Manjiri Prabhu

This was is pleasant and breezy little book structured more like a series of short mystery stories than as a mystery novel. Some of the mysteries were better than others (some I guessed almost immediately) but the most fun was the unusual location. The author lives in India, and her female detective lives and works in the city of Pune (formerly Poona) which gives it a fresh take on the detective genre. I loved the glimpses of Indian life—makes me want to go out and rent a Bollywood movie. After that, I’ll have my chart done by a Vedic astrologer.… (mehr)

Sonia Samarth is a private investigator who combines astrology with criminology. The setting is Pune India with all the flavors of Indian Culture. Sonia solves many cases ranging from murder to missing diamonds.

Astrology is used as a serious tool in solving mysteries. This is a unique twist that I have not encountered in other mystery books. It is used well. The setting and culture of India ranging from Bollywood to the streets of Pune are blended realistically into the background. I enjoyed the glimpse into this culture.

Unfortunately, the multiple stories are a double edge sword. Some of the cases are more compelling then others. The back of the book mentions a continuous connection between the stories. However, beside the odd mention of the Owl and three main characters, the stories did not flow together. The pacing of the overall story was awkward. Too much action happens at the beginning of the book and the initial issues that Sonia faces are resolved far too easily.

I give this story 2 1/2 stars white this is a unique story concept, the plotting is disjointed read.… (mehr)

I read this awhile ago, and I just have to say that I really enjoyed it as a way to see into life in India. I know many people who have come the the US from India, or whose parents came to the US and they were born here. I think their culture is interesting. But it's even more fascinating to read about every day middle class living. And of course as a series of short mystery stories it includes a cat, and a different approach to astrology. I passed it along to my physician because I thought she mind find it amusing to read - more like a beach read than one you have to pay serious attention to keep track of what is going on.… (mehr)