The Case of the Reincarnated Client had me laughing as I flipped through the pages to find out the solution to the mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor mixed in with the bits of tugging at the heartstrings. The description of the Indian society was really well done and made this story feel even more realistic. I found the novel informative on the Indian culture as well as purely wonderful entertainment.

I don’t want to labor the point, but I absolutely loved the humor. It isn’t often I laugh out loud when reading, but this novel had such a feel-good, warm tone to it that I had a difficult time setting it down. The mystery was really well planned out. I didn’t feel like I got it too quickly and was led along to a surprise.

The characters were fantastically written as well. Not only did they add to the realism of the plot, but they were relatable and intriguing as well, making the read even more absorbing.

The Case of the Reincarnated Client captured my heart and my attention. I really enjoyed this one and fully recommend it to everyone!

The fifth book in the Vish Puri series, murder mysteries set in Delhi. This one, though set in 2016, mostly concerns a murder that took place in 1984 during the anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Puri's own father was a police detective at the time, and investigated the death of Riya Kaur, suspecting that she was actually murdered by her husband, who used the riots to cover up his own crime. Unfortunately Puri's father was never able to prove anything, and the case haunted him until his death. Now Puri's mother ("Mummy-ji") believes she has found the proof – in the form of recovered memories from a woman who claims to be Kaur's reincarnation. Puri's skepticism about the supernatural runs up against the impossibly accurate information Kaur's supposed reincarnation is able to provide.

Meanwhile, the government of India releases a surprise announcement that all paper money must be exchanged at banks for new paper money within the next 48 hours, or else it will become worthless. It's part of a plan to reduce the black market, but Puri finds himself both with a buttload of cash to exchange and no time to do so, and clues to a suspected money launderer.

Despite the seriousness of both cases, the Vish Puri books are always funny, cozy, and full of lots of food porn – especially street food. They're light mysteries, overall; a subplot concerns a bride who wants to know why her groom is such a loud snorer, for example. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I've enjoyed the previous books, unfortunately, but it's still a fun series that does a wonderful job at capturing the feel of Delhi.

(Also, I read this book while on a trip to India earlier this year, and it finally cleared up my confusion at why everyone refused to take my old cash!)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3674858194

The Case of the Reincarnated Client is the fifth book in the Vish Puri series, and whilst I've not read any of the other books, I didn't feel I was missing out on too much!

The rest of the books are all crime novels as well, all set in India, and Vish Puri is a private investigator. 

In this book his mother brings him a case that she has decided he needs to take on, and that she's going to investigate with him. It's the case of a young girl claims to be a woman who was murdered during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and Puri's mother is determined he will help her, especially as his late father had investigated the murder.

Puri is not pleased as he's dealing with another client who he did the background check on the groom, who is now snoring.  And the government is just making some of the paper money defunct.

I enjoyed this trip to to India, and the customs and insight it gave me.   I also enjoyed Puri's family life, and his mother.

 The Case of the Reincarnated Client  by Tarquin Hall was published on 4th February 2020, and is available to buy on  Amazon  and on  Waterstones .  I've found a  link  to where you can search for local bookshops, including independent!

You can follow Tarquin Hall on his  website . 

If you're interested in cosy crime, then I'd suggest the following:

In the Crypt with the candlestick by Daisy Waugh

Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox - this is a series that I've been enjoying.

I was given this book for free in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to  Severn House  (the publishers) for this book.

Tarquin Hall involves the reader in a complex Indian mystery, the Case of the Reincarnated Client in which private detective Puri solves a convoluted family mystery that turns out not to involve reincarnation. His mother is a leading aid in the investigation. Read on.

In my first India-set mystery, Tarquin Hall has provided the sights, sounds, flavors and smells of the country in building the story of Vish Puri’s Most Private Investigators’ latest case, or rather, cases. Mr Puri does not really work on one case at a time. Nor does he work alone. He has undercover associates with nom de plume such as “Facecream” and “Flush” ready to assist. And then there is the always present, completely unofficial member of his team, Mummy-ji. His mother is always ready to help, wanted or not, but with a history of some success.

In this episode, The Case of the Reincarnated Client, Puri learns of a young woman who may in some unusual way be linked to the presumed death of a young Sikh wife and mother during riots after the assassination of Indira Ghandi. Can this be a reincarnation? What happened in this unsolved case? Other cases involve a marriage disturbed by horrific and unexpected snoring and a possible case of money laundering.

After a slow beginning, the story took off, with plots and subplots, providing close up pictures on life in India today, the crush and noise of traffic, the uncertainty of everyday life when government changes money values in attempts to disrupt corruption; the specter of homelessness; the sheer bustle of life. All in all, a satisfying story with a well-earned conclusion.

4*

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A delightful and fun story, an interesting description of India and a great cast of characters make this story a very interesting read.
I loved the well thought cast, the vivid and fascinating setting and solid mystery, and the humour.
It was a great read and I am getting the previous books in this great cozy mystery story as it can become one of my favorite.
It was an excellent and fun read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Oh, a readers joy to stumble upon a new series that has four books on back list! I had somehow missed this delightful series and, after finishing #5 am eager to polish off the previous four. Vish Puri, aka Chubby to his dear mother, Mummy-Ji, is a private detective and my new favorite character. Followed closely by Mummy-Ji, of course. Vish would rather that his mother would stay out of his business but she is quite a force. In this entry she shows up at his office with information about a cold case from 1984, one his father was involved with, Vish shouldn't be surprised that nothing about it will be in any way normal. The case is the disappearance of a young woman and Mummy-Ji is certain that a young woman she has met is her re-incarnation. Oh, and not only does Mummy-Ji want him to take the case, she wants to join him in his investigation. Given that she can go places he can't and ask questions as well as get answers he can't - well what is a son supposed to do? Go with the flow. It's not the only case on his desk, either. Along with the cold case he is dealing with the case of the snoring bride groom.
From the very first page I knew I was going to love this series. When Vish hears his mother's voice in his outer office talking to his secretary, he is eager to figure out how to escape his office without getting caught. From his nickname to his imagining the impossible task of escape through the bathroom window one instantly knows that Vish is not svelte and that he is a foodie. By the end of the book I was craving Indian food. It all sounded so good! Beyond that? The mystery was well crafted and came to a very satisfying conclusion. I can't wait to go back and spend more reading time with Vish and Mummy-Ji.
My thanks to the publisher Severn House and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this one. Puri is a very busy and increasingly successful private investigator. But this isn’t the usual setting of somewhere in the US or UK – this is bustling India. It would have been so easy to have got this disastrously wrong and it’s a credit to the author and his in-depth knowledge of Indian society and its faultlines that it worked so well. I didn’t always like Puri. He is often impatient, argumentative, and horribly dismissive of his clearly very clever mother, but he’s also loyal, essentially kind-hearted and tenacious in trying to unravel wrongdoing in a society where corruption is deep-seated and people in the highest places often look the other way.

Despite the fact I crashed midway into this series – this is Book Five and I hadn’t read any of the previous offerings in this series – I didn’t at any stage find myself floundering. Hall has a deft writing style that focused on the setting and mystery so that I was swiftly caught up in Puri’s world and didn’t want to put this one down until I had finished it.

The worldbuilding is exceptional. Not only could I clearly visualise it all – I could taste and hear Puri’s surroundings, the pollution, the constant traffic and ceaseless churn of people struggling to earn a living. While Puri’s love of food gave me an insight into its role in Indian society, as well as succeeding in making my mouth water. All this was achieved without holding up the pace or getting in the way of the narrative arc – which is a whole lot harder to pull off than Hall makes it look. As for the two crimes, running side by side, they were brought to a satisfactory enjoyable conclusion without being too tidy. I absolutely loved this one – to the extent that Himself has gone out and bought me the first four books in the series as an early Valentine’s present – no wonder I love the man so much! Highly recommended for fans of murder mysteries in enjoyable and different settings. The ebook arc copy of The Case of the Reincarnated Client was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
10/10

The Case of the Reincarnated Client is the fifth in Tarquin Hall's quirky cozy mysteries starring India's Most Private Investigator Vish 'Chubby' Puri and his ever helpful Mummy.

This time Mummy embroils Chubby in a very cold case that's been reborn, so to speak. A second case involves the mystery of a new husband's sudden onset of extremely loud snoring.

Though I enjoyed the very clever solutions to both Chubby's cases, what I like most about this series is the window the author gives readers into the chaos and challenges of life in modern India.

Totally delightful Indian mystery complete with a hard working, food loving Detective, his family and his staff.

Vish Puri is the owner of a successful Detective Agency. A cold case from his father has been brought to his notice by his mother. Mummy-ji wants his assistance, and of course she wants in on the action.
This was very much a feel good Bollywood style mystery that edges onto farcical but remains within the circle of fascinating intrigue, being both humorous and mysterious. Mummy-ji is somewhat the bane of Puri's existence. She calls him Chubby, and is desperate to help her son solve cases. Of course Puri doesn't want his mother muddying the waters, but somehow Mummy-ji inserts herself into the investigation and et voilà, finds out something new. And then there's the added positive, Mummy-ji is able to ask questions and go places that Puri can't. Not that Puri is even aware of these places half the time. That is until his mother alerts him.
I loved that Mummy-ji's old phone completely circumnavigated any searches for her by sophisticated machinery the tech's used when Puri was trying to find her.
Added to Puri's grief on a personal level, he believed in cash not banks and so when the government put strictures in place to thwart black monies in the economy, Puri was caught short. His poor employees are paid in cash. Puri does everything in cash!
Our foodie detective quite undid me with the rather mouth watering descriptions of the food encountered every which way throughout the story.
I didn't really know what I was getting into with this Indian detective novel. A mystery that opens up the past for Puri and the Anti-Sikh Riots of October-November 1984. Parts of the story are historically accurate and form a springboard for Puri's investigations.
A heartwarming mystery and I loved every moment of it!

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley

The author is new to me. He was born in London but has lived in many places around the World including India and Pakistan. Based in Delhi this is the sixth mystery for the very Private Investigator Vish Puri ( Chubby to his Mummy-Ji). Vish has already a case to investigate of a new bride and her family concerned about the new husband's snoring! However Mummy-Ji brings him an unusual one, relating to one of her late husband's unresolved cases. In 1984 after the assassination of Premier Indira Gandhi by Sikh guards, many Sikhs were murdered. At this time a Riya Kaur married to Mantosh Singh went missing presumed killed.
Mummy-Ji has a witness to her death, but it turns out to be a lady named Saanvi who claims to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur!
Vish tries not to let Mummy-Ji get involved in his business but she has a way of ignoring him and unfortunately she is often right! Apparently Saanvi is having sessions with Maaya a hypnotist and past life regression therapist. Although Vish is sceptical he agrees to witness one of the sessions, before this can happen Saanvi's father insists she return home. Vish is then sidetracked when the Government cancels 500 and 1000 rupee notes replacing them with new ones, Vish has a problem explaining why he has a considerable amount!
Vish enjoys his food and we are treated to many descriptions of tantalising dishes. Vish will need the help of his friend Police Inspector Jagat Prakash Singh to try and resolve these cases.
I enjoyed the book, although I have never been to India it paints a very descriptive picture for me. I recommend without reservation and intend to read other Vish Puri mysteries.

The main challenge in all murder investigations is to find the murderer and prove behind doubt that that particular person is responsible. Of course, only the murderer and the victim know exactly what occurred. Through forensics the victim is able to give certain information but what if he or she could actually tell the police what had happened? That’s the question for Vish Puri, private detective. Is reincarnation the answer?
This is the fifth book in Tarquin Hall’s successful Vish Puri series. As such, it’s not that easy to read as a standalone as the characters are now very established. So it took me a while to settle into it especially as Puri has nicknames for all his workers. Some are more obvious than others, for example, Handbrake is his driver. Puri is also a very busy man, juggling quite a few cases at a time. The reincarnation storyline is the main plot but there are also other issues for him to deal with including money laundering and a snoring bridegroom. I have to say that the latter was one of my favourite parts of the book and gave some light relief to the more serious crimes.
Riya Kaur’s mysterious disappearance in 1984 during the anti-Sikh riots is a case well-known to Puri. His father had been the original police detective investigating the missing woman which he’d been unable to solve. A young woman claiming to be the reincarnation of Riya might be able to provide the answers. Puri is sceptical but his Mummy-ji is convinced. The anti-Sikh riots were a dark part of modern India’s history. I’d forgotten about them until I read this. Hall has managed to capture the fear and horror that the Sikh community must have felt. I don’t want to give too much away but this plotline is particularly moving.
Apart from the snoring bridegroom, my other favourite part was Mummy-ji. She tests Puri with her stubbornness, her old mobile phone that’s never switched on (I know that one!) and her ability to take forty winks at the wrong time. I loved her as a character and she proved herself to be as good a detective as her son. I just hope that Puri’s wife, Rumpi, also gets a chance to take part in her husband’s business. She has the patience of a saint as she cooks amazing food for her husband who then doesn’t come home to eat.
If you’re after a lighter crime read with an international flavour then it’s worth looking at the Vish Puri series. But I do think it might be better to start at the beginning.

I’m kicking myself that I’ve only now discovered this fabulous series. But better late than never!
The Case of the Reincarnated Client is the fifth novel featuring Vish Puri as its hero. Or rather anti-hero, since he’s an unassuming, kind man who much prefers the quiet life and really doesn’t want to be called on to do heroic acts. He is very much at the beck and call of Mummy-ji, who is actually the driving force behind this novel in that she insists that Vish takes this case on. Poor man, he has no choice!
The setting is modern-day Mumbai and the atmosphere is one of endless noise, colour and activity. The pace of life is frenetic, yet somehow it doesn’t sweep Vish along with it. He takes his time, especially over meals, and remains sedate, almost ponderous, but resolute.
Not only are we thoroughly entertained in this book but we learn some Indian history and get a revealing glimpse of its modern culture too.
All the characters we come across are fascinating, most of them borderline eccentric if not beyond, and they are all a joy to encounter. There’s lots of humour and quirkiness in the novel and it’s one that really gets under your skin and won’t give you any rest until you’ve finished it. You just have to know what unexpected thing is going to happen next!
An excellent book that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Case Causes Consternation For Vish.....
Vish Puri returns in this entertaining and well written mystery - book five in the series. A case of possible reincarnation gives our thoughtful protagonist, Vish, cause for consternation. Thoroughly engrossing, laced with gentle humour and an all round excellent read. A very worthy addition to the series.

What a beautiful book, I thoroughly recommend it. I think the author is incredibly clever as the book pulls you in as a light mystery, but he weaves in Indian culture and history throughout which is incredibly sad. It doesn’t overwhelm the book which shows the cleverness of the writing but it makes you think, long after you put the book down.

Puri is perplexed when he hears from a young woman claiming to be the reincarnation of the murdered Riya Kaur. He is unwilling to investigate but with pressure from his mummy-jii, and that his father had once investigated the case, he decides to proceed. Only then does he discover that the death of Riya Kaur in the 1984 race riots is far more sinister than he could have imagined.

This could be a really heavy read but the murder story is interwoven with that of a man whose snoring is threatening to end his marriage.

An excellent read.

In the wonderful tradition of Alexander McCall Smith, Tarquin Hall’s The Case of the Reincarnated Client is a delightful and charming mystery set in India which is beautifully written, wonderfully evocative and a joy from beginning to end.

Vish Puri, India Most Private Investigator, has heard some tall stories in his time, so when a young woman comes forward claiming to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, a wife and mother who had vanished during the bloody anti-Sikh riots of 1984, he is instantly dismissive. Not only is such a story utterly ridiculous, but it stretches credulity to such an extent that not even the most gullible and naïve of individuals would believe this story. However, when Puri’s redoubtable mother is convinced that the client is genuine, he wonders whether there might be some merit to this story. After all, this woman gives a bone-shuddering accurate account of Riya Kaur’s life and final hours, so maybe she could be telling the truth…

Poor Puri has certainly got a lot on his plate at the moment. Not only does he have his mother to contend with – which is enough to send his bloody pressure sky-rocketing – but he also has other cases to deal with, such as a client moaning about her spouse’s thundering snoring. As he begins to delve deeper into the case of the young woman claiming to be the reincarnation of Riya Kaur, Puri uncovers a web of lies, deceit and dangerous secrets. Yet, the more he delves into the past, the closer he comes to uncovering the truth about the reincarnated client – and get his mother off his back.

An enjoyable mystery that is brilliantly constructed and full of wit, charm, suspense and intrigue, The Case of the Reincarnated Client is a fabulously written and wonderfully told tale that readers will not be able to resist gobbling up. Delicious, delightful and featuring a brilliant sleuth, you cannot help but love, The Case of the Reincarnated Sleuth is a terrific mystery fans who like their cosies with a touch of exoticism are simply going to love.

I really enjoyed this book. The author created an interesting story line about a missing woman from a cold case the main character's esteemed father had never been able to solve.

Mr Puri is a detective who struggles under the shadow of his successful father, the demands of an overbearing wife and mother and a high sense of morality. Mr Puri is a beacon of genteel morality standing strong and alone in the whirlpool of misdeeds. The author doesn't mind poking a bit of fun at Mr Puri's expense, however, as he bumbles through the story Mr Puri becomes more and more engaging and one cheers for him when he finally does stumble onto the right conclusions at the end of the story.

The narrative is engaging and the background paints a vivid picture of the city of Delhi. What I liked most about this well written novel is its sense of gentle humour - Mr Puri is a bit self-deprecating but at the same time an astute observer of people, place and politics. His gentle story highlights some key political and social issues - the treatment of women in India, religious intolerance, the corruption at all levels of society and the ineffectiveness of Government initiative to stem corruption that had an opposite effect.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining read which also gives an brief but keen insight into the socio-political underpinnings of India.

The Case of the Reincarnated Client is a fun, humorous and intriguing cosy mystery.

‘Chubby, how many times I’m telling you, diet is required? Obesity is there.’

‘And how many times I’ve told you that detective work is not for mummies?’

Vish Puri is a well-regarded and fiercely law-abiding private detective in Delhi, who seems to owe at least some of his successes – albeit grudgingly – to the help of his mummy-ji.

The Case of the Reincarnated Client sees Puri dealing not only with the mystery surrounding the eponymous character but also with an aggrieved former client with an unusual complaint and some particular financial problems ironically, for one so honest, caused by the government’s latest anti-corruption initiative.

The book is extremely atmospheric and full of lively and vivid descriptions of Delhi life and of lots of delicious-sounding food! I felt I learned quite a lot about Indian culture, families and relationships as well as about some difficult times in its history.

Alongside the more serious issues were some comic moments which made this both an enjoyable and an interesting read. I liked the footnotes with additional information and learning new words along the way.

I very much enjoyed getting to know Puri, his family, friends and associates and of course the tour de force that is mummy-ji. I know that Tarquin Hall has written earlier books in this series and have already added them to my towering TBR pile. :)

Vish Puri finds himself in the middle of an unbelievable case of a murdered woman being reborn. Is she telling the truth, or is there something more sinister at play?

I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read in the Vish Puri series. It kinda reads as a stand-alone, but I would have benefited knowing more of the history.

Puri - aka "Chubby" - is a middle-aged, overweight private detective. His company is busy with several small cases, when something a little more personal drops into his lap. The murder of Riya Kaur nearly forty years ago, is one of Puri's late-father's unsolved cases.
Driven by the relentlessly-well-meaning Mummy-ji, new evidence comes to light. A young woman believes that she is the reincarnated Riya.
Puri has to uncover the truth behind the young woman's visions, to get to the bottom of this case.

It was interesting to read of this story set in India, getting a feel for the daily life, and the corruption that Puri is aware of all around him.
I like how it wove together the languages, making it feel very authentic.

The not-so-good
I did not like Puri. Our main character has all the arrogance of a big fish in a small pond. He's dismissive of all the work his colleagues and employees do. He treats women like second-class citizens. His wife is only appreciated as far as she's providing food; and Puri cares more about food than anything else.
This could be a cookbook, as Puri salivates over his various meals, replaying them in his mind in such detail; compared to the rushed "plot".
It would be OK if Puri being unlikeable was the point, but everyone treats him with deference.

There was a lot of posturing over previous cases. If I'd read the rest of the series, I might have appreciated these little nods. As I've come in at this point, it felt pretentious.
There were loads of annotations, linking to explanations at the back of the book. A few of these explained phrases, but they mostly echoed back to Puri's previous successes, with a similar smugness.

The book was not for me, and I'm not in a rush to read other books by this author.

Great to see Tarquin Hill back after a long absence with The Vase of the Reincarnated Client. He's at the top of hia form with an entertaining book!