Title: Smoke and Ashes, a novel
Author: Abir Mukherjee
Published: 2019
Call No.: FIC EL-Motar
Sam Wyndham is a World War I veteran and a former Scotland Yard detective who is stationed in Calcutta, India in the 1920s during the time of the British Raj. Wyndham became an opium addict to cope with the death of his wife and his experiences during the Great War. A trip to an opium den in Tanga leads to a discovery of a murdered body of a drug lord which soon disappears before a drug raid. The crime went unreported when Wyndham realized his career was in jeopardy if his addiction was discovered. When a second death occurs with similar damage to the body, Wyndham is assigned to the investigation.
The writing provides historical details on India’s culture, the political turmoil between the British and Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts to gain Independence for India. Sam Wyndham is a likable character who is presented with a dilemma to solve the case and overcome his opium addiction. With the help of his friend, “Surrender-Not” Bonerjee, this will be a suspenseful read for mystery lovers. The title will appeal to readers who are interested in reading about other cultures. This is Book 3 in the Captain Sam Wyndham series. The first two titles are A Rising Man (Book 1) and A Necessary Evil (Book 2).
Janice B.
Popular Materials Asst.