I am still reading “Murder in Bombay” and thoroughly enjoying it. There is lots of detail and the reader can feel immersed in the life in India in the late 19th century.. it was not an easy life for most. The difference in daily living between the classes is dramatic.
The resilience of the poorer classes is most admirable - especially the children!
I’m anxious to get back to the story and will complete my review when I e completed the book.

I'm hearing from more and more friends that they have difficulty keeping attention to reading given the current fraught state of the world. I realized that I need a dose of therapeutic literature. For my daughter, this means a romance novel. For me, a mystery is just the ticket. And not just any mystery, but one that folds together a faraway setting, a faraway time, a stated connection to Sherlock Holmes and a pinch of romance and PTSD. Murder in Old Bombay should have wide appeal to fans of the genre. A Parsee Zoroastrian herself, the author was awarded the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award for this, her debut novel.

Oh my was this a wonderful read! Winner of Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award, Nev March gives us a sumptuous setting (1892 Bombay), a discerning character whose idol is Holmes, and a perplexing double suicide that may be murder.

I luxuriated in the heat, the compelling locale and Dev’s deft narrative style. Sure to please any reader who digs exotic historical mysteries. Ah, India!

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 10 Nov 2020  

Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#MurderInOldBombay #NetGalley

This was an enjoyable historical mystery. I thought the writing was easy to follow and the history easy to understand without it feeling like it was distracting me from the main mystery part of the story. I loved the character development in this. Captain Jim questions his place in society due to his upbringing, is still recovering from lingering effects from being in war, but still doesn't give up on what he wants to do and never seems to lose sight of his morals. I found myself picking this up at every opportunity because I couldn't wait to see what Captain Jim found next, or where his intuitions would him. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery and a lovable main character. I hope this book turns into a series because I would love to see where Captain Jim and Diana are up to.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC.

I received a copy of this book free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion..
I really enjoyed book. It definitely had a Conan Doyle feel to it. I loved the setting of the book: both location and time period. The characters were fantastic. I would love to read more of Captain Jim's story.
A brilliant debut novel

A wonderful debut by a new author strikes all the right cords in this mystery set in Bombay in the 1890’s. Was it murder or suicide novice detective Jim Agnihotri is on the case. Interesting characters and locations mixed with all the societal do’s and don’ts in India at that time. I can’t wait for more stories from this author.

I love historical fiction, anything set in India, and almost all Indian authors. This book was engaging, historical and extremely interesting. I hope to read more work by Nev March. Thanks to Netgalley for the great read!!

I appreciate receiving an advance copy of Murder in Old Bombay from Net Galley. Set in 1890’s Bombay, the story revolves around a soldier who, having served in the British Army, recently recovered from wounds, physical and psychological, suffered in battle in Karachi. While in recovery, he learns of the death of two young women in Bombay which propels him to want to investigate. He has great admiration for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and sees an opportunity to dig into this mystery. After an introduction to the husband of one of the two women, he is hired by the family to look into the mystery. The story provides a realistic portrayal of the times—physically, culturally, and socially. The pursuit of the solution takes many different paths, some of which felt a little convoluted but did introduce additional important characters. I would have liked to see more deductive reasoning a la, his idol, Sherlock Holmes. The pacing left me interested in spurts and some of the situations felt predictable. The period and the characters made it an interesting read.

Murder in old Bombay by Nev Marsh Reviewed August 1, 2020
This historical fiction 1892 story (based on real events) setting is in Bombay, India during British rule. Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a military hospital and is very curious when he reads about two women falling from a clock tower. One of the husbands firmly believes that this is not the case of suicide Capt. Jim is a fan of Sherlock Holmes and sets out to solve this mystery.
Have not read many stories about India, I was thankful for the Glossary!!

Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 10, 2020

Set in colonial India, 1892, Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a military hospital when a story in the local paper catches his eye. Two women fell from a bell tower to their deaths under suspicious circumstances. Three men were put on trial for murder, but the deaths were ruled suicides—and everyone has doubts. Being a fan of Sherlock Holmes, Jim decides to try his hand at detective work and solve this mystery.

This book is as much historical fiction as it is mystery, and I really enjoyed reading a Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery through the lens of India during British colonial rule. The pacing is fantastic and scene-setting so beautiful. The family dynamics and relationship-building were well-developed, and the main character (Captain Jim) goes through a transformation himself as he uncovers secrets from the past and learns more of what he's capable of in pursuing his chosen path. Overall a fun and compelling read, highly recommended!

Set in the late 1800s in colonial India - in the city of Bombay, this is a rather expansive historical mystery involving the death of two young women in the Framji family and a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. The Framjis are Parsees (or Parsis), a community of people originally from Persia, and are a respected well-connected family at ease among the British social structure and part of Bombay’s influential business establishment. Two women of the family are dead - having apparently “fallen” from the university’s clock tower. The deaths are suspicious, but no one is talking. Adi Framji, husband of one of the women ends up hiring Jim Agnihotrii, a recuperating captain in the army to help privately investigate the case. So begins the many treks to follow the clues scattered throughout the storyline. Captain Jim sure travels a lot and is adept at many disguises. Threaded throughout the story are the political, social, and cultural issues of the time, sometimes it felt those were the central characters of the book and the murders were incidental. Luckily, I enjoy that sort of stuff, and although the book probably ended up being longer than it should have been, they all contributed to the final coming together of the mystery surrounding the deaths of the two women. I enjoyed the writing style with the story told from Captain Jim’s point of view. A man who has had to struggle to get where he is in life, a social question mark, he fights for the underdog, despite his own demons. Overall, the book was an enjoyable historical mystery set during an interesting period in India’s history and about a not often featured community - the Parsee - who are an integral part of Indian society. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book, there was so much character development and all kinds of twists I didn’t see coming like the fact that James was out of it for a year and had no idea that a year had passed when he started the framji case.

All the little anecdotes were also really night and while they didn’t seem to tie in with the rest of the book at first the writer always found a way to tie it all in and make it make sense.

The end was really pleasing too, I was hoping that James and Diana would get married. I would love to see another book that follows their lives in Boston.

(Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an early ready copy!)

What a delightful book, well written and very interesting. Set in Bombay in 1892, British/Indian Capitan James Agnihotri (Jim)happens upon news story that catches is his interest: 2 well to do young women apparently threw themselves to their death from a clocktower. But something about the event seemed strange to him, and he reached out to one of the victims' husband to see how he could help, and the husband engaged him to investigate. A devotee of Sherlock Holmes, Captain Agnihotri throws himself into the investigation, often thinking about how Sherlock would approach things. Along the way he becomes friends with Adi, the husband, and as things progress Jim becomes almost a part of the family. At the same time the head of the local constabulary is interested in hiring him, and his military contacts come back to get his help in solving another mystery. And along the way there is of course a bit of forbidden romance that comes his way.

Capitan Agnihotri is a delightful and well developed character and his Sherlock Holmes-isms are creative and funny. Adi, his parents and sister, household staff, are all beautifully drawn and engaging. Nev March inserts the politics and social mores of the day in a realistic and compelling fashion, which only adds to the appeal of Captain Jim and the other characters.

I really enjoyed this book. I believe it's a debut novel and I hope that Nev March continues to write; in fact I can see several great sequels featuring Captain Jim! Murder in Old Bombay is a lovely, entertaining, interesting and engaging murder mystery that should not be missed!

I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed this historical crime novel, set in 1892 British India.  Thirty year old Captain Jim Agnihotri, son of an unknown English father and an Indian mother who left him with a church before she died, has been convalescing in a hospital, from injuries that occurred over a year ago. During the skirmish that killed all but a handful of his fellow soldiers, Jim was injured so badly that he has only become aware of his surroundings in the last few months. He's left with horrible nightmares, panic attacks, and an overpowering sense of guilt and grief for not being able to save his companions.

During his time of recuperation, Jim rereads Sherlock Holmes stories and scours newspapers for information on the deaths of two young women who fell from a clock tower. The book is full of references to Holmes and Watson, as Jim decides to investigate the suspicious deaths of the two women, once he's out of the hospital. Parsee Adi Framji, widower of one of the women, along with his entire family, take Jim in as one of their own, glad to have his help and friendship. Being of mixed heritage, Jim, having been an orphan from the age of two, values the time he spends with this loving family, knowing he is never really a part of any group, because of his mixed heritage. 

The story is told in Jim's words and for this reason, we aren't always sure of the thoughts and motivations of others in this story. Jim knows that he really has no place in the life of this family, other than as an employee, but he can't help having feelings for Adi's sister, Diana. Jim also values his friendship with Adi and the way that Adi's parents show real feelings for him, in the manner of a mother and father. 

Midway through the book, Jim travels to Lahore, right before the fighting breaks out and he must make his way to safety. During this time, he acquires five traveling companions and I loved this part of the book and Jim's relationship with his five charges. The author allows us to see Jim from many sides, because he really does belong to no one group but instead can pass for both Indian or an Englishman. So much of the book reminds me of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, as Jim is able to use disguises, mirroring the way Sherlock would change his looks and demeanor. 

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I loved the concept for this book. Late 19th century Bombay and a mystery was sure to pull me in. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The best part of this book for me were the characters. I grew to love the supporting characters.

The main character was wonderful! He was complex and interesting. He was learning and changing. Through Jim we see a vibrant and multi-cultural city. It’s so real because everything isn’t just beautiful. There are prejudices freely discussed and the characters don’t question them much. This is British ruled India. Yet it’s done in way that doesn’t feel racist or “othering”.

The descriptions and the way the story was woven into a mystery pulled me in. This is a stunning debut!

However, a few things just didn’t work for me:

1. I didn’t like the mystery. I don’t mean the plot or how it was written. I just didn’t like how it played out. The reasoning behind certain actions and decisions fell flat for me. It didn’t make it difficult to finish the book but it didn’t feel surprising nor suspenseful the way I’m used to in a mystery.

There was no feeling of guessing what might be happening or the reasons behind something or what the outcome will be. The big reveals were a bit dull. I can’t believe I’m saying that because they are pretty big but they didn’t land with impact.

2. At first the addition of a bit of romance was fine, but by the end it felt like the romance was driving the story and I didn’t like it.

3. Finally, this felt too long. The chapters were short but there were almost 70! They weren’t slow, and sometimes I felt they ended too soon, but it still felt long.

I like a mystery with a bit more drama I guess.; that’s the reason for taking off a star. I would still recommend this. Also loved the addition of the glossary at the back.

I found this book a lot more enjoyable than I expected to. I don't read much historical fiction, but the premise of this book intrigued me, and it did not disappoint.

Set in the late 1890's in Bombay, India, Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in hospital from serious wounds he received during his stint in the army. His only reading matter is a copy of a Sherlock Holmes novel (which he reads several times over) and the local newspapers. Bored, he becomes intrigued by the story of a high profile crime - two women from a prominent local family fell to their deaths from a local clock tower, and despite some suspicion of foul play, their deaths have been ruled a suicide.

Once he leaves the hospital and the army, Jim is trying to decide what to do with his life. He is still interested in the story, and decides to follow Sherlock Holmes' methods and to investigate the crime. Initially he goes to interview the family as a reporter from the local paper, but is soon hired by the Framji family as a private investigator.

I really enjoyed the characters portrayed in this book, especially the strong women characters. The novel didn't particularly feel like it was set so far back in time - rather just set in a completely different culture. I enjoyed the way Jim investigated, and the many turns this took. Tensions between local principalities and the areas under British rule all added to the difficulties Jim faced - not everyone wants his to discover what truly happened to the young women. Connections from his army past also muddy the waters as he continues his quest.

I found the sense of the tight family connections within the Framji's household very interesting, and enjoyed the ending - you were never sure quite how the family situation was going to turn out.

All in all a book I really enjoyed. I would read more by this author - this was their debut novel and it was very well done.

Much thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur books for the chance to read this ARC in return for an honest review.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, in return for an honest review. This is a stand-alone mystery, sent in 1892 India. This is a wonderful and sweeping story. If you liked the Agatha-winning ‘Widows of Malabar Hill’, you should really enjoy this book. It combines mystery, drama, intrigue, romance. All are set against a backdrop of the British rule in India. The protagonist is Captain (medically retired) James Agnihotri. He is a half-Indian/half-Anglo, so outcast in both societies. The book opens when he’s in long-term convalescence after a serious injury in the military. He reads a letter in the Bombay newspaper from a young widower whose wife and sister died from falls at the University tower. The falls were ruled suicides based on the evidence at the time. A closing line resonates with Captain Jim and he seeks out the widower, Mr. Adi Framji. Adi lives with his parents and younger siblings in a grand mansion while he studies law. Captain Jim initially plans a career as a newspaper reporter with this as his first story. Instead Adi hires Jim to investigate the deaths and determine what really happened. As a great Sherlock Holmes fan, Jim believes he can apply order and method to his investigation. Things really take off from there, with trips to neighboring Princely States and to areas under Afghan and British skirmishes. Jim encounters people from all classes and castes; he’s exposed to religious issues and how ethnicity and status permeate all areas.
I enjoyed this book very much. Other reviewers note that it is long and does contain a great deal of plotline. I was okay with this as the story moved well for me. I also enjoyed the romance in the story. There is triumph and tragedy in the story. The characters are believable and engaging. This book is definitely worth the reading time.

I absolutely loved this book!!! Since I visited India & fell in love with the place, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It certainly is so true to the facts that I had learned while there!
Definitely a must!!!

I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this grand, epic tale set in Bombay during the latter part of the 19th century. The book gives a vibrant picture of life, luxury and turmoil during the British Raj and the Princely States which were never fully a part of British India in colonial times. These semi-independent states had their own regional rulers and had tenuous alliances with England, but often resented British rule. The book vividly portrays divisions in class, culture, caste, race, religion, and the place of women in society.

Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering during a long stay in a hospital after being wounded in a battle in the northern frontier. While his body is healing, his memory is muddled and he experiences episodes of PTSD. He is overcome by grief due to the feeling that he failed his military team. He has never known the love of a real family. His father was English and his mother Indian. Because of his mixed heritage, he doesn't quite fit in with either race. He grew up in an orphanage and entered the army at an early age. He had kindly, supportive mentors at both stages of his youth.

While lying in the hospital, Jim's attention is drawn to reports of the deaths of two young women in the newspapers. The two young women, one married, and her sister-in-law fell to their death from a University tower. He feels the women's deaths are suspicious. He also reads a letter in the paper from the grieving widower and is determined to discover the cause of their deaths. Being a great fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories, he feels he can use Holmes' power of deduction and sleuthing to solve the mystery and bring closure to the husband.

It is believed by the police the two women committed suicide together for unknown reasons. Once released from the hospital, Jim is hired by the newspaper to write about the deaths. When he interviews the wealthy Parasee family, he is convinced they may have been murdered, but why?. He develops a strong attachment to the family who offers him the job investigating why they died. They will pay more than the newspaper, but he agrees primarily because he is now in the centre of a loving family with whom he sympathizes.

I found the first part of his investigation compelling and presented some tantalizing mysteries and intriguing characters. Later, I thought the story meandered too much as he donned many disguises to search for suspects and witnesses far and wide, becoming rather convoluted and moved along with a slower pace. I did not care for the romance with the flighty and flirtatious daughter if the family. This detracted from the investigation, and I found their love story to be melodramatic and overwrought. As Parsees do not marry outside their religion, this worry was an impediment to his investigation and state of mind.

Some earlier tumultuous history is mentioned that relates fierce, bloody battles between British regiments and native forces resulting in the slaughter of thousands. Were the participants of these uprisings patriots or terrorists? How does this history relate to Jim's investigation?

Overall, I found this a riveting, complex mystery that could have been shortened by omitting irrelevant tangents. There is an ending that hints that some of the characters may be continuing their story in America. I will hope that book will be forthcoming but will miss the dynamic, colourful, historic Bombay setting.
3.5 to 4 stars.

I found this book delightful for the historical aspect and descriptions as well as the story line. It was a bit slow to start, but necessary for the plot of the book... I would recommend it to anyone interested in history, cultures, and of course, mystery!