Cliff-hanging action in 1920s Calcutta

A review of The Shadows of Men

by Abir Mukherjee

I've just finished this book, the fifth in the Wyndham and Banerjee series but the first I have read. I can recommend it highly as a standalone book, and I'm likely to read the earlier four.

My review:

Suren Banerjee, an Indian detective sergeant, is wrongly accused of murder and terrorism. With his British partner Sam Wyndham he fights to clear his name against seemingly impossible odds. Be ready for rapid action and much cliff-hanging as you follow their exploits.

In what is both a ripping yarn and a wry commentary on colonialism Abir Mukherjee paints marvellous pictures of contrasting squalor and grandeur. This is all displayed against a background of complex inter-faith and political strife, much of which is being fired by imperialists intent on continuing to divide and rule. A great story.