorts in India and its essence has been captured by the author remarkably. I say remarkably, because as a Britisher, he must have had to be extremely observant to have written this well-researched book.
Another case he worked on at the same time involved investigating a groom. Indian society still uses the arranged marriage system to find out if a prospective groom is good enough for their daughter or vice versa and these days, they employ detectives to do the sleuthing. In a series of twists and turns,the author takes us through the social life of one of the nouveau rich people of Delhi- an employee of a call centre or a multi-national company.
The book was thrilling,enthralling and kept me reading, until I had finished it, which is something new for me these days. And above all, I want to keep the book. I find myself usually giving away books and it is rare that I find a book I want to keep and here is one.
The only negative thing about the book was towards the end it seemed to me that the author wanted to finish the book off in a hurry- the ending was too abrupt, though to his credit, the author did not move down the path of surprise. The ending was more or less predictable. I don't like shocks in an ending, so the book was good in that way.
Throughout the book there was a resonance of good morals, values and ethics and this I appreciated. This book is safe reading for adolescents.

[gali]

I have read all of his books and loved them.

[Susie Shy]

I am yet to read another but have order a few on Amazon- awaiting their arrival. Seems like books to keep !