A client claiming she was murdered in a past life is a novel dilemma even for Vish Puri, India's most private investigator.
When a young woman comes forward saying she's the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a wife and mother who vanished during the bloody 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Puri is dismissive. He's busy enough dealing with an irate matrimonial client whose daughter is complaining about her groom's thunderous snoring. Puri's indomitable Mummy-ji however is adamant the client is genuine. How else could she so accurately describe under hypnosis Riya Kaur's life and final hours?
Driven by a sense of duty--the original case was his late father's--Puri manages to acquire the police file only to find that someone powerful has orchestrated a cover-up. Forced into an alliance with his mother that tests his beliefs and high blood pressure as never before, it's only by delving into the past with the help of his reincarnated client that Puri can hope to unlock the truth.
About the Author :
Tarquin Hall is the author of numerous books, including the Vish Puri mysteries, set in India. The first in the series, The Case of the Missing Servant, was named by the New York Times as a Notable Crime Book and given starred reviews by Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, and Booklist. The second book in the series, The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing, won an AudioFile Earphones Award and was named a best mystery book of the year by the Seattle Times.
Sam Dastor studied English at Cambridge and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His early theatrical experience includes a spell at the National Theatre under Sir Laurence Olivier and time spent acting in the West End. For the Royal Shakespeare Company, he has been seen in Timon of Athens, Tales from Ovid, and a world tour of A Servant to Two Masters. His many television appearances include I, Claudius; Yes, Minister; Mountbatten; Julius Caesar; and Fortunes of War. He has also appeared in the films Made, Jinnah, and Such a Long Journey, recorded over a thousand broadcasts for the BBC, and narrated numerous audio books.
Review :
"Hall's plot is filled with engaging twists. Vish is a wonderfully realized character, and we're treated to his takes on Delhi's pollution, traffic, and food."
-- "Booklist (starred review)"
"With pitch-perfect aplomb, Dastor expertly commands the colorful cast, navigating comedic twists and solemn tragedies. From the opening credits to the closing author's note, the gleeful relief of savoring Dastor's performance never wanes, until the very last second, when you'll have to face the unavoidable, undeniable hunger for more."
-- "Booklist audio review (starred review)"
"Hall creates delightful characters and provides illuminating glimpses of contemporary Indian life. Readers will hope they won't have to wait another seven years for Puri's next outing."
-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Hall deftly handles amusing characters and serious social issues."
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"These books are little gems. They are beautifully written, amusing, and intensely readable."
-- "Alexander McCall Smith, New York Times bestselling author, on the series"
