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
Publishers Weekly
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.)
From the Publisher
"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
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
