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sarahhead's review against another edition
Honestly just really have no desire to pick it up. The bit about Chopra being an Anglophile really irked me for some reason that I can’t explain
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
common_household_mom's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
katykelly's review
5.0
An Indian 'Precious Ramotswe'? Evocative setting, moral and winning detective.
He's not quite Precious of course, bolshy and forceful, but Chopra is just as memorable and as impressive a detective. I saw this on a library display and never having noticed the series before, decided to take a chance. Loved it.
On his last day as a police detective in Mumbai, Chopra takes on the case of a drowned young man, having to leave it behind him when he leaves for the last time that evening. But it doesn't seem to be a straightforward drowning, and Chopra can't help himself, continuing investigations even though he's no longer employed to do so.
At the same time, he's been bequeathed a baby elephant, which shows up at his apartment building, to the bemusement of his wife and other residents. Just what will he do with the homesick calf?
The setting is well-evoked, described so keenly I felt I could see Chopra's streets, the rainy seasons scenes being particularly vivid. Ganesha, his new charge, is rather adorable, and gains character as the story goes on. I did feel for Poppy, Chopra's wife with issues of her own to resolve, but of course our detective is the main character and despite going outside of the law to investigate when retired, you can see his moral fibre, his law-abiding nature and steadfast soul.
There's a decent mystery/thriller-type plot hidden in the midst of the retirement-elephant story, and the book ends with enough enticement to encourage you to see how the final pages flow into the next chapter.
Easy reading, great characters, could make another great TV mini-series with its fantastic setting and strong-willed characters, human and elephant.
He's not quite Precious of course, bolshy and forceful, but Chopra is just as memorable and as impressive a detective. I saw this on a library display and never having noticed the series before, decided to take a chance. Loved it.
On his last day as a police detective in Mumbai, Chopra takes on the case of a drowned young man, having to leave it behind him when he leaves for the last time that evening. But it doesn't seem to be a straightforward drowning, and Chopra can't help himself, continuing investigations even though he's no longer employed to do so.
At the same time, he's been bequeathed a baby elephant, which shows up at his apartment building, to the bemusement of his wife and other residents. Just what will he do with the homesick calf?
The setting is well-evoked, described so keenly I felt I could see Chopra's streets, the rainy seasons scenes being particularly vivid. Ganesha, his new charge, is rather adorable, and gains character as the story goes on. I did feel for Poppy, Chopra's wife with issues of her own to resolve, but of course our detective is the main character and despite going outside of the law to investigate when retired, you can see his moral fibre, his law-abiding nature and steadfast soul.
There's a decent mystery/thriller-type plot hidden in the midst of the retirement-elephant story, and the book ends with enough enticement to encourage you to see how the final pages flow into the next chapter.
Easy reading, great characters, could make another great TV mini-series with its fantastic setting and strong-willed characters, human and elephant.
geerthy's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
alidottie's review
5.0
I actually did enjoy this book enough to give it my rare 5 stars! I especially like that there are a few more books about Inspector Chopra (Ret’d). This book has a perfect mix of interesting characters and mysteries to be solved and it also has a fun side while addressing gritty, real crimes. Well done.
namat's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
kamackei's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mwalkerelders's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0