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Midnight at Malabar House
- Narrated by: Maya Saroya
- Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
- Categories: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery
Non-member price: $30.38
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Publisher's Summary
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.
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What listeners say about Midnight at Malabar House
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Prinny abraham
- 18-09-2020
Feminist Fiction from a Male Author
I’ve read and enjoyed Vaseem Kahn’s previous novels. This newest story about a female in the Indian Police Force seemed forced. It was difficult to follow the historical background which I usually enjoy learning more about from this author. There were too many characters with only a small storyline. I just didn’t connect with Mr. Kahn’s feminine protagonist. I finished the story but was grateful when it was over.
2 people found this helpful
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- Katharine
- 30-12-2020
An unpleasant proselytizing heroine
This is definitely a belt and suspenders type of writer. From the very beginning we learn not just about a burgled safe but it’s color, location, the weight of the picture disguising it and the fact it has two identical keys.
The lead character is the 1st policewoman in India and takes multiple opportunities to dwell on the exploitation of India by the English. Once I could have seen but the fourth and fifth time through were a slog.
It felt more of a youthful angst novel than a mystery. I’m sad because I thought the idea was excellent.
1 person found this helpful
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- Web_mistress
- 04-11-2020
Very solid and informative
Aside from quite solid plot with a good number of red herrings and a cute romantic line, it gives insides in Indian life in mid-20 century.
1 person found this helpful
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- Libin M.
- 03-10-2020
A time capsule if there was one
Very well written, can't wait for the next in the series. Love all the characters and how they were developed. Very striking about the Indian past, very well researched. The performance was also well on point.
1 person found this helpful
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- John S.
- 20-09-2020
Mixed feelings here
I liked the setting, which did evoke memories of my visits to Bombay. The secondary characters were well done - especially Archie! The mystery angle plotting also worked well; the author does have a popular series under his belt for experience.
So, what's the issue? I wasn't all that fond of Persis herself. To me, her handling of sexism, and imperialism, came off as downright rude. However, I did like the ending of the story, which opens up the possibility that she mellows a bit.
Audio narration was okay, but not the greatest fit. The reader sounded clearly British (to me), rather than South Asian. If she reads more of the series, it's not a deal-breaker; if they want to try a different person, I'm up for that as well.
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- VK
- 06-02-2021
A great Historical Mystery
Persis Wadia is the first female detective in post partition India. Not only does she have to prove her worth but she has a murder to solve
This book not only takes you into India of the 1950 but immerses you in the life and struggles of the people in this turbulent part of Indian history.
The plot to this book is woven into history beautifully and certainly keeps you guessing. It flows so easily that it was hard to put down. The clever plot came together at the end in the most satisfying way
Persis is a great character and on this case she is working with Archie Blacksmith a forensic expert from Scotland Yard. They are a most endearing match and I hope that we will see them again in the future.
The narrator definitely needs a mention as she was brilliant.
I feel I have been entertained by a good murder mystery while being educated in the history of India.
I would definitely recommend this book.
5 people found this helpful
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- anne
- 02-09-2020
Another delightful thriller
Vaseem Khan writes the most entertaining thrillers and mystery novels. This one I consider one of his best. Alongside an intriguing story with India’s first woman detective as the main character, we are given some enlightening history of a dreadful time in India’s history.... partition. Although the subject and references are appalling, this is not a depressing book. On the contrary it highlights the resilience of the Indian character and has a gentle, old fashioned, “Agatha Christie” type of denouement which will knock your socks off!
2 people found this helpful
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- Highland Hedgewitch
- 10-09-2020
An Agatha Christie Style Ride
What a joy of a book. The story kept me guessing with plenty of twists and turns to keep up with. The struggles of India, of the poor, of women, were quite something, i had no idea. So as well as entertaining it was an education too.
The story was read to perfection, and i shall miss the characters like parting with old friends.
1 person found this helpful
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- G. Barber
- 24-03-2021
An engaging story
Much enjoyed this story and well narrated. Will look for more by Vaseem Khan.
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- Carol
- 06-03-2021
An interesting and entertaining murder mystery
This is my first listen to this author and found it fascinating, entertaining and informative. I am not sure I like Persus but I think she will grow on me in future tales. She has the unenviable position as the only female detective in India only a few years into Indian independence so her prickliness is probably understandable. I look forward to more on this indomitable female and also learning more on the development of the amazing continent of India.
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- The Curator
- 15-12-2020
An interesting addition to the detective roster
Very enjoyable main character. An independent woman breaking boundaries but also not superwoman. She gets things wrong, she’s let down by colleagues and the ‘system’ but still looks to do right. I’m looking forward to more in the series.
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- Elaine
- 21-10-2020
Engaging mystery, Persis is a joy !
I loved this tale. Persis is a character whom I look forward to meeting again hopefully. The plot is detailed and thorough and setting took me to her world. I thought the narrator was excellent...with one minor grumble. I found the Scottish accent on one of the characters a bit difficult to hear.. maybe because I am Scottish!!! Loved this audio book.
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- Val
- 06-10-2020
Midnight At Malabar House
A good plot, with lots of historical background and some interesting characters but rather underminded with the pedestrian narration.
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