The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown (Baby Ganesh Agency Investigation #2)

by Vaseem Khan

Overview

In the second instalment of a charming mystery series, a Mumbai-based investigator and his elephant partner are on the hunt for the Queen of England's stolen Crown Jewels.

For centuries, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has set man against man and king against king.

Now part of the British Crown Jewels, the priceless gem is a prize that many have killed to possess.

So when the Crown Jewels go on display in Mumbai, security is everyone's principal concern. And yet, on the very day Inspector Chopra visits the exhibition, the diamond is stolen from under his nose.

The heist was daring and seemingly impossible. The hunt is on for the culprits. But it soon becomes clear that only one man — and his elephant — can possibly crack this case. . .

Featuring the most charming crime-solving duo ever to grace the pages of a book, the Baby Ganesh Detective Agency series is a must-read for fans of Alexander McCall Smith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316386845
Publisher:	Orbit
Publication date:	08/09/2016
Series:	Baby Ganesh Agency Investigations , #2
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	536,031
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Vaseem Khan first saw an elephant lumbering down the middle of the road in 1997 when he arrived in India to work as a consultant. It was the most unusual thing he'd ever encountered and served as the inspiration behind his series of crime novels.

He returned to the UK in 2006 and now works at University College London for the Department of Security and Crime Science where he is astonished daily by the way modern science is being employed to tackle crime.

Editorial Reviews

06/13/2016
Khan’s winning second Baby Ganesh Agency mystery (after 2015’s The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra) smoothly combines an affable lead, a seemingly impossible crime, and an endearing and highly unusual sidekick—a baby elephant named Ganesha—who’s adept at surveillance. While PI Ashwin Chopra, a retired police inspector in Mumbai, India, and his wife are attending an exhibit of the British Crown Jewels at the Prince of Wales Museum, smoke fills the room, Chopra faints, and the crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, is gone by the time he regains consciousness. The jewel in that crown is a legendary diamond, the Koh-i-Noor, which many Indians believe the British stole from their country in the 19th century. When the corrupt police arrest Insp. Shekhar Garewal, a former colleague of Chopra’s who was in charge of the exhibit’s security, Garewal beseeches the detective for help. Fans of Alexander McCall Smith will find a lot to like. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"Smoothly combines an affable lead, a seemingly impossible crime, and an endearing and highly unusual sidekick-a baby elephant named Ganesha.... Fans of Alexander McCall Smith will find a lot to like."—Publishers Weekly on The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown

"Every bit as captivating as its predecessor. Fans of Tarquin Hall's Vish Puri will rejoice, but so should all mystery lovers."—Booklist on The Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown

"An entertaining feel-good read in the tradition of Alexander McCall Smith.... Utterly charming." —Guardian on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"The deep love for Mumbai and its people - warts and all - that Inspector Chopra shares with his creator infuses the novel from the beginning. The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra is certainly a delightful and uplifting crime caper, but it also comes with an edifying dose of serious social comment, with many of Chopra's preoccupations mirroring those of his creator."—The Bookseller on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"An enchanting start to a new series."—Woman & Home on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"A winning debut...Khan's affection for Mumbai and its residents adds to the novel's charm."—Publishers Weekly on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"Debut Mumbai-based 'cosy' - complete with baby elephant - keeps things heart-warming while tackling corruption at the highest levels and violent crime at the lowest. Endearing and gripping, it sets up Inspector Chopra - and the elephant - for a long series."—Sunday Times on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"Thought-provoking mystery... promising debut."—Booklist on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"Charming."—Marie Claire on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

"A fantastic and heartwarming read... I can't wait to see what happens next!"—First for Women on The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

From the Publisher

The appealing lilt of narrator Sartaj Garewal's Indian English is not only pleasing to the ear, but it also instantly transports the listener to Mumbai, where the magic and intrigue of the Inspector Chopra mysteries take place. This second book in the popular series brings the British Crown Jewels to India, where the Queen's crown is promptly stolen. Chopra, the likable retired policeman, and Ganesh, his baby elephant, are again pressed into service. Garewal's accent and ability to modulate intensity and tone convincingly portray the long-suffering Chopra. Furthermore, his skillful use of pacing, subtle inflections, and occasional sound effects adds authenticity. Together, Garewal and Khan deliver a highly entertaining audiobook that projects the mystical aura of India. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

OCTOBER 2016 - AudioFile

The appealing lilt of narrator Sartaj Garewal's Indian English is not only pleasing to the ear, but it also instantly transports the listener to Mumbai, where the magic and intrigue of the Inspector Chopra mysteries take place. This second book in the popular series brings the British Crown Jewels to India, where the Queen's crown is promptly stolen. Chopra, the likable retired policeman, and Ganesh, his baby elephant, are again pressed into service. Garewal's accent and ability to modulate intensity and tone convincingly portray the long-suffering Chopra. Furthermore, his skillful use of pacing, subtle inflections, and occasional sound effects adds authenticity. Together, Garewal and Khan deliver a highly entertaining audiobook that projects the mystical aura of India. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

OCTOBER 2016 - AudioFile