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Midnight at Malabar House

The Malabar House, Book 1

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Midnight at Malabar House

By: Vaseem Khan
Narrated by: Maya Saroya
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Bombay, New Year's Eve, 1949

As India celebrates the arrival of a momentous new decade, Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of Malabar House, home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after joining the force she remains India's first female police detective, mistrusted, sidelined and now consigned to the midnight shift.
And so, when the phone rings to report the murder of prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot, the country's most sensational case falls into her lap.

As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic, Persis, accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch, finds herself investigating a case that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil, Persis, smart, stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her, must find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost.

(P) 2020 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd©2020 Vaseem Khan Limited Action & Adventure Espionage Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Police Procedurals South Asian Creators Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime
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Critic reviews

Midnight at Malabar House is a first-rate murder mystery set in a post-partition India. In Persis Wadia, India's first female police detective, and Archie Blackfinch, a Scotland Yard forensics expert, Vaseem Khan has created a partnership that should hopefully run and run. Clever, thrilling, this is a novel to be savoured
Midnight at Malabar House is an exciting departure for Vaseem Khan, a history-mystery with a marvellous new detective duo. The blend of classic tropes - including a maverick cop, a mysterious cipher, and a victim who gave plenty of people reasons to commit murder - and a wonderfully evoked setting in post-Partition India makes for a highly entertaining and informative read
Outstanding. I've always been a fan of Vaseem Khan but this latest offering is something special and something new. Vaseem is totally at the height of his powers with this novel which combines a flair for history, time and place with a genius for mystery. A novel for our times
A compelling mystery set in a fascinating period in India's tumultuous history. Inspector Persis Wadia, the India's first female detective, is gutsy, stubborn and ideally suited to navigate both the complexities of a murder in Bombay's high society and the politics of a police force that want to see her fail. A stunning start to brand new series from one of the UK's finest writers
Vaseem Khan's new book is an absolute treat from start to finish. A satisfying murder mystery and a fascinating evocation of India just after Partition, it also introduces the clever, endearing (and somewhat stubborn) Detective Persis Wadia to the world. I'm already looking forward to her next case
The stabbing of an English gentleman at a New Year's Eve party in the early hours of 1950 sounds like a Golden Age murder mystery, and Murder at Malabar House has all the suspects, twists and red herrings that we'd expect. But this is India, just after partition, and the leading character is the deftly drawn Persis Wadia, the country's first female detective. She's a wonderful creation and this is a hugely enjoyable book
There are plentiful fascinating characters
This is historical crime fiction at its best - a compelling mix of social insight and complex plotting with a thoroughly engaging heroine. A highly promising new series
A beautifully complex plot and an Agatha Christie-ish denouement make for a thoroughly satisfying read, and a burning desire to see what's next for Persis
This is historical crime fiction at its sharpest, set on the brink of independence and during a dramatic period of the subcontinent's history
A cracking mystery set in a fascinating historical era
Stylish, thrilling and masterfully told
Khan's distinctive new protagonist is clearly here to stay
A gripping tale
Delightful, joyous
All stars
Most relevant
This is my first listen to this author and found it fascinating, entertaining and informative. I am not sure I like Persus but I think she will grow on me in future tales. She has the unenviable position as the only female detective in India only a few years into Indian independence so her prickliness is probably understandable. I look forward to more on this indomitable female and also learning more on the development of the amazing continent of India.

An interesting and entertaining murder mystery

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I loved this tale. Persis is a character whom I look forward to meeting again hopefully. The plot is detailed and thorough and setting took me to her world. I thought the narrator was excellent...with one minor grumble. I found the Scottish accent on one of the characters a bit difficult to hear.. maybe because I am Scottish!!! Loved this audio book.

Engaging mystery, Persis is a joy !

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Very good narrator and great story. Gives good insight into India and a gripping mystery. Persis is a great heroine

Great story

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Good stuff. Enjoyable to the end. there was plenty to keep me guessing. The backdrop elevated it above the regular whodunnits. I'll read another of those. Cheers

I thought the plotting was nicely done

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Nicely read, reasonable plot, but too much exposition, probably used to pad it out. I'd almost decided not to bother with the rest of the series, but I'm kind of engaged with the main character now, so maybe I will.

interesting background to Indian partition

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