Review based on ARC.This is the third mystery by Tarquin Hall involving the endearing Vish Puri, India's "Most Private" Investigator. I have not read the other two books but, after having read this one, am definitely interested in seeking them out!
Vish Puri a/k/a Chubby is a detective with an addiction to the flavorful and savory foods of India. I can relate. Butter Chicken, or what I have called Chicken Tikka Makhani, is one of my favorite dishes, and I can understand the obsession. However, Puri is more than just a stomach with good taste. Puri is a detective who can and will handle all manner of cases, even that as bizarre as a missing mustache.
The thrust of this book revolves around the murder mystery of the father of a Pakistani cricket hero while eating at a post-match dinner. In order to solve the mystery of who has poisoned the victim, Puri investigates various dark underbellies -- gambling, smuggling, and match-fixing. Puri even takes the investigation into history, and we lean about the blood and horror of the 1947 partition between India and Pakistan. In doing so, Puri is eventually led a lot closer to home then he ever hoped to be: he must work with his mother, Mummy-ji, who has herself sworn off investigation.
Throughout the food and the mystery, there is humor. The book is endearing, entertaining, and satisfying. Recommended to readers who like mysteries, who have a sense of humor, and who at least understand why Makhani is so good.....
FOUR of five stars.
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