Classic crime detection packaged in an atmospheric, contemporary setting
Blurb:
When Manu Fernandez approaches well known detective Harith Athreya, with two wills written by his living father, Bhaskar Fernandez, Athreya is intrigued. Upon request, he decides to travel to Nilgiris – a beautiful hill station in South India. Athreya arrives as a guest at Greybrooke Manor just in time as events unfold.
My review:
- What really works for the story is the atmosphere. The mountain railway train, the mist and the reference to the colonial past instantly transports the reader to the Nilgiris. This is not a setting usually seen in crime novels, which is a major plus. The setting also acts as a foil to the gruesome events about to occur at the Manor.
- There is a definite echo of the Doyle classic, Hound of the Baskervilles. The folkore that envelopes the Manor is as thick as the fog outside, casting a dark shadow over the fate of its inhabitants.
- Detective Athreya's sharp mind and observations skills are a joy to read. A bit more backstory about Athreya would have helped in connecting him more with the reader. But then with so many characters who are also potential suspects and it is easy to see why Raman has focussed more on the plot.
- The various subplots support the main narrative well and the story builds up intrigue as suspicion shifts from one character to another with each development.
- The writing style slows the pace a bit but once connections between random events emerge, the reader is racing through the pages.
Ultimately, ticks all boxes for a good read. The plot unfolds well and like mentioned before, the reader would have loved to know Athreya
better. But then, that is why this reader would be on the lookout for his next case.
Disclaimer: I received copy from Pushkin books in return for an honest review.
