Is it Suicide or "Murder in Old Bombay"?


Books are like time machines, transporting us to faraway places that stir our imagination. “Murder in Old Bombay” (Minotaur), the thrilling debut mystery by Nev March, is one such novel. It conjures the exotic fragrances of sandalwood, jasmine, and meats roasting at the local bazaars, images of women in silk shimmering saris and the gunfire of military skirmishes to carry us back to 1892 Imperial Bombay. It is a time when political tensions runs high as India challenges Victorian England’s rule over it’s sovereignty.
Captain James Agnihotri is recuperating in the hospital from war wounds when he spies a letter in the local newspaper. A young, well-to-do widower, Adi Framji, is lamenting the loss of his wife, Lady Bacha, and his sister, Pilloo, who have plunged to their deaths from Bombay’s highest clock tower six months earlier. The brutal incident intrigues Jim, and after his discharge from the hospital and the cavalry, he’s employed as a journalist to investigate the accident. Noting his commitment to the case, Adi Framji entices him to work for him because he seeks closure. He wants Jim to discover whether the ladies committed suicide, as determined by the court, or whether the women were murdered. Jim channels his hero, Sherlock Holmes, and quickly discovers that his prying inquiries can lead to danger, and romance.
It is no spoiler that Jim establishes proof that the women were murdered at the tower, and that a secret correspondence may have caused their demise. What was in the letter, and why were the women willing to sacrifice their lives for it? And who killed them and why? Secret alliances, caste prejudices, and hidden agendas contribute to the perils Jim encounters down every dark, winding street of old Bombay and it’s outskirts.
What begins as a Holmesque murder mystery sharply detours into a Rudyard Kipling action-adventure. Jim’s investigation lead to travels throughout the conflict stricken nation, where he becomes entangled in political espionage threatening the Raj’s (England’s rule) over India. During one quest, Jim is trapped in the rebel-occupied ancient Hindu city of Lahore, and he’s forced to make his way homeward on foot. Surrounded by the enemy, he accumulates a rag-tag troop of children-three boys, an injured girl and a baby-who follow him like a lovable Baloo from “The Jungle Book.” A confirmed bachelor, he becomes as attached to them as they are to him, and love and generosity suffuse his role as their protector.
The reader can’t help but wonder about Jim’s motivations to assist Adi and his family to solve the mystery. Jim is a mixed-breed orphan, born to an Indian mother and unknown British father, so his status has alienated him from proper Indian and British society. In the Framji’s, a Parsee merchantile family, Jim observes the family he’s never known. The Parsees, a race expelled from Persia, are people also wedged between two worlds. The Framji’s embrace him when he proves his dedication to uncovering the truth behind the murders by selflessly risking his own life. When lively Lady Diana Framji joins in the hunt as his “Watson,” Jim’s heart is faced with as much danger as the rest of him.
Revelations about Jim’s mysterious past are sprinkled throughout the novel, making him a sympathetic and likeable protagonist. After fleeing an orphanage as a teen, the military had become his life. Trapped in a skirmish with the Pathans in Karachi, he remains haunted by nightmares of the attack, and feels responsible for the slaughter of his men. He believes that if he can locate Lady Bacha and Poolli’s killer that might compensate for his failure as an officer and a gentleman.
It is easy to understand why “Murder in Old Bombay” won the 2019 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award. Inspired by real events, Ms. March captures the tense period of India’s past with historical reference to battles and a society steeped in the British Raj. Intertwining military clashes, the rising political tensions, and a romance with a mystery, Ms. March has built a captivating world inhabited by compelling characters. Wisely, she has included a prologue dictionary to assist readers navigating her universe.
If you yearn for an escape from these short, chilly days of autumn, “Murder in Old Bombay,” is a breath of sweet bougainvillea. It will intoxicate you and linger in your memory long after the clever puzzle has been solved.

Thank you to @nevmarch and @minotaur_books for the digital ARC and finished copy! Beautiful cover and a great mystery. I would recommend to lovers of historical mysteries, Sherlock Holmes and those who want to read a mystery set in 1890s India. Learned a lot of good history and it even had a dash of forbidden romance. It was a little slow to start but once the adventure began, it had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. Was great to travel to India in my mind, as I won’t be traveling anywhere for a while.

This Sherlock-Holmes-style mystery is set in late 1800s in Bombay India. What I loved about this book is that it isn't just a mystery. You are led beyond Bombay and exposed to some of the trials that individuals faced across India at that time - the fallout from mutinies, the caste system, and the struggle for independence against British rule. A very well-told, very rich story told through the eyes and experience of Captain Jim, as he tries to solve a mystery for a well-off Indian family. What I didn't love was at times, the trials, potential battles, and travels were conveniently short-lived - written off and solved, sometimes in mere sentences. As if the author introduced potential trials but lacked the fortitude (or the pages) to actually describe a conflict. Overall though, a compelling historical mystery.

I just finished Murder in Old Bombay, a debut novel by Nev March. I wanted a book that took me away! I sincerely have a book hangover. Set in India in the 1890’s, it is a Sherlock Holmes style mystery. We first meet Captain Jim Agnihotri recovering from wounds in a military hospital. He never met his British father and his Indian mother left him with a mission orphanage where Father Thomas cared for Jim. During his long recovery in the hospital, Jim occupies himself by reading newspapers. After reading about two women falling from a tower which the paper describes as “the crime of the century” and a letter from a grieving husband, Adi Framji, Captain Jim decides he is going to solve this crime (murder or suicide) using Sherlock Holmes style.

I was carried away for the rest of the book. I learned a lot about India and fell in love with all of the interesting characters especially Jim. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I was right there in this story as Jim is taken in by the Framji family. This was the perfect escape novel for me. Could this be a start of a series? I sure hope so. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

Author Nev March has captured the perfect atmosphere for this book. It has the feel of a book written around the turn of the twentieth century yet doesn’t carry the stodginess of some of the books of that era. Thus, the period comes alive while the writing is still as interesting as a present-day novel.

As the title indicates, there is a murder-mystery to be solved. Captain Jim Agnihotri, recently released from the hospital and the army, is intrigued by an article he read in the paper, talking about a double suicide of two young women. The facts as he sees them do not add up, and Jim determines that he could ferret out the truth. His favorite author is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and what better detective could one learn from than the famous Sherlock Holmes.

Jim is hired by Adi Framji, husband of Bacha and bother to Pilloo, the two woman who supposedly committed suicide. Adi’s younger sister Diana also wishes to help, and Jim finds himself in a precarious position when he begins to develop feelings for her.

The author delicately blends the minor plot elements in and out of the main storyline, which kept me continually interested in the story. Mr. March never allowed the attraction between Jim and Diana to overwhelm the mystery while still supplying plenty of moments that reveal both characters’ thoughts and emotions. It is the mystery that takes center stage most of the book, and the author shares each clue as it appears and allows us to put the pieces together with Jim rather than slyly holding back and revealing everything in a final chapter.

“Murder in Old Bombay” slowly builds until before you know it, you are hooked and completely immersed in the story. There is action, old-fashioned detective work, and a lot of character interaction that helps to reveal motivations. Overall, a solid and entertaining novel. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Channeling Sherlock Holmes, Captain Jim Agnihotri, a retired army man, decides to solve a mystery and it ends up changing his life. It is 1892 in Bombay, class and caste and family are of utmost importance. In a complicated story, Captain Jim is accepted into a family that he’s never had and falls in love with an unreachable woman, the sister of a friend. Quite a good story.

Based on a true story, Murder in Old Bombay does bring the caste system and divided loyalties of India to life. Agnihotri, half Indian and half white, isn't fully accepted in either world. Suffering from PTSD, he does channel Sherlock Holmes in his ability to don disguises and gather information from various (sometimes warring) sources.

My favorite part of the book occurred when Agnihotri was on one of his fact-finding missions and wound up gathering a group of displaced children. If a child needed help, he simply could not turn that child away. Two of the children, in particular, shone brightly: the little girl Chutki, and the little boy Birju-- both of whom had the hearts of lions. Chutki's experiences really highlighted the problem of the caste system in India.

There is a lot to like in Murder in Old Bombay: Agnihotri's kind heart, those children, a devious mystery to unlock. There's a romance involved that I'm not convinced was entirely necessary, although it does show that even in 1892, there were some forward-thinking families in Bombay. I feel as though I'm giving this book faint praise because... although there's a lot to like about it, it didn't really engage me and make me want to read more about Agnihotri or any of the other characters. Of course, your mileage can certainly vary!

A good story in 1892 Bombay. The British are still in control. Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering from battle in the hospital when he starts following the murder of two young ladies thrown from the Clock Tower in broad daylight. Jim is a lover of Sherlock Holmes. When he leaves the hospital he decides to look into the murders. Adi, the husband of one of the victims hires him to look into what happened.
Jim meets Adi's sister Diana and she offers to help. The story progresses as Jim hunts for those who were questioned by the authorities before he became involved. With the help of Adi and Diana Jim works to find answers. The story gives you an idea of the life style and culture of the times.

I struggled with this book. For a mystery, I felt that the pace was very slow. While I was interested in the story, I felt that it did not hold my attention. I often had trouble distinguishing the characters from one another. I was interested in the setting, as I have not read many books set in Bombay. I feel that this book would be good for someone who is a fan of Sherlock Holmes or Indiana Jones.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

The year is 1892. Captain Jim is in the hospital recovering from serious injuries sustained in battle and is now medically retired from the British Army in India. He reads a newspaper article about 2 women who supposedly committed suicide by jumping from the University clock tower in Bombay. In the same newspaper, Jim also sees a published letter from the husband of one of the women who writes that he cannot believe that his wife committed suicide.

Channeling his fictional hero, Sherlock Holmes, Jim decides to help the family determine the truth.

Part detective story, part adventure story, and part romance, this wonderful work of historical fiction kept me interested throughout.

Although there is some meandering in this story of Bombay in the late 1800’s, the storyline is strong, and it is a good look at what life was like in Bombay. A former British Captain is enlisted to find out why two Parsee women died. Its been ruled a suicide but there’s reason to believe that is not the reason. Captain Jim Agnihotri is a bastard. He never knew his English father and his Indian mother died soon after putting him in a Christian orphanage. There is only so far, a native can go in British ruled India. Not only is the storyline satisfying, but it is also a good look at what life was like under British rule. It is based on an actual event.

In 1892, Bombay is the center of British India. Nearby, Captain Jim Agnihotri is in the Poona military hospital recovering from wounds he received in a battle on the northern frontier. To pass the time he reads the newspapers, and re-read Sherlock Holmes stories. There is one newspaper article that captures his attention and is being called the crime of the century: Two women fell from the busy university’s clock tower in broad daylight. Moved by Adi, the widower of one of the victims — his certainty that his wife and sister did not commit suicide — Captain Jim approaches the Parsee family and is hired to get to the bottom of the events.

I picked up this book when I saw that it was based on a true story. I am always intrigued by that sort of thing, and I'm always looking for historical fiction. I don't often see titles set in India, and that furthered my desire to read this story.

Murder in Old Bombay is an intriguing book. The characters are richly drawn and the story is intriguing. I enjoyed meeting Captain Jim, and the surrounding characters. Nev March weaves history, characters, and colorful descriptions to create a captivating tale. There was twice, though, that the story lagged a little for me, which dropped the rating to a 3 1/2. A love story is also woven into this story, which added to the flavor.

I look forward to reading more books by Nev March.

I read a digital copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley.

Murder in Old Bombay was the perfect whodunnit, Sherlockian read. We are transferred not only through time, but also, depending on where you live, across the world. For me, the author painted vivid imagery. I was able to feel I could experience a place where I'll likely never travel in my lifetime.

The main character, Jim Agnihotri, a war veteran turned private detective, is admittedly influenced by Arthur Conan Doyle and his beloved sleuth. While in recovery from injuries that ended his war career, Jim has only Doyle's works and newspapers to occupy his mind.

And one newspaper article most certainly has occupied his mind. A disaster that has ended the lives of two women has been plastered all over the media. It's been a whirlwind of a case with little evidence, barely any witnesses, and missing perpetrators. While this tragedy is intriguing enough, Jim is captivated by a man's letter to the editor. Adi Framji, husband and brother to the deceased women, ends his compelling call for justice and truth with the phrase "They are gone but I remain." This reverberates within Jim. He's lost many of his friends in the attack that left him injured. He is clearly suffering from PTSD, although it isn't discussed in those terms for, I'm sure, historical accuracy. He has survivor guilt and is looking for something to occupy his mind and new free time.

This brings him to the Framji's doorstep with a proposal to help solve the case and bring the ladies' murderer to justice.

This is a complex plot. There is background work done for each of the characters, but specifically Jim. We learn more and more about his past and upbringing, instances that have made the man. This book was longer than I had expected, but it did not drag on. There were twists and turns aplenty and I enjoyed the ride, even when I wasn't sure where the plot was taking me. I love when everything ties together for the reader and the main characters. That feeling of all the pieces coming to a bang is so satisfying.

Along with a captivating mystery, there is a glimpse into a different culture and society. Having grown up in a small town in the United States, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have much exposure to other cultures. So I try to read and learn as much as I can to expand my understanding and acceptance of others.

This is Nev March's debut novel and I think she hit it out of the park. I was engaged, challenged, and learning throughout the whole book.

Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March.

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a mystery so much. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the free Advanced Reader's Copy.

In 1892, in Bombay, Capitan Jim Angihotri is recovering from his wounds when he comes across a mysterious death of two young women. Jim is smitten with the stories of Sherlock Holmes. He decides to channel his hero and investigate the deaths.

The atmopshere of Colonial India is aptly described. The book made me laugh out loud in parts and later I cried too. There is murder, kidnapping, boxing, train travel and so much more. Perhaps it is a bit long but because the author seems to be setting up the scene for a continuing series.


I definitely want a copy for my own book shelf. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, historical mysteries or wants to explore more of the world.

Loved this book. Great characters and great mystery. I would love to read more by this author. This is the perfect beginning to a new series.

In 1890s Bombay two women fell from a bell tower, an act that was ruled as suicide. A letter to the newspaper from one woman’s husband refuting the verdict caught the attention of Captain Jim Agnihotri, who had been recovering from an attack in Karachi. Medically discharged, he approached the newspaper for employment and asked for an opportunity to explore the case. His first action was to interview Adi Franji, the victim’s husband. In a surprise move, Adi hired Jim to find the truth behind the deaths.

Before entering the army, Jim was raised in an orphanage. His father was an unknown British soldier and his mother was Indian. With no family of his own he was drawn to the Franjis. When Adi’s sister Diana returns from England he was immediately drawn to her, but she is the sister of his employer and from a Parsee family. A half-caste would never be accepted as a suitor by her father. During his recuperation Jim became a fan of Sherlock Holmes and approaches his investigation with techniques learned by reading Holmes stories, with Diana occasionally acting as his Watson. When he learns that the women may have been killed over information that could destroy the Framji family he is torn between his need to find the truth and his desire to protect the family that he has adopted as his own.

This is Nev Marsh’s debut novel. Her writing is crisp and atmospheric. It is easy to feel the heat and see the conditions as people flee an attack in Lahore. Although Jim has the appearance of his English father, you can feel his rejection when he is introduced with his Indian surname in a society governed by the British. As a detective Jim progresses from an amateur to donning disguises that would make Sherlock proud. From the opening pages this book was hard to put down and I would hope that the author will have Captain Agnihotri return in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin Press for allowing my review of this book.

A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of my review of this book.

I didn't actually know it was a true story when I received it, but that quickly made it a lot more interesting. Captain Jack who loves Sherlock Holmes books and reads them frequently, goes about solving two murders initially thought suicides. I liked this book and even though it was a mystery, and I'm starting to love mysteries, it didn't thrill me, but being it was non-fiction, I upped it a half of a star.

This definitely isn't for those that want thrills and roller coaster rides. This is a slow moving mystery with several side stories as one learns about Jim, his background and as more is learned about the Framjis and their history.

The writing and the historical aspect are well done. The characters are well-developed and enjoyable to follow. This has more of a cozy mystery feel to it even though it is a long read. Overall, an enjoyable historical mystery.

I received this E-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

I was not able to get past a few chapters of this book. I set it aside after my first try and completely forgot about it for a few days. While I was reading I felt the tone was much too chipper for a murder mystery book. That might be what turned me off from wanting to finish it.