The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck by Tarquin Hall is the sixth book in the Vish Puri series. The book has an average plot with stereotypical characters. The narrator has assumed that English is the tone of Indians, but we never talk in English like this. It was so irritating. Vish Puri's character felt like an average detective. Maybe it was the narrator's voice that made me feel like this. Although the mystery was unwrapped gracefully with some final conclusion. It was the first book that I have read by this author. I would recommend everyone to not listen to audiobooks but to read hard copies only.

The most irritating character was Mummy Ji, who acts like she knows everything and disrupts every move of the detective. I had to skip every time she came in the book. I was hoping to have an exciting read, but it deserves only 3 stars.

Though this was my first foray into the cases of Vish Puri and his humorous antics, I do think I will be looking into some of the other "cases" now I've completed this one. They do seem to be independent of each other and not require the reader to read them in order, but there are probably references which I did not catch alluding to cases which may have been previously solved. Good thing I didn't get any spoilers for those.

I did find the story a bit campy at times, and not very serious with regards to solving the case. However, let's dive into the case a little bit. Vish is the anticipated recipient of a prestigious detective award and is winging his way to London with his wife and mother. But before he heads out, a bureaucrat from India pulls him into a secretive meeting to ask him to also try and hunt down an elusive fraudster who is suspected of being in London. He only has a week and he really wanted to enjoy some well deserved time off instead of working.

It was an enjoyable cozy mystery though I would argue it's a bit more focused on family and wandering around London in what feels like an aimless sort of way. I did have the audiobook which was well done and very engaging. I also want to thank Netgalley for the the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Vish Puri has won an award as Detective of the Year and will travel to London with his wife and mother. But he is set a secret mission to track down India’s fugitive Dr Bhatt. Our adventure begins and a fun ride will be had.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Great fun characters will race aro7nd London often in black cabs. Lots of twists and clues to be followed. Loved side story of his wife and mom, very enjoyable.

Vish Puri, India’s Most Private Detective, has to travel from his home in New Delhi to London to collect the International Detective of the Year award. He has promised his wife that their trip to London will be strictly a vacation, but a government official forces him to accept a mission. Puri has to track down the Bombay Duck, who has defrauded (and killed) people with a pharmaceutical scam. And he has to do this without his wife and mother catching on that he is working.

I rarely read cozy mysteries, but I’ve enjoyed this series. Puri and his family members are all extremely likable, the books have humor, the plots are interesting and they proceed at a fast pace (They really have to since the books are short.). In this case, the search for the Bombay Duck turns into a different sort of investigation with a twist. There is also a side plot that didn’t really interest me.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was excellent. He even did a good job with the female voices. However, the audiobook does not include the Glossary of terms used in the book. So if you want to know the meaning of such terms as “Bombay Duck”, “Achaar”, and “Goonda”, you need to get another book format.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I absolutely love these mysteries and this latest was no exception! The narrator is fantastic, for having to do so many distinct voices. This was an especially satistfying mystery since it took place in both India and the UK. The new character of Puri's young nephew was a wonderful addition to the amazing cast of recurring characters. I would recommend this to all readers off cozy mysteries.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC. The Case of the Elusive Bombay Duck by Tarquin Hall is a delightful and entertaining audiobook that combines mystery with a touch of humor. Narrated with great skill, it follows the adventures of the charming detective Vish Puri as he investigates a quirky case in India. The story is filled with colorful characters, cultural insights, and intriguing twists. Hall’s writing is engaging, and the narrator brings the vibrant setting and lively characters to life, making it an enjoyable listen. Overall, this audiobook is a fun and immersive mystery that fans of detective stories will thoroughly enjoy.