Midnight at Malabar House

Synopsis

*** WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2021 ***

'The leading character is the deftly drawn Persis Wadia, the country's first female detective. She's a wonderful creation and this is a hugely enjoyable book' ANN CLEEVES

'This is historical crime fiction at its best - a compelling mix of social insight and complex plotting with a thoroughly engaging heroine. A highly promising new series' Mail on Sunday

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.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Discovery

* Summary: Inspector Persis Wadia investigates the discovery of a severed hand in the garden of Malabar House, a stately mansion in Bombay.
* Example: "A gloved hand lay in the grass, its fingers curled as if it were grasping something invisible."

Chapter 2: The Suspicious Gatherings

* Summary: Persis investigates a series of peculiar gatherings held at Malabar House, attended by an enigmatic group of individuals.
* Example: "Young widows, former revolutionaries, and wealthy industrialists mingled in the dimly lit rooms, each with their own hidden motives."

Chapter 3: The Disappearing Lady

* Summary: The investigation takes a sinister turn as one of the attendees, Lady Emily Strangways, vanishes without a trace.
* Example: "Lady Strangways's absence became an unsettling mystery, casting suspicion on every guest at Malabar House."

Chapter 4: The Hidden Connections

* Summary: Persis uncovers a web of connections between the guests, revealing their secret pasts and present rivalries.
* Example: "The industrialist, Sir Reginald Hargreaves, had a history with Lady Strangways, while the revolutionary, Santosh Rao, held a grudge against Sir Reginald's company."

Chapter 5: The Séance Unraveled

* Summary: Persis attends a séance held at Malabar House, hoping to learn more about Lady Strangways's disappearance.
* Example: "As the spirits supposedly communicated, Persis noticed subtle clues that hinted at a staged performance."

Chapter 6: The Shadowy Figure

* Summary: A mysterious figure is seen lurking around Malabar House, adding to the growing sense of unease.
* Example: "A fleeting shadow moved through the shadowy gardens, its presence sending a chill down Persis's spine."

Chapter 7: The Murder Revealed

* Summary: Persis finally uncovers the truth behind Lady Strangways's disappearance and the severed hand.
* Example: "The evidence pointed to a complex conspiracy involving betrayal, jealousy, and a desperate fight for survival."

Chapter 8: The Motive Unmasked

* Summary: The motivations behind the murder are fully revealed, exposing the dark secrets and broken alliances within the group.
* Example: "A tale of greed, revenge, and forbidden desire unfolded, revealing the true nature of the individuals involved."

Chapter 9: The Final Confrontation

* Summary: Persis confronts the killer in a dramatic showdown at Malabar House.
* Example: "With her wit and determination, Persis outsmarted her adversaries, leading to the ultimate revelation of the truth."