Synopsis "Murder in Shimla (in English)"
DescriptionWho is Rosa Rodriguez and why did she come to Chartsville Hall? In theanswer to that question lies the key to solving her murder. Inspector Ram Sensets about diligently finding it, ably assisted by the redoubtable Mrs Tweedy, who knows everything that goes on in Shimla, though she hardly ever leavesher little cottage.The line-up of suspects includes William Parker-Smith, the seemingly blandand boring Assistant Deputy Commissioner, his wife Helen, a very pukkaEnglish memsahib, and his acid-tongued sister, Emily; the gin-swilling RaniSahiba of Manon and her dashing ADC, Johnny Singh; and a disgruntleddomestic staff, led by Matilda, Helen's faithful ayah.Which of them had a hand in Rosa's murder-and why? As Ram Sen and MrsTweedy-with help from William's gentle niece, Mary, and Boris, the taciturnRussian-unravel the mystery, they are led into the murky world of theLower Mall, of drug dealers and opium addicts, spies and assassins.With her unerring ear for dialogue and skilfully drawn characters, Bulbul Sharmarecreates the world of the British Raj-complete with English memsahibs whostroll down the Mall with their parasols, mansions with manicured lawns, andBrigadiers and their ladies who can crack a crime over bridge at the club. Inthe tradition of Agatha Christie and Alexander McCall Smith, Murder in Shimladoesn't let up on the mystery and suspense until the last page.
