*** WINNER OF THE CWA SAPERE BOOKS HISTORICAL DAGGER 2021 *** 'The leading character is the
deftly drawn Persis Wadia the country's first female detective. She's a wonderful creation and
this is a hugely enjoyable book' ANN CLEEVES 'This is historical crime fiction at its best - a
compelling mix of social insight and complex plotting with a thoroughly engaging heroine. A
highly promising new series' Mail on Sunday Bombay New Year's Eve 1949 As India celebrates
the arrival of a momentous new decade Inspector Persis Wadia stands vigil in the basement of
Malabar House home to the city's most unwanted unit of police officers. Six months after
joining the force she remains India's first female police detective mistrusted sidelined and
now consigned to the midnight shift. And so when the phone rings to report the murder of
prominent English diplomat Sir James Herriot the country's most sensational case falls into
her lap. As 1950 dawns and India prepares to become the world's largest republic Persis
accompanied by Scotland Yard criminalist Archie Blackfinch finds herself investigating a case
that is becoming more political by the second. Navigating a country and society in turmoil
Persis smart stubborn and untested in the crucible of male hostility that surrounds her must
find a way to solve the murder - whatever the cost.
