The Widows of Malabar Hill: A Mystery of 1920s India: 1 (Perveen Mistry Novel)

A astounding book that transports us into a complex, completely alien but recognisable society that gives insight into the history, traditions, mores, religious beliefs, of a multi-faith, British India of the 1920s. The best novel I've read in 2024.

Enjoyed reading this book. This is a smooth flowing book with not many twist and turns. The language used is easy and very descriptive. This book takes you to the era (1920s Bombay) and into the lives of the Parsi communities. Though its a murder mystery, the actual thriller bit came towards the very end of the book which I thought could have been brought forward. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend this book.

I have already recommended this novel to a few of my friends and will continue to place in my favourite reading category.

Very interesting to read of different cultures and a most unusual storyline.

This wears its scholarship lightly and creates engaging characters and an original central figure in Perveen. The historical setting viewed from a Parsi perspective in 1920s Mumbai is detailed and refreshing. An absorbing read, my only criticism is that the sections spent in 1917 were a little too long and unecessarily delayed the action in the present. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys subtle mystery and an original context. I have preordered the second book already!

I loved this book the writer clearly worked hard a characters and it just kept me guessing Now I must buy the rest I think there are two more

Have not finished reading this bookyet but so far I’m really enjoying it and it’s so good to learn about another culture

Good story, well written but spoiled for me by anachronistic use of mid to late 20th /21st century Americanisms in a 1920s British dominated imperial setting. Won't stop me reading her other work though and will look forward to her future releases.