A Necessary Evil, by Abir Mukherjee (2018)
I read Abir Mukherjee’s first book, A Rising Man, 2 years ago. That book introduced the reader to Captain Sam Wyndham, a former detective with Scotland Yard, who relocated to India during the final years of British Rule in that country. I loved the mix of mystery and history, so was looking forward to the second book in the series. I was not disappointed.
This mystery novel explores the princely state of Sambalpore, which existed within the borders of India, but was exempt from British rule. The novel, sent in 1920, begins in Calcutta with the assassination of the heir apparent of Sambalpore. Captain Wyndham and his sidekick, Sergeant Surendranath Banerjee, known as “Surrender-not”, travel to Sambalpore with the body of the prince. Surrender-not is the official British representative, while Captain Wyndham is ostensibly on holiday. They hope to track down the assassin.
On the surface, the prince’s death seems to be at the hands of religious fanatics. The prince, however, had informed that that he had received vague death threats. Because Sambalpore is not under British rule, Wyndham has no jurisdiction within the principality. The Maharaja, the prince’s father, however, authorizes Wyndam and Banerjee to look into the matter.
Complicating the matter is the fact that much of the wealth of the principality comes from the diamond mines. A British company is hot to procure the mines, but if sold, how would that impact the principalities economy? When the royal accountant goes missing, it appears there may be a link between his disappearance and the death of the prince.
The Maharaja has three wives and hundreds of concubines living in the zenana (harem), who are guarded by loyal eunichs. Wyndham needs to question the prince’s mother, who is the Maharaja’s second wife, but the women in the zenana are generally forbidden to meet with the outside. The Maharaja’s first and eldest wife, however, finds a way to meet with Wyndham and provides insight into the running of the principality. Women, it seems, have a great deal of influence, albeit, unseen, role in ruling the country.
I loved this book as much as the first novel. The author has a wonderful way with describing the scenery and flavor of India in the 1920s. In addition to a fun mystery, there is a great deal of history of India and these little kingdoms that co-existed with British rule.
Read: April 22, 2019
5 Stars
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