The Palace Tiger: A Detective Joe Sandilands Mystery (Joe Sandilands Murder Mysteries)
Hardcover – July 10, 2005
Description
From Publishers Weekly Starred Review. The fourth Joe Sandilands whodunit (after 2004's The Damascened Blade) places Cleverly in the first rank of historical mystery writers; with each successive novel, she has displayed an increasingly impressive ability to depict a convincing, three-dimensional colonial India through the perspective of her rugged, insightful sleuth, who balances acumen and action. This time, Sandilands, a Scotland Yarder whose temporary posting to the Raj keeps getting extended, investigates the death of an Indian royal prince. As the maharajah, the dead man's father, is himself in failing health, and the future leadership of his domain is of vital importance to the British, Sandilands must ascertain whether foul play was involved. But as soon as Sandilands arrive on the scene, the next heir to the throne falls victim to a fatal accident. The detective divides his attention between unraveling the hidden alliances within the royal family and seeking to protect the maharajah's third son, the new presumptive heir. Cleverly's trademark twisty plotting rises to new heights, and while the clues are all hidden in plain sight, even veteran mystery readers may find it a considerable challenge to arrive at the correct solution. As the author's research and period detail are exemplary, this should have crossover appeal to Paul Scott readers and others fascinated with the waning years of the British Raj. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist Scotland Yard inspector Joseph Sandilands is once again in India visiting Governor Sir George Jardine. It is 1922, and the Maharajah of Ranipur, a British ally, has requested assistance. A man-eating tiger is terrorizing the villagers, so the governor sends Sandilands and Edgar Troop, an experienced hunter, to kill it. The tiger, however, turns out to be the least of their problems. The maharajah is dying, and the line of succession is unclear. His first son died in a suspicious incident involving a panther, and the second died in a plane crash. The remaining son, only 12 years old, is the British favorite to succeed his father. Sandilands and Troop must ensure his survival while tracking down the murderer and navigating the rough terrain of the palace social order. As always, Cleverly ( The Last Kasmiri Rose , 2002; Ragtime in Simla , 2003; The Damascened Blade , 2004) draws readers into the British raj with colorful historical details, a complex plot, and fascinating characters. This fine addition to the series will please readers who enjoy visiting colonial India. Barbara Bibel Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Features & Highlights
- India, 1922: Joe Sandilands, Scotland Yard detective, is staying with Governor Sir George Jardine in Simla when there is some unexpected news. Sir George sends Joe off to the Princely State of Ranipur in the company of Edgar Troop, an experienced hunter, at the request of the Maharajah, an old ally of the British. A man-eating tiger is terrorizing the northern villages, and the two men are invited to join a hunting party in the forest. But the quality of the weaponry with which Sir George supplies him raises Joe’s suspicions. The rifle will be perfect for the tiger, but why has he also been issued with the small Browning M pistol, designed for use on human targets?The Maharajah is dying and the succession is unclear. His first son has recently been killed in a panther-related incident. Then a second son dies dramatically before Joe’s eyes. The third and last remaining son—the favorite successor in the eyes of the British—is only twelve years old.In the luxurious setting of the Maharajah’s court with its array of powerful, scheming characters, Joe must track down a clever murderer—all under the mocking and hostile eye of the ruthless Chief of State Police.
